Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- English
This self-guided driving tour follows the Golden Circle from Reykjavik to Þingvellir National Park, once home to the ancient Viking parliament. Along the 46km drive, you'll pass Reykjavik's Danish colonial quarter, the Elliðaárdalur valley's urban salmon river, and mossy lava fields.
You'll hear about Iceland's prohibition era and the rise of Brennivín, the legend of Grýla and the 13 Yule Lads, and the country's strict horse export ban. You'll also stop at the birthplace of Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness. The tour ends at Þingvellir, where you'll stand in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, overlooking Lake Þingvallavatn.
Perfect for road-trippers and independent travellers who want context, not just scenery. After booking, install the VoiceMap app and enter your ticket code to download and start touring.
Please note: You'll need to organise your own car.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at N1 Hringbraut. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
This self-guided audio tour ends in Parking P1 of the Þingvellir National Park.
Itinerary
-
Golden Circle Route (Pass by)
We'll then head out on the legendary Golden Circle, Iceland's most iconic road trip: history, geology and drama, all within a single loop.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This self-guided driving tour starts in N1 Hringbraut in Reykjavík, where you'll learn how Danish trade monopolies stunted the city's growth for centuries before it finally expanded into the modern capital it is today.
Admission ticket free -
Elliðaárdalur (Pass by)
Heading east, you'll pass through the Elliðaárdalur valley, home to one of the world's few urban salmon rivers, before the landscape opens into mossy lava fields and mountain views as you leave the city behind. The route follows the old King's Road, once tied to Danish royal authority, toward Þingvellir.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This district is also home to Ölgerðin Brewery which you will soon see on your right, founded in 1913, one of Iceland’s oldest producers of beer and soft drinks.
Admission ticket free -
Mount Esja (Pass by)
Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the iconic Esja mountain range and discover the geology and legends that make it one of Iceland's most mythical landmarks.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Just a short drive from Reykjavík, we'll stop at the former home of Halldór Laxness : Iceland's only Nobel Prize-winning author, where you'll get a glimpse into the life and mind of the man who shaped modern Icelandic literature.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
As Þingvellir comes into view, you'll spot the vast Þingvallavatn lake – Iceland's largest – sitting directly in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Admission ticket free -
Pingvellir National Park (Pass by)
Our route takes us to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Vikings gathered to establish the world's oldest parliament in 930 AD, making it the birthplace of democracy as we know it, set against a backdrop of volcanic rifts and crystal-clear glacial waters.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
