The Perfect One Day Itinerary on the Golden Circle with Kids
/If you’re looking for the best 1-day Golden Circle itinerary in Iceland with kids, this is exactly how we did it with 3 kids in tow!
When planning a trip to Iceland, the Golden Circle is one of the first things you’ll hear about—and for good reason. This iconic driving route is one of the easiest ways to experience Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal activity all in one day.
Like I said - the golden circle is iconic iceland
But if you’re traveling with kids (or as a solo parent like I often do), the big question becomes: is the Golden Circle actually worth it—and how do you do it without it feeling rushed or overwhelming?
After spending three years living abroad and traveling extensively with my kids, I’ve learned that the key to a successful travel day is balance. When building a Golden Circle itinerary from Selfoss, you’ll want to see the highlights, but you also need to build in flexibility.
We based ourselves in Selfoss and followed this Golden Circle itinerary with our three kids—and it ended up being one of our favorite days in Iceland. Even with cold temperatures, a little snow, and constantly changing weather, this route delivered incredible scenery with manageable drive times and kid-friendly stops.
This guide breaks down exactly how to do the Golden Circle with kids, including where to stop, what we skipped, parking costs, and tips to make your day as smooth as possible.
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Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from The Golden Circle
Here is the best family friendly itinerary for Iceland’s Golden Circle:
Table of Contents
Click any Hike Below to Jump to it’s description and see images!
Map of the The Golden Circle Tour Day
Skálholt (Optional Stop)
Efstidalur (Optional Stop)
Brúarhlöð (Unexpected Stop)
Map of the The Golden Circle Stops
Use this map to see where each stop on the Golden Circle is located. If you’re looking for a full itinerary, my 10-day Iceland itinerary is coming soon!
Urriðafoss
Urriðafoss is a perfect first stop on the Golden Circle tour, especially if you’re staying in Selfoss. It’s located just 15 minutes away and requires almost no effort to visit as the waterfall is just steps from the parking area.
Urriðafoss was stunning. The parking area was so close to the falls and there were very few people there. We were so happy to see blue skies!
What makes Urriðafoss unique is its width and power. It’s actually one of the most voluminous waterfalls in Iceland, with the Þjórsá River rushing through a broad, rocky channel. While it doesn’t have the dramatic vertical drop of some of Iceland’s more famous waterfalls, the sheer force of the water moving through this area is impressive. We got to see it covered in huge snow packs which was incredible.
There’s no entrance fee and parking is free, making this an easy, low-commitment way to start your day.
Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from The Golden Circle
we visted Urriðafoss when it had giant snow blocks on top - it was crazy to see the water flowing under
Kerið Crater
Kerið Crater is one of the most visually striking stops on the Golden Circle and a favorite for kids. This volcanic crater lake is estimated to be around 3,000 years old and is part of a group of volcanic hills known as the Tjarnarhólar.
Kerið crater is a very unique place to explore. It is family friendly and the trails are well maintained and easy
Unlike many volcanic craters that are formed by explosive eruptions, Kerið is believed to have formed when a volcano collapsed inward after emptying its magma reserve. This gives it its distinct bowl shape and relatively intact structure.
What makes Kerið stand out is the color contrast—the deep red volcanic rock surrounding the crater paired with the vivid blue water inside. The water was frozen when we were there, so it just looked white, but I am sure in summer it’s stunning.
You can walk the rim of the crater for panoramic views or take the stairs down to the water level. The loop is short, well-maintained, and very manageable with kids.
There is a small entrance fee of about 700 ISK (roughly $5.75 USD) per person, and parking is included. There are restrooms and a kiosk to get snacks.
Helpful Items: Must Haves for A Trip To Iceland
Skálholt (Optional Stop)
Skálholt is a historic site that was once one of Iceland’s most important religious and cultural centers. For centuries, it served as the seat of a bishop and played a major role in shaping Iceland’s history.
Today, you can visit the cathedral and walk the surrounding grounds, which are open and easy to explore. Honestly, I only had it on our itinerary as a photo stop.
We had planned to stop here but ultimately skipped it to keep our day manageable with kids. If you have extra time, it’s a good place for a quick stop and a bathroom break. There is no entrance fee, and parking is free.
Laugarvatn Fontana Rye Bread Tour + Lunch
We saw Zac Efron do this and booked it. Its was one of the most fun and memorable stops of the entire day. At Laugarvatn Fontana, you can experience traditional Icelandic rye bread being baked underground using geothermal heat.
The bread is buried in the hot sand near the lake and slow-cooked for about 24 hours. During the tour, you’ll watch and get to participate in the entire process of digging up the bread pot and placing a new one for tomorrow’s tour.
After the demonstration, you get to taste the bread fresh with butter. If you’re open to it, try it with smoked fish. I don’t like fish usually but this fish was super smoky and really good. It’s a traditional pairing and I am very glad I tried it. I ended up eating 4 pieces I think.
Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from The Golden Circle
Tours typically cost around 2,500–3,000 ISK per person and are well worth it. This is also a great place to plan your lunch, as the warm food and indoor seating provide a welcome break from the cold. Water is free with the food, but you can add coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a small additional fee.
There is also a geothermal spa here that was closed for renovation when we visited. Otherwise, we would have stayed and enjoyed the spa for a while.
we absolutely LOVEd this tour and would do it again and again!
Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss is one of the most distinctive waterfalls in Iceland and easily one of the most unique stops on the Golden Circle. It’s known for its incredibly vibrant blue water—arguably one of the bluest you’ll see anywhere in the country.
The color comes from glacial meltwater that carries fine sediment, which reflects light in a way that creates that unreal blue tone.
Reaching Brúarfoss requires a very short hike (about 7-10 minutes each way). Even in heavy snow, my kids did this just fine. In summer, it would be extremely easy.
The road leading to the parking area is gravel and can be rough, so take your time driving. Parking requires a small fee which can be paid at the kiosk.
the blue water at Brúarfoss is indescribable. IT’s so blue it almost looks like its glowing.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is one of the most famous attractions in Iceland and a highlight along the Golden Circle.
be sure to stop in the visitor center to see this reindeer and grab some souveniers
While the original Great Geysir is mostly inactive today, Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, shooting hot water high into the air. We stayed to see it erupt 4 times and each time was a different height and intensity.
The area is filled with bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and mineral-rich pools, giving you a close-up look at Iceland’s geothermal activity. You can choose to walk up the path that overlooks the entire geothermal area.
Parking is free, and there’s a large visitor center with restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.
Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes - or less! We were able to see it 4 times!
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic waterfalls. Don’t skip this one.
gullfoss is a huge waterfall with other waterfalls in it! IT’s incredible.
Fed by glacial water from the Langjökull ice cap, the waterfall drops in two dramatic tiers into a deep canyon carved by the Hvítá River. The sheer scale and force of the water make this one of the most impressive sights in Iceland.
There are multiple viewing platforms, allowing you to see the falls from different angles. We went to all of the platforms that were open, but some were closed due to the snow.
Parking is free, and there’s a large visitor center with food, restrooms, and a gift shop.
Efstidalur (Optional Stop)
Efstidalur Farm is a popular stop known for its homemade ice cream and family-friendly atmosphere. Here you’ll be able to ride Icelandic horses, have lunch, or just grab an ice cream. While you eat, you can watch the farm’s cows through a viewing window!
We chose to skip this stop to keep our day shorter and make sure we had enough time at the lagoon. However, if you’re looking for a relaxed break or a treat, this is a great addition to your itinerary.
we didn’t get to ride the horses on the farm, but I wish we had. We saw these horses on the side of the road.
Brúarhlöð
Brúarhlöð is otherworldly
One of the most other worldly sights we saw all day wasn’t planned at all. Driving between stops, we spotted this unreal bright turquoise water cutting through a narrow dark canyon. Needless to say, we immediately pulled over. This was Brúarhlöð.
The color didn’t even look real. It’s milky blue-green glacial water flowing through dark volcanic rock. No photos will ever do it justice. It felt completely different from the waterfalls we had seen earlier in the day and ended up being one of the most unique landscapes we experienced.
There’s a small parking area (there is a small fee) just off the road and it’s a quick, easy stop, but the terrain near the edges can be uneven and steep, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on kids here.
This was one of the many moments on the trip we were so glad we hired a car and drove ourselves around. Being able to stop when we wanted was so great.
Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from The Golden Circle
no words or photos will ever do this spot justice
Secret Lagoon
Ending the day at the Secret Lagoon was the perfect way to unwind after a full day of exploring. Secret Lagoon is one of the oldest natural geothermal pools in Iceland and offers a much more relaxed and less crowded experience compared to the much larger and popular Blue Lagoon.
The water temperature stays around 100–104°F (38–40°C), making it comfortable even on colder days. There’s also a walking path around the pool where you can see bubbling hot springs and a small geyser. We watched this little geyser erupt several times while we soaked.
Entry costs around 4,500 ISK for adults, with discounted rates for children under 14 (about 260 ISK). Secret Lagoon facilities include changing rooms, showers, and there is a small café with food and drink for purchase. We booked our tickets on site, but you can book in advance to guarantee a spot.
Tips for Doing the Golden Circle with Kids
Start early—this is a full day even without long stops
Don’t try to do everything (skipping stops made our day better)
Pack snacks or plan your lunch stop ahead (Fontana ended up being our lunch and we ate snacks we brought along)
Dress in layers—weather changes quickly and wind can be intense
Check road conditions before you go
If you’re visiting Iceland with kids, the Golden Circle is a must do and it’s one of the easiest ways to experience what makes Iceland’s landscape so unique.
This route is especially great for families because it’s directional and timely. You get iconic stops, short drive times, and a mix of easy-access viewpoints and more active stops like Brúarfoss without doubling back.
More than anything, what made this day special for us was the flexibility. We skipped a few stops, added in an unexpected one, and didn’t rush through it. Some stops we stayed longer than expected while others we were done quite quickly.
don’t be surprised if your backseat looks like this after this amazing day on the golden circle
If you’re building your Iceland itinerary, this is one day you shouldn’t skip—and one that proves you can absolutely experience Iceland with kids without it feeling overwhelming.
Check out my Instagram Highlight with Photos and Videos from The Golden Circle
Have you ever explored the Golden Circle? What was your favorite spot? Leave me a comment and let me know!
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