2. Laugarvatn Fontana
I know the Blue Lagoon gets all of the credit with the tourists, but Laugarvatn Fontana is a great alternative. What makes this spa experience unique is that it’s located next to a freezing cold lake, so really fun to go back and forth between hot and cold. Plus the scenic view from the pool is what makes this place worth a stop!
Hours: Open daily June-August 10:00 – 23:00 // 11:00 – 21:00 the rest of the year
Price: Adults 3800 ISK / $33 USD, free for children under 12
Website: http://www.fontana.is/en
3. Efsti-dalur
If you love the sound of ice cream straight from the farm, then this is the stop for you! This place is too adorable, a family run farm turned into a ice cream parlor and restaurant. The ice cream is just as delicious as it looks – I can highly recommend the salted caramel! I’ve also heard their burgers are amazing.There’s also a Bed & Breakfast on the property, if you need a place to stay!
Hours: May 16th – September 14th 11:00 – 22:00 Daily // September 15th – May 15th Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 – 20.00, Friday-Saturday: 11:30 – 21:00
Price: depends on how many scoops you get 🙂
4. Brúarfoss Waterfall
This waterfall is out of control beautiful. The contrast of the bright blue water on the black lava is stunning! The only downside to this waterfall is trying to find it!
Hours: 24/7
Price: free!
5. Faxi Waterfall
I don’t know about you, but I can never see too many waterfalls! Faxi is a little waterfall hidden gem that most people drive right by. We were literally the only ones there! And even though it was pouring down rain, it was still pretty to see!
Hours: 24/7
Price: free!
6. Friðheimar
Friðheimar is a huge greenhouse that grows tomatoes and cucumbers. Their growing methods are completely sustainable and eco friendly. This is the ultimate farm-to-table experience, I love the concept of this place!
Do not miss their most popular dish – all you can eat tomato soup served with an assortment of homemade breads. This is not your average tomato soup, this is hands down the most delicious tomato soup I’ve ever tasted! Don’t forget to add fresh basil from the plant on the table. They also have a delicious sounding dessert menu, featuring – you guessed it – tomatoes! For drinks, the Bloody Mary is classic, but I prefer the Happy Mary – made with gin and green tomatoes!
Location: Road 35 in Reykholt
Hours: 12-16 daily
Price: $1900 / $14.50 ISK for all you can eat amazingly delicious homemade soup and bread
Website: http://fridheimar.is/en
*Note: If you are traveling with a larger group it is best to call in advance for reservations, this place is getting quite popular!
7. Gamla Laugin
If you’re looking for a natural geothermal pool in the raw Icelandic nature, then Gamla Laugin is for you! Also known as the Secret Lagoon, this pool is kept as natural as possible. The water temperature stays at a toasty 38 Celsius all year long. Changing facilities are available on site.
Hours: 12.00 – 20.00
Price: Adults 2800 ISK / $25 USD, free for children under 16 // towel rental 500 ISK / $4 USD
Website: http://www.secretlagoon.is/
8. Kerið Crater
I think Kerið is one of the most unique things I have seen in Iceland. Its an old volcanic crater with crystal blue water! The best time to visit would be summer or fall to see the beautiful colors around the crater. (We recently stopped in the winter and it looks completely different.)
Hours: 24/7
Price: 400 ISK / $3 USD
To to use this map interactively, click the bracket in the top right corner of the map.
33 Comments
Kelley
January 13, 2016 at 7:16 pmholy smokes I can’t wait to go to like ALL.OF.THESE! Put them on the list! Derek will especially love the tomato soup place, he was obsessed with making fresh tomato/cucumber soup with our harvest last summer! I love all the deets you give at the bottom of every one, but you know what would be helpful for us North Americaners? Conversion to USD for the costs and idk how easy this one is, but a simplified map of the circle to get an idea of where everything is–I had to google both things! Otherwise, all insanely useful! :-* :-*
Jeannie
January 14, 2016 at 6:53 amSchamsy, thank you for your input! Because you are one of my favorite people ever I have updated the information that you asked for 😀 LOVE YOU see you soon 🙂 🙂
Go Icelaland Car Rental
February 10, 2016 at 3:54 pmWhat an informative blog. Thank you very much Jeannie! Faxafoss is definitely off the beaten path, not many going there. We just put together a small piece on driving the regular Golden circle. Hope someone has use of it! Safe travels! http://www.goiceland.com/blog/drive-the-golden-circle-in-your-rental-car/3/
Jeannie
February 11, 2016 at 10:33 amAgreed, Faxafoss is so pretty an unique! Thank you for sharing!
Elyse
April 2, 2016 at 12:56 amI’m so obsessed with your blog! My fiancé and I are going on our honeymoon in August and this has been SO helpful! Thank you!!
Jeannie
April 5, 2016 at 11:38 amThank you so much, Elyse I am really happy to help! If you have any other questions about planning, just let me know! P.s. awesome choice for your honeymoon you are going to love Iceland 😉
Helen
May 25, 2016 at 1:10 amYour blog is awesome! I’m going to be in Iceland in 2 weeks and can’t wait! I’m printing out as much of your information as possible so we get to see as much as we can! We are going to Siglufjörður, and Grundarfjörður ending our trip in Reykjavik.
Jeannie
June 7, 2016 at 9:22 amThank you Helen! What a great itinerary you have planned out, I love North Iceland, much less tourists up there! We just spent a few days up there but I haven’t written about it so let me know if you need any suggestions for things to do 😀
Marie
June 8, 2016 at 7:28 pmGood day from Quebec, Canada !
My husband and I are going to be in Reykjavik soon for…only 3 days and we are preparing this Golden Circle tour ourselves and I am wondering if it’s possible to do everything on your list only in one day ? Can’t wait to be there…so looooooong 😉
Jeannie
June 8, 2016 at 9:02 pmAbsolutely! I recommend starting early, and you have about 22 hours of sunlight right now so you’re good! It will be a long and packed day, but worth it!
LIndsay
June 20, 2016 at 8:20 pmDon’t forget about the Rye Bread underground bakery at Laugarvatn Fontana! The most delicious and moist rye bread. I’ve tried to recreate it back in Canada, with their recipe, and it is incomparable. Also, you can stay in the old boarding school down the street.
Jeannie
June 24, 2016 at 12:31 pmThanks for sharing, Lindsay! I’ve never tried this rye bread, now I will have to make a trip out there! Héraðsskólinn hotel is a really cool place, but I have yet to stay there. Thanks for the tips!
Lisa
June 23, 2016 at 7:10 pmGreat blog! We are so excited to come visit in July. Hoping to find Bruarfoss. I see there is a nominal fee to see Kerid crater. Do they take credit cards or do we need cash?
Jeannie
June 24, 2016 at 12:59 pmThank you Lisa! I’m not completely sure if Kerið takes cards, but I would assume so. I’ve never even seen a place in Iceland where only cash was needed. Have a great trip to Iceland!
EinarH
July 22, 2016 at 1:03 pmPaid with card at Kerid two days ago, no problem. In fact, we’re now on our 5th day of our (fabolous!) Iceland trip, and has yet to use any cash, anywhere..
Jeannie
August 5, 2016 at 10:41 amOk excellent news. I personally have never had to use cash in Iceland, but it’s good to know for sure. Hope your trip was amazing!
Sharon Simonton
July 6, 2016 at 6:45 pmHi Jeannie!
Thank you for your wonderful blog. I’ve rented a car so that we can see some of the places when we come to Iceland next week (Yikes!). Can a small non-4WD car be used safely on all of the roads that you mention in this post in mid-July? Love your blog and thrilled to be coming nest week!
Jeannie
July 10, 2016 at 9:02 pmHi Sharon! Yes, a non-4wd vehicle will get you to all of these places. Thats one of the best things about the Golden Circle route is that it’s super traveler friendly. Hope you have a great time in Iceland!
Caroline
November 6, 2016 at 4:59 amHi Jeannie!
Everything on your blog has been SOOO helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!
My Boyfriend & I will be visiting for the first time in mid January. Coming from NY/NJ area, we get our share of snow but I’ve read mixed things regarding whether to self drive golden circle/south coast vs. tour group. I’ve read about the tips for driving but would be very interested in any suggestions/recommendations you may have. I’m also concerned about the limited daylight hours, is it more time efficient to go on a tour so we don’t waste time potentially getting lost?
Jeannie
November 7, 2016 at 5:47 pmHey Caroline, that is such a tough situation! Mid-January is the darkest time of the year, and yes the roads can be really sketchy. However, they can also be fine, it just depends on the day! Outside of Reykjavik the roads aren’t as well maintained so just keep that in mind. If you are nervous at all about driving then it might be worth joining a tour for the South/Golden Circle just for peace of mind. It’s up to you! I wish I could help you more but I don’t want to steer you in the wrong direction 😉
Caroline
November 8, 2016 at 2:00 pmI know, it’s a tough call! Thank you for your input (and site) tho!! I’ve found everything from here to the FB group still really valuable!
Jeannie
November 10, 2016 at 7:38 amThat’s awesome Caroline! Happy to be able to help 🙂
Lauren
December 26, 2016 at 3:43 amHi. I am taking my boyfriend at the end of March for his birthday and wondered what the roads are typically like. Is it usually still cold and icy then, I’m a bit concerned about hiring as car if there is a high possibility of this. Thanks
Jeannie
January 3, 2017 at 11:55 amHey Lauren! End of March can still be snowy/icy but it depends on where you are planning on going. The main routes (Golden Circle, South Iceland) will be maintained to take a rental car. If you are still nervous I would suggest a 4wd. Have a great time!
Laura Ross
January 13, 2017 at 4:12 pmThank you so much for this blog! My husband and I are going to Iceland for a week February/March…We have very little officially scheduled and your ideas are getting me SO EXCITED! I want to see it ALL! I already know that we are going to have to go back! 😀 We have rented a 4WD and hopefully will be able to get around ok… Thank you again!!
Jeannie
January 20, 2017 at 3:24 pmYAY Laura, I’m happy to help! Sounds like an awesome trip you have planned, it will be great!
Ruth
February 4, 2017 at 7:38 pmHi Jeannie, I found your blog thru Pinterest and it has all the information I need to plan my trip to Iceland (hoorah for that!). I wonder if the places you highlighted in here can be visited using a regular car (not a 4 X 4). I am interested in stopping by Brúarfoss but not sure if I will be able to do it with a small rental. Thanks!
Jeannie
February 6, 2017 at 11:56 amHey Ruth! SO glad you found me and the blog is helpful for your planning! Yes, all of these places will be accessible with a 2wd vehicle. Bruarfoss is challenging to get to, just take your time! Have a great trip 🙂
TheGreenPick
February 11, 2017 at 3:33 pmSecret Lagoon is indeed a top spot and we definetely recommend it!
Jeannie
February 23, 2017 at 9:44 amYes, agreed! A great hot spring to relax in 🙂
Laura Ross
February 12, 2017 at 6:49 pmTheGreenpick – is it worth more than one visit? It’s part of a tour we are taking on our last day, but out hotel is 2 minutes away so considering going another time…thoughts?
Jeannie
February 23, 2017 at 9:48 amI know it’s best to go either when they first open or last thing in the evening since during they day the buses are bringing a lot of people!
Justine
March 14, 2017 at 8:21 pmI have just found this post & it’s perfect timing as we’ll be staying in the Golden Circle in a few days. Will definitely head to a few of these!!