Things to do in Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route in Iceland and for good reason. Just outside Reykjavík, this region is filled with incredible landscapes, geothermal activity, waterfalls, and a deep sense of history. There are so many things to do in Golden Circle that it can be hard to know where to begin. You’ll find world-famous landmarks and quiet local treasures like the Caves of Laugarvatn and Skálholt. If you have the time, staying one or two nights in the Golden Circle gives you a chance to really take it all in. Laugarvatn is a great place to base yourself. Below are some of the most memorable places you should not miss.

Þingvellir

Þingvellir is one of Iceland’s most important cultural and geological sites. It was here that the Icelandic parliament was founded in the year 930 and where the nation later embraced Christianity around the year 1000. In 1944, Iceland declared its independence from Denmark at this very spot. Þingvellir is also where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. You can actually snorkel or dive between them in the Silfra fissure. Walk through scenic trails, visit the Þingvallakirkja church, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic place.

Caves of Laugarvatn

If you are looking for unique things to do in Golden Circle, the Caves of Laugarvatn are a must. Just a short drive through peaceful nature leads you to caves carved into a sandstone cliff, where a family once lived just over 100 years ago. These cozy human dwellings look like something out of a storybook. With a local guide, you’ll hear real stories of life in the caves and see firsthand how people survived in such a setting. The site is affordable and full of charm. Visit www.cavesoflaugarvatn.is for more info.

Fontana geothermal bakery tour

On the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, Fontana offers a bakery tour unlike any other. Icelanders have long baked rye bread by burying it in the hot black sand near the lake. During the tour, you’ll walk to the shore, see a fresh pot of bread pulled from the ground, and taste it warm with Icelandic butter. It is a simple tradition that still feels special.

Brúarfoss

Brúarfoss is a small but striking waterfall located between Geysir and Laugarvatn. To reach it, you take a peaceful 2 to 3 kilometer walk through Icelandic nature. The water is bright blue, and the narrow channel it flows through creates a beautiful contrast with the surrounding dark lava rocks. Fewer tourists make the walk here, so it often feels like a quiet escape.

Geysir

This geothermal area gave its name to all geysers around the world. While the original Geysir is mostly dormant today, Strokkur nearby erupts every few minutes. Watching boiling water shoot high into the sky is always exciting. The geothermal ground in this area is colorful and steaming, giving you a real sense of the Earth’s raw energy.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and a highlight of the Golden Circle. The waterfall drops in two powerful stages into a canyon below. On sunny days, you can often see rainbows forming in the mist. It is only a short drive from Geysir, which makes it an easy and unforgettable stop.

Skálholt Cathedral

Skálholt has played a key role in Iceland’s religious and cultural history. Churches have stood on this spot since around the year 1000 and it became the seat of Iceland’s first bishop in 1056. The current church was completed in 1963 and still serves as one of the most important religious sites in the country. The area is calm and surrounded by gentle hills and historic charm.

Kerið crater

Kerið is a volcanic crater with vivid red rock walls and a deep blue lake at the bottom. The shape is nearly perfect and it is easy to walk around the rim for sweeping views or follow the path down to the water. Its colors and symmetry make it one of the most photographed places in the Golden Circle.

Hot springs in the Golden Circle

Relaxing in hot geothermal water is one of the best things to do in Golden Circle. Fontana in Laugarvatn has steam rooms built directly over natural springs. The steam rises through wooden floor grates, filling the cabins with warm, mineral-rich air. Not far away in Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon offers an old-style bathing experience in Iceland’s oldest pool. In late 2025, the brand-new Laugarás Lagoon is set to open near a quiet river, and we can’t wait to try it.

Final thoughts

There is no shortage of amazing things to do in Golden Circle. From waterfalls to volcanoes to quiet cultural sites, every stop offers something different. Taking your time through the area, especially with an overnight in Laugarvatn, lets you enjoy both the famous highlights and the hidden gems that make the Golden Circle so special.