Looking for the perfect 1-day Iceland Golden Circle and South Coast itinerary? This route combines some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes into an unforgettable road trip. This itinerary follows the route we personally drove, sharing our photos, tips, and highlights from each stop along the way.
Although it’s a long day, it’s completely doable during Iceland’s summer months when the Midnight Sun provides nearly endless daylight.
Before We Started….
Our second day in Iceland didn’t begin exactly as planned.
After a wonderful first day exploring West Iceland, we started early on our second day from Reykjavik, even though the sky was a bit gray and gloomy. Shortly after leaving Reykjavík, we noticed one of our rear tires was losing air. After nearly an hour of phone calls and WhatsApp messages with our rental company, it became clear they weren’t going to replace the vehicle. Instead, they advised us to stop at a nearby gas station and refill the tire.
Fortunately, that solved the problem. After checking the tire pressure at N1 gas station, grabbing snacks and water, and making sure everything looked good, we finally set off on our Golden Circle adventure. Sometimes these unexpected moments become part of the journey.
With our itinerary ready, we began our Golden Circle route.
Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park – Where Nature Meets History
Arrival: 9:00 am.
Our first stop was Þingvellir or Thingvellir National Park, one of Iceland’s most historically and geologically significant locations. Walking between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates was unlike anything we’d experienced before. Towering cliffs, volcanic rock formations, waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and peaceful walking trails made this the perfect introduction to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. It was easy to see why this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of Iceland’s must-visit destinations.
More info here.
Highlights:
- Walk between two continents
- Beautiful viewpoints
- Waterfalls
- Crystal-clear streams
- Historic Alþingi site
Stop 2: Gullfoss – Iceland’s Golden Waterfall
Arrival: 12:00 pm.
After about an hour’s drive, we reached Gullfoss waterfall. The thunder of the water could be heard before we even reached the viewing platform. The roar of the cascading water, mist hanging in the air, the vast gorge below, crisp fresh air, wildflowers, and lush green valley surrounding it …. It was absolutely breathtaking and one of the most powerful waterfalls we’ve ever seen. More info here.
Highlights:
- Massive two-tier waterfall
- Excellent viewpoints
- Easy walking paths
- Free parking
Stop 3: Geysir Geothermal Area – Fire and Water in Motion
Arrival: 1:00 pm.
Only ten minutes from Gullfoss, the landscape changed to a completely contrasting world of the Geysir geothermal area. Instead of waterfalls, we found hissing geysers, bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, colorful geothermal pools, and the unmistakable smell of sulfur. Watching Strokkur erupt every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the sky, was one of the day’s highlights.
More info here.
Highlights:
- Strokkur erupts every few minutes
- Bubbling geothermal pools
- Visitor center and cafe
Stop 4: Kerið Crater – A Burst of Color
Arrival: 3:00 pm.
After coffee and hot chocolate, we continued our extended Golden Circle route with a 30-minute drive to Kerið Crater. The vibrant red volcanic walls, patches of bright green moss, and deep blue crater lake created a striking contrast and made this stop especially memorable. More info here.
Highlights
- Bright blue crater lake
- Red volcanic rock
- Short walking trail around the rim
With the Golden Circle complete, we headed south along Route 1 toward Iceland’s iconic waterfalls.
Stop 5: Seljalandsfoss – Walking Behind the Falls
Arrival: 4:30 pm.
After just over an hour of driving, we reached Seljalandsfoss. Its tall, elegant drop, framed by green cliffs and wildflowers, was stunning, and walking behind the waterfall was a fun and unforgettable experience. No wonder it’s one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. More info here.
Highlights:
- Walk behind the waterfall
- Beautiful cliff scenery
- Excellent photography spot
- Scenic walking trail
- Nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall
Stop 6: Rútshellir Cave – Hidden History in Mossy Rocks
Along the way, we made a quick stop at Rútshellir Cave, a tiny, ancient looking stone house built into the base of a massive moss-covered rock formation. Everything around us was so green and quiet, and we loved how peaceful it felt. We spent a few minutes exploring and taking photos before continuing on to Skógafoss. Sometimes the lesser-known stops become unexpected favorites.
Stop 7: Skógafoss – Power and Beauty Combined
Arrival: 6:00 PM
Our waterfall chasing continued with a 30 mins drive to Skógafoss. Despite the rain, Skógafoss looked absolutely spectacular…. wide, huge, and graceful, surrounded by lush green cliffs. The mist and raindrops made everything feel even more magical as the water thundered down into the valley below.
More info here.
Highlights:
- One of Iceland’s largest waterfalls
- Staircase to the top
- Panoramic views from the top
- Frequent rainbows on sunny days
Stop 8: Sólheimajökull Glacier – Ice, Ash, and Contrast
Arrival: 6:30 pm.
Only fifteen minutes later, we arrived at Sólheimajökull Glacier. This landscape looked completely different from everything we’d seen earlier that day. It felt like stepping into an entirely different world….towering ice, volcanic ash, black sand, yellow-green moss-covered valleys, waterfalls, and floating icebergs in lagoons. We spent nearly an hour here simply enjoying the scenery. More info here.
Highlights:
- Glacier viewpoints
- Icebergs
- Black volcanic ash
- Guided glacier hikes available
Stop 9: Solheimasandur Plane Wreck – A Roadside Glimpse
On our way toward Vík, we spotted the famous Solheimasandur Plane Wreck from Route 1. Although it’s one of Iceland’s most photographed attractions and has appeared in several music videos and films…. including the Bollywood movie Dilwale, we decided not to do the 4-mile round-trip walk, especially with the rain, and grabbed a few photos from the roadside pull-off.
Stop 10: Reynisfjara Beach – Black Sand and Crashing Waves
Arrival: Around 8:00 pm.
We originally planned to visit Dyrhólaey, but it was closed due to bird nesting season.
Instead, we continued to Reynisfjara Beach. Even in the rain, the black sand, towering basalt columns, and powerful Atlantic waves created an unforgettable and dramatic scene. It was a brief but unforgettable stop before we finally made our way to our stay in Vík for the night, where the views were calm, peaceful, and really refreshing. More info here.
Highlights:
- Black sand beach
- Basalt column cliffs
- Reynisdrangar sea stacks
- Powerful Atlantic waves
- Dyrhólaey rock arch and viewpoints
- Puffin spotting (summer)
- Coastal photography spots
Mapping Our Journey: Golden Circle to Iceland’s South Coast
To give a better sense of our route, these maps shows our journey starting in Reykjavík, looping through the Golden Circle — Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, and Kerið, and continuing along the South Coast to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Reynisfjara Beach, and finally ending the day in Vík.
Is This Itinerary Realistic?
Yes….. but only during summer.
We completed this route in late June when Iceland enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight. Starting early allowed us to visit every stop without feeling rushed.
Outside of summer, especially between October and March, this itinerary would be much more challenging because of shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather.
Conclusion: A Day of History, Waterfalls, Ice, and Black Sand
By the end of the day, our legs were tired, our cameras were full, and our hearts were even fuller. From tectonic plates and roaring waterfalls to glaciers and black-sand beaches, June 20, 2025, gave us an unforgettable glimpse into Iceland’s wild and ever-changing beauty. It was a long day with a lot to see, but starting early and traveling in summer made it completely doable. The midnight sun gave us extra daylight and the freedom to explore at a relaxed pace, even with a few hiccups along the way, making it a day we’ll never forget.
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