What Car Do You Need to Drive the Golden Circle Iceland?

Most people who are familiar with Iceland will have heard about the Golden Circle Route, a very popular road trip for self-drive holidays. The Golden Circle in Iceland is a simple but incredible route, easy for those not used to driving abroad while still close to the capital of Reykjavík. If you're preparing for your Iceland trip, take a look at our advice on what car you'll need for this Icelandic drive. But first of all, let’s take a look at some other more frequently asked questions about the Golden Circle route.

What is Iceland’s Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle is an excellent way to see some of Iceland’s top attractions, including the Great Geysir, Thingvellir National Park, and Gullfoss Waterfall. This makes the Golden Circle the perfect day-long road trip to take if your time in Iceland is limited.

The other great thing about the Golden Circle is that you can easily embark on the trip yourself, taking everything at your own pace and spending as much time at the attractions as you like. All you need to do is hire a car and familiarise yourself with the route and the sights that you want to see. Learn more from the following video.

Where to start the Golden Circle?

When staying in Reykjavík, the Golden Circle route is very simple to access, with the joining point just 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the nation’s capital. This point is Thingvellir National Park, one of the closest attractions for those staying in Reykjavík.

How long will the Golden Circle take?

The route will guide you through just over 230 kilometers (143 miles) of otherworldly Icelandic landscapes. It can be completed in roughly 7-10 hours, depending on which stops you make, how long you decide to spend at each attraction, and how many times you take photos along the way.

When should I drive the Golden Circle?

Another great thing about the Golden Circle is that it’s incredible and accessible in any season. While the warmer months between spring and autumn provide milder temperatures and less snow underfoot, winter can offer a unique experience - snow will cover most attractions, completely changing the landscapes before you and creating almost brand-new scenery. As in all of Iceland, summer will present the opportunity to see the Midnight Sun, particularly when traveling around the summer solstice, while winter might give you the chance to spot the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Golden Circle Iceland Roads

Something you will want to take into consideration if you’re planning a self-drive trip to Iceland is what kind of car you need to drive the Golden Circle. In certain parts of the country, and especially during wintery conditions, it can sometimes be dangerous to take to the roads. This is particularly true if you don’t have the appropriate car fitted with the right tires or if you’re planning to visit locations off the beaten track. Sometimes, these roads are not paved, meaning they can be tricky and dangerous to drive on unless you hire a 4x4 vehicle.

The roads that make up the Golden Circle, however, are paved and very well maintained. It is a very popular route with tourists, meaning many people drive on these roads daily. This route is also located in a part of the country that doesn’t normally have such treacherous weather as other parts.

Most of the time, it’s the roads in the north or off the main roads that will cause you the most trouble. But, because the Golden Circle is located in the southwest of Iceland on paved and well-maintained roads, the conditions can be a little easier to navigate.

Best vehicle for the Golden Circle route

Because of the typically favorable road and weather conditions along the Golden Circle, you aren’t limited to a 4x4 vehicle. Any reliable and well-maintained hire car will be suitable for driving the Golden Circle, provided it is fitted with the appropriate tires for the season you are visiting.

However, sometimes during the winter, the road conditions can be unfavorable when completing a road trip around the Golden Circle. We would always advise that you check the weather before your visit to make sure you are hiring the appropriate car for the road and weather conditions. Even the reliable roads of the Golden Circle can be easily transformed by a snowstorm. The season and weather conditions can and should affect the type of vehicle you choose to hire because these can drastically affect the roads during your visit. So, in most cases, any reliable car will suit this route, though you can always ask if season or conditions mean a 4x4 would be more favorable. 

Golden Circle Main Attractions

As mentioned, the Golden Circle is comprised of three main attractions, which we’ll go into detail about now. Each of the attractions forms a stop along the route, though we’ll later explore additional, optional spots along or near the Golden Circle.

Thingvellir National Park

This is not your average national park. In addition to beautiful natural landscapes, Thingvellir is also home to mind-blowing geographical features like tectonic plates pulling the Earth apart before your eyes. It’s also the site of Iceland’s first parliament, the Alþingi, which was established in the 10th century. Finally, Thingvellir National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some additional must-see sights at Thingvellir include Almannagjá Gorge and scuba diving or snorkeling at Silfra Fissure.

Geysir Geothermal Area

An ode to Iceland’s geothermal and volcanic activity, Geysir Geothermal Area is a unique collection of geysers, bubbling hot pots, gurgling mud pools, and hot springs along the Golden Circle route. The Great Geysir, for which all “geysers” around the world were named, has been dormant since the early 20th century. It is said that when it was active, it would spout sizzling water nearly 200 feet (60 meters) into the air! On some occasions, heights of as much as 260 feet (80 meters) were recorded. 

Today, the nearby Strokkur geyser (located in the same area) is the main attraction, erupting frequently throughout the day. You can typically watch the spectacle every 10 minutes or so. The typical height of Strokkur’s eruptions is roughly 100 feet (30 meters).

Gullfoss Waterfall

Iceland is home to hundreds of waterfalls, but one of the most famous is Gullfoss. This double waterfall straddles the Hvita River. It’s unusually wide, at nearly 800 feet (244 meters), with the first tier dropping 35 feet (20 meters) and the second 70 feet (21 meters). The waterfall has been featured in numerous films and TV series, including the popular “Vikings” series.

Golden Circle Map

The most convenient way to embark upon your Golden Circle adventure is by starting in Reykjavík. From here, once you’ve hired a rental car, head northeast out of Reykjavík onto Route 1. Eventually, you will merge onto Route 36 and follow this until you reach your first stop, just 45 minutes away from Reykjavík - Thingvellir National Park.

The three main sights of the Golden Circle are well-signed, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding each location. However, it’s always a good idea to make sure you hire extras, like a GPS, with your rental car. 

Other Attractions on the Golden Circle Route

The big three attractions should be more than enough to entice you on a Golden Circle expedition, but there’s more to see and do. There are numerous side attractions and areas to explore in and around the Golden Circle. 

Kerid Crater Lake 

Kerid is a volcanic crater that was formed roughly 3,000 years ago, once home to a volcano that erupted. What remains now is a stunning geological occurrence - a deep crater filled with aquamarine water and surrounded by soil and rocks of stunning colors. There is a convenient path you can walk down to reach the bottom of the crater to explore and admire the lake. 

The Secret Lagoon

Make sure to visit Iceland’s oldest swimming pool when you explore the Golden Circle. Near Flúðir you will find a geothermal area called Hverahólmi, and this is where you can enjoy a pool that is over 200 years old and naturally heated by Iceland’s volcanic activity. 

Bruarfoss Waterfall

Not far from Geysir, you will find another wonderful example of an Icelandic waterfall. Bruarfoss is by no means the largest or most powerful waterfall in Iceland, but it’s one of the most beautiful. The unique horseshoe shape with multiple tiered falls of bright turquoise blue makes for an amazing sight.

If you are still unsure about which type of car you should hire for your trip around the Golden Circle, contact us today, and we will be happy to advise you on which of our cars will be the best option for you.

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