Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal activity, and unique natural attractions. For visitors who enjoy golf, the country also offers a surprising number of scenic courses set among lava fields, along the ocean, and across wide open countryside. Playing golf in Iceland is unlike golf in most other places.
Many travelers discover that it is possible to combine a round of golf with some of Iceland’s most famous sightseeing locations on the same day. One of the easiest ways to do this is by visiting the Golden Circle route, the country’s most popular travel circuit. The route forms a loop from Reykjavík and connects three of Iceland’s best-known natural landmarks: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Þingvellir National Park
The first major stop on the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with both historical and geological significance. This is where Iceland’s parliament was established in the year 930, making it one of the oldest parliamentary gathering places in the world.
Þingvellir also sits directly on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Over time the slow movement of these plates has created a dramatic rift valley, with cliffs, fissures, and clear water-filled cracks in the earth. Visitors can walk through this landscape and see the geological forces that continue to shape the island.
Located less than an hour from Reykjavík, Þingvellir is typically the first stop for travelers driving the Golden Circle.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Continuing east brings visitors to the Geysir geothermal area in the Haukadalur valley. The word “geyser” actually originates from the Icelandic word geysa, meaning “to gush.”
Although the original Great Geysir now erupts only occasionally, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, sending hot water high into the air. The surrounding geothermal field is filled with steaming vents, bubbling pools, and mineral-rich ground that reflects the powerful geothermal energy beneath the surface.
Marked walking paths allow visitors to explore the area while safely observing the eruptions.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Just a short drive from Geysir lies Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. The Hvítá river plunges in two stages into a rugged canyon, creating a dramatic series of cascades that send mist rising into the air.
On sunny days, rainbows often form in the mist above the falls. Visitors can view the waterfall from several paths and platforms that offer different perspectives of the canyon and the surrounding landscape.
Gullfoss is typically the final major stop on the Golden Circle before the route continues back toward Reykjavík.
Golf Along the Golden Circle
For golf travelers, the Golden Circle route can easily be combined with a round of golf on the same day.
One convenient option is to begin the morning with a round at Mosfellsbær Golf Club, located just north of Reykjavík along the coast. The course sits by the Atlantic Ocean and offers wide views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Because it lies along the route toward Þingvellir, starting the day here allows golfers to enjoy a round before continuing toward the main Golden Circle attractions.
Another course connected to the route is Kiðjaberg Golf Course, located directly along the Golden Circle itself. The course sits above the Hvítá river and features wide fairways, open landscapes, and a peaceful countryside atmosphere. Its location makes it possible to combine golf with sightseeing without traveling far from the main route.
With a bit of planning, visitors can experience both Iceland’s natural landmarks and one of its distinctive golf courses in the same day.
A Full Day of Golf and Sightseeing
Combining golf with the Golden Circle makes for a full and rewarding day in Iceland, with a round of golf in the morning followed by visits to Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
For those who prefer an organized itinerary, the Golden Circle & Golf tour combines these experiences into a single guided day. The tour includes a round of golf along with visits to the main Golden Circle sights.
Since the itinerary includes both golf and sightseeing stops, it typically becomes a full-day experience of around twelve hours. For many visitors, however, this combination offers a memorable way to experience Iceland’s landscapes while also enjoying a round of golf in a unique setting.