![\"Our](\"https:\/\/iceland-lovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/best-things-to-do-golden-circle-winter-attractions-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n Content<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n To get you started, here’s a map showing the main attractions listed in this article:<\/p>\n\n The Golden Circle is a region we love in Iceland, summer and winter alike. A day trip from Reykjavik is perfectly feasible, even in winter, to see the 3 main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Haukadalur \/ Geysir geothermal area with the Strokkur geyser and the Gullfoss waterfall. Note, however, that the roads are more difficult and the days shorter. For more freedom and to see what you want, we recommend renting a car and exploring on your own if you’re comfortable driving in snow and ice. The views from the roads over the Golden Circle are enchanting!<\/p>\n\n Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Note the following constraints:<\/p>\n\n Find the best deals on our preferred car rental platform: DiscoverCars<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n If you don’t want to drive, you can join an organized tour. It’s one of the best options from the capital Reykjavik, just a 1-hour drive from Thingvellir. In winter, sleeping on site can be a very poetic experience, and waking up amidst these unique landscapes covered in a blanket of white is even more of a change of scenery. It’s also more convenient to take your time and discover the region in winter at your own pace. Here are our suggestions for the area:<\/p>\n\n Our article on the best hotels to stay at in the Golden Circle will soon be available.<\/p>\n\n Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Golden Circle region is quite touristy. Roads are quickly cleared after a snowfall. All roads have one lane in each direction and are identified by yellow posts on each side. Keep in mind that driving in Iceland in winter requires extra caution due to winter conditions.<\/p>\n\n Normally, the roads are cleared quickly enough for access. But during snowstorms, roads may be closed at the last minute – always check the status of roads on Umferdin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Be careful, with snow and ice on the ground, it can be slippery. We recommend you always carry cleats with you to add to your shoes. See our article on winter packing.<\/a><\/p>\n\n And now we’re sharing some of our favourite spots in the region!<\/p>\n\n On the Golden Circle circuit, this 24,000-hectare national park is a must-see in our opinion! Stop off at Thingvellir National Park, famous for its geology and historical symbolism. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Did you know that Iceland’s parliament, the oldest in the world, was founded here in the 10th century? Parliamentarians met here right up to the end of the 18th century – fascinating, isn’t it? The tour route is signposted with numerous explanatory panels. The main path is well-maintained and you can easily walk through the fissure and admire the view over the area. It’s one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations, with its mountains, rivers, lake, waterfalls and fault lines. In the midst of these enchanting landscapes, you may catch a glimpse of the small 19th-century church of Thingvallakirkja. It’s closed in winter, but adds a poetic dimension to the panorama!<\/p>\n\n Would you like to discover the depths of a fissure between 2 tectonic plates? Silence, clear water and rock walls… It’s a truly amazing experience, even in winter! The Silfra Fault in the heart of Thingvellir National Park offers an incredible spectacle all year round. On the program: diving and snorkeling between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. Did you know that this is one of the world’s most famous cold-water diving locations? You can also combine this activity with the wonders sheltered by the Golden Circle, such as the Geysir geothermal hot springs zone and the Gullfoss waterfall. Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For us, the Haukadalur geothermal zone is one of the highlights of the Golden Circle. It is home to the famous Geysir, which is dormant, and the Strokkur geyser, which we contemplated as it erupted several times between 15m and 40m high! It was quite impressive! With bubbling mud pools, colorful zones and gushes of water every few minutes, if you’ve never seen a geothermal field before, you’re bound to be surprised. In summer and winter alike, it’s fascinating to stand and watch the water bubble, preparing and guessing whether an eruption will take place or not. You’ll also notice fumaroles, small plumes of steam rising from the earth in a volcanic region.<\/p>\n\n An intriguingly shaped waterfall surrounded by unspoilt nature, the Gullfoss waterfall is quite original to observe with its 2-stage structure on the Hv\u00edt\u00e1 river. Even in bad weather, you’ll find that this 32m-high waterfall is still impressive, especially with this soft blanket of white snow covering the landscape. Iceland’s iconic waterfall, it is located on the river fed by the Langj\u00f6kull glacier, the 2nd largest in the country! In fact, it’s one of the best waterfalls<\/a> to visit in Iceland in winter!<\/p>\n\n Discover the best offers on Discovercars<\/a>, our preferred platform! Read all our tips<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Do you know the Secret Lagoon at the entrance to the small Golden Circle town of Fludir? Often compared to the Myvatn Baths<\/a> in northern Iceland, this hot-water bath is more intimate than some of the more touristy ones in the south, such as the Blue Lagoon. Built in the late 19th century, Secret Lagoon is one of the country’s oldest natural geothermal pools. Would you like to take a dip in an exceptional setting, in water whose natural temperature can reach up to 40\u00b0C? Come to the Secret Lagoon for a moment of pleasure amid the enchanting vapors emanating from the pool! Why not include this activity in a tour of the Golden Circle?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Observing a volcanic crater in the middle of winter is also an experience that has left its mark on us at the Golden Circle! In the heart of the region, the Kerid Crater, over 6 millennia old, features a lake that freezes over in periods of extreme cold. The surface is then sparkling, with a beautiful blanket of snow on the red rock walls all around. In summer, the landscape is very different and more colorful, but the view is well worth a stop even in winter. Surprising light effects, crystal-clear ice, bluish or black landscapes for some… Immersing ourselves in an ice cave was a magical experience during our stay in Iceland during a period of extreme cold. As ice caves are living creatures, these geological wonders change every winter. This is the season when you’ll have the most options for discovering them in complete safety under the supervision of on-site professionals. Did you know that Langj\u00f6kull is Iceland’s 2nd largest glacier? Snowmobile or jeep excursions, or a visit to the world’s largest artificial ice tunnel – there’s no doubt that discovering this glacial giant will impress you!<\/span>Golden Circle winter attractions: Map<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/iceland-lovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/map-attractions-golden-circle-winter-1024x685.png\")
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Road](\"https:\/\/iceland-lovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Road-trip-guide-Iceland-Winter-eBook-cover-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/span>Tips for visiting the Golden Circle in the snow<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
How long<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Driving](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Drive\/i-QZJ9nDN\/1\/KHkqtCBX666jZMqFBDfNkn4fKtmLds578L8mwtsLs\/L\/drive_to_Golden_Circle_Iceland-1364-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBy car: Driving in South Iceland in winter<\/h3>\n\n
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![\"car-iceland\"](\"https:\/\/iceland-lovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/car-iceland.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nOrganized tours from Reykjavik<\/h3>\n\n
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![\"Golden](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Drive\/i-FZDcP32\/1\/K7sHdwdXWmvVtdw23Jjhs3PS63tv7qBbdTTwXxDgQ\/L\/drive_to_Golden_Circle_Iceland-3454-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhere to stay in the Golden Circle in winter<\/h3>\n\n
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WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/South-Coast\/Hotel-Katla\/i-pJBMTRw\/0\/ZQQMRNz8xHstZq28JL5M6NFJtTCctQHbgMHVzVLz\/S\/Vik_Accommodation_Iceland-3648-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nAccessibility in winter<\/h3>\n\n
<\/span>1. Explore Thingvellir National Park<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
![\"Thingvellir](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Thingvellir\/i-HBHQkh2\/1\/LGC4PTNBHK9Q2mMKSjQLCgM69JJKT7FLTvpKBvRxx\/L\/Thingvellir_National%20_Park_Iceland-1403-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Thingvellir\/i-fScVHK6\/1\/M4hC4bm4ZR83bhPM5XX2VZCbZWjptCGkH6TD9gB5H\/L\/Thingvellir_National%20_Park_Iceland-1434-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAccess and useful tips<\/h3>\n\n
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<\/span>2. Diving into the Silfra fault<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
![\"Thingvellir](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Thingvellir\/i-kdGp2Q3\/1\/LF8h8vMfS7kzsqjfSkWVZZQ3fD8Nscw2Z9RkpSS54\/L\/Thingvellir_National%20_Park_Iceland-3466-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Ice](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Thingvellir\/i-32GDNdC\/1\/LtwskTrnx3DSp87CNcR7RtWhWWNKQZbKGwBMn5LtZ\/L\/Thingvellir_National%20_Park_Iceland-1449-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAccess and useful tips<\/h3>\n\n
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WHERE TO STAY IN Iceland<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/span>3. Discover the Geysir \/ Haukadalur geothermal zone<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
![\"Geysir](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Haukadalur\/i-K6j7gHS\/1\/KR59M8cd9P7c2tfDmjvCxPRPxXKd8rXVXk8T5T78B\/L\/Strokkur_Geyser_Haukadalur_Iceland-1638-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Haukadalur\"\/](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Haukadalur\/i-cb9G2Rq\/1\/L9sTvMjdF89G2MKJggbBdLhVkqDbjf2FQrcg7pf2V\/L\/Haukadalur_Iceland-1624-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAccess and useful tips<\/h3>\n\n
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<\/span>4. Admire the mighty Gullfoss waterfall<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
![\"Gullfoss](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Gullfoss\/i-NX9kQWL\/1\/NcKM8L85zfBJC9GbQHQ93bctWV9kpxNz5qJpt8HRH\/L\/waterall_Gullfoss_Iceland-1579-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"power](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Golden-Circle\/Gullfoss\/i-5XV2tsz\/1\/MFXkSvwS9mRQ6bd5LrXrPghJSQb82p83dBtFPD2Jc\/L\/waterall_Gullfoss_Iceland-1565-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nAccess and useful tips<\/h3>\n\n
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RENTING A CAR IN Iceland<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"driving](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Driving\/i-q2wFFnJ\/1\/Dn4qbSGkrKhZgHBNz2hWXrPc3VdddRQZ7cdj3FpVX\/S\/drive_South_coast_Iceland-2-21-S.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/span>5. Bathing in the warm waters of Secret Lagoon<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
Why we love it<\/h3>\n\n
Access and useful tips<\/h3>\n\n
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OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/span>6. Stop off at Kerid Crater<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
![\"Snow-covered](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/Z-extra\/i-Jkdj4K8\/1\/NC9wg6LzgJLZcS3MKKhwqrwg72kVcFr6gDD7PJMnJ\/L\/Kerid_crater_IcelandDP_242066728-L.jpg\")
Why we love it<\/h3>\n\n
Access and useful tips<\/h3>\n\n
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<\/span>7. Enter the Langj\u00f6kull ice cave<\/span><\/h2>\n\n
![\"ice](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Iceland\/Winter\/South-Coast-in-Winter\/Jokulsarlon\/Blue-ice-cave\/i-Ps4QwtT\/1\/Kb47SftjqbSvZr2NtHw9CPxqsj7z8MbjPQfQ3jpZp\/L\/Jokulsarlon_ice_Caves_Iceland-2779-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
Access and useful tips<\/h3>\n\n
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