Visit Iceland's Golden Circle
Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysers: The Most Popular Tourist Route
Jul 30, 2009
With group tours leaving from Reykjavik twice daily, streamlined itineraries direct from Keflavik Airport for travelers on stopovers or easily navigable by car, the Golden Circle is a must for first time visitors to Iceland, any time of year.
Overview of Golden Circle Sites
The Golden Circle is a collection of natural and geographic wonders located in the Southwest area of Iceland, generally beginning and ending in the country's capital, Reykjavik. While specific tour itineraries may vary by tour company or personal preference of self-drive tours, the primary stops on the route include Thingvellir (Þingvellir), Gullfoss, and the geysers Strokkur and Geysir. Other stops often included on the Golden Circle routes include the Kerið (Kerid) volcanic crater, Skálholt church, and, Hveragerði greenhouse and surrounding village, the Nesjavellir geothermal power plant. All sites are located either directly on or a short distance off of Iceland’s main Ring Road (Route 1).
Þingvellir – Home of Icelandic Parliament
Þingvellir, or as it is commonly known in English, Thingvellir, is one of the premier historical, cultural and geographic destinations in all of Iceland. Thingvellir, which literally translates from Icelandic to mean “parliament meadows” is the site of Iceland’s first parliament. Parliament or Alþingi in Icealandic, was established at this site in the year 930 and all laws were passed here. Parliament remained here at Thingvellir until 1798. A national park since 1928, the location of Thingvellir was chosen due to its accessibility from the North, South, and West of the country.
Aside from the historical and cultural significance, the geography of Thingvellir also attracts a large number of tourists. Thingvellir lies between the continental drift of the Eurasian and North American plates. The highly volcanic and tectonic region is in a state of constant movement as the continental plates continue to drift apart. The large cracks and valleys formed in the earth’s crust along the fault lines allow visitors to essentially travel between two continents in one location. Although guidebooks may claim visitors can straddle the continental plates at the same time, it is not phyically possible, due to the vast nature of the canyons and valleys.
Gullfoss Waterfalls
Gullfoss or Golden Falls is a magnificent double cascading waterfall situated in a deep canyon on the Hivita River. Set in an astonishing crevice measuring 105 feet deep, 60 feet wide, and stretching 2.5 km southward, Gullfoss is one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls.
Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, with an upper and lower section of falls. The flow of the water varies on a daily and seasonal basis. Viewing platforms and observation decks surround the waterfalls offering prime photo opportunities. A gift shop and cafeteria serving Icelandic delicacies can be found on site.
Geysers- Geysir and Strokkur
The Haukadalur valley in South Iceland is a geothermically active region containing multitudes of geysers. The world’s oldest geyser, Geysir, can be found here, in a rough hewn natural viewing area along with several other active and inactive geysers and geothermically heated pools. Geysir- from which all other geysers are named- is one of the largest geysers on site, erupting hot water 60m into the air an average of three times per day.
Seismic activity has produced geysers in this area dating back to the first recorded instances in 1294. Changes in the number of geysers and the frequency of eruptions are linked to earthquakes in the area which affect the silica deposits created by the mineral-rich water. When the silica surrounding the geysers becomes clogged, the frequency of eruptions diminishes, as illustrated by Geysir’s ever-changing eruption frequency.
Erupting much more frequent than Geysir is Strokkur which will spew hot water into the air at an average of five minute intervals. Located in the same geyser field, Strokkur’s eruptions reach up to 20m in height. Benches are located along Strokkur’s outer edges for tourists to sit and wait for eruptions.
The geothermically heated water smells strongly of sulfur which gives off an odor similar to rotten eggs. While visiting the geyser fields, one must be cautious about staying within the boundaries cordoned off by ropes, and must stay a safe distance back from the open geysers. The earth’s crust is quite thin here and there is a risk of cracking the ground cover, releasing water which is hot enough to cause serious burns and injury.
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