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Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 Days

The Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls and a day at Jökulsárlón in 4 days, with car, hotels and a day-by-day route.

5.0(1,117 guest reviews across our tours)
4 days · 3 nightsCar + hotels + breakfastAll yearStarts and ends at Keflavík Airport
Prefer a campervan? See this route by camperGolden Circle & South Coast in 4 days · camper, insurance and campsites · 15 May to 30 September · From 56,900 ISK per person →

Trip at a glance

Best forShort stays and stopovers: the Golden Circle, the South Coast and Jökulsárlón in 4 days, best with an afternoon or evening flight home
HighlightsÞingvellir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach
Total drivingAbout 950 km in 4 days
Longest dayDay 3: about 240–300 km, 3.5–4 hours of driving
Start and endKeflavík Airport, any day of the week

What's included with us

Your own trip map, on web and phoneAfter booking you get a private map of your trip on icelandmap.is: each day's route, your hotels, fuel stations, toilets, places to eat and the extra stops below, ready on your phone before you land.
Lesser-known stops picked by localsEach day includes quieter places that most visitors drive past, chosen by our team and marked on your map.
A local team in IcelandWe are a local travel agency in Iceland. Message or call us before and during your trip; we answer in English and help if plans change on the road.
Day-by-day guideDriving times, road and weather notes, and where to stop for fuel and food each day.
One free date changeChange your travel dates once for free up to 30 days before arrival (subject to availability).
No booking feesThe price you see includes hotels, car, breakfast, taxes and card fees.

Day by day

Open a day for stops and tips. Add tours to any day; the price updates in the booking box.
DAY1Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysArrival and the Golden CircleAbout 250 km, 3.5–4 hours of driving · 1 optional tourOvernightHella areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Keflavík Airport – Þingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Hella area

Pick up your car at Keflavík Airport and drive to Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian plates. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes, and on to Gullfoss waterfall. If you still have energy, stop at Kerið crater on the way south. You sleep in the Hella area, close to the start of the South Coast.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysÞingvellir National ParkWalk through Almannagjá and see the rift valley. Parking fee applies.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysGeysir geothermal areaStrokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes. Café and toilets at the Geysir Centre.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysGullfoss waterfallTwo viewpoints; the lower path can be icy or closed in winter.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysKerið crater (optional)A short walk around a red volcanic crater. Entry fee.Guide →
Local tip: If your flight lands early in the morning, take a short rest stop in Reykjavík or at Þingvellir's service centre before the longer drive.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsUrriðafoss · Iceland's largest waterfall by volume, two minutes off the Ring Road by the Þjórsá bridge.Brúarhlöð · A narrow canyon where the Hvítá river runs between rock pillars, right beside road 30 between Flúðir and Gullfoss.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysLaugarás Lagoon: Birki Standard EntryNear the Golden Circle route; fits day 1 only with an early arrival.+8,500 ISK pp
DAY2Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSouth Coast waterfalls and ReynisfjaraAbout 180–260 km, 2.5–4 hours of driving (depending on where your hotel is) · 1 optional tourOvernightSkaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Hella – Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Sólheimajökull – Dyrhólaey – Reynisfjara – Vík – Skaftafell / Kirkjubæjarklaustur area

The South Coast's best-known stops are all along today's road. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss and look into the narrow gorge of Gljúfrabúi, then climb the steps beside Skógafoss. See the glacier tongue at Sólheimajökull, the sea arch at Dyrhólaey and the basalt columns at Reynisfjara. After lunch in Vík, the road crosses the lava fields of Eldhraun and the wide sands in front of Vatnajökull to your hotel between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell, where you spend the night.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSeljalandsfossThe path behind the waterfall is wet and closes when icy. Parking fee.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysGljúfrabúiA waterfall hidden in a gorge, a 10-minute walk from Seljalandsfoss. Waterproof shoes help.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSkógafossAbout 500 steps lead to the viewpoint at the top.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSólheimajökull glacierA short walk to the glacier edge. Do not go onto the ice without a guide.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysDyrhólaeySea arch and lighthouse. In May and June part of the area can close for nesting birds.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysReynisfjara black sand beachStay well back from the water: sneaker waves are dangerous here.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysVík í MýrdalThe last village with a supermarket and several restaurants before Kirkjubæjarklaustur.Guide →
Local tip: Fill up with fuel in Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur. There are long stretches without services east of Vík.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsKvernufoss · A waterfall in a small gorge about 15 minutes on foot from the Skógar museum. You can walk behind it. The path is icy in winter.Loftsalahellir · A cave in the cliffs between Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, once used for local meetings, with a view along the coast.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSólheimajökull Glacier HikeAdds about 4 hours to day 2, a long day. Day 3 has glacier hikes at Skaftafell instead.+14,424 ISK pp
DAY3Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSkaftafell, Jökulsárlón and Diamond BeachAbout 240–300 km, 3.5–4 hours of driving · 8 optional toursOvernightVík areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Skaftafell – Fjallsárlón – Jökulsárlón – Diamond Beach – Fjaðrárgljúfur – Vík

Start early with the walk from the Skaftafell visitor centre to Svartifoss, the waterfall framed by dark basalt columns. Drive east to Fjallsárlón, where the glacier comes down to the water, and on to Jökulsárlón, where icebergs float out to sea. Across the road, ice lies on the black sand of Diamond Beach. In the afternoon, drive back west, stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur and end the day in Vík.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSkaftafell Nature ReserveVisitor centre with toilets, café and trail maps. Parking fee.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSvartifossAbout 1.5 hours return on a well-marked uphill path.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysFjallsárlónA smaller lagoon where the glacier comes down to the water.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysJökulsárlón glacier lagoonSeals are often seen near the lagoon's mouth. Parking fee.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysDiamond BeachIce on black sand, on both sides of the river mouth. Keep away from the waves.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysFjaðrárgljúfur canyonA path along the rim with viewpoints, about 1 hour return. It can close in spring to protect the ground.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysVík í MýrdalSupermarket, restaurants and fuel.Guide →
Local tip: If you want a glacier hike or an ice cave tour, book the morning slot so you still reach Vík before dark in winter.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsHofskirkja · The last turf church built in the old style (1884), at the farm Hof in Öræfi, a minute from the Ring Road.Breiðárlón · A quieter glacier lagoon west of Jökulsárlón, reached by a gravel track. Check the track before driving it.Kirkjugólf · Flat-topped basalt columns that look like a church floor, a few minutes' walk from the road in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
DAY4Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysWaterfalls on the way to the airportAbout 230 km, 3 hours of driving · 2 optional toursOvernightEnd of tripDetails ▾Close ▴
Vík – (Reynisfjara or Dyrhólaey) – Skógafoss – Seljalandsfoss – (Raufarhólshellir) – Keflavík Airport

If the weather was poor on day 2, take a second look at Reynisfjara or Dyrhólaey in the morning. Drive west past Skógafoss, walk up the short path to Kvernufoss in its hidden gorge, and stop at Seljalandsfoss again if you like. With time to spare, walk into Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel on the way, or relax in the Blue Lagoon, 20 minutes from the airport. Return the car at Keflavík Airport.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSkógafossAbout 500 steps to the top.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysSeljalandsfossParking fee. The path behind closes when icy.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysRaufarhólshellir lava tunnel (optional)Guided visits only; see the add-ons.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysThe Blue Lagoon (optional)Book a time slot in advance. Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula can close it at short notice.Guide →
Local tip: Vík to Keflavík Airport is about 3 hours without stops. Choose a flight after 4 pm, and allow at least 2.5 hours at the airport, plus time to refuel and return the car.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsBridge between continents · A footbridge over a fissure between the North American and Eurasian plates, a short detour on the way to the airport.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysKatla Ice Cave Tour from VíkFrom Vík on the morning of day 4. Only with an evening flight home.+28,847 ISK pp
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysRaufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel TourOn the way to the airport; fits day 4 with an afternoon or evening flight.+8,900 ISK pp
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysBlue Lagoon Comfort admissionEntry, towel, silica mask and a drink · choose Comfort or Premium+18,990 ISK pp
Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 4 DaysBlue Lagoon Premium admissionComfort plus bathrobe, slippers and a second mask · choose Comfort or Premium+21,990 ISK pp
Driving distances and times are rounded estimates from main-road distances, without stops. Tour prices are per person.

More you can add

These have no fixed price yet. To add one, write it in the wishes box when you book. We add it and confirm the price with you before we charge anything for it.

Extra night in Reykjavík at the startAny day · Arrive a day early and start rested.

Hotels

Hotels as listed or similar. If a listed hotel is full, we book one of the same standard in the same area and tell you before we confirm. We aim to book nights 2 and 3 in the same hotel; if it has no room for both nights, we book two hotels of the same standard in the area.

  • Night 1: Hotel in the Hella area or similar
  • Night 2: Hotel between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell or similar
  • Night 3: Hotel in the Vík area or similar
Double or twin room. Single rooms and triple rooms on request. Breakfast: included every morning.
BudgetGuesthouses and simple hotels, some with shared bathrooms
Comfort3-star hotels with private bathroom
Superior4-star and boutique hotels where available

Your rental car

  • 1–2 travellers: compact car with automatic gearbox (Toyota Yaris or similar). 3–4 travellers: Kia Sportage or similar.
  • 1–2 travellers: 4x4 SUV with automatic gearbox (Suzuki Vitara or similar). 3–4 travellers: Kia Sportage 4x4 or similar.
  • Larger 4x4 (for example Kia Sportage) or 4x4 in summer at extra cost. 7-seat 4x4 and 9-seat van for groups on request.
  • Picked up and returned at Keflavík Airport
  • Unlimited kilometres
  • CDW, super CDW (SCDW), theft protection (TP) and gravel protection (GP)
  • Pick-up and return at Keflavík Airport
  • 24% VAT

Included

  • 3 nights in hotels or guesthouses at your chosen level, with breakfast
  • Rental car for 4 days, picked up and returned at Keflavík Airport
  • Car insurance as described above
  • Day-by-day route with stops, driving times and local tips
  • Trip map on icelandmap.is with fuel stations, toilets, restaurants and stops along the way
  • Lesser-known stops chosen by our local team, marked on your trip map
  • Help from our local team before and during your trip

Not included

  • Flights
  • Fuel
  • Parking fees at sights (for example Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón)
  • Entry fees (for example Kerið)
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Optional tours and lagoon entry, unless you add them
  • Travel insurance

How it works

1Choose and bookPick your date, travellers, hotel level, car and tours. You see the full price before you book, and pay a 20% deposit by card.
2We confirmWe book every hotel, the car and your tours, and confirm by email within 24 hours.
3Get your travel packVouchers, your route map and the day-by-day guide, by email and on your phone.
4Drive, with us on callA local is a message away if the weather or your plans change.

Seasons and driving

This trip runs all year. May to September for long days. November to March for northern lights and ice caves (4x4 included). Best with a morning arrival and an afternoon or evening flight home.

From October to April the car is a 4x4. In December and January there are only 4 to 5 hours of daylight and day 3 has about 3.5 hours of driving, so start early. Roads can close in storms; check road.is and vedur.is each morning.

Payment and cancellation

  • Book at least 14 days before arrival
  • 20% deposit when you book
  • Balance due 45 days before arrival. Bookings made less than 45 days before arrival are paid in full.
If you cancelCancellation fee
More than 30 days before arrival10% of the total price (you get half of your deposit back)
30 to 15 days before arrival50% of the total price
14 to 8 days before arrival75% of the total price
7 days or less before arrival, or no-show100% of the total price
  • One free date change up to 30 days before arrival, subject to availability.
  • We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation (illness, flight changes).

Good to know

Is 4 days enough for the South Coast and Jökulsárlón?

Yes, for the main sights, if your flight home is in the afternoon or evening. You see the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls, black sand beaches and Jökulsárlón. With an early-morning flight, or for a slower pace, choose our 5-day trip, which ends with a night in Reykjavík.

Can we do this trip in winter?

Yes. From October to April we include a 4x4, and you can add an ice cave tour on day 3. Daylight is short in December and January, so start each day early. We check the forecast with you if storms close roads.

Do we need a 4x4 in summer?

No. The whole route is on paved main roads, with no mountain (F) roads, so a compact car is fine from May to September.

Which hotels will we stay in?

You choose Budget, Comfort or Superior. We book hotels in the Hella area, between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell, and in the Vík area, and send the hotel names with your confirmation. If a hotel is full, we book one of the same standard nearby and tell you first.

Can we add a second driver or Wi-Fi?

Yes. Tick them in the booking box and the price is added for the whole trip.

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See also

SELF-DRIVE · 5 DAYS · ALL YEARSouth Coast & Glacier Lagoon in 5 DaysFrom 104,700 ISK per person

Want to change something?

Add a night, swap a hotel or fit the trip around your flights. We are a local travel agency in Iceland and plan every self-drive trip by hand.

Ask a local
Price per personFrom 74,700 ISK per person