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.
Can you do the Golden Circle on your own? While you can join a group tour of the Golden Circle, you may prefer to explore at your own pace and in your own style with a self-drive. For this, you’ll need to rent a car, or even a 4×4 if you’re planning to drive onward to the Icelandic Highlands.
Then, How long does the Golden Circle 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.)
Is Iceland expensive? According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index, Iceland currently ranks as the third most expensive country in the world. Local banks have also studied the essential travel costs for tourists, and the numbers are staggering.
FAQ
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 the Blue Lagoon in the Golden Circle? Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik (visit)
Take a full-day tour of the Golden Circle to discover Iceland’s most iconic sites, then enjoy a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon. Travel in a comfortable bus with Wi-Fi connected tablets for each guest providing a continuous stream of relevant information via a GPS synced audio guide.
Is it safe to 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.
Do you need a 4×4 to drive the Golden Circle? You do not need a 4×4 vehicle to drive the golden circle.
It’s better to get an early start to avoid traffic. While there are plenty of guided tours of the Golden Circle, I prefer driving myself because you can stop anytime you want, or head off somewhere else to explore.
Do they speak English in Iceland?
English is taught as a second language in Iceland and almost every Icelander speaks the language fluently. And more so, most Icelanders speak several other languages including Danish, German, Spanish and French and welcome the opportunity to practice their language skills. Hope to see you soon in Reykjavík.
What should you avoid in Iceland? 10 Things to Avoid in Iceland (…and what to do instead!)
- 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 I use US dollars in Iceland?
Money. Currency: The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Many places (restaurants, bars, tourist attractions) will take US dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish currencies. Payment: Icelanders usually pay for everything by credit or debit card.
Do and don’ts in Iceland? This is our do’s and don’ts guide with tons of travel tips for conscious travel to Iceland.
- Do’s. Please be considerate and mindful of the locals. Be open-minded and don’t yuck their yum. Rent a car! …
- Don’t. Do not be an ugly tourist and stay safe. DO NOT hike glaciers without a guide. Don’t assume their horses are ponies.
What is the best month to go to Iceland?
Wondering when the best times to go to Iceland are, or when to visit Iceland 2022? Spring may be the answer you’re looking for! What is this? Whatever the question, Spring in Iceland might just be the answer.
Is 5 days enough for Iceland?
Five days in Iceland in winter will be enough time to expose you to spectacular snowy landscapes and to let you engage in awesome arctic activities. The nights will be long and all-encompassing, the days short but cosy, yet even so, you will find your holiday can still be packed full of adventure and fun.
Is the secret lagoon the same as the Blue Lagoon? the Blue Lagoon. The Secret lagoon is located in one of the most active geothermal areas in Iceland just like the Blue Lagoon but the difference is in the surroundings. The Secret Lagoon is located in a fertile green valley but the Blue Lagoon located in the middle of a harsh lava field.
Does the Golden Circle have F roads? There’s no driving on F-Roads necessary when visiting the Golden Circle. However, the roads can be icy and snow-covered.
How long is the Golden Circle?
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.
Can you drive the Golden Circle in January? Visiting the Golden Circle in winter not only helps avoid the crowds, but the snow-cover also lends an additional layer of beauty to already gorgeous landscapes.
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!
Is Golden Circle part of Ring Road? The Golden Circle makes up part of the greater Ring Road which, as the name suggests, is a road that loops around the entire island, connecting most of the inhabited parts of the country.
Is Ring Road and the Golden Circle the same thing?
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.
How long is Iceland’s Ring Road? The Ring Road is a 1332-kilometer (828 miles) long route which encircles Iceland with the exception of the fjords in the west and north and the two large peninsulas in the west and southwest.
