# The Green Circle - URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/green-circle-iceland/ - Published: 2025-11-18 - Last updated: 2026-10-05 > The Green Circle is a travel route focused on sustainable experiences, designed as an accessible day trip from Reykjavík. This itinerary connects the villages and surrounding areas of Laugarvatn, Flúðir, and Hveragerði, while highlighting local ingenuity and geothermal wellness. ### Iceland’s Eco-Friendly Route The Green Circle in Iceland is the slower, earthier cousin of the Golden Circle, with less rush and more connection. Here, you walk along geothermal areas, sample bread baked underground, meet rural craftspeople, and discover how clean energy shapes daily life. *Image: Green Circle: Iceland’s Eco-Friendly Route* [View the Green Circle on our Iceland Map](https://map.visiticeland.com/myItinerary?uuid=4ca002af-5c4c-4008-a4c3-bf73da931c4b) It’s an easy day trip from [Reykjavík](https://www.visiticeland.com/the-regions/reykjavik-the-capital), but it feels like stepping into a quieter, more authentic piece of Iceland. More than a sightseeing loop, the Green Circle Iceland is a journey that supports and celebrates local communities, clean energy, and everyday Icelandic culture. With that spirit in mind, here’s everything you need to know before exploring it yourself. ### What Is the Green Circle? The Green Circle is Iceland's new eco-conscious tourist route, designed to be an accessible day trip from the capital, Reykjavík. This itinerary connects the villages and surrounding areas of Laugarvatn, Flúðir, and [Hveragerði](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/a-day-in-hveragerdi), while focusing on local ingenuity and [geothermal wellness](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/geothermal-wellness). Ultimately, the Green Circle creates a platform for responsible tourism. It trains the spotlight on small, locally owned enterprises and communities that promote eco-friendly practices and [renewable energy](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/renewable-energy).  Explore the stops below and help champion this next chapter of slow, sustainable Icelandic travel. ### Stop 1: Reykjavík to Laugarvatn *Image: Rye bread with Icelandic arctic char, freshly baked in the geothermally heated ground at Laugarvatn Fontana.* The journey begins on the steamy, black-sand shore of Lake Laugarvatn at the Laugarvatn Fontana spa complex. Here, the dark sands are naturally heated by the volcanic activity bubbling beneath the lake. The shoreline has become a popular place to lounge and relax, especially in between soaks at Laugarvatn Fontana. Inside the spa, natural steam baths, outdoor pools, and Finnish-style saunas invite travelers to unwind before continuing on their tour.  This natural heat is put to especially good use in Fontana’s unique [Geothermal Bakery experience](https://www.fontana.is/en/rye-bread-experience?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20290707109&gbraid=0AAAAAC0iDEOoR-iV1h5jgAoMa5KlB1Kf_&gclid=CjwKCAiAz_DIBhBJEiwAVH2XwOcgaa-6wWNMdJ23c0hTYSzT4jZQBh76bUlGAY0m3FqSDulxvnWP8BoCxH8QAvD_BwE). The year-round activity lets visitors watch the unearthing of _hverabrauð_, a sweet rye loaf baked underground for 24 hours. Taste a piece of the warm, fresh bread, served with rich Icelandic butter, a loaf that’s literally baked by the Earth! Spending time at Laugarvatn Fontana offers a firsthand look at Iceland’s commitment to clean, renewable energy. The entire experience—from baths to bread—highlights how geothermal heat supports both wellness and everyday local life. _**Note:** Laugarvatn Fontana is closed for renovations from October 1, 2025, to April 2026. The Geothermal Bakery tours remain open during this period._ ### Stop 2: Farm-to-Table Lunch at the Farmers Bistro *Image: At Farmers Bistro, you can taste their locally made mushroom soup, prepared with mushrooms and other ingredients sourced from the Flúðasveppir greenhouse.* In the village of Flúðir, [Farmers Bistro](https://www.farmersbistro.is/en) is a perfect stop along the Green Circle for a hearty, truly local lunch. True to its name, the farm-to-table restaurant serves dishes made with fresh ingredients grown only steps from the kitchen. And behind the scenes, it offers a peek into a unique geothermal-powered agricultural world. Farmers Bistro is connected to two remarkable operations: Flúðasveppir, the country’s only commercial mushroom farm, and Flúða-Jörfi, an extensive horticulture center. The latter grows bell peppers and tomatoes in [greenhouses](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-greenhouse-revolution-in-iceland); crops that are difficult to harvest outdoors in Iceland’s climate.  Impressively, both facilities are primarily heated by local geothermal energy: constant, reliable, and fossil-fuel-free! This steady warmth enables year-round production of mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Every day, the restaurant’s menu is designed around the day’s harvest. It’s the purest form of farm-to-table dining, cutting down food miles (and consequently, environmental impact) to virtually zero. Additionally, the bistro commits to zero-waste practices, including water recycling and composting spent mushroom soil. Truly, Farmers Bistro is the ideal destination on the Green Circle route in Iceland for a “green” lunch, literally and figuratively. What you’ll experience and learn at Farmers Bistro: - How mushrooms grow indoors using geothermal heat - Zero-waste methods such as composting and water recycling - How produce goes straight from greenhouse to plate - Why this stop represents “Green Iceland” in action ### Stop 3: Handmade Icelandic Arts & Crafts *Image: At Þingborg Wool Center in Selfoss, you’ll find original hand-knitted lopapeysa made locally from Icelandic wool.* When searching for a [souvenir](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-best-souvenirs-from-iceland), the goal isn't simply to buy an object to take home. It’s to take a piece of the destination with you: something unique, local, and deeply representative of your journey. This is where the Green Circle route shines, guiding you to artisans whose craft keeps Iceland’s traditions alive. Here, you shop like a local, supporting the very communities you visit. The first stop celebrates Iceland’s most iconic fiber: wool. The [Þingborg Wool Center](https://thingborg.is/), run by local knitters, preserves the heritage of the [_lopapeysa_ sweater](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/icelandic-sweater). This distinctive garment is crafted from Icelandic sheep’s fleece. Its dual-layer wool is rugged, water-resistant, and lightweight, ideal for the harsh Icelandic climate.  While mass-produced versions exist across the country, [authentic _lopapeysa_](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/2.-what-is-an-original-lopapeysa) are hand-knitted in Iceland from new wool. Every purchase at the Þingborg Wool Center directly supports the rural knitters who pour hours into the intricate round-yoke patterns. What makes real lopapeysa sweaters special: - Hand-knitted in Iceland - Made from dual-layer Icelandic wool - Naturally water-resistant and breathable - Iconic round-yoke design unique to Iceland Further along the route, [Gallerí Flói](https://galleryfloi.com/) offers a beautiful contrast to the wool. Here, artisan Fanndís Huld Valdimarsdóttir creates unique glass beads and ceramics inspired by Viking-Age techniques.  Her ceramics gain their deep, organic color patterns through pit firing, a pre-glazing method used by the Vikings. Visitors can also watch her hand-make glass beads over an open flame, using methods practiced for over a thousand years. From cups and ornaments to Viking-inspired jewelry, these handcrafted treasures connect travellers to the local community and Iceland’s settlement past.  What you can find at Gallerí Flói: - Handcrafted ceramic cups and bowls - Viking-inspired jewelry Glass beads made over an open flame - Ornaments and decorative pieces ### Stop 4: Hveragerði *Image: @Hveragerði Geothermal park* Next on the Green Circle route is Hveragerði, a vibrant town nestled directly on Iceland’s volcanic belt. The town’s nickname is the “Flower Town,” thanks to its geothermal heat harnessed to warm the area’s many greenhouses full of flowering plants. For travelers looking for sustainable ingenuity in action, look no further. The local Geothermal Park sits right in the middle of town, inviting guests to interact with Iceland’s powerful natural forces. Drop by the Visitor Center to learn how local geothermal energy is used, from heating homes to power generation. There’s even a small geyser erupting every 20 minutes on-site. But for this experience, the fun is once again in the cooking: boil an egg in the steaming geothermal water! Hveragerði is more than a scenic stop. It’s a living example of how communities live harmoniously with nature, using the Earth’s energy in thoughtful, sustainable ways. At the Hveragerði Geothermal Park, you can: - Watch a small geyser erupt every 20 minutes - Boil an egg in geothermal water - Learn how geothermal heat supplies homes - Explore bubbling mud pots and steaming vents ### Stop 5: Blue Lagoon *Image: The Blue Lagoon’s silica-, algae-, and mineral-rich waters are famed for their nourishing effects on the skin. ©The Blue Lagoon* Of course, no trip to Iceland is complete without a stop at the [Blue Lagoon](https://www.bluelagoon.com/). Its striking, milky-blue waters and otherworldly lava field landscape have made it Iceland’s most famous attraction. But the source of its postcard-worthy beauty often goes unnoticed: sustainability. In fact, this lagoon is a zero-waste byproduct of the nearby Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant. This plant uses superheated water to generate clean electricity and hot water for local towns. The residual, nutrient-rich geothermal water is then discharged into the lava field, where it pools to become the Blue Lagoon. This smart reuse of an industrial resource makes the lagoon a stunning, real-world model of circular sustainability. Blue Lagoon highlights include: - Silica mud mask stations - Steam rooms and saunas - In-water bar and relaxation areas - Mineral-rich water is famous for skin health Once you settle in for a soak, you'll feel the benefits of this ingenious system. The water is rich in silica, algae, and minerals, all renowned for their nourishing effects on the skin. Blue Lagoon features in-water bars where you can slather on the silica mud, alongside saunas, steam rooms, and spa packages. Here, indulgence and responsibility meet, proving that geothermal sustainability can create one of the world’s most luxurious wellness destinations. It’s definitely a fantastic way to end the Green Circle Iceland experience. ### Practical Tips for Exploring the Green Circle *Image: This route is easy to drive on your own, while taking the bus offers an eco-friendly and stress-free alternative, both ways work just as well. ©GJ-Travel* Traveling sustainably means being a safe, respectful, and responsible visitor. These simple, practical, and [sustainable tips](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/eleven-sustainability-travel-tips) will help you enjoy the Green Circle mindfully. - **Self-Drive vs. Guided Tour:** The Green Circle is ideal for self-drive travel. The roads between stops are paved, and the distances are short, making it easy to enjoy a slow, immersive pace. - **Take Your Time:** Set aside at least one full day (8–10 hours) to comfortably experience all five stops. - **Check Conditions Frequently:** Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable. Always check [road.is](https://road.is) and [vedur.is](https://vedur.is) for road and weather conditions, especially in winter. - **Buy Local:** Support the Green Circle's mission by making conscious purchases. Prioritize local crafts from the artisan shops to directly support rural Icelandic communities. - **Respect Geothermal Areas:** Places like Hveragerði and Laugarvatn are both powerful and fragile. Stay on marked paths, obey signage, and never touch or cook food in geothermal spots unless it’s officially designated for visitors. - **Leave No Trace:** Help preserve Iceland’s pristine landscapes by packing out all waste and using recycling and disposal bins when available. - **Dress in Layers:** Be prepared for [Icelandic weather](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/weather-and-climate). Bring a waterproof shell, warm mid-layer, and thermal base layers. - **Pack Swimwear:** Essential for enjoying the Blue Lagoon, and when open, the geothermal baths at Laugarvatn. - **Choose Sturdy Footwear:** Wear comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots for safe footing around geothermal sites and uneven terrain. ### Why the Green Circle Matters: Iceland’s Next Big Route The Green Circle Iceland is an invitation to experience the country through a sustainable lens. By choosing this route, you support small communities and independent makers. At the same time, you’ll see how clean geothermal energy shapes daily life, from farming to luxurious spa bathing.  This Icelandic eco-friendly travel route is more than scenic; it’s educational, revealing the real-world benefits of renewable energy for both travelers and locals. It’s slow travel done right, and a compelling blueprint for sustainable tourism in Iceland and beyond. ### Green Circle FAQs ### What is the Green Circle Iceland route known for? The Green Circle route in Iceland is known for connecting geothermal villages, farm-to-table restaurants, and local craft communities. It’s a more sustainable, slower alternative to the Golden Circle, focusing on renewable energy and authentic local culture. ### How is the Green Circle different from the Golden Circle? The Golden Circle includes Iceland’s major sightseeing attractions, while the Green Circle Iceland highlights local makers, geothermal farms, small communities, and eco-friendly experiences. It’s designed for travelers who prefer slow travel, sustainability, and meaningful cultural encounters. ### Is the Green Circle Iceland worth it? Yes, if you enjoy local food, geothermal baths, small workshops, and low-impact travel, the Green Circle Iceland offers a unique, community-focused experience that you won’t find on more crowded routes. ### How long does it take to drive to the Green Circle? Most travelers complete the Green Circle in 8–10 hours, depending on how much time they spend at spas, greenhouses, and artisan stops. You can also turn it into a relaxed two-day eco getaway. *Image: Iceland offers adventure all year round for active travelers, including ziplining and a variety of outdoor activities.* ### Can you drive the Green Circle in Iceland in winter? Yes, the route is open year-round, and roads are paved. In winter, the weather can change quickly, so check [road.is](https://road.is) and [vedur.is](https://vedur.is) for real-time updates before heading out. ### What are the main stops on the Green Circle Iceland route? Key stops include Reykjavík, Laugarvatn, Flúðir, Hveragerði, and the Blue Lagoon, along with geothermal farms, bakeries, hot springs, and artisan workshops found along the way. ### Do you need to book attractions on the Green Circle in advance? Yes, geothermal baths (like Laugarvatn Fontana and the Blue Lagoon) and popular restaurants often require reservations, especially during peak summer (June-August) and holiday periods. ### Is the Green Circle Iceland good for sustainable travel? Absolutely. The route showcases geothermal energy, local sourcing, zero-waste farming, handmade crafts, and community-led tourism, making it one of Iceland’s strongest examples of sustainable travel. ### What should I pack for the Green Circle Iceland? Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, swimwear, a reusable water bottle, and a tote bag for local crafts. Icelandic weather changes fast, so be ready for anything. ### Is the Green Circle suitable for families or first-time visitors? Yes, it's easy to navigate, close to Reykjavík, and filled with fun stops like geothermal bakeries, greenhouses, and spa pools. Great for first-timers who want a more local, less crowded route.