The Golden Circle Iceland
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Sources and method

How we work

We read each fact on a page we can link to, and we note the day we read it. A sentence on this site never says more than its source. When sources disagree, as they do on the length of the loop, we give each figure with its source.

Prices, ratings and what each tour includes come from the tour's own page on GetYourGuide. The details under each list of tours show the day we last read the prices.

Some of our sources are operators that sell the same tours. We list them here, so that you can check what we say.

The facts and their sources

  1. The Öxarárfoss waterfall is at Þingvellir. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  2. Iceland's tourist board gives about 250 km for the loop from Reykjavik and back. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  3. Arctic Adventures, an operator, gives about 230 km without detours. adventures.is, read 5 Nov
  4. Arctic Adventures gives about 242 km with the route past Kerið. adventures.is, read 5 Nov
  5. Wikipedia gives about 300 km. en.wikipedia.org, read 5 Nov
  6. Without stops, the drive takes about three hours, according to Arctic Adventures. adventures.is, read 5 Nov
  7. Most travellers take 5 to 6 hours to see the three main stops, according to Arctic Adventures. adventures.is, read 5 Nov
  8. Iceland's tourist board gives 1 to 3 days for the route. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  9. Iceland's tourist board lists the South Coast and the Ring Road among the routes to combine it with. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  10. The route can be travelled all year and its main roads are regularly serviced, according to the South Iceland tourist board. www.south.is, read 5 Nov
  11. Any car can reach Gullfoss, without a 4x4, but check the weather and the roads in winter, according to the waterfall's own site. gullfoss.is, read 5 Nov
  12. Both main routes to Geysir are paved; in winter Route 35 can be icy, so check road.is first. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  13. The speed limit on Icelandic highways is 90 km/h. adventures.is, read 5 Nov
  14. Gullfoss means Golden Waterfall. gullfoss.is, read 5 Nov
  15. Gullfoss falls 32 m in two stages into a canyon with walls up to 70 m high, according to its own site. gullfoss.is, read 5 Nov
  16. Iceland's tourist board gives a drop of 31 m. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  17. The Hvítá river, fed by the Langjökull glacier, makes the falls. gullfoss.is, read 5 Nov
  18. Gullfoss is free and open at all hours. gullfoss.is, read 5 Nov
  19. From the Gullfoss café, a boardwalk reaches the falls in about 3 minutes. gullfoss.is, read 5 Nov
  20. Guide to Iceland suggests 45 to 90 minutes at Gullfoss. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  21. Gullfoss is about 116 km from Reykjavik. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  22. The direct drive from Reykjavik to Gullfoss takes about 1 h 45 to 2 hours. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  23. In summer, Gullfoss sees more than 2,000 people a day on average. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  24. The spray at Gullfoss is cold even on sunny days, and the tourist board advises a raincoat. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  25. In winter, the paths to the lower viewing platforms at Gullfoss sometimes close because of ice and snow. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  26. Iceland's tourist board says Strokkur erupts every 8 to 10 minutes, up to 30 m high. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  27. Guide to Iceland says every 5 to 10 minutes, up to 20 m, and at times 40 m. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  28. The Great Geysir stopped erupting regularly in 1916, according to the South Iceland tourist board. www.south.is, read 5 Nov
  29. The Geysir area is free and open all year. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  30. Geysir is about 107 km from Reykjavik, roughly 90 minutes by car. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  31. Guide to Iceland suggests 45 to 60 minutes at Geysir. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  32. At Strokkur, stay on the upwind side. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  33. Þingvellir has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  34. Iceland's assembly, the Alþing, met at Þingvellir from around 930 until 1798, according to the national park. www.thingvellir.is, read 5 Nov
  35. At Þingvellir the tectonic plates drift apart, and the cracks show at Almannagjá and Silfra. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  36. Iceland declared its independence from Denmark at Þingvellir on 17 June 1944. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  37. Þingvallavatn is Iceland's largest natural lake. www.visiticeland.com, read 5 Nov
  38. Þingvellir National Park has no entrance fee and stays open at all hours. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  39. Parking at Þingvellir costs 1,000 ISK for a car with up to 5 seats. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  40. One parking payment at Þingvellir covers the main car parks for the whole day. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  41. Guide to Iceland suggests about 90 minutes for a short visit to Þingvellir and 3 hours for a full one. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  42. Þingvellir is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik by car. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  43. Þingvellir is usually the first stop on tours. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  44. The Þingvellir visitor centre opens from 09:00 to 17:00 from November to March. www.thingvellir.is, read 5 Nov
  45. Visiting Kerið costs 700 ISK. kerid.is, read 5 Nov
  46. Kerið measures about 270 m across and 170 m wide, and it is about 55 m deep. kerid.is, read 5 Nov
  47. Kerið's own site gives an age of 6,500 years. kerid.is, read 5 Nov
  48. Guide to Iceland gives 3,000 to 6,500 years. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  49. Parking at Kerið is free. kerid.is, read 5 Nov
  50. Kerið's own site says it is open while the sun is up. kerid.is, read 5 Nov
  51. Kerið is about 75 km east of Reykjavik. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  52. The drive from Reykjavik to Kerið takes about 1 h 15. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  53. In winter, snow covers Kerið's red walls and the lake can freeze entirely. guidetoiceland.is, read 5 Nov
  54. The Secret Lagoon, made in 1891 near Flúðir, calls itself Iceland's oldest swimming pool. secretlagoon.is, read 5 Nov
  55. The Secret Lagoon stays at 38 to 40 °C all year. secretlagoon.is, read 5 Nov
  56. Adult entry to the Secret Lagoon costs 4,500 ISK. secretlagoon.is, read 5 Nov
  57. The Secret Lagoon opens from 10:00 to 19:00 from October to May. secretlagoon.is, read 5 Nov
  58. The Secret Lagoon advises booking ahead. secretlagoon.is, read 5 Nov
  59. Entry to the Blue Lagoon starts at 11,990 ISK. www.bluelagoon.com, read 5 Nov
  60. The Blue Lagoon opens from 08:00 to 20:00 from January to May, and to 22:00 from late August to December. www.bluelagoon.com, read 5 Nov
  61. Safetravel, Iceland's official safety site, lists an eruption area close to Grindavík, where the Blue Lagoon is. safetravel.is, read 5 Nov
  62. Laugarvatn Fontana opens from 11:00 to 21:00 from October to May. www.fontana.is, read 5 Nov
  63. Fontana bakes rye bread in the hot ground and lets you taste it. www.fontana.is, read 5 Nov
  64. Fontana advises booking ahead. www.fontana.is, read 5 Nov
  65. Friðheimar grows tomatoes in greenhouses all year. fridheimar.is, read 5 Nov
  66. Friðheimar also breeds horses and puts on a horse show. fridheimar.is, read 5 Nov
  67. The Friðheimar kitchen opens from 11:30 to 16:00. fridheimar.is, read 5 Nov
  68. On 15 November, Reykjavik has about 6 h 30 of daylight, from 09:56 to 16:27. www.timeanddate.com, read 5 Nov
  69. On 21 December, Reykjavik has about 4 h 07 of daylight, from 11:22 to 15:29. www.timeanddate.com, read 5 Nov
  70. On 15 January, Reykjavik has about 5 h 24 of daylight, from 10:55 to 16:19. www.timeanddate.com, read 5 Nov
  71. On 15 February, Reykjavik has about 8 h 37 of daylight, from 09:23 to 18:01. www.timeanddate.com, read 5 Nov
  72. On 15 March, Reykjavik has about 11 h 40 of daylight, from 07:47 to 19:27. www.timeanddate.com, read 5 Nov
  73. On 21 June, Reykjavik has about 21 h of daylight. www.timeanddate.com, read 5 Nov
  74. Locally, the Secret Lagoon is called Gamla Laugin. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  75. Three hot springs, Vaðmálahver, Básahver and Litli Geysir, supply all of the pool's water, and Litli Geysir spouts every few minutes. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  76. The water flows through all the time and is fully replaced within 24 hours. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  77. Iceland's first swimming lessons were held at the pool in 1909, and every year until 1947. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  78. After years of neglect, the pool reopened on 7 June 2014. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  79. A walking path around the pool lets you watch the hot springs. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  80. The pool's bistro sells snacks and drinks, but no warm meals. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  81. The Secret Lagoon opens from 10:00 to 20:00 from June to September. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  82. On 24 and 31 December it opens from 10:00 to 18:00. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  83. Entry costs 3,300 ISK for people aged 67 or over and for people with disabilities, with current ID. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  84. A swimsuit or a towel costs 1,200 ISK to rent at the pool. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  85. The pool's price list and the top of its booking page give 260 ISK for children aged 14 or younger. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  86. The FAQ on the same booking page gives 200 ISK for children aged 14 or younger. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  87. Children aged 16 or younger must come with an adult, and one adult can accompany 3 children at most. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  88. The ticket covers the showers, the lockers and bathing in the pool. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  89. Renting a towel or a swimsuit, drinks and snacks all cost extra. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  90. A ticket works once, on the date and time you chose. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  91. You can bring your own towel and swimsuit, or rent or buy them at reception. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  92. Individual guests who buy on the pool's site have no set limit before closing time, and the average stay is 1.5 to 2 hours. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  93. Reservations go first come, first served, and the pool does not guarantee a place without one. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  94. The pool does not guarantee entry outside the time you booked. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  95. You can pay online when you book, or at reception when you arrive. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  96. The pool runs no transport. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  97. Guests have private parking during opening hours, and overnight parking and camping are not allowed. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  98. The pool says the bus between Selfoss and Flúðir is very limited. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  99. The pool calls a taxi the most expensive way to get there. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  100. The pool is a stop on many Golden Circle tours. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  101. The Secret Lagoon's address is Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  102. Even with an online booking, you may have to wait when there is a queue. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  103. On the pool's site you cancel by email at least 24 hours before, and with less notice there is no refund. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  104. You shower without a swimsuit before getting in. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  105. Children aged 8 or younger must wear inflatable armbands. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  106. The pool advises taking off silver jewellery, because the sulfur in the water can change its colour. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  107. You cannot bring your own food or drink in. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  108. Diving, jumping and running are not allowed. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  109. The pool advises regular breaks from the water and drinking water before, during and after. secretlagoon.is, read 6 Nov
  110. Guide to Iceland puts the pool about 100 km from Reykjavik, roughly 1.5 hours by car in good conditions. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  111. The road from Reykjavik: Route 1 towards Selfoss, Route 35 past Kerið and Reykholt, Route 359 towards Flúðir, then Route 30. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  112. In winter, snow, ice and strong wind can slow the road or close it for a time. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  113. The hot springs around the pool can reach 100 °C and are not for bathing. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  114. The fee covers entry, the paths around the crater, free parking and toilets. kerid.is, read 6 Nov
  115. Kerið's own site says to bring clothes for the weather and comfortable hiking shoes. kerid.is, read 6 Nov
  116. Kerið is in the Grímsnes area of south Iceland. kerid.is, read 6 Nov
  117. Kerið's own site places it along the Golden Circle route. kerid.is, read 6 Nov
  118. Kerið's own site says it did not form in an explosion: a cone volcano emptied its magma and collapsed into the chamber. kerid.is, read 6 Nov
  119. The water sits at the level of the water table and does not come from rain, according to Kerið's own site. kerid.is, read 6 Nov
  120. Kerið's own site calls the lake shallow and puts its colour down to minerals in the soil. kerid.is, read 6 Nov
  121. Kerið's own site says the crater is made of red volcanic rock. kerid.is, read 6 Nov
  122. Kerið is on private land, which is why it charges a fee. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  123. You pay by card at the kiosk on site, or online in advance, which Guide to Iceland recommends in peak summer to skip the queue. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  124. Guide to Iceland says the hours follow the daylight and can shift a little with the seasons. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  125. Guide to Iceland suggests 30 to 60 minutes at Kerið. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  126. A gravel staircase goes down to the water, about 164 m each way. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  127. Walking around the rim is gentle and mostly flat, about half a mile in all. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  128. You get the view from the rim without going down. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  129. A wheelchair cannot use the trail, and it can be hard with limited mobility. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  130. In winter the paths get icy, and some visitors bring crampons. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  131. In summer the car park is busiest from 10:00 to 14:00. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  132. From Reykjavik, take Route 1 towards Selfoss, then Route 35 north: Kerið is signposted from the road. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  133. The way past Þingvellir, on Route 36, takes about 1 h 25 for about 90 km. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  134. Guide to Iceland puts Kerið about 30 km by road from both Þingvellir and Geysir. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  135. Guide to Iceland gives 7 to 14 m for the lake, depending on the time of year and the rain. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  136. Guide to Iceland puts the red down to iron in the scoria, a porous volcanic rock. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov
  137. Guide to Iceland describes Kerið as an inactive crater, with no volcanic activity recorded since its last eruption. guidetoiceland.is, read 6 Nov