A Guide to Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle in Winter

Are you planning a winter trip to Iceland and wondering if you can still explore the famous Golden Circle?

The answer is yes!

This iconic route, known for its breathtaking natural wonders, transforms into a unique frozen wonderland in the wintertime, with snow-dusted landscapes and icy waterfalls.

We decided to explore the Golden Circle in February during our 5 days in Iceland, and before our trip, I had a lot of questions about conquering this route in the winter! Most photos online show the main stops in the summer only, and visiting in winter looks completely different.

So, in this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle in winter, including details on the essential stops, driving routes, and more!

Whether you’re driving yourself or considering a guided tour, this guide has everything you need to make the most of this unforgettable winter adventure along the Golden Circle.

First: What is the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is a popular driving route in southwestern Iceland that links three of the country’s most famous natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

This loop, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Reykjavik and back, offers travelers a chance to see some of Iceland’s most stunning landscapes in one day.

Winter adds an extra layer of magic to the experience, with snowy vistas, frozen waterfalls, and less crowds than in summer! It’s a true Nordic winter wonderland.

Golden Circle Route

The Golden Circle route begins and ends in Reykjavik, covering around 300 kilometers (186 miles). It’s designed as a loop, which means you can drive it in either direction. Most travelers choose a clockwise route, starting with Thingvellir National Park and ending with Gullfoss.

However, going counterclockwise is also an option if you want to avoid peak crowds at popular stops. With winter conditions in mind, I recommend allowing 6 to 8 hours to complete the route, factoring in time to enjoy each stop and take in the snowy landscapes.

Here is a Google Map showing the route with each stop labeled, plus some more details below.

1. Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park (A to B)

• Distance: 47 kilometers (29 miles)
• Drive Time: About 45 minutes
• Cost: Around $7 for parking
• Highlights: Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. In winter, it transforms into a frosty expanse with snowy trails and icy lakes.

2. Thingvellir National Park to Fridheimar Tomato Farm (Lunch Stop) (B to C)

• Distance: 47 kilometers (29 miles)
• Drive Time: About 45 minutes
• Cost: Up to you!
• Highlights: Fridheimar offers a cozy, greenhouse dining experience right in the middle of a tomato farm. It’s an ideal place to warm up and enjoy unlimited tomato soup, fresh bread, and unique tomato-based drinks.

3. Fridheimar to Geysir Geothermal Area (C to D)

• Distance: 19 kilometers (11 miles)
• Drive Time: About 20 minutes
• Cost: FREE
• Highlights: The Geysir area is known for its spouting hot springs and geothermal activity. Strokkur, the most active geyser here, erupts every 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Geysir Geothermal Area to Gullfoss Waterfall (D to E)

• Distance: 10 kilometers (6 miles)
• Drive Time: About 10 minutes
• Cost: FREE
• Highlights: Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, known for its multi-tiered cascade. In winter, parts of the waterfall freeze over, creating a striking scene with layers of snow and ice around the roaring water.

5. Gullfoss Waterfall back to Reykjavik (F to G)

• Distance: 113 kilometers (70 miles)
• Drive Time: About 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Final Stretch: The drive back to Reykjavik is fairly straightforward, but it’s a good idea to monitor daylight hours, as winter days are short. Plan your start time to ensure you have enough daylight for sightseeing.

Golden Circle in Winter vs. Summer

The Golden Circle is popular year-round, but visiting in winter offers a completely different experience compared to summer. Here’s what you can expect!

• Scenic Snow-Covered Landscapes: Winter transforms the Golden Circle into a winter wonderland, with snow-capped mountains, icy rivers, and partially frozen waterfalls.
• Fewer Tourists: Winter is the off-season for many visitors, meaning smaller crowds at popular spots along the Golden Circle route (but there are definitely still tourists!).
• Limited Daylight: Days are short in Iceland during winter, with as little as 4 to 5 hours of daylight in December/January. Start your trip early to maximize daylight for sightseeing. It’s ok if you have to drive in the dark for a bit!
• Weather Conditions: Winter weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, with snow, ice, and strong winds common along the route. Make sure to check your route before you leave on Safe.is.

❄️ Whether you visit in winter or summer, Iceland takes some serious pre-trip planning. Flights, travel insurance, accommodation, and money abroad all need to be sorted long before you decide on the season. My Passport to Confidence guide is a $7 step-by-step planning roadmap covering every decision. Download it instantly!

Driving vs Taking a Tour: Which is Right For You?

Driving the Golden Circle

Driving the Golden Circle allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace. During our trip to Iceland in February, we chose to rent a car, which gave us flexibility with timing and our overall itinerary. Here are some pros and cons of driving the route yourself!

Pros of Driving the Golden Circle in Winter:

• Flexibility: Start as early as you want, spend extra time at your favorite spots, and stop for photos.
• Cost-Effective: For two or more people, renting a car is often more affordable than paying for individual tour tickets throughout your trip.
• Unique Stops: With a car, you can make detours or visit lesser-known spots along the route.

Cons of Driving the Golden Circle in Winter:

• Winter Driving Conditions: Roads can be icy, and winter storms may affect accessibility.
• Parking Fees: Some Golden Circle stops, like Thingvellir National Park, have parking fees that you’ll have to pay.
• Navigation: Although GPS is straightforward, winter visibility and changing road conditions can make navigation challenging.

🚙 Read more about this topic in my guide on Renting a Car in Iceland During Winter!

Taking a Tour of the Golden Circle

If you don’t feel like renting a car, plenty of people just book organized tours of the Golden Circle. These tours leave from Reykjavik and typically follow the same route listed in this itinerary!

Pros of Going on a Golden Circle Tour:

• No Driving Worries: A tour removes the hassle of winter driving so you can enjoy the ride!
• Expert Guides: Local guides often provide insights and stories about each stop along the way
• Logistics Handled: Tours include stops, entrance fees, and timing, so you won’t have to worry about planning each detail yourself.

Cons of Going on a Golden Circle Tour:

• Fixed Schedule: Tours follow a set itinerary, so you may have limited time at each stop, and there’s no room for spontaneity!
• Higher Cost for Solo Travelers: For one person, a tour can be more economical than renting a car, but for groups, the costs may add up.

Recommended Golden Circle Tours

If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the below tour is the one to choose! This 10-hour long tour includes not only stops at the 3 main Golden Circle attractions, but also a stop at Kerid Crater and time for swimming at the Secret Lagoon!

Whenever I go back to Iceland, this is definitely the tour I’d book!

If 10 hours feels a bit long to you, don’t worry, there are shorter options! This 8.5-hour tour cuts out the stop at Secret Lagoon, as well as $50!

Or, if you want to see Geysir, Thingvellir, and Gulfoss only, and skip the extra stops, this $80 tour only lasts 6.5 hours!

Lastly, if you’re not into crowds, there are some small group tour options like this one that only allows up to 19 people on board (which isn’t that small, but still)!

Check out all the Golden Circle tour options here!!! 🚌

Stop #1: Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park

Thingvellir National Park is often the first stop along the Golden Circle, but some people might not know it holds significant cultural and geological importance. It’s the site of Iceland’s first parliament and the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Entry to the park is free, but there is a parking fee of about 1000 ISK (~$7 USD). In winter, Thingvellir transforms into a frosty landscape with snow-capped rocks and frozen lakes.

We got a late start out of Reykjavik and arrived at Thingvellir around 11am, but the crowds honestly weren’t too bad!

The landscape at Thingvellir is absolutely stunning covered in snow. However, as expected, the trails were quite icy in spots, so I recommend crampons if you’re planning to venture beyond the main paths.

We didn’t have crampons, and while it was manageable, it would’ve made some of the icier sections easier, and we could’ve explored more!

Spend an hour or two walking along the Almannagja rift valley and taking in the breathtaking icy views! If the weather is good, I highly recommend making your way to Oxararfoss waterfall, which may or may not be fully frozen!

And if you’re looking to do something extra adventurous, one of the most popular things to do in Thingvellir is scuba diving or snorkeling between the North American and European tectonic plates in the Silfra Fissure.

We personally decided to skip this, as the water was a bit too cold for our Florida bodies! Hah. However, this is a total bucket list item that we’d love to do in Iceland in the summer!

🤿 Book your Silfra Fissure snorkeling here if you’re braver than me! 🤿

Stop #2: Fridheimar Tomato Farm for Lunch

After you’re done exploring Thingvellir, it’s time for lunch at Fridheimar Tomato Farm, our favorite stop of the day! This cozy, heated greenhouse filled with tomato vines is a welcome break from Iceland’s winter chill.

We made a reservation in advance, which I highly recommend! This spot is becoming more and more popular, especially with tour groups.

Not only do you get to eat inside a greenhouse, but you get to eat fresh tomato-based foods right from the farm! You have to get the unlimited tomato soup and fresh bread – it will change your life.

They also have a myriad of other tomato-based meals and drinks, including the best burrata we’ve ever had, tomato beer, and of course, Bloody Mary’s!

The restaurant also has a small gift shop where you can buy tomato-based products, perfect for taking a bit of Iceland home with you and for souvenirs!

Stop #3: Geysir Geothermal Area

After lunch at Fridheimar, the next stop is the Geysir Geothermal Area, about 30 minutes away. The Geysir Geothermal Area is free to visit and open year-round.

This site is known for its active geyser, Strokkur, which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, as well as smaller hot springs and bubbling mud pots.

Winter adds a dramatic touch, with steam rising against the snowy landscape. However, it did start to get really cold when we arrived here, so make sure to bundle up!

Of course, winter conditions bring icy paths from the parking lot to the main Geysir, so make sure to pay attention to where you are walking, and consider crampons here if you have them!

I almost slipped quite a few times while walking between the geysirs!

Besides watching Strokkur erupt, you can explore the area’s smaller hot springs and geothermal pools. Overall, we only spent about 30 minutes here because it was very cold!

Stop #4: Gullfoss Waterfall

The final stop on the main Golden Circle route is Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. It’s a quick 10-minute drive from Geysir, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. Plus, it’s free!

In winter, Gullfoss is a spectacular sight, with parts of the waterfall frozen over and the surrounding landscape blanketed in snow.

When we visited, the staircase down to the main viewing area was pretty icy, making the descent a bit tricky without crampons. In addition, the wind was very strong here, which made it feel even colder than Geysir!

However, it’s definitely still worth a visit, as the views of the waterfall covered in snow is absolutely stunning. Thankfully, there’s a visitor center next to the parking lot where you can warm up with a hot drink and grab a snack.

Bonus Stop (Optional): Visiting the Secret Lagoon

For those looking to add more to this Golden Circle itinerary, consider adding a stop at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir.

The Secret Lagoon is one of the oldest geothermal pools in Iceland and offers a more rustic, less touristy experience than some of the country’s more famous lagoons like Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon.

Open from 10am to 7pm in the winter, the water is a consistent 38-40°C (100-104°F) year-round, so you’ll be nice and warm even if it’s freezing cold outside!

The lagoon is located about 30 minutes away from the Geysir area on the way back to Reykjavik, making it a perfect spot to warm up and relax after a day of sightseeing!

Although we didn’t get the chance to stop here on our Golden Circle adventure, we definitely will be visiting on our next trip to Iceland!

P.S. Looking for other winter activities to add to your itinerary? Check out my full guide on the top 13 things to do in Iceland in winter! ❄️

What to Pack for the Golden Circle in Winter

As mentioned throughout this post, it was very very cold at every place we stopped along the Golden Circle. We did this trip in February, so temperatures were around freezing. However, the wind made it feel much colder!

As a result, you really need to pack appropriately when road tripping the Golden Circle in winter to make sure you can actually enjoy the stops without freezing your butt off!

Here are some must-have items that helped keep me warm:

• 3-in-1 Columbia ski jacket (fleece and water proof layers!)
• Fleece-lined neck gaiter (a must!!)
• Beanie / Trapper hat
• Snow boots
• Snow pants
• Waterproof mittens or gloves
• Wool socks
• Hand warmers
• Crampons (can also rent these in Reykjavik)

P.S. If you’re wondering what else you might need, make sure to check out my Iceland Winter Packing List!🧣❄️

Frequently Asked Questions