The Golden Circle and the South Coast are Iceland’s classic road trip: waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and geothermal springs, all along Route 1, the Ring Road. Splitting the drive into stops means less time in the car and more time at the sights – our stays are placed to do exactly that.
Stop by stop
- Selfoss and the Golden Circle: the gateway town, under an hour from Reykjavík, with Þingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss on one loop.
- Geysir: stay opposite the hot springs and watch Strokkur erupt before the tour buses arrive; Gullfoss is about ten minutes away.
- Vík: the South Coast village by Reynisfjara black sand beach, with Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on the drive in.
- Glacier Lagoon: Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, with Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park close by.
Driving times (approximate, in good conditions)
- Reykjavík to Selfoss: about 1 hour
- Reykjavík to Vík: about 2.5 hours
- Vík to Jökulsárlón: about 2.5 hours
In winter, allow extra time and check road.is and safetravel.is before you set off – weather can close roads at short notice.
When to go
Summer brings long days and green landscapes; winter brings snow, ice caves and the northern lights, which are often brilliant away from city lights here. Many of our South Coast stays have outdoor hot tubs – the best seat in the house for an aurora.
Book your stops
Rooms are below, priced per night in US dollars. Send your route and dates on WhatsApp and we’ll put together availability and prices for each night. Starting in the capital? See the Reykjavík guide.
