Golden Circle Route
Golden Circle Route
4.5
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Ideal for short-stay visitors, this scenic driving route through southwestern Iceland features excellent scenery and major sites.
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- Robin K2 contributionsGreat excursion worth every pennyThe guide was knowledgeable, the driver knew what she was doing. The only advice I have is take pictures of places that become invisible in fog so you can show them to people on the two tvs on the bus. I would also like more information about the trees I presume though imported they were once native species but I did't hear that detail. The storyteller who accompanied us was fantastic, he was a retired professor and earned his keep.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 October 2023
- NMDCardiff, United Kingdom17 contributionsGolden circle tour with grey line companyWe used greyline service for the golden circle tour. Darren and Helgi were amazing tour guides. Darren was very knowledgable and very helpful with some great stories and history facts. Great day and beautiful sightseeing. Thanks both!Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 November 2023
- vic w5 contributionsRecommended!Great experience, Great tour guide, loved the commentary and the unexpected stop for ice cream at the dairy farm. All indoor of course, being Iceland. Geothermal area was fabulous as we're the waterfalls. Recommended.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 March 2024
- SeeDotGoLos Alamitos, California56 contributionsA must see...but skip the tour busesReally worth it. We had a car, which we were glad to have. So many tour buses at the various stops. Having a car made our trip more spontaneous. We were able to visit the various stops at our own pace. Thingvelir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater all totally worth a stop. As for the Geysir Thermal Area, if you’ve seen a geyser or thermal areas before, it’s not worth seeing for a “spouting” of the geyser. Tour buses packed in, with the giant souvenir store. Also, if you only have a short tine in Iceland, this loop gives you a great experience of Iceland terrain and landscapes.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,069 reviews
Excellent
2,965
Very good
883
Average
190
Poor
24
Terrible
7
Rajin Madahar
Southall, UK88 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Mike picked us up from our apartment and provides coffee and water. We set off in his SUV on a private tour of the golden circle tour. Was an amazing experience.
Booked with Mike on Airbnb and later saw mike has his own website. If you Google Mike memories maker you can get to his site and for a private tour it's not too expensive.
Booked with Mike on Airbnb and later saw mike has his own website. If you Google Mike memories maker you can get to his site and for a private tour it's not too expensive.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommy P
133 contributions
Jan 2020
Of course, you need some luck with the weather. But if it's fairly OK, it's a grand tour and an experience.
I would recommend taking it during winter with a lot of snow. It's so beautiful.
I would also recommend to add a snow mobile tour to it but make sure it doesn't exclude anything else.
I would recommend taking it during winter with a lot of snow. It's so beautiful.
I would also recommend to add a snow mobile tour to it but make sure it doesn't exclude anything else.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Working_Mum_10
Leicestershire130 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We did this tour with Nice Travel led by the amazing Nicola from the Czech Republic. Nice Travel use mini buses not large coaches, so you're not waiting for 50 plus people each time you stop. They also provided much needed crampons.
We hit lucky, traveling a day after heavy snow, and with glorious blue skies. The first stop was a freezing sunrise absolutely stunning over the original parliament site ( and Game of thrones location, Arya's picnic at Sansa).We went on to the almost frozen Gulfoss waterfalls, the geyser, volcanic crater and an extra stop to see Icelandic Horses. Nicki was super helpful, very knowledgeable, and a great driver. I can't recommend her highly enough.
We hit lucky, traveling a day after heavy snow, and with glorious blue skies. The first stop was a freezing sunrise absolutely stunning over the original parliament site ( and Game of thrones location, Arya's picnic at Sansa).We went on to the almost frozen Gulfoss waterfalls, the geyser, volcanic crater and an extra stop to see Icelandic Horses. Nicki was super helpful, very knowledgeable, and a great driver. I can't recommend her highly enough.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cold and Quiet Fan
83 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
There are lots of tour options but you can easily do this yourself if you have a car. The Guyser and Gulfoss both have free car parking with only Tingvellir charging to park. There are no entry charges to the attractions and each one has a cafe and toilet facilities. On the drive between the main sights there are lots of spots to pull in and admire the natural beauty. I would reccomend this to anyone visiting Iceland!
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralph N
2 contributions
Feb 2022
We took the Golden Circle Tour by mini bus, maximum 19 people. Our guide, Bara was fabulous. She was a careful driver in windy and icy conditions but more importantly so knowledgeable about all things Icelandic. The two waterfalls, Faxi and Gillfoss were gorge with their icy frosting. The thermal area, Gesir, did not disappoint. Lunched there on hearty soup. Went to a horse and sheep farm for a closeup of the classic Icelandic animals. We finished at Thingveiller National Park for a view of the fissures that created this beautiful country. We highly recommend this tour with Your Day Tours and Bara.
Written 9 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aekrfk
Newport Beach, CA256 contributions
May 2022
I have to disagree we all of the reviews of Iceland that say this route is a "must see." There is one geothermal area with a 5 second geyser, Kerid Crater that they charge you to see for 10 minutes and the Gulfoss Waterfall which is the highlight. It is an entire day drive and after driving 1700 miles through Iceland really not worth it. I would rather tour the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Reykjanes Peninsula as day tours than the Golden Circle. If you have two days go to the Glacier Lagoon. All of these are much better than paying a tour or driving the Golden Circle if you are limited on time. If you have more time then Myvtn is also a must see
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia G
Worcester, UK1,196 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
One of Iceland's top tours, this trip is definitely unmissable. It takes in dramatic spouting geysers, the majestic Gullfoss double waterfall, and the astonishing gorge where two tectonic plates are slowly slipping apart. On route through the countryside, you are surrounded by distant volcanoes and mountain top glaciers. It is a truly enjoyable daylong trip and well worth every minute. Thoroughly recommended
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allen
Lake Mary, FL4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We had an amazing time. Our guide (Karen) and driver (Mor) did a wonderful job. We had a few bumps. The original bus we were supposed to be on was not available as it broke. And the tour guide's microphone did not work on the new bus which was eventually resolved. Overall we only left 20 minutes late and the tour guide, Karen, handled the issues quickly and professionally so we have no complaints about those issues. It was a great day overall and highly recommend these guides.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J4k3
Ebbw Vale, UK997 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
Much of the tour was effected by the snow, there was a 2 hour detour on the way to the sites, which I felt aye into the time spent at the locations. We were restricted to certain areas at the waterfalls because some areas were snowed off and we had nowhere near enough time at the national park. I would suggest allowing 2-3 hours at the park, not 45 minutes like we were given.
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bohemian_me84
Calgary, Canada2,086 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Such a beautiful place . Today was little cold and windy , going there in day like today make sure you are dressed properly , have mittens and scurf and don’t forget none slippery shoes ! In 1h a t the gazers I saw probably 10 people falling . Remember the steam is hot and the water too and it freezes ! It’s crazy icy out there !!
There is little gift shop , they sell souvenirs and postcards and for ink stamp collectors they do have a ink stamp, just ask for it .
There is little gift shop , they sell souvenirs and postcards and for ink stamp collectors they do have a ink stamp, just ask for it .
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Ik zag je bericht over de Golden Circle op IJsland. Dankjewel daarvoor!
Wij gaan zelf begin mei en ik twijfel nog over het huren van een auto. Is dat prima te doen? Ook qua navigeren en de wegen?
Hoor graag!
grt.
Carlo
Written 12 March 2023
what times do you get picked up for the tui excursions pls?
northern lights and the golden circle
Written 28 January 2020
We are planning on going in February and considering hire a car. Has anyone driven at this time of year and were the road conditions ok?
Written 21 January 2020
Hello! Driving conditions in February can be very rough, and if the weather is bad, many roads are closed. It's also needed to be a skilled driver. The best is to decide due to weather conditions before you are coming to Iceland.
Written 23 January 2020
When is the best time to see northern light?
Written 28 April 2019
We were there in December for 8 days, which is apparently, the best time to see them. However, we didn't! Conditions just need to be right!
Written 30 December 2019
We are planning a trip in May What weather should we except and is it a good time to explore Iceland?
Written 25 February 2019
Weather was good in February so I think you should be OK in may, the historical average show between 7-12 C
Written 27 February 2019
We want to take a few days in Icelan in late June or early July. We simply want to see the sights not shopping or nightlife. We are not interested in the glaciers..seen plenty in Alaska. I am looking for suggestions of what to do for just a day or two. Don't see much of interest in Reykjavik except the places to go to see the overview of the city. Want to see a spectacular geyser...which one? a great waterfall...which one? Thermal bath...which one? Know that the Blue Hole is famous but also read that in the summer it is especially crowded. Anyone willing to give me some advice. We simply want to see scenery not interested in nightlife or shopping. We know that finding accommodations and a rental car gets more difficult in the summer so need to get busy.
Written 7 January 2019
Hi, you won't be doing any shopping in Reykjavic given the prices!!. My recommendation if you only have a couple of days is the Golden Circle tour, about 8 hours duration and you will see Volcanic Craters, Waterfalls, Geysers etc. You could also do the Lava Tunnel walk about 45 min drive from Reykjavic.
Written 14 January 2019
Hi. I'm going in March for a week and we are renting a car. Do we need to book a golden circle tour or is it just as easy and worthwhile to drive yourself. My friend is familiar with snow/ice driving. Also any suggedtions for tours would be appreciated. We'd like to do a whale watching and have booked our blue lagoon. Thank you.
Written 31 December 2018
Yes you can hire and drive
Whale watching can be booked at the Harbour
Written 4 February 2019
Hi Heather. Did you need the 4 days to do this self-drive tour? Or did you spend some of your time doing other things?
Thanks,
Lisa
Written 11 December 2018
personally, i think it's overrated... if i were to do it all over again, i'd get out EARLY and spend ONE day on the golden circle.....hitting the highlights such as godafoss and the geysir thermal area and spending an hour or 2 at thingfellir.... then spending the remainder of my time at higher quality areas such as thorsmork and the south coast....
Written 11 December 2018
Can anyone recommend a good map or directions to use for driving the Golden Circle? Also, will normal running shoes be OK for July?
Written 17 June 2018
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