The Golden Circle is Iceland’s famous tourist route, covering about 187 miles looping from the capital city of Reykjavík into the southern uplands and back. It showcases three of the country’s most visited attractions, Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. By staying at one of the Airbnbs along the way, you’ll have convenient access to the hotspots while being perfectly situated for viewing the aurora borealis, far from the light pollution of the city.
Old Historical Home, Reykjavik
You’ll want to spend at least a couple of days in Reykjavik before exploring further, and this luxurious stone villa is one of the oldest in the capital city, offering lots of historic charm while celebrating Iceland design with its decor. It has white stone walls and wooden beams, accommodating up to four guests in one bedroom plus a bright loft that includes a sleeping nook, ideal for families with childre to use as a play area. You’ll have all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen, washer/dryer, TV and Wi-Fi, along with exclusive use of a car and two city bicycles.
The Old Barn, Mosfellsdalur
Located in Mosfellsdalur on the outskirts of Reykjavik, The Old Barn is a studio apartment accommodating up to two in one large room with windows that look out to the west, north and east, providing spectacular views on nearly every side. Enjoy a peaceful, secluded stay with a salmon river trickles nearby and Gullfoss water roaring in the distance. It includes a kitchen with all the essentials and a grill outdoors for use in the spring and summer. Animal lovers will especially enjoy this property, home to Icelandic horses, sheep, chickens, dog and a cat.
Jonsstadir Airbnb, Thingvellir National Park
This two-bedroom cottage at Lake Thingvallavatn, just 30 minutes from Reykjavik, sits just outside Thingvellir National Park and accommodates up to five guests while providing jaw-dropping views of the lake and northern lights. It was rebuilt in the original Icelandic style to retain the historic character, but you’ll find plenty of modern amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, TV and Wi-Fi. Enjoy peace and tranquility, and access to fishing too.
Golden Circle Cabin with Hot Tub, Grímsnes- og Grafningshreppur
This cabin sits along the Golden Circle high atop a hill, providing a sweeping view over the lake and valley below. You’ll be right in the heart of it all, about 15 minutes from Selfoss, while enjoying plenty of seclusion, perfect for soaking in the luxurious hot tub on the deck and watching Mother Nature’s fantastic light show. It includes two bedrooms and a sleeping loft, accommodating up to eight guests and has a new well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, Senseo coffeemaker, kettle and everything you need to make your own meals. You’ll have Wi-Fi, a TV, washer/dryer and lots of helpful items for families with kids like a high chair, crib, children’s dinnerware, books and toys.
A Beautiful Cottage Close to Geysir, Laugarvatn
Just 10 minutes from the Geysir thermal area in the middle of the Golden Circle Route, this unique property was built to reflect the Icelandic landscape while complementing the green of the moss and trees in the old lava field. The two-bedroom cottage accommodating six guests is eco-friendly, warmed by geothermal water that runs through pipes in the floor which keeps it cozy all year-round although additional heaters are available if necessary. The warm water in the house comes from a local geothermal hot spring, while the cold water is derivated from a natural cold spring out of a nearby well and electricity is generated by geothermal energy from a nearby power station. It has a hot tub for soaking among the scenery and includes lots of child-friendly items like a crib and high chair.
Golden Circle Icelandic House with Hot Tub, Reykholt
A typical Iceland house, this beautiful three-bedroom is located in the middle of the Golden Circle near all the attractions, just 1.2 miles from Kerið Crater and less than an hour from Reykjavik while surrounded by picturesque scenery. It accommodates up to six adults, plus a baby or toddler with a crib available. It has a well-equipped kitchen with all the necessities, free unlimited Wi-Fi and a TV. The highlight is the garden that has a hot tub for up to six, a barbecue and swing.
Luxury House on the Golden Circle, Kerbyggð
If you’re looking for luxury, it’s hard to beat this three-bedroom home, perfectly situated along the Golden Circle close to Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir. Exclusively designed by Icelandic architects, it sleeps up to six guests and offers spectacular views from inside and out, including from your own private terrace with a barbecue grill and a seating area, for relaxing among the Icelandic nature, including the northern lights. It has a wide range of amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, cable television and Wi-Fi.
Room for Two, Access to Sauna and Hot Tub
If you’re looking for an affordable farm stay on the Golden Circle Route, this private room accommodating two is located in a large house. Guests have access to all of it, including a spacious living room, dining room and kitchen with complimentary tea and coffee. Outside you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery from the deck that has a hot tub and sauna. Located in the countryside near the small community of Borg, just 20 minutes from Selfoss near grocery stores, restaurants and cafes, yet still remote enough to enjoy the serenity and gorgeous mountain views.
Private Room in a House, Selfoss
This modern house inspired by the traditional Icelandic turf-house sits along the banks of the Ölfusá river. It’s located less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, Geysir and Gulfoss near Selfoss for easy access to the South Coast too. You’ll be surrounded by volcanoes while enjoying spectacular opportunities for watching the northern lights. Up to two guests can be accommodated in the private room with a bathroom that includes a shower and tub along with access to outside patios, a garden and waterfront for watching the salmon fishermen in the summer.
Beautiful Cozy Summer House, Hveragerdi
Located in the small town of Hveragerdi, sometimes referred to as the world’s “hot spring capital” this one-bedroom cottage is about an hour from Geysir and just 40 minutes from Reykjavik within the Golden Circle. Accommodating up to six guests, it sits within a large garden on another property and includes cooking facilities, a microwave, bread maker and refrigerator. Enjoy alfresco dining with a table and chairs in the garden, and free Wi-Fi. You’ll be just minutes from Eldestar which offers riding on the country’s famous Icelandic horses too.
Northern Lights Luxury With a Hot Tub, Mosfellsbær
This three-bedroom luxury villa is just minutes from Reykjavik, an ideal option on your return from the Golden Circle or for your entire stay. It’s in one of the best spots for winter northern lights viewing while accommodating up to eight, ideal for large families. It includes children’s amenities like a crib, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, TV and a hot tub.
