An Introduction to Iceland:
Iceland is an amazing Europe country that boasts of beautiful nature, inspiring art, wonderful food and rich culture. One of the most diverse countries on the Earth, Iceland is all about the two worlds (located in between Europe and North America), which you can experience both literally and figuratively. By visiting the land of ice and fire, you will be able to experience some delightful, quirky and enchanting surprises.
The Peak Time to Visit Iceland:
From May to September, Iceland is found to be packed with huge crowd of tourists. It is also great to visit the Iceland in winter like December – February, which are the iciest months and when you can see the magnificent Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Please remember to pack essential and proper thermal gear to enjoy a frozen yet beautiful Iceland.
Explore the Famous Golden Circle:
One of the top rated places in the Iceland, the Golden Circle welcomes a huge number of tourists and allows them to explore fascinating things. While driving along the Golden Circle route, you will come across some stellar natural attractions or places.
Here are some fascinating places of Iceland's Golden Circle:
#1- Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake:
This is a volcanic crater lake, which has the most vibrant turquoise blue water. The accessible Kerið crater lake has it caldera intact that offers a unique sight on the Golden Circle. Formed because of a volcanic activity, the Kerið volcano lake is one of the clearest proofs of the power of volcano eruption experienced in this region. One of the hidden gems of the Golden Circle- the Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake offers you an opportunity to enjoy a memorable walk all around the crater. A stop at the Keri' Volcanic Crater Lake will prove to be a treat.
#2- Geysir
The Geysir is one of the Iceland's famous tourist attractions, which is a geothermal area of the Golden Circle. Here you will get an opportunity to witness a flat expanse of rocky land peppered with bright blue pools and geothermal spouts spraying water high into the air. You will be delighted to watch how the hot spring shoot an impressive 15m to 30 m plume and then vanishes down the enormous hole. The Strokkur Geysir and the Great Geysir are located by the Hvita River in the Southwestern part of Iceland. The smell of sulphur in the air and multiple bubbling hot pools are the most common things, which you will experience and witness after arriving at this location.
#3-The Gullfoss Waterfall:
The Gullfoss Waterfall is Iceland's most famous waterfall, which is epic and awe-inspiring that will leave you mesmerized. This spectacular and gigantic waterfall is an impressive attraction, which you can visit at any time of the year. Seeing it in the icy winter will offer you a spectacular look with some magical moments to experience. This waterfall is great for the thrill seekers who can walk down to the viewing platform (that runs alongside the waterfall) for witnessing the greatest views.
#4- The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall:
The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall in Iceland, which is a must-visit attraction in the South Coast. Here, you will get an opportunity to walk behind the waterfall (by wearing a raincoat) to enjoy an exhilarating experience. In the winer time, the path behind the waterfall remains closed (as it becomes slippery and dangerous).
#5- The Skogafoss Waterfall:
A classically shaped rectangular waterfall- the Skogafoss waterfall is 60m high and 25m in width. This location offers an exciting hiking tracks in Iceland and considered to be one of the most popular tourist destinations along the south coast. The river below the falls that holds a large salmon and char population, where the fisherman are seen fishing in the months of July – October. At this location, you will find some staircases that leads up to the top of the hill above the Skogafoss waterfall. This will give you an opportunity to look down at this powerful and breathtakingly beautiful Skogafoss waterfall.
#6- The Reynisfjara Black Beach:
The Reynisfjara Black Beach is a world famous and widely regarded as the most impressive black-sand beach in Iceland. The black pebble beach, Reynisfjara features stunning cliff of regular basalt columns that resembles a rocky step pyramid (called Gardar). Out in the sea, you can view the spectacularly shaped basalt sea stacks- Reysindrangar. The Reynisfjara Black Beach area has a rich birdlife like puffins, guillemots and fulmars.
#7- Thingvellir or Þingvellir National Park:
The Golden Circle is not all about natural attractions. The Þingvellir National Park at the Golden Circle is a historic and cultural shrine of Iceland. One of the key location that holds the oldest existing parliament in the world, the Þingvellir has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its unique geology and natural features, the Þingvellir is also protected as a national park. You will also get an opportunity to enjoy fishing and scuba diving at the Lake Þingvallavatn, which is the biggest lake in Iceland.
Conclusion:
The above are some few places or attractions of Golden Circle. If you want to experience a memorable Iceland tour to Golden Circle for exploring the best attractions, then simply rely on a licensed tour operator. With a reliable Iceland tour operator, you will get an opportunity to enjoy a fun filled and exciting tour experience to explore the top attractions of Golden Circle.
Martin Wynn
