Golden Circle
After our first night at Reykjavik campsite, we headed to the Golden Circle that covers Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gulfoss. The Golden Circle is a remarkable route that encapsulates Iceland's natural and cultural treasures. Exploring this route offers an unforgettable journey through Iceland's diverse landscapes and a chance to connect with the country's fascinating history and geology.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park is a must-visit destination in Iceland, known for its historical and geological significance. Here's some concise information about Þingvellir National Park:
Location: Þingvellir National Park is located approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) northeast of Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city. It is easily accessible by car or organized tours.
Historical Significance: Þingvellir holds great historical importance as the site of the world's oldest functioning parliament, the Alþingi. It was established in 930 AD and served as the legislative and judicial center for the early Icelandic Commonwealth.
Geological Marvel: The national park is situated in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. The park offers a unique opportunity to witness the effects of continental drift, as the plates are visibly pulling apart. This geological phenomenon has resulted in dramatic fissures, canyons, and cliffs.
Silfra Fissure: One of the park's most famous features is the Silfra fissure, where you can snorkel or dive between the tectonic plates. The crystal-clear glacial water and the opportunity to be between two continents make this a popular activity for adventure seekers.
Scenic Landscapes: Þingvellir National Park boasts stunning landscapes characterized by lava fields, lakes, and lush greenery. The park offers various walking trails, viewpoints, and picnic areas where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.
Outdoor Activities: Besides snorkeling or diving in Silfra, Þingvellir offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The park has well-marked trails suitable for different skill levels, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes on foot.
Visitor Center and Facilities: The national park has a visitor center that provides information about the park's history, geology, and recreational opportunities. There are also restroom facilities and designated picnic areas for visitors to use.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Þingvellir National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, recognizing its outstanding universal value as a cultural and natural site.
Access and Entrance Fee: Entrance to Þingvellir National Park requires a fee, which helps support the park's maintenance and preservation efforts. The fee can be paid at the entrance or purchased online in advance.
Þingvellir National Park offers a captivating blend of history, geology, and natural beauty. It's an ideal destination for those interested in Icelandic history, geological wonders, and outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.
Geysir
Geysir, also known as the Great Geysir, is a famous geothermal area in Iceland. Here's some concise information about Geysir:
Location: Geysir is located in the Haukadalur Valley, in southwestern Iceland, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Reykjavik. It is part of the Golden Circle tourist route, which includes other popular attractions like Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
Geothermal Activity: Geysir is known for its geothermal features, including hot springs and geysers. The area is named after the Great Geysir, which is one of the world's oldest-known geysers. However, the Great Geysir is currently dormant and rarely erupts.
Strokkur Geyser: The main attraction in Geysir is the Strokkur geyser. It is an active geyser that erupts regularly, shooting scalding water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the air. The eruptions occur approximately every 5 to 10 minutes, providing an impressive spectacle for visitors.
Boardwalks and Safety: Geysir has designated paths and boardwalks that allow visitors to observe the geothermal activity safely. It is important to stay on the marked paths and follow any safety instructions or warnings provided in the area.
Surrounding Attractions: Besides the geysers, the Haukadalur Valley offers other geothermal features, including hot springs and colorful mineral deposits. The area is also known for its stunning landscapes, with mountains, valleys, and geothermal steam creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Visitor Facilities: Geysir has facilities for visitors, including parking areas, restrooms, and a visitor center. The visitor center provides information about the geothermal activity and the history of the area.
Accessibility: Geysir is easily accessible by car or organized tours. It is a popular stop on the Golden Circle route, and many tour operators offer guided trips to the area.
Free Entry: There is no entrance fee to visit Geysir. Visitors can explore the geothermal area and watch the eruptions of the Strokkur geyser without any additional cost.
Geysir offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland's geothermal wonders and provides a memorable experience with the eruptions of the Strokkur geyser. It's a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts and those interested in geology and geothermal phenomena.
Gulfoss
Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Falls, is a magnificent waterfall located in Iceland. Here's some concise information about Gullfoss:
Location: Gullfoss is situated in the southwest of Iceland, approximately 115 kilometers (71 miles) northeast of Reykjavik. It is part of the Golden Circle tourist route, which also includes Þingvellir National Park and the geothermal area of Geysir.
Description: Gullfoss is a two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá River. The water cascades down in two stages, creating a breathtaking sight. The total drop of the waterfall is about 32 meters (105 feet), with the largest single drop measuring around 21 meters (69 feet).
Scenic Beauty: Gullfoss is renowned for its stunning beauty and dramatic landscape. The waterfall is surrounded by rugged canyons, rock formations, and the glacial Hvítá River. During sunny days, rainbows often form over the falls, adding to the picturesque view.
Accessible Viewing Points: There are well-maintained walking paths and viewing platforms that allow visitors to appreciate Gullfoss from different angles. The paths lead to various viewpoints, offering impressive vistas of the waterfall and the surrounding area.
Power and Force: Gullfoss is not only a natural wonder but also a significant source of hydroelectric power. Plans for its development as a power plant in the early 20th century were thwarted by the determination of a local woman named Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who fought to protect the falls from destruction.
Visitor Facilities: Gullfoss has visitor facilities, including parking areas, restrooms, and a visitor center. The visitor center provides information about the waterfall, its history, and the surrounding nature. There is no entrance fee to see Gullfoss.
Weather Considerations: It's important to note that the weather near Gullfoss can be unpredictable, with strong winds and changing conditions. It's advisable to dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for exploring the area.
Gullfoss is a remarkable natural wonder that showcases the raw power and beauty of Icelandic nature. Its proximity to other popular attractions on the Golden Circle route makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience Iceland's natural wonders.
Surprisingly, we got to our campsite early — Hvolsvöllur Camp Site in Tjaldsvæðið Hvolsvelli — and had a few hours to spare. The camp manager suggested to go to a municipal swimming pool since the women’s shower room wasn’t working in the campsite. It is quite common for towns to have a heated swimming pool. We had a great time and took advantage of their swimming pool, different temperatures of jacuzzis, and sauna. We found it relaxing before heading to the campsite for dinner.
Spanish
El Círculo Dorado (Golden Circle) en Islandia es una ruta turística que incluye tres destinos principales: Þingvellir, Geysir y Gullfoss. Aquí tienes un resumen conciso del Círculo Dorado:
Þingvellir: Ubicado al noreste de Reykjavik, Þingvellir es un Parque Nacional declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Aquí encontrarás paisajes impresionantes, sitios históricos y la oportunidad de presenciar la separación de las placas tectónicas de Eurasia y América del Norte.
Geysir: El área geotérmica de Geysir cuenta con el famoso géiser Strokkur, que entra en erupción regularmente, expulsando agua hasta 30 metros de altura. Es un espectáculo fascinante y una experiencia emocionante presenciar el poder de la naturaleza.
Gullfoss: También conocida como las Cataratas de Oro, Gullfoss es una magnífica cascada de dos niveles en el río Hvítá. Se precipita por un cañón escarpado, ofreciendo vistas impresionantes y arcoíris en los días soleados.
Paisajes impresionantes: El Círculo Dorado te llevará a través de paisajes escénicos de Islandia, incluyendo campos volcánicos, áreas geotérmicas y pintorescas zonas rurales. Te rodearás de belleza natural en cada paso.
Rica historia: El Círculo Dorado está impregnado de historia y cultura islandesa. Desde el antiguo parlamento en Þingvellir hasta las leyendas que rodean Geysir, tendrás la oportunidad de sumergirte en el pasado y el patrimonio de Islandia.
Accesibilidad: El Círculo Dorado es fácilmente accesible desde Reykjavik, lo que lo convierte en una excursión popular para los visitantes. Ya sea que decidas unirte a un tour guiado o conducir por ti mismo, la ruta está bien señalizada y ofrece una aventura gratificante.
Instalaciones para visitantes: A lo largo del Círculo Dorado, encontrarás centros de visitantes, baños, áreas de estacionamiento y señalización informativa. Estas instalaciones garantizan una experiencia cómoda e informativa para los viajeros.
Maravillas naturales: El Círculo Dorado muestra algunas de las maravillas naturales más icónicas de Islandia, permitiéndote presenciar el poder de la actividad geotérmica, la belleza de las cascadas y las formaciones geológicas únicas que hacen de Islandia un destino cautivador.
El Círculo Dorado es una ruta extraordinaria que encapsula los tesoros naturales y culturales de Islandia. Explorar esta ruta ofrece un viaje inolvidable a través de los diversos paisajes de Islandia y la oportunidad de conectarte con su fascinante historia y geología.