The Golden Circle (also known as Gullni hringurinn) is a
300 km/186-mile
circular route in southern Iceland that starts and ends in the capital, Reykjavik. As Iceland's “piece de resistance”, it packs all of the country's most popular, “must-see” spots into one, seamless, trip.
Is Iceland Golden Circle worth it?
The Golden Circle: Is it worth it? The Golden Circle is a fantastic trip to take if you're in Iceland for a short period of time, or if your traveling options within Iceland are limited and you need to rely on adventures close to Reykjavik.
How long does it take to circle Iceland?
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
.
Can you do the Golden Circle tour yourself?
You have two main options for visiting the Golden Circle –
you can drive yourself
, or you can take a guided tour. What is this? Guided tours are a very popular option, and because so many companies offer them, prices are competitive so you can get a full day tour at a good rate.
Is Iceland 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).
Is 4 days enough for Iceland?
Four days is more than enough time to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and nature
. Although you might not choose to tour the whole island in four days, you may want to take multiple trips out of the capital city.
What should I wear to Golden Circle tour?
- Long or short sleeve t-shirt as a base layer.
- Warm jumper. …
- Lightweight, wind and waterproof jacket.
- Lightweight, wind and waterproof trousers.
- A warm hat, scarf and gloves or mittens (yes, even in the summer)
Can you drive the Golden Circle in winter?
Yes, you can drive the Golden Circle in in Winter
. It is a very touristic area and roads are frequently cleared of snow. Note that if you visit early, you will enjoy the attractions with much less tourists, but the roads might be icy as not many vehicles will have driven on them yet.
Is the Blue Lagoon in 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 do the Ring Road in 7 days?
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.
Can you do the Ring Road in 5 days?
Can you drive the Ring Road in 5 days? Short answer: absolutely.
You can drive Iceland's route 1 in five days
, and still enjoy many of the spectacular locations available along the way.
How long is the Iceland Ring Road?
821.5 mi
Can you drive the Golden Circle in one day?
The whole Golden Circle route can easily be done in one day
, as the classic journey covers around 230 kilometres (140 miles to you and me). You can actually drive the route in just over 3 hours.
How many days do you need in Iceland?
8-12 days
is an ideal amount of time to spend in Iceland as it means you can explore different regions. You could drive around the Ring Road in a full circle to reach the diverse corners of Iceland, from the South Coast to eastern fjords, around North Iceland and over to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Is it safe to drive in Iceland during winter?
During winter, Iceland is blanketed in snow making it look like a winter wonderland!
The roads are all cleared regularly and are quite safe for driving
! If there is one place to road trip during the winter, I recommend visiting the South Coast of Iceland because all the sights are easily accessible from the road!
How much does it cost to drive the Ring Road in Iceland?
Fuel in Iceland is pricey (around $7.50-8.00 per gallon), and travelers can expect to pay
around $300 (USD)
in total to drive the entire route. Many gas stations, even those in the countryside, also offer basic groceries, plus pre-made sandwiches and hot soups.
Is there a black beach in Iceland?
Iceland boasts a number of black beaches awash with silky dark sand including
Diamond Beach on the eastern coast near to Iceland's highest mountain peak Hvannadalshnúkur, and Djúpalónssandur Beach on the west coast near Snæfellsjökull National Park
.
Is English spoken in Iceland?
English is
almost universally spoken in Iceland
, with many people very fluent as well. Icelanders learn English from a very early age and are exposed to English language film and TV a lot and so are very proficient at English. Almost the entire population can speak it to some degree.
Do you need a car in Iceland?
It's actually completely possible to see Iceland without a car
— and we're not just talking about Reykjavík city. The gorgeous Golden Circle route, and the iconic sights along the South Coast are easily doable with day trips out of the city. You'll even be able to walk on a glacier and pet adorable Icelandic horses!
Do I have to quarantine if I go to Iceland?
Entry rules for Iceland
All visitors are welcome, regardless of vaccination status, with no requirement to pre-register before visiting. There is no longer a requirement for a PCR test to board aircraft, and
no testing or quarantine upon arrival
.
How expensive is it in Iceland?
Re: Is Iceland expensive?
Iceland is not that expensive
. But, if you only look for the most expensive shops and restaurant and always the highest prices, then it may look expensive. People also have to notice that supermarkets that are open 24/7 are way more expensive than those with regular hours.
What should you avoid in Iceland?
- Avoid: Busy and expensive hot springs.
- Do: Go and find quieter or cheaper hot springs.
- Avoid: Buying bottled water.
- Do: Drink from the tap.
- Avoid: Spending all your time in Reykjavik.
- Do: Get out and explore the rest of the country.
- Avoid: Expensive day tours.
Can you wear jeans in Iceland?
Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland
. The summer and shoulder seasons are especially good times to travel in your most comfortable pair.
What should you not wear in Iceland?
- Light layers. Iceland's climate is milder than you'd expect, considering its location in the Arctic circle. …
- Non–waterproof coats and jackets. Do not wear jackets and coats that will not protect you from the rain. …
- Thin socks. …
- Slippery shoes. …
- Fancy clothing. …
- Jeans.
Can you tour Iceland on your own?
If you're planning to visit Iceland for at least 5 days or more, then a self-guided road trip is the best way to go, so long as you're comfortable with renting a car and driving yourself. If you have at least 7 days, you can follow our 7-day Golden Circle and Southern Iceland itinerary.
Is there Uber in Iceland?
Unfortunately,
there's no Uber in Iceland
, not even in the capital city of Reykjavik. There's no Lyft in Iceland, either. Public transportation and taxis are your best options. With flag fall starting at around 5.75 USD, a short drive from the Central Bus Station to downtown Reykjavik will cost around 17.50 USD.
What is the Diamond Circle in Iceland?
The Diamond Circle is
a magnificent circuit of 250km in North Iceland
, which includes some of the most stunning sights and spots for unearthly landscapes.
