Exploring Iceland's Golden Circle during winter is a magical experience, offering a unique blend of natural wonders and historical significance. This popular route covers approximately 300 kilometers and showcases some of the country's most stunning landscapes, including geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic plate boundaries.
Snow and ice transform the scenery in winter, creating a surreal and serene environment. The colder months also allow you to see the Northern Lights, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your journey.
Whether you plan a self-drive adventure or join a guided tour, visiting the Golden Circle in winter promises unforgettable memories and breathtaking views.
Why Visit the Iceland Golden Circle in Winter?
Visiting the Golden Circle Tours in winter lets you experience Iceland's dramatic snow-covered landscapes, offering a peaceful and otherworldly atmosphere. The cold season brings fewer tourists, meaning you can enjoy popular sites without the summer crowds.
Winter also presents a chance to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, often seen dancing in the night sky. Additionally, the icy conditions create unique natural phenomena, such as frozen waterfalls and snow-covered craters, providing photographers with stunning opportunities.
Despite the limited daylight hours, the winter light enhances the beauty and mystique of these natural wonders, making it a truly unique experience.
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What to Wear on the Golden Circle Tour in Winter
Dressing appropriately for a winter tour of the Golden Circle is crucial for comfort and safety. Iceland's winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures, strong winds, and snow.
Dressing in layers is important to ensure you stay warm and dry throughout your journey. This allows you to adjust your clothing to match changing weather conditions, keeping you comfortable no matter what. Here's a concise guide to help you dress properly:
- Base Layer: Thermal top and bottom.
- Insulating Layer: Fleece or down jacket.
- Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
- Warm Accessories: Hat, gloves, scarf, thermal socks.
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good traction.
What to Pack for the Tour in Winter
In addition to wearing the right clothing, packing the right gear is important for a winter tour of the Golden Circle. The proper essentials ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience despite the cold weather. Here's a quick list of what to bring:
- Small Backpack to carry your essentials
- Water and Snacks to stay hydrated and energized
- Camera to capture the stunning scenery
- Extra Batteries since cold weather drains batteries quickly
- Hand Warmers for staying warm
- Thermos filled with a hot drink.
- Swimwear and Towel if visiting hot springs or pools
Self-Driving vs Tour of the Golden Circle
When deciding between self-driving or joining a tour, consider your comfort with winter driving conditions. Self-driving offers flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace, allowing for spontaneous stops and extended visits to your favorite sites.
However, winter roads can be icy and challenging, requiring careful driving and preparation. If you prefer a stress-free experience, joining a guided tour is a great option, providing local knowledge, safety, and convenience, often including transportation and sometimes meals.
Golden Circle Tour Stops
Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir National Park in Icelandic)
Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Iceland's parliament, Althing, established in 930 AD. The park is also a geological marvel where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
Best Golden Circle Tour From Reykjavik: Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir
Experience Iceland's most famous natural wonders with this top-rated tour departing from Reykjavik.
Visitors can explore various highlights and activities within the park:
- Walking Trails: Enjoy trails offering stunning views of the Rift Valley.
- Öxarárfoss Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall within the park.
- Silfra Fissure: Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure offers a unique experience for the adventurous. Its crystal-clear glacial water allows you to swim between two continents.
Travel Tips: To avoid crowds, start early or visit in the late afternoon. Paths can be icy, especially towards the waterfalls, so wear appropriate gear.
Hveragerdi
Hveragerdi, known as "the town of hot springs," is famous for its geothermal activity. This charming town features hot springs, greenhouses, and the Reykjadalur Hot Spring River, where visitors can bathe in warm waters.
The geothermal park allows hands-on experiences with hot springs and mud baths.
- Geothermal Park: Experience hands-on geothermal activity with hot springs and mud baths.
- Greenhouses: Visit the lit-up greenhouses that produce fresh vegetables and fruits, even tropical ones like bananas.
- Reykjadalur Hot Spring River: Hike to the hot spring river in Reykjadalur Valley, where you can bathe in the warm, geothermal waters.
Travel Tips: Visit early or late to avoid crowds, wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, dress in layers, and stick to marked paths. If you're flying into Keflavik International Airport, plan your travel to include Hveragerdi for a unique geothermal experience.
Kerid Crater
Kerid Crater is a volcanic crater lake in South Iceland known for its striking blue water surrounded by vibrant red volcanic rock. This natural wonder, part of the Golden Circle, is approximately 3,000 years old and offers a unique visual contrast, especially beautiful in winter when the snow highlights the vivid colors of the landscape.
- Geological Features: The crater is 55 meters deep, 170 meters wide, and 270 meters across. It was formed when a volcanic cone collapsed, and its red slopes are due to fresh iron deposits.
- Scenic Beauty: The deep blue lake at the bottom of the crater is especially picturesque against the red and orange rock, making it a popular spot for photography.
- Accessibility: Located along the Golden Circle route, it is easily accessible by car and requires a small entrance fee.
Travel Tips: Visit early or late to avoid crowds, wear sturdy shoes for the hike, dress warmly in layers, and bring a camera to capture the stunning views. If you're exploring the South Coast, include a stop at Kerid Crater to witness its unique beauty.
Small group Golden Circle tour with Kerið crater and Friðheimar farm
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland's Golden Circle on this small-group tour, visiting iconic sites such as Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Strokkur geyser. With a maximum of 19 participants, you'll enjoy a personalized adventure...
Gullfoss Waterfall
One of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, Gullfoss, is spectacular in winter when parts of it freeze, creating stunning ice formations. The waterfall, part of the Golden Circle, is a must-see with its powerful cascades dropping a total of 32 meters into a rugged canyon, making it one of the incredible natural wonders to visit in Iceland.
- Winter Beauty: In winter season, parts of the waterfall freeze, creating a magical ice-covered landscape, turning Gullfoss into a mesmerizing golden waterfall.
- Viewing Points: Multiple viewing platforms offer different perspectives of the falls. The paths can be slippery in winter, so caution is advised, and a sturdy winter coat and boots are recommended.
- Facilities: The visitor center at the upper car park offers food, souvenirs, and restrooms, providing necessary amenities for visitors.
Travel Tips: Wear crampons or shoes with good grip for icy paths, visit the upper viewing platform for the best views, and check weather conditions before your visit to ensure accessibility. When planning to visit Iceland in winter, being well-prepared for the cold and icy conditions will enhance your experience at Gullfoss and other attractions on the Golden Circle route.
Icelandic Horses
Along the Golden Circle route, you'll see the unique Icelandic horses. These small but strong horses are known for their friendly nature and distinctive gait, called the tölt.
- Characteristics: Icelandic horses are small, hardy, and have a unique gait that makes them comfortable.
- Interaction: Many farms along the route offer riding tours and opportunities to interact with these charming animals.
- Scenic Rides: Riding tours often take you through stunning landscapes, providing a unique way to experience Iceland's natural beauty.
Travel Tips: Book a riding tour in advance, dress warmly for outdoor activities, and be prepared for varying weather conditions while enjoying the scenic rides.
Geysir
The Geysir geothermal area features hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and the active Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes and shoots water up to 30 meters in the air. While the original Great Geysir is mostly dormant now, Strokkur has become the main attraction, providing reliable and spectacular eruptions for visitors.
The area has geothermal features, including colorful hot springs and steaming fumaroles, making it a must-see stop on the Golden Circle.
Travel Tips: When visiting Iceland in winter, dress warmly with a good winter coat and sturdy footwear to navigate the icy paths safely. Visit early or late to avoid crowds, wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven terrain, and bring a camera to capture the eruptions.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Laugarvatn Fontana offers a relaxing experience with geothermal baths and natural steam rooms. It's a perfect stop to warm up and unwind during your tour of the Golden Circle.
The facility is set by the beautiful Laugarvatn Lake and provides a serene environment in which to enjoy Iceland's geothermal energy.
- Geothermal Baths: Several pools with varying temperatures are perfect for relaxation.
- Steam Rooms: Natural steam rooms built over hot springs.
- Lake View: Enjoy stunning views of Laugarvatn Lake while soaking in the hot baths.
Travel Tips: Bring swimwear and a towel, book in advance during peak seasons, and take your time to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the geothermal waters.
Other Tour Options
Golden Circle with Snorkel in Silfra
Combine the classic tour with snorkeling in the Silfra fissure for a unique underwater experience. Silfra, located in Thingvellir National Park, offers crystal-clear water with visibility up to 100 meters, allowing you to snorkel between two continental plates.
Participants are provided with dry suits and guided through the four main sections of Silfra: the Deep Crack, Hall, Cathedral, and Lagoon.
Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour
Extend your day by adding a Northern Lights hunt in the evening. This tour combines the Golden Circle's natural wonders with an evening adventure to witness the spectacular aurora borealis.
The tour typically includes stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area, followed by a night-time excursion to hunt for the Northern Lights.
Golden Circle Classic and Northern Lights Mystery
Take a classic Golden Circle tour to witness the Aurora Borealis: the Northern Lights! Both Golden Circle and Northern Lights are the most celebrated attractions of Iceland. This day tour perfectly values these wonders and lets you see nature's jaw-dropping glory
Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour
Enjoy the Golden Circle and end the day with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon. This tour includes visits to the major Golden Circle attractions such as Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir, concluding with a rejuvenating dip in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon is known for its geothermal seawater and is a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour
Add adventure to your tour with a snowmobile ride on a glacier. This tour features the classic Golden Circle highlights and includes an exhilarating snowmobile ride on the Langjökull Glacier.
Participants receive necessary gear and a safety briefing before exploring the glacier's vast, icy expanse.
Secret Lagoon and Golden Circle Tour
Visit the Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland's oldest natural pools, along with the Golden Circle. This tour allows you to enjoy the iconic sights of the Golden Circle, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir, followed by a relaxing soak in the warm, geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon. The lagoon offers a more authentic and less crowded experience than geothermal baths.
Golden Circle Iceland and Secret Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik
Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Island provides an excellent day trip with some of nature’s most wondrous sights, from bubbling geysers and thundering waterfalls to geological marvels draped in thousands of years of history.
Practical Tips for Winter Travel
Winter travel in Iceland requires careful preparation due to the unpredictable and often harsh weather conditions. Here's a detailed guide to help ensure your trip is both safe and enjoyable:
- Regularly check the weather forecast and road conditions, as they can change rapidly.
- Always have a full tank of gas before setting out, and carry a charged phone with emergency contacts
- Bring a map or GPS device since not all areas have reliable internet service.
- Dress in layers, including a warm base layer, insulating middle layer, and waterproof outer layer, to be prepared for changing weather.
- Carry a flashlight or headlamp for low-light conditions and crampons or ice grips for additional safety on icy paths.
- Allow extra time for travel to account for slower driving conditions due to snow or ice.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Golden Circle in winter is a unique experience showcasing the best of Iceland's natural beauty and historical sites. The snow-covered landscapes provide a stunning backdrop, making the scenery more breathtaking and photogenic.
With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a more peaceful and intimate exploration of landmarks like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area. Witnessing the Northern Lights dancing in the clear winter sky adds an unforgettable highlight to your journey.
Whether you choose to drive yourself or join a guided tour, proper preparation ensures you can fully embrace and enjoy the winter magic of Iceland's Golden Circle. Visit our website today for more information and to plan your unforgettable journey.
FAQs
Can you do the Golden Circle tour in winter?
Yes, you can do the Golden Circle tour in winter. The roads are generally well-maintained, and many tours operate year-round, ensuring access to key sites like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area despite the winter conditions. This makes it a great option for a winter trip to Iceland.
What is special about Thingvellir?
Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage site notable for its historical and geological significance. It is the site of Iceland's first parliament, established in 930 AD, and is uniquely positioned between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, providing a dramatic landscape where the continental drift is visibly active.
Does Geysir close?
No, Geysir does not close. The geothermal area is open year-round, although access may be restricted during extreme weather conditions to ensure visitor safety.
Is Kerid Crater worth visiting?
Yes, Kerid Crater is worth visiting. Its vibrant red volcanic rock contrasts beautifully with the blue water and white snow in winter, making it a striking natural feature that is especially photogenic during the colder months.
Do you need a 4×4 to drive the Golden Circle?
While a 4×4 is not strictly necessary, it is recommended for better handling on icy roads and in snowy conditions. This vehicle provides extra stability and safety, which is particularly useful given Iceland's unpredictable winter weather.
