Can I drive the Golden Circle today?

Updated 11 July 2026Driving

250 km · 3–4 h round trip · roads 1, 36, 365, 37, 35 — live status below is scoped to this route only.

Short answer

Usually yes — the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) is fully paved and open year-round, and a 2WD is fine in summer. Winter storms can close Mosfellsheiði or Lyngdalsheiði for hours at a time. The live status below is scoped to the actual loop, not the whole country.

This route, right now

Live frames from the Vegagerðin cameras on and around this route — the fastest reality check there is.

Mosfellsheiði road camera — live view from Vegagerðin — MosfellsheiðiRoute 36 — the heath into ÞingvellirLive · Vegagerðin

Lyngdalsheiði road camera — live view from Vegagerðin — LyngdalsheiðiRoute 365, Laugarvatn shortcutLive · Vegagerðin

Gullfoss road camera — live view from Vegagerðin — GullfossThe final stretch at the fallsLive · Vegagerðin

Open year-round; in winter check wind and ice before the heath sections. Conditions change within hours — re-check before you leave, and treat a Vegagerðin closure as final.

Frequently
asked questions

Do I need a 4x4 for the Golden Circle?

No. The whole loop — Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss — is paved. A 2WD car is fine in summer. From November to April a 4WD is more comfortable in snow and wind, but studded winter tyres (mandatory on all rentals in season) matter more than the drivetrain.

Is the Golden Circle open in winter?

Yes, it is maintained year-round. Short weather closures happen on the Mosfellsheiði (route 36) and Lyngdalsheiði (route 365) stretches during storms — usually hours, not days. Check the live status on this page before you set off.

How long does the Golden Circle take to drive?

About 250 km and 3–4 hours of driving from Reykjavík, without stops. A comfortable day with Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and a bathing stop is 7–9 hours.