Iceland’s Golden Circle with Kids
Iceland is a popular family travel destination for families from all over the world. It’s easy to navigate through, child friendly and offers lots of things to see and do for the whole family to enjoy.
One of the best things to do is visiting Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids. It’s the most scenic route in Iceland and along this round-trip you’ll find top attractions like Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir National Park.
In this post I’ll tell you all about all the sights on the Golden Circle, why it’s a must visit, where to eat and where to stay. All from our family’s personal experience. Having visited the Golden Circle once in July and another time in October, we have a thing or two to share with you.
No time to read?
Save on Pinterest and read this article later!
Why visiting Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids is a must
Lots of parents opt to take their children on a 2 or 3 week self drive along the Ring Route, which we highly recommend. They start and end their family trip to Iceland in Reykjavik.
But for those of us that don’t have the time to explore the entire country, there are some great alternative shorter road trips.
One of the most popular tourist routes is the Golden Circle. A classic route that most people take once they’re done exploring capital city Reykjavik. Since it’s closest to Reykjavik and the area around the airport in Keflavik, this is the area that sees the most tourists.
On the Golden Circle you’ll find spouting geysers, jaw dropping waterfalls, snorkel and diving sites in between 2 continents a volcanic crater and much more.
This diversity and the chance of being in nature for a few days are the reasons why visiting the Golden Circle in Iceland with your family is a must.
What is the Golden Circle?
Iceland’s Golden Circle is a 260 kilometer (165 miles) if you start and end it in Reykjavik. Amongst the 15 sights to see on the Golden Circle are 3 of the most popular natural attractions in the land of fire and ice: Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir in Icelandic). But there are lots of other places to discover along the circle.
Why is it called the Golden Circle? It’s name comes from Gullfoss, which translates into Golden Falls and is the furthest point on the scenic circle route. Many of Iceland’s top attractions can be found along the route. All of them easily accessible, that’s why visiting the Golden Circle with your kids is definitely worth it.
And did you know that Northern Iceland has a great alternative to the Golden Circle? It’s called the Diamond Circle, also great for families to explore. Be sure to add this route to your Iceland itinerary if you have the time to drive up north.
The Golden Circle map
How much does a road trip to the Golden Circle cost?
The sites themselves don’t cost much. Parking in Thingvellir National park for a full day will cost about 5 euros. A visit to Geysir and Gullfoss won’t cost a thing. Parking is free and there’s no entrance fee. Other sights along the route are also mostly free.
There are lots of restaurants you can eat at. Dining in Iceland isn’t cheap. Expect to pay about 20 euros per person for one course and a drink. If you’re traveling on a budget I advise buying food at gas stations. For about 4-5 euros you can get yourself one of those famous Icelandic hot dogs, a sandwich or fries. A (non alcoholic) drink will cost you about €3 to €4.
Top Golden Circle tours
How to get around
You can book a (half) day tour, but I highly advise you to go on a self drive for 2 or 3 days to see as much as you can.
And you also have more time to explore the sights and fuel yourself with some Icelandic cuisine. There are so many amazing things to do and see along the way that it would be a pity if you have to miss anything, because your schedule is too full. A risk even higher with smaller children in tow. Adding 2 to 3 days in your itinerary for the Golden Circle, gives you a little more time for some hiking and you can take a bit more rest in between sightseeing.
It also means you can avoid coach tour crowds by timing your visit outside rush hours.
The whole route takes you from and back to Reykjavik in about 4 hours without any stops. There are half day tours on offer that take you to the three attractions the Golden Circle is known for.
When you go on a day tour you’ll be driven to some other highlights too, but your time at all the natural attractions is limited. And believe me when I say that during your drive you’ll spot things you wish you could spend some time at.
Golden Circle and a 4wd
While some areas in Iceland require a 4×4 to explore them, the Golden Circle is not one of them. If you’re renting a car or campervan just to explore the Golden Circle with kids you can opt out of a 4wd vehicle.
Where to eat on the Golden Circle
There are two places that deserve a mention. Both very child friendly. And the great thing is, they don’t only sell amazing food, but they also offer activities that your kids will absolutely enjoy!
Efstidalur II Farm and Shop
This family run restaurant sells products that come straight from the farm. They are famous for their ice cream, but the also sell homemade Skyr and feta cheese. Their burgers are phenomenal, made from beef from the farm and buns from a local bakery.
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Friðheimar is a very popular farm that has a menu completely inspired by tomato. Of course they offer (amazing!) tomato soup, but also somewhat strange products like tomato ice cream. Weird, but trust me, very nice.
Where to stay on the Golden Circle
Hotels on the Golden Circle
There are a few great hotels you can stay at with your children along and right next to the Golden Circle
Farmhotel Efstidalur II
Yes, you’ve read that right. You can not only have an amazing meal at Efstidalur II, but you can also book a room in their hotel.
Litli Geysir Hotel
Across the road from Geysir hot spring you’ll find Litli Geysir Hotel. It has a homey feel to it. You can arrange a crib for your toddler or book an extra bed for an older child. The food is lovely, but not necessarily aimed at children. That’s why it’s a good thing that they have a kids menu to choose from.
Campsites on the Golden Circle
Camping in the Golden Circle is easy because there are lots of (basic) well kept campsites here for affordable prices.
Camping Geysir
Across from Geysir hot spring (and right next to the Litli Geysir Hotel), you’ll find camping Geysir. There are showers, toilets and a playground. Electricity is available for half of the spots.
Úlfljótsvatn Scout and Adventure Center
At the scouting center you can book a spot to camp at the Úlfljótsvatn campsite. Needless to say it’s very child friendly. You don’t have to partake in any scouting activities. It’s a very popular campsite for families that are road tripping the Golden Circle.
15 things to see on Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids
As I mentioned before there are about 15 sights to see on the Golden Circle. Let’s discuss them all.
1. Reykjavik
Let’s kick off this list with the place where the Golden Circle starts and ends: capital city Reykjavik.
This is the place where you can book family friendly tours for the Golden Circle. If you haven’t already done that online, of course. Or you can rent your own car or campervan to explore the Golden Circle and spend as much time here as you want.
There’s lots to see and do in Reykjavik for families. Some great things to see and do in Reykjavik:
- a visit to Hallgrimskirkja
- check out architectural gem, Harpa
- eat an Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
- visit Whales of Iceland
- go on a whale watching or puffin tour
- get lost in the city and check out all the cute colored houses
Take 2 or 3 days to explore Reykjavik at the start of the end of your travels through Iceland.
2. Þorufoss
þórufoss, or Thorufoss, is often overlooked, because it’s not directly located on the Golden Circle. And I would skip it if you only have 1 day on the Golden Circle, because there are other sights that are definite must-sees.
But if you have 2 days or more it’s definitely worth stopping for. Thorufoss is relatively small compared to Gullfoss and Selfoss, but it’s still an impressive sight to see.
And it’s less touristy which makes it even more appealing. You won’t be hiking the 800 meters to the waterfall behind a long line of other visitors.
We recommend the short hike down to the river that’s below the waterfall. The gorge is beautiful.
Keep in mind there are no ropes along the canyon gorge so it might not be the best thing to do when with smaller children or children that aren’t experienced hikers yet. Especially in autumn or winter when there’s snow and it’s slippery or when it’s raining.
Iceland fun fact: If you’re a Game of Thrones fan you might want to visit this site. In season 4 (episode 6) Drogon lands in front of this waterfall and chucks down a goat.
3. Þingvellir National Park
Oddly enough, Iceland only has one site on the UNESCO World Heritage List and that is Thingvellir NP (locally known as Þingvellir). What makes this beautiful park a much visited sight is that it sits between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, meaning you can walk between two continents at once.
You can easily spend a full day here. If that doesn’t fit in your road trip itinerary, than please take a half day to explore this national park. Hiking in Thingvellir NP is the top thing to do here. And I would like to mention two highlights that will be fun for the whole family to check out.
Öxarárfoss waterfall
Öxarárfoss waterfall is one of the main attractions in this NP. An easy loop route of about 4km, doable for toddlers, takes you to the waterfall in the ravine Almannagjá.
Fans of Game Of Thrones will recognize the Almannagjá gorge as The Bloody Gate. A natural gateway that leads to the entrance of the Eyrie. Sansa was brought there first by Lord Bealish and later on Arya is brought there by The Hound. So, if you’re there with an older teen that loves this show, be sure to mention this as it must surely be extra fun to take the hike. We all know that teens need some encouragement every now and then ;).
4. Diving in Silfra Fissure
This next site can actually be found in Thingvellir NP, but it deserves is own spot on this list. If you’re feeling adventurous you can snorkel or scuba dive between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Fun activity for everyone 12 yo and up. We opted out, because after a 4km hike our toddler’s patience had been thoroughly tested on the back of his father.
So we went there, took a few pics and talked to a family who loved the experience. They said it was the clearest water they ever snorkeled in. And what we saw from the waterfront confirmed what they said.
5. Laugarvatn Fontana Spa
Full disclosure: we didn’t visit the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, so I can’t say if we recommend it. We already went to the Blue Lagoon a few days before and had the Myvatn Nature Baths on the agenda for the next week, so we skipped this one.
But if you don’t have time to visit any other geothermal pools during your time in Iceland and you’re exploring the Golden Circle, this is your chance to chill and relax with your kids.
Unlike some other geothermal pools children of all ages are welcome here, so that’s a big plus. Our 1,5 year old wasn’t allowed in the Blue Lagoon, but did join us in the Myvatn Nature Baths and he loved it. He was so relaxed. So if you’re in Iceland with a baby or toddler, do give it a try.
Geothermal bakery
A thing we were bummed about by not visiting is the fact there’s a geothermal bakery in the Laugarvatn spa. All year round from 11.45 am and again at 2.30 pm you can see how they make rye bread here. Between June 1st and September 30th they add a third departure at 10.15 am.
They make the bread, dig it into the warm ground where it’s baked for 24 hours before it’s dug up again. And of course you get to try it with a slice of smoked trout on top.
Children up to 6 years are free. Check the current prices for other ages on the website of Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. Note that each tour had a capacity of 30 people. So book ahead or make sure you’re at the spa about 15-30 minutes before the tour starts to secure your spots.
6. Efstidalur II
After speaking highly about it when it comes to where to eat and where to stay on the Golden Circle with children it’s now time to share what you can do here besides sleeping and eating.
During your visit to Efstidalur your kids can learn about farm animals. Meet the cows that make the milk that is used for the delicious ice cream you can get in the farm shop or in the restaurant. One thing about the ice cream: it’s the best ice cream we’ve had outside of Italy. So if you have little time, just make a quick stop for an ice cream fix.
You can get up close and personal to all the farm animals. Supervised by the staff of course. In summer they offer Icelandic horse riding tours. You can also ride Icelandic horses to explore the farm and your even allowed to take the horses up to waterfall Brúarfoss.
Want to hear a cool fact about Iceland: the Icelandic horse is the only horse breed in the country!
7. Geysir Geothermal Area – Geysir & Strokkur
One thing you definitely must check out when visiting Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids is arguably the most famous natural phenomenon of the country: Geysir. When I was young I saw Geysir spouting water into the air with enormous force on TV and I knew I had to see it for real sometime. I did, and even better: I came with my family.
Geysir doesn’t spout anymore. It stopped working in the year 2000. Except for one spout in 2016. So, you can say that it’s still active. But the chance of seeing it in action is very slim! Gladly, its sibling Strokkur is still working its magic every 10 to 15 minutes.
And let me tell you, it’s a sight you don’t want to miss. When you travel to Iceland with kids this is an absolute must see!
8. Gullfoss Waterfall
Another hugely popular Golden Circle attraction is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls: Gullfoss. This impressive fall is 32 meters high. It’s two tiered. With the upper tier being 11 meters high and the lower being 21 meters high.
It’s a very short hike from the parking lot. You pass the Gullfoss visitor center first and then, almost immediately after, you can hear loud rumbling sounds. Walk down the steps and you can spot Gullfoss in the distance. You can get real close to the falls.
It gets a bit boring, but again when visiting Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids you should definitely visit Gullfoss, because it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
9. Faxi
Faxi, otherwise known as Faxafoss and Vatnsleysufoss, is a little known gem you’ll drive by when making your way down south (ur up north if you driving the Golden Circle the other way around ;)).
It’s a place most tours, except for the private ones, skip. So you will have the place to yourselves with only a handful of other travelers if you’re self driving the Golden Circle.
Faxi is “only” 7 meters high, but a whopping 91 meters wide. But the best selling point for a visit to Faxi is that you can get really up close and personal with this fall, because the water gently flows down. And that’s also why the water was extremely clear, which we really enjoyed seeing.
Most waterfalls are impressive because of the water thundering down and the roaring sounds that makes. But a visit to Faxi feels way more serene. We spend a lot of time just admiring the views and nature here.
10. Secret Lagoon
Gamla Laugin, aka Secret Lagoon, is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland and it’s located in a geothermal area called Hverahólmi.
Although we didn’t go (because of the earlier visit to the Blue Lagoon and a future visit to Myvatn Nature Baths) it must be a great experience. Why?
It’s located very near to Geysir and on the premises of the secret lagoon you’ll find the mini version of it: Litli Geysir. You can actually spot this geyser spouting every few minutes while you’re enjoying the pool.
No spa services here. They pride themselves in keeping the Secret Lagoon as natural and simple as possible for a true Icelandic experience.
11. Þjórsárdalur
Þjórsárdalur is a valley that runs along the river Þjórsá. You can hike around here for an hour or two and just enjoy nature.
On your walk you’ll pass by waterfalls Háifoss and Hjalparfoss. And you also get rewarded with great views of the Hekla volcano.
Lastly, make your way into one of only a few forests we’ve run into on our trips to Iceland: Búrfells. And the majestic Mount Búrfell will also be in view for the biggest part of your hike
Families with older children can join a tour and go rock climbing.
It’s a mystery to me why Þjórsárdalur is rarely mentioned when it comes to the Golden Circle, because if you love nature and hiking, this is a must visit!
12. Skálholt Cathedral
After all these natural wonders we drive into the town of Skálholt for a short break and to admire the Skálholtskirkja.
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but there’s a cellar with an interesting museum where you can find a sarcophagus of bishop Páll Jónsson, a bishop, and objects all found during excavations in the 1960s. Things people used hundreds of years ago. There’s also an underground tunnel that was used to get from house to house and to the church since the 11th century.
And after you’ve explored the church go outside and check out the archaeological site where you can find an old Icelandic home made out of wood and a grass roof.
A quick stop when you have the time is recommended. You’ll need about 15 to 30 minutes max. Is this a must-visit? Not really, in our honest opinion. But it’s nice to see it if you can spare the time.
Before or after your meal in the greenhouse, you can learn about growing tomatoes in a cold climate. They offer tours all year long. And you can also buy souvenirs in their shop, like tomato jam or salsa.
13. Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Briefly mentioned as a place to eat is the Friðheimar Tomato Farm. But this is not just a place to eat an awesome tomato soup. You can also join a tour here.
You can check out the geothermal greenhouse and learn about how they grow tomatoes here with the help of geothermal energy. Because of al the geothermal sources around the farm they can heat and light up the greenhouse in a sustainable way.
They don’t just grow tomatoes, but cucumber as well. And you can buy tomato drinks, cucumber salsa and tomato jam as a souvenir.
Keep in mind that Friðheimar farm is almost always fully booked during the high season. Make sure you prebook your meal and/or tour of the greenhouse well in advance.
14. Sólheimar Eco Village
Solheimar is the first and only eco-village in Iceland and the only one in the world at the time of writing. If you have the time to stop here it’s nice to check out how they live here.
Only about 100 people live here and the eco-community was founded by Sesselja Sigmundsdottir in 1930, starting as a foster home.
There’s a hot spring on the land that they use to provide energy for the entire village. All shops and other places of interest are run by people living in the village. And by buying handicrafts, drinking a cup of coffee or stocking up on fruits and veggies you give back to this local community.
Sólheimar is the largest provider of organic fruit and vegetables in Iceland.
15. Kerið Crater
Kerið crater lake can be found in the area of Grímsnes. Most of the day tours to the Golden Circle have added Kerið to its itinerary. It definitely is a must-see. The color of the lake is amazing, an intense azure green. Walking up to the top op the crater is easy, a pathway will lead you all around the volcano. And the views of the area from the top are also a highlight.
Since it’s privately owned (Can you believe it? Owning a crater lake?) you pay a small fee of about 3 euros. With our payments the landowner can protect and preserve this amazing sight!
Other popular things to do around the Golden Circle
Raufarhólshellir
This is an attraction we didn’t visit, since it wasn’t suitable for our toddler. But I have heard that exploring this 1360m long lava tunnel is a magnificent sight to see and so it deserves a mention in this Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids post.
Admission to kids ages 3 and up only. You can book an hour long tour or if you’re traveling with teenagers than you can book the adventure packages. In about 3-4 hours and with some climbing and balancing you’ve truly checked out all the nooks and crannies of this lava tube.
Top Raufarhólshellir Lava Tours
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Area
Time to relax for a bit in the thermal water of Steam Valley. Steam Valley is the loose translation of Reykjadalur. The whole Reykjadalur Valley is filled with mud pits and and hot springs.
The hike up there was a bit of a struggle with our youngest. During high season the road up to the valley is filled with a long row of parked cars. We were there at 9am and we already had to park near the end of the road. The hike up to the valley is quite steep. But his tears were worth it. His face lit up as soon as he saw the steam coming from all the hot springs.
Langjökull Glacier
At about 40km from Gullfoss a little winter wonderland enfolds, even in the summer. At Langjökull you can choose to do a few activities. You can go glacier hiking, enter a snow cave on a snowmobile and/or explore a glacier tunnel with an experienced guide.
If you have time for only one visit to a glacier during your road trip through Iceland, then let it be Langjökull, which means Long Glacier.
Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids – wrap-up
It’s time to go back to the ring route. You’ve seen all there is to see on the Golden Circle and more. Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids is best when you’ve spent 2 or 3 says there. You won’t regret it.
That’s it for the Iceland’s Golden Circle with kids guide. If you have any questions or tips, let me know in the comments.
Did you enjoy this guide to visiting The Golden Circle with Kids?
If so, read more about Iceland family travel:
- Epic 3-Week Iceland Family Road Trip Itinerary (+ Shorter Routes If You’re Short On Time)
- Iceland’s Golden Circle with Kids
- Iceland’s Diamond Circle with Kids
- Iceland in October with Kids: Things to Do & Things to Know Before You Go
- Planning a Family Trip to Reykjavik: Things to Know Before You Go
- 24 Best Things to Do In Reykjavik with Kids
- 39 Iceland Fun Facts for Kids
- 10 Best Waterfalls in Iceland with Family: The Beautiful Ones You Shouldn’t Skip
- Best hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights for families
Pin for Later
Other Iceland Family Travel Posts
