This is what you have to see at the Golden Circle, the most famous route of Iceland:
Geysers sending jets of water up to 20 meters into the air.
The amazing Gullfoss waterfall.
And the best place to see where 2 tectonic plates meet.
The tour can also be combined with a trip to the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's
most visited places.
Ok, it's not that deep.
Thousands of people visit the attractions of the Golden Circle
every day. But, why are they so famous?
Iceland – known as the land of ice and fire – is a paradise for nature lovers,
with epic landscapes reminiscent of fantasy films.
The sights along the Golden Circle are found in Iceland's south, less than 50 km from the
capital Reykjavík, which makes them easy to reach, and popular tourist attractions.
Best of all: most are free to visit.
Marco, are you ready?
You can either rent a car and drive there yourself,
or join an organized tour. We opted for a one-day road trip.
Our first stop: Gullfoss, the golden waterfall which is how the Golden Circle got its name!
I'm meeting Cathrine Frederiksen of the Guide to Iceland travel site,
who will show us the best spots.
Welcome to Iceland!
Yeah, thank you for having us. That's great!
Anytime.
We're starting at the upper viewing platform.
Wow, oh my God. That is huge! Crazy! - It's looking good today.
So, this is the most famous waterfall in Iceland. I mean it is quite impressive, but tell me why?
Basically this waterfall consists of like 2 drops. We have the first drop,
which is more like a sort of a slow, but cascading waterfall. It's 11 meters. And then it sort of
goes into this massive drop, which is 21 meters. This sort of combination of having 2 drops,
2 plateaus and then going into this amazing canyon, is really what
just makes this quite beautiful.
A truly jaw-dropping landscape! Which changes dramatically during winter,
when parts of the waterfall freeze over.
For safety reasons, this path leading to the lower viewing platform
is closed during the cold months.
It takes us about 10 minutes to get there.
And this is the view from downstairs!
I think I like this one better! I feel like in the middle of the waterfall!
By now, more tourists are starting to arrive.
I recommend coming REALLY early in the morning to avoid crowds.
We got here at 7:00 a.m. and had the waterfall almost to ourselfs.
So, this lady here was also really famous.
How come she threatened to throw herself into the waterfall?
Many viewed Sigríður (Tómasdóttir) as Iceland's first environmental activist.
The reason that she threatened to do this was
because foreign investors actually wanted to take this beautiful site
and turn it into a hydropower plant.
She even made some journeys to Rekjavík by foot over 100 kilometers back and forward
to make this legal case.
Wow, incredible.
She deserves this sculpture.
We continue our journey to Haukadalur valley,
home to Iceland's famous Strokkur and Great Geysir hot springs.
Wow!
You got it, right, Marco?
Yeah.
Geysers are a really rare phenomenon that can only be seen in a few parts of the planet.
What causes them?
We need a geothermal area, such as this one. Then we need a water source underground,
a sort of water reservoir. And then we need a vent from the water reservoir
all the way up to the surface.
Where the water gets pushed up. It's like a sort of a natural plumbing system.
When we have all these 3 elements, then we can have a geyser.
Strokkur is Iceland 's most active geyser.
It spouts boiling hot water into the air every 5 to10 minutes.
Sometimes up to 20 meters high!
Smells a little bit like rotten eggs.
How come people used to throw soap into the geyser?
So, the thing about this guy, the Great Geysir,
is that he is highly inconsistent. And in order for people to sort of make him more consistent,
they figured out that if they put soap in him they will provoke an eruption.
This was done around the 80s and it has obviously been discontinued
out of environmental concerns.
Next up, we head to Þingvellir National Park, a place of great historical significance.
And a unique tectonic environment.
It's 45 minute drive from Haukadalur valley.
This is officially the first time that I'm walking between 2 tectonic plates.
Crazy, right?
The park is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
This is where Iceland s very first parliamentary meetings were held in 930 A.D.
So we are at Þingvellir Park, right? I'm trying here...
Tingvellir.
Tingvellir the first national park of Iceland. Tell me, why is it so important?
Well, geologically this place is really significant. Because Iceland is placed
on 2 tectonic plates and Þingvellir National Park is one of the places where this is really visible.
Right now we are standing on one tectonic plate, which is the North American
tectonic plate and just about approximately 5 km that way we see the Eurasian tectonic plate.
And in between we have sort of a no-man's-land , which is basically new land.
Which expands by 2,5 cm every year.
Then we travel on to Silfra fissure, a rift between both tectonic plates
that's known for its crystal clear water, with a visibility of around 100 meters!
Snorkeling excursions start at 150 euros. Be prepared for frigid temperatures though!
Our last stop is the Blue Lagoon, which people often combine with the Golden Circle tour.
National Geographic lists this geothermal spa among the 25 wonders of the world.
It's about one hour from Reykjavík.
So, of course, we gave it a try.
If you come here, listen to this: before you jump in the water you must rinse your hair.
And if you have long hair you have to put it up.
The lagoon water is great for your skin, but really bad for your hair.
It can turn dry and matted because of the high mineral concentration.
The water's milky blue shade results from silica reflecting sunlight.
And although the lagoon is a man-made hot spring, I have to say that I'm quite impressed!
Deep down in the earth, the water's temperature is a scorching 240°C.
But once it reaches the lagoon, it cools off to 38°C.
Though some spots maybe feel hotter than others.
Hot. Really warm there!
A day at the lagoon costs 60 euros. But prices can double depending on the time you go.
Mornings and evenings are cheaper.
Don't forget to treat yourself and of course have some fun!
So, you want a mask?
I get a silica mud mask.
Along with most guests here.
The ticket also included a drink for Marco and myself.
Well, after visiting these attractions, I have to say
I understand now why the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon are so popular in Iceland.
If you come here take at least 2 days to enjoy, with more time, all of the locations. See ya!