What is the Golden Circle? Not to be confused with the Ring Road in Iceland, which takes about a week to explore and complete, the Golden Circle is a circular route that covers about 300 kilometers and loops from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back in a day trip.
Can I skip the Golden Circle Iceland?
When you plan a vacation to Iceland, remember that the Icelandic government requires that you participate in at least one Golden Circle tour during your visit, and preferably more than one. Okay, not really. But there is a clear view that no trip to Iceland is complete without visiting the Golden Circle.
Can you visit Golden Circle without a tour?
All the sights on the Golden Circle route, which the exception of Kerið crater, are free to visit. A self-drive tour gives you the freedom to explore on your own time and even avoid the crowds of bus tours.
How long does it take to drive the Ring Road?
Most travelers tackle the Ring Road in seven to 14 days, depending on how much driving you want to do each day and how long you want to spend at each stop.
What is the route of the Golden Circle?
In the strictest sense, Iceland’s famous Golden Circle is a popular route between 3 of Iceland’s most visited attractions. Starting in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, you’ll drive into the southern uplands and back, visiting Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
How long does it take to drive around Iceland Ring Road?
12-13 hours
A: The Ring Road which encircles the island is approximately 1,333 kilometers. Assuming that it takes around one hour to complete 100 kilometers, you can drive around Iceland in 12-13 hours.
How long does the Golden Circle tour take?
Driving the 140 miles (230 kilometers) of the Golden Circle can take as little as three hours if you take the shortest route. So, you could do the whole circle in about five hours with stops, but most people prefer to spend a few days to a week to self-drive the Golden Circle. (Check out our Golden Circle map below.)
What is the difference between Ring Road and Golden Circle in Iceland?
The Golden Circle gives you access to three of Iceland’s most impressive sites in as little as one day. Even if you’re unable to stay in Iceland for a long trip, you can still have a life-changing experience. On the other hand, the Ring Road will allow you to leave no stone unturned when you visit Iceland.
Is Golden Circle Iceland worth it?
The popularity is largely down to the easy accessibility of the route from the capital, and the fact that many of Iceland’s top attractions can be found along the route. We definitely recommend the Golden Circle to anyone visiting Iceland.
How much does the Golden Circle cost?
Cost & Hours: Entrance Fee: 400 ISK (around USD $4) with parking included when staffed. Open 24 hours. Visit Length: 30 minutes. The area is small, so it doesn’t take long to walk the edge of the crater or hike down to the lake at the bottom.
How much walking is Golden Circle tour?
The classic Golden Circle tour consists of Iceland’s three most popular tourist attractions: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. The route covers approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) and loops from the capital city to the center of Iceland and back.
Do you need 4×4 for Golden Circle?
The good news is that you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to travel the Golden Circle. The roads are well-paved and maintained, with emergency service and rescue vehicles always in close proximity. However, winter driving is always tricky, especially if you don’t drive in icy or snowy conditions regularly.
Is driving the Ring Road worth it?
Is the Ring Road in Iceland worth it? Definitely! Driving the Ring Road of Iceland is a great road trip idea. As it circles the island, you will be able to reach the different parts of Iceland (except the highlands and Westfjords).
How much does Ring Road cost?
The eventual ring road, with six lanes stretching out to 443 km, comes at the cost of Rs 185 billion while the same road with 177 km will cost approximately Rs 1150 billion.
Is 7 days enough for the Ring Road?
A road trip on the Ring Road is one of Iceland’s best experiences. With 7 to 10 days, you can drive around entire circumference of Iceland, visiting the highlights and several off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Is the Blue Lagoon part of the Golden Circle?
Where is the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon? The Golden Circle is in southwest Iceland, just outside of the city of Reykjavik. The round trip has approximately 250 kilometers from Reykjavik. Blue Lagoon is on the other side, as you would be heading to the Keflavik International airport.
Can you see puffins in the Golden Circle?
Can I see puffins along the Golden Circle? No, there are no puffins along Iceland’s Golden Circle. The exception is if you take a boat tour from Reykjavík (see above), which is the starting and ending point for the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is too far from the ocean for puffins to nest here.
Why do they call it Golden Circle?
The name Golden Circle or “Gullni hringurinn” in Icelandic refers to the route from Reykjavik to Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss which are the highlights of the route and back to Reykjavik and make it a circle. The Gold in the name comes from “Gullfoss” which literally means Golden waterfall.
How many days in Iceland is enough?
A minimum of 1 week in Iceland is ideal, but visiting for up to 2 or even 3 weeks will allow you to see more of this beautiful country in the same trip. Staying for less than 7 days in Iceland is still doable, but there’s no doubt you’ll want to come back again to see and do more.
How much does it cost to drive the Ring Road in Iceland?
Total Cost: $720-$900 per person (based on a two person itinerary- add on about $350-$400 if going solo)
Do you need 4wd for Iceland Ring Road?
If you are travelling in summer but plan to tackle the F roads that cross Iceland’s mountainous interior, then you are going to need a 4×4 to drive them yourself. Not only that, it’ll pay you to hire a high clearance model as well. These roads are uneven and challenging, and most definitely not suitable for a 2WD.