A Complete Guide to Iceland’s Golden Circle

Iceland’s Golden Circle is one of the most accessible, diverse, and jaw-dropping routes you can take. As a solo traveller, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to this land of volcanoes, waterfalls, and ancient lore. In just one day, I stood between continents, tasted the creamiest farm-fresh ice cream, saw geysers explode, and met the friendliest horses.

Here’s my Golden Circle experience in full color.

Since I don’t drive, my only option was to rely on guided day tours. Now, day tours in Iceland can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling on a budget—but let’s be honest, Iceland isn’t exactly a “budget destination.” What you can do is make smart choices to minimize unnecessary spending. I will share some of my favourite Iceland budget tips in a blog, check the blog soon, as I’ll link it here.

There are hundreds of tour companies in Iceland, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. I went with Troll Expeditions, primarily because of their stellar reviews and preference for small-group tours over large, impersonal ones. The Golden Circle day tour I booked with them is this one, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my trip.

Let’s jump right into it.

1. Kerið Crater

Our first stop was Kerið Crater—a 3,000-year-old volcanic caldera now filled with water, which was entirely frozen when I visited in March. Most geologists believe that Kerið was once a cone-shaped volcano that erupted, emptied its magma chamber, and then collapsed into itself, creating this unique bowl-like structure.

You can walk along the crater rim for panoramic views or take a short hike down to the water's edge. Iceland is one of those rare countries where the landscape transforms dramatically with the seasons. In winter, I saw a serene, snow-blanketed frozen lake surrounded by volcanic rock. But come summer, the water inside Kerið turns a vivid aquamarine, offering a completely different—but equally magical—vibe. No matter when you visit, the contrasts are sure to leave you in awe.

2. Icelandic Horses

Somewhere along the way, our guide made a surprise stop at a local pasture to meet a few Icelandic horses. These aren’t just any horses. Icelandic horses have a special gait called the “tölt,” and are fiercely protected — once they leave Iceland, they can’t return. And no, they’re not ponies (they’re proud of that!).

3. Gullfoss: Iceland’s Most Famous Waterfall

Next on the Golden Circle route was the iconic two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall, often hailed as one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders—and rightly so. “Gullfoss” translates to Golden Falls, and legend has it that the name comes from the golden hue the water sometimes reflects under the sunlight. But in winter, I saw it cloaked in icy whites and misty blues—truly otherworldly.

There are multiple viewing platforms, and the sound of the water crashing down stays with you. It’s the kind of place where photos don’t do justice – you have to feel it in person.

Pro tip: Wear crampons if you’re visiting in winter. The paths around Gullfoss can get super slippery, especially near the lower viewpoint. But trust me, the view from down there is absolutely worth the effort.

4. Strokkur (Geysir geothermal area)

No Golden Circle tour is complete without witnessing the explosive energy of Strokkur, one of Iceland’s most active geysers. Located in the Haukadalur geothermal area, Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting hot water up to 20 meters in the air! It's fast and sudden – so keep your camera ready.

The area around Strokkur is dotted with steaming vents and boiling mud pools, giving you a peek into the raw geothermal forces simmering beneath Iceland's crust. The water is over 100°C (yes, really!) so don’t even try to dip your hands in it, even though it’s super tempting—trust me, this is one Icelandic spa treatment you don’t want!

5.  Bruarfoss: A Hidden Gem

Now this one is a bit off the typical Golden Circle route, but if your tour includes it or you can make your way, don’t miss Bruarfoss. The water here is a shocking blue – like electric blue. Even in March, you could see the colour shine through. It's not the tallest or widest waterfall, but it’s one of the prettiest I saw in Iceland.

6. Þingvellir National Park: Between Two Continents

Next, we visited Þingvellir (Thingvellir) – one of the most important historical and geological sites in Iceland. It’s where the world’s first parliament was formed in 930 AD, and it also lies right on the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Walking between two continents? Check ✅

The landscape was unreal – snow-covered cliffs, icy rivers, and the sudden snowfall. While it was difficult to see anything clearly in this weather, our guide lifted our spirits by offering to click our solo pictures and he did a pretty good job!

7. Öxarárfoss

A short trail led us to Öxarárfoss, a charming waterfall tucked away inside the park. There was something serene and sacred about this place. Snow dusted the paths, and the silence was only broken by the gentle rush of the water.

8. Efstidalur II: Ice Cream at a dairy farm

Our next stop was Efstidalur II, a working dairy farm turned café and guesthouse. I grabbed a scoop of mango ice cream and sat by the window, watching cows through the glass as they grazed lazily. It’s the ultimate farm-to-cone experience. Creamy, smooth, and not overly sweet — just the way I like it.

The Golden Circle was easy to navigate, safe, and full of variety. As a solo traveler, I never felt rushed or out of place. Whether it was smiling at a stranger over ice cream or just standing in silence before a geyser, every moment felt mine. This one-day loop is perfect if you’re short on time but want to experience Iceland’s core essence: fire, ice, and freedom.

Read the blog on Iceland arrival and orientation here.