What to see in Iceland
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, because not far from the capital, Reykjavik, it is possible to visit three important attractions of Iceland: the Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geyser and the Gullfoss waterfall. These are the 3 attractions that make up the Golden Circle. Consider that there are many tours that depart from Reykiavik and that can take you to visit these places without having to rent a car or organize travel by public transport.
Thingvellir Park. Following the directions of the navigator for the Thingvellir National Park, you will arrive directly at the parking lot (for a fee) and after a few steps you will be in front of the immensity of Mother Nature. Regardless of the season in which you visit Iceland, I recommend that you arrive very early in the morning, just in time to admire the sunrise, enjoy a breathtaking spectacle and, perhaps, enjoy the peace without too many people around. Here you will also have the opportunity to cross the suggestive walkway that divides the 2 tectonic plates, the American and the European one and, if you are a diving enthusiast, you must know that here you can also live the experience of diving exactly between the two plates.
In the second stage of the Golden Circle you will be able to see with your own eyes one of the most unique phenomena of the island: the area of the erupting springs of Geysir.
There are many geysers in the Haukadalur valley, but the most famous is Geysir, from which all geysers are named. As soon as you get out of the car you may smell a very strong smell of sulfur (translated = something very similar to rotten eggs). See Strokkur (a smaller geyser than Geysir, but still crazy) erupt regularly every 4-8 minutes and enjoy the sight at close range.
The Geysir, not far from Strokkur, once erupted jets of water up to 80 meters high, but today, unfortunately, it no longer erupts. Tourists threw stones inside to try to make it erupt in their presence, but due to the huge amount of stones thrown, today it no longer erupts. Seeing a geyser “explode” is something to see in Iceland and to watch with your mouth open, without a doubt!
Third and last stop of the Golden Circle is one of the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Gullfoss, the golden waterfall. It is a waterfall formed by two jumps that disappear into a narrow and deep canyon. Without doubt one of the most impressive and impressive waterfalls in the whole country. The double jump, visible from two different locations and the color of the water, make it a true spectacle of nature.
It is accessed from a large parking lot that overlooks it and from a small staircase that is not at all demanding. Here the wind can be very strong, enough to lift the frozen pieces of snow and use them as whips on the face (obviously only if you go in winter). Following the well-marked route, you can stop and admire, but above all listen, the power of water.
Seljalandfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Iceland is a country full of expanses: for this reason the road is straight and you can see it go on for a long time, until it disappears in the distance. The itinerary that leads from the Golden Circle to Vìk is no exception, but with a particular feature: on the left you are accompanied by a rock that continues in the same direction as the road. From these walls it is very common to be able to admire more or less large waterfalls.
The most famous are Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Their dimensions are not even in the least comparable to those of Gullfoss, but they are still two very pleasant places. The parking (for a fee) of both falls is easily visible from the street. Once you leave the car, you will have to walk a small path, and immediately the waterfall will appear before your eyes.
Seljalandsfoss is the most particular waterfall as, with a short walk you can literally pass it behind. Rainproof clothing is mandatory (especially when the weather is cool), but the show is guaranteed from this other perspective!
Dyrholaey headland and Reynisfjara black beach. The Dyrholaey promontory offers a magical spectacle between the ocean and the black lava beach. The sensations experienced in front of the immensity are difficult to describe. When you are there, on the top of the promontory, take a minute, leave your phone and camera and stop. Stop to admire the majesty of the waves, look beyond the horizon and realize how far the closest strip of land is. In short, take a minute with yourself and listen to yourself. You will imagine this place when you return to everyday life and have had a bad day. And even if you are no longer there, it will be able to convey an enormous sense of peace.
When they ask me about what to see in Iceland, this is the first place I always mention. It really took my breath away!
The promontory overlooks Reynisfjara: a black beach unique in the world. To get right on the beach you will need to use the car, following the directions of the navigator. I recommend that you arrive early in the morning and spend a pleasant morning on the Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara headland. Even the view from the beach is nothing short of breathtaking: from the fog emerge two majestic stacks that throw themselves into the sea.
In the face of all this, however, words are useless. I cannot deny that this was one of my favorite Icelandic destinations, perhaps precisely because of the sense of peace I felt in front of that immensity. If they were to ask me What to see in Iceland? Тhe second thing I would answer is this beach, without a doubt!
The Svínafellsjoköull glacier. Following the signs for the Svínafellsjökull glacier you will arrive in front of a dirt road that may seem not too reliable, but there is no danger! With a 4 × 4 Dacia we were able to pass when it was completely frozen. Park on the small pitch in front of the glacier and, with crampons on your feet (depending on the season), reach the glacier. Here the silence will be deafening. You will be able to get very close to the glacier and notice that it is incredibly blue.
The intense blue color of glaciers depends on the fact that the snow that settles on the surface and then solidifies contains many spaces full of air. When the glacier moves, the air is released by modifying the structure of the crystals, which turn blue.
Svartifoss is a legendary waterfall and a must see in Iceland! Its name means “Black waterfall”, due to the geometric basalt columns that make it up. Unlike the other waterfalls, you will have to walk a pleasant path of about 45 min. to reach the point where the Stórilækur River flows from the black rocks to form the waterfall. Some say it is this waterfall that inspired the architecture of Reykjavík Cathedral
One thing to do, but above all to live, in Iceland is the whale watching trip. Did you know that Iceland is one of the best places in Europe to see the largest mammals in the sea? The great thing is that the tours are available all year round, so no matter when you visit Iceland, you can indulge in this experience. You can book tours that depart from Reykjavik, or choose an excursion to be included in your road trip itinerary departing from the port of Húsavík. In any case, whale watching will be something you won’t forget about Iceland!
The lava tunnels. If the experience of entering a cave carved out of ice has thrilled you, you should know that another unique experience you can have in Iceland is to enter the tunnels dug by the lava of volcanoes. The Raufarhólshellir tunnel is the largest in Iceland who knows where it will lead you.
You can choose a different category and type of hotels and rooms.
REYKJAVIK
3 Stars Hotels
∗ Center Hotels Klopp – from € 95, https://www.centerhotels.com/en/hotel-klopp-reykjavik
∗ Center Hotel Plaza – from € 102, https://www.centerhotels.com/en/hotel-plaza-reykjavik
∗ Skuggi Hotel – from € 120, https://www.keahotels.is/en/hotels/skuggi-hotel
4 Stars Hotels
∗ Grand Hotel Reykjavik – from € 105, https://www.islandshotel.is/hotels-in-iceland/grand-hotel-reykjavik
∗ Hotel Reykjavik Centrum – from € 118, https://www.islandshotel.is/is/hotelin/hotel-reykjavik-centrum
∗ Kvosin Downtown Hotel – from € 157, https://kvosinhotel.is/
∗ Ion Adventure Hotel – from € 170, https://ioniceland.is/
Please Note:
The prices are per person in double room, B&B or only B. The prices are variable according to the season and the demand.
If the hotel choose by you is not avalible. We are happy to offer you the similar hotel.
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