Breakfast at Hotel Frón
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for the Golden Circle. Early departure recommended to beat the crowds at popular sites.
11-Day Iceland Ring Road Adventure
July 14-24, 2025
♨️ Day 2: Golden Circle & Hot Springs
July 15
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
Day Summary
Today you'll explore Iceland's famous Golden Circle, a route that showcases some of the country's most spectacular natural wonders. From the historical Þingvellir National Park where tectonic plates meet, to the powerful Gullfoss waterfall and erupting Strokkur geyser, today offers iconic Icelandic landscapes. End your day with a relaxing soak in a natural hot river after a scenic hike through geothermal landscapes.
Total Driving: ~271 km (168 miles), 3 hours 40 minutes
- Hotel Frón, Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park: ~48 km (30 miles), 50 minutes
- Þingvellir National Park to Geysir Geothermal Area: ~60 km (37 miles), 40 minutes
- Geysir Geothermal Area to Gullfoss Waterfall: ~10 km (6 miles), 10 minutes
- Gullfoss Waterfall to Reykjadalur Hot Spring: ~43 km (27 miles), 40 minutes
- Reykjadalur Hot Spring to Tungnaárfellsfoss: ~50 km (31 miles), 1 hour
- Tungnaárfellsfoss to Country Dream Guesthouse: ~60 km (37 miles), 1 hour
Daily Schedule
Drive to Þingvellir National Park
Head east from Reykjavík to your first Golden Circle destination.
Þingvellir National Park
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Visit the historic parliament site, Almannagjá gorge, and enjoy panoramic views across the park.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Witness Strokkur geyser erupting every 5-7 minutes, sending water up to 30 meters in the air. Explore the surrounding geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Experience the raw power of this massive two-tiered waterfall as it thunders down into a rugged canyon. Multiple viewing platforms allow you to appreciate the falls from different angles.
Lunch at Friðheimar Tomato Greenhouse
Enjoy a unique dining experience at this working tomato farm where you'll eat lunch surrounded by growing tomato plants. Their famous tomato soup with fresh-baked bread is a highlight.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River Hike
Take a moderate 3-mile round trip hike (approximately 2 hours total) through a geothermal area to reach a natural hot river where you can bathe in the warm waters. This was highly recommended by your friends as a highlight experience.
Check in at Country Dream Guesthouse
Arrive at your accommodation in Selfoss and get settled for the evening.
Dinner in Selfoss
Enjoy dinner at Tryggvaskáli, a historical restaurant in a renovated bridge house along the river. This restaurant is known for its locally-sourced ingredients and Icelandic specialties.
Key Highlights of the Day
- Witnessing Strokkur geyser erupt
- The thundering cascade of Gullfoss waterfall
- Bathing in the natural hot river at Reykjadalur
- Walking between two continents at Þingvellir
Accommodations
Country Dream guesthouseLangholt 2, Selfoss, 0801 Iceland
Cost: $216.97
Room Type: Basic Studio
Note: Stock up on groceries in Selfoss as it's the largest town before continuing east.
Alternative Activities
- Tungnaárfellsfoss Waterfall: One of Iceland's widest waterfalls, yet seldom visited. Accessible via Road 208 (former F208 North), near Sigöldugljúfur Canyon.💎 Hidden Gem
- Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin): Historic natural hot spring in Flúðir with facilities. A less crowded alternative to Blue Lagoon with a more natural setting.
- Kerið Crater Lake: A 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake with vivid blue water contrasting against red volcanic rock. Easy walking path around the rim and down to the water.
- Faxi Waterfall: A smaller but beautiful waterfall near the Golden Circle route. Less crowded than the main attractions with a salmon ladder visible on one side.
- Brúarfoss Waterfall: Known as 'Iceland's Bluest Waterfall.' A 7 km (4.3 mile) round trip hike leads to this stunning blue waterfall. Allow 2.5-3 hours for the complete hike.
Bad Weather Alternatives
- Laugarvatn Fontana: Geothermal baths, steam rooms, and hot pools. They also offer a unique geothermal bread-making experience.
- Ljósafossstöð Power Station Visitor Center: Interactive exhibition about renewable energy in Iceland, including hands-on displays about hydroelectric, geothermal, and wind power.
- Efstidalur II Farm: Farm-to-table restaurant and ice cream barn where you can enjoy dairy products while watching the cows that produced the milk.
Notes
- The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular tourist route, so early morning departures help avoid crowds.
- If it's raining, consider postponing Reykjadalur and substituting one of the indoor alternatives.