Iceland
Found in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, Iceland, even though sometimes referred to as the “Land of Ice and Fire,” is a country that attracts millions of visitors annually due to its natural beauty, and cultural and historical core values. The country presents a natural paradise for everyone interested in nature and various forms of outdoor activities. The majority of what makes up the landscape are volcanic features, glaciers, and geothermal hot spring features. Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and has a multicultural population and the definition of culture includes the attractions that are traditional as well as those that are popular in the contemporary society.
The Golden Circle route
The 300-kilometer-long route of Golden Circle takes visitors through some most inspiring natural wonders. For anyone who is traveling to Iceland, this route is a must-visit offering a comprehensive experience of the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The name “Golden Circle” derives from the three most appealing attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
Significance and popularity among tourists
The Golden Circle is one of the fascinating tourist attractions that millions of people flock to each year on the Golden Circle Route. It holds importance as one of the main attractions because it allows visitors to observe some of Iceland’s most characteristic aspects, namely Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and the waterfall Gullfoss. It also looks into the past as well as provides an overview of the modern society of Iceland.
Best time of year to visit
Each season in Iceland’s Golden Circle Route offers a unique experience. The most popular times are the summer months from May to August as the weather is milder, and the days are longer allowing for more time to explore the attractions. The months of winter from October to March can also be a good time to visit. You may get a chance to see the Northern Lights and experience the area’s geothermal activity in a more serene setting.
Key Attractions
Thingvellir National Park
The Thingvellir National Park is a place of great historical, cultural, and geological significance in Iceland. This beautiful natural wonder is located about 40 kilometers east of Reykjavík. This stunning natural wonder is a must-visit for anyone exploring the country’s famous Golden Circle route.
Historical significance
Site of Iceland’s ancient parliament
Thingvellir is a significant historical site in this country as Alþingi, which is recognized as the oldest universal parliament in the whole world is located there. Founded in 930 AD, the presidency of Alþingi transcended as a point of congregation of people from all the districts of Iceland for the judgment of cases, making of laws, and creation of an identity of Iceland.
UNESCO World Heritage Site status
The importance of this site can also be understood from the fact that this place has been included in the World Heritage Site list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization since the year 2004. It is referred to as the mother’s land of the Icelandic parliamentary democracy and a sacred and symbolic site of justice within the nation for collective determination and decision-making.
Geological features
Tectonic plate boundaries
The location of Thingvellir is still in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is a giant sunken chain of mountains on the ocean bottom comprised of North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This distinctive geology is at its most evident in the park; the Almannagjá is a creep, an exposed fracture in the earth’s crust that lies through the area of the national park.
Silfra Fissure
Another interesting sight, a must-see of Thingvellir is the Silfra Fissure, which is a freshwater rift, situated in the very middle of the park. This singular crack is an excellent chance for snorkeling or diving on the North American and Eurasian plates and the visibility usually ranges more than one hundred meters.
Things to do
As for the activities available to the tourist, Thingvellir has a lot to offer as it provides an insight into its historical past along with its breathtaking magic beauty.
For the thrill-seekers, there is snorkeling or diving in the Silfra Fissure where you can swim between two continents in water as clear as a bathtub. The park also facilities several hiking trails and nature walks that afford beautiful vantage points of the park and surrounding landscape as well as spotting of several plant and animal species.
They also can walk through the fragments of the Alþingi site with the Lögberg – the Law Rock, where the law speaker reads the laws to the people. This area offers a look at the actual history of Iceland and a great opportunity to touch the roots of the nation.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Introduction to Geothermal Activity
Located in the Haukadalur Valley of southwestern Iceland, the Geysir Geothermal Area is a showcase of the country’s huge geothermal energy. This area is characterized by the complicated interaction between the heat from within the Earth and the exterior environment; the hydrothermal activity of this zone can be observed with the help of hot springs, fumaroles, and the iconic geyser known as Geysir.
History and science behind geysers
A unique type of hot spring, known by its ability to periodically erupt jets of boiling water and steam. It’s because of pressure buildup beneath the Earth’s surface, as water heated by geothermal energy turns to steam.
The origin of Geyser, the site that provided the name to such springs all over the globe, can be traced back to the year 1200, according to Icelandic chronicles. Throughout the years it has provided people with a marvelous show of eruptions becoming one of the significant landmarks of Iceland’s folklore and geology.
Main attractions
Strokkur geyser
The powerful fountain Strokkur Geyser is located in the Haukadalur geothermal area of Iceland. This geyser is one of the most famous and frequently visited natural attractions in the country. It was activated by an earthquake in Southern Iceland in 1789. It erupts every 4-8 minutes shooting a column of hot water and steam up to 20 meters high. Though it can occasionally reach heights of up to 40 meters (130 feet). Between specific spouts, you will only have to wait between 5 and 10 minutes. However, sometimes the break can be longer and take 13 minutes or more.
Blesi Hot Spring
Near the famous geyser of Strokkur, there lies the hot spring of Blesi. The hot spring is divided into two distinct pools. The northern pool has a vibrant turquoise color, while the southern pool is clear and colorless.
The northern pool maintains a stable temperature of 40°C. And it’s generally used by travelers for bathing and warming up. Water from the southern pool goes to the northern pool to heat it and radically different approach to hardware design. The observation made here is that there is no water inlet into the northern pool. It means that it’s only getting water from the southern pool.
The Geyser of Blesi was once an active and frequent gusher. But the current situation is far from that. The 2 pools of Geyser of Blesi look like 2 blue eyes are looking at you. It attracts many visitors who are exploring the Haukadalur Geothermal Area as well as the Golden Circle Route.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Description and significance
Gullfoss which can be translated as the “Golden Waterfall,” is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Iceland. Gullfoss Waterfall is situated in the southern area of Iceland. This waterfall is one of the famous Golden Circle tourist circuits which attracts millions of tourists every year.
Origin and formation
Gullfoss is supplied with water from the Hvítá (White) River. It originates from the ice cap of the Langjökull one of the largest glaciers in Iceland. Over thousands of years, meltwater from glaciers has sculpted a two-step waterfall that falls 32 meters. It’s within a gorge 70 meters deep. Geologists agree that the butte and lower canyon formed from glacier floods at the end of the last ice age.
Visual and physical features
Compared to other geyser sites in Iceland, Gullfoss mostly shows sheer power and size. The first fall is 11 meters high. It’s impressive, but cannot quite be compared to the second fall which is 21 meters high. To sum up, the waterfall is rather wide with a combined width of 70 meters (230 feet). Over 90% of that amount, or 140 cubic meters per second pour over the falls in the summer. This display of beauty speaks about the power of nature.
Visitor experience
Viewing platforms
The main observation platform is at the upper car park. This allows you to see the entire waterfall at once. A footbridge and lower platform let visitors get closer to the canyon’s edge, offering opportunities for photographers. “Sigríður Tómasdóttir” is remembered with a memorial stone for her fight against hydropower use at Gullfoss in the early 1900s.
Seasonal variations (summer vs. winter)
Gullfoss Falls is open all year round, however, visitors can vary depending upon the season. During the summer the waterfall is supplied with ample amounts of meltwater from glaciers and comes with a roar. Also, it’s a beautiful sight to see, the waterfall may be frozen in winter.
Things to do
Photography
This is a perfect photographer’s delight. You can capture impressive shots of the waterfall from various angles. Another advantage is that it can be filmed any time of the year and day. This provides numerous opportunities for creativity.
Hiking nearby trails
The surrounding of Gullfoss Waterfall provides several hiking trails to have a look at the beautiful sceneries. These trails allow viewing specific points and give a much closer experience of the waterfall and its views.
Conclusion
A trip to Iceland’s Golden Circle Route offers something for everyone. Whether he/she loves nature and wildlife, history, or just a tourist searching for an adventure trip. The archaeological and historical significance make this trail one of the most scenic in Iceland that any visitor should miss.
