Golden Circle in Iceland

The Golden Circle – One-day delight in Iceland

Golden Circle – This is the most popular tourist route and day tour in Iceland departing from Reykjavík and covering a vast area of geological and historical attractions. And for good reason! The three main points of interest are Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and seat of the first parliament; the waterfall Gullfoss and the erupting geyser Strokkur un Haukadalur. So not only do you get to see some of the most amazing natural and historical wonders of Iceland, at a convenient distance from the capital. The Golden Circle is a 300-km looped route.

Þingvellir

Þingvellir (pronounced thing-vetleer) is a historical and geological marvel. Situated right where the tectonic plates separate, the rift between continents is clearly visible in the dramatic cliffs on either side of the valley. This makes for stunning landscapes, with cascading waterfalls, majestic cliffs and fissures,filed with icy blue, clear water.

Þingvellir are of great historical importance as well. The names translates to Parliament Fields as for centuries, it was the meeting place of the Icelandic Parliament, founded in 930. Some of the biggest decisions in Icelandic history were made at Þingvellir. It was here that the Icelandic chieftains decided that Icelanders would convert to Christianity, it was where they decided to give up their independence in 1262 and where they declared independence from Denmark seven centuries later, in 1944.

Gullfoss

Next up is Gullfoss waterfall (Icelandic for the golden waterfall). It’s a magnificent reminder of the awe-inspiring power of nature, with a huge amount of water thundering down into a jagged canyon.

The power of the waterfall was enticing the entrepreneurs in the early 20th century, and plans were made to harness it and convert it to electricity. Fortunately, there were people who spoke up and protested against destroying such an impressive natural wonder, one of them even going so far as to threaten to throw herself i the waterfall. The State of Iceland acquired the waterfall in 1940 and it has been on the state preservation list since 1979.

Waterfalls in Iceland. Photo by Olga

Geysir

Geysir is an erupting hot spring (it’s actually the erupting hot spring, lending its name to geysers around the world) although these days it doesn’t do a lot of erupting. It’s neighbour, Strokkur, however, gladly puts on a show every 8-10 minutes, in an impressive spectacle of a burst of hot water. The area also has several pools of water ranging in temperature from too-hot-to-touch to boil-you-alive-in-seconds; some bubbling, other still and impossibly clear.

After Geysir, it’s time to head back to Reykjavík or continue exploring the south of Iceland. Go swimming in a warm pool surrounded by nature, go snowmobiling on a glacier or have a delicious langoustine (Icelandic lobster) dinner in a tiny fishing village on the shore.

This beautiful area with its lake, natural vegetation and visible tectonic fissures, which are popular amongst divers and snorkelers. This area is also a delight to walk around, soaking in history, geology and nature with every step. Another major stop is the Geysir Geothermal Area, Iceland‘s very own pressure valve with Strokkur letting off steam every few minutes in a 30m high aquatic burst. This hot geothermal area is fascinating with its colours, smells and energy. The third classic stop on the Circle is the mesmerising Gullfoss Waterfall. Seen from a dizzy height, this waterfall is two-tiered and plunges 32m down into the Hvítá River. Its beauty is illuminated by sunshine and rainbows but also in its winter coat of icicles and frozen spray.

There are a number of other attractions in the area to visit that would put a personal touch to your own Golden Circle tour. They are Laugarvatn on the banks of a warm lake and sheltered by a birch-covered mountain, Kerið, a volcanic crater that has hosted floating music concerts, Flúðir, home of the Secret Lagoon and Icelandic button mushroom farming.

Reykjadalur near Hveragerði, is a valley of geothermal hot springs ready for soaking in.

Conscious Tourism

As with everywhere in Iceland, the nature here is very sensitive and is not used to being trampled on by thrill seekers from all over the world, so please take care to stick to marked trails and walking paths, be sure to take your rubbish with you and leave any pieces of Iceland where you found them. International driving rules apply to Iceland as well. Stopping on the road to take pictures is not only forbidden but highly dangerous and can cause accidents.

Exist the city, enter teh adventure with Geysir Car Rental. It is located in the Harpa Concert Hall within Geysirland Tourist Info. Get free CDW insurance cover and Unlimited Milage on all rentals. No one way fees and great prices. Free GPS or extra driver.

Riding in Iceland with Eldhestar : Greatest Variety of Riding Tours just Outside Reykjavík.

A Day from Reykjavík: the South Coast

A Day from Reykjavík: the South Coast

The south coast is one of the most popular places for a sightseeing day tour from Reykjavík. The area has a high concentration of diverse natural phenomena – striking mountains, glaciers, waterfalls – with long stretches of black sand beaches and deserts and verdant farming communities in between.

The road south from Reykjavík, crosses Mt. Hellishedi, where you can stop at the Hellisheldi power plant and geothermal energy exhibition and tour the plant. From there, you travel down into the valley around Hveragerdi, a town built on a geothermal hot spot. There are columns of steam rising from the ground, a clear sign of the geothermal heat underground, and there's even a restaurant which cooks food with the steam from the ground.

Moving on, you'll drive past amazing mountains and valleys along the coastline until you get to the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The waterfall comes down in the mouth of a cave so that you can walk the whole way around it. Close by is the Iceland Erupts exhibition, a memorial to the 2010 eruptions of EyjafjallajÇokull which halted all air transport in Europe for a while.

This is followed by Skogafoss, an even larger, more powerful waterfall, right by the tiny community of Skogar, which has a fascinating local museum and a couple of hotels. This is also where the mountain trail of Fimmörduhals starts off, a popular but long hiking trail leading up to the PorsÇorl preservation area. Be careful to check the conditions and get advice before the hike.

Icelandic waters. Photo by Olga

Further along is the town of Vik, where you can walk along the Reynisfjara black-sand beach with a view over the strange rock formations of the coast (Important: Stay far away from the water, the rip tide is Extremely dangerous and there have been fatal accidents there).

Katla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes and Myrdalsjökull glacier watch over the south coast of Iceland and you could easily throw in a guided tour of the glacier of a hike to spice up your journey. If you decide to do that, just be careful and take precautions, ask advice, always let someone know where you're going, keep your phone charged, bring warm clothes and make sure you have good shoes.

Glacier Hiking

You shouldn't leave Iceland without experiencing the wonders of its glaciers. Glacier hiking is the best way to get up close and personal with Iceland's elements. Visiting the glaciers under the guidance of a professional glacier guide is a safe way to explore the rugged ice crevasses, sink holes, jagged ridges, ice walls and amazing ice formations.

The Glacial Lagoon on the South Coast

The otherworldly Jökulsarlon glacial lagoon, surrounded by black sand, is a sight well worth the trip. The ice-cold water is filled with icebergs, that have broken off the vast Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. The blue and black chunks of ice look great from afar, but even better up close, so consider taking a boat tour of the lagoon.

A Day from Reykjavík: Reykjanes Peninsula

A Day from Reykjavík: Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjanes peninsula is the first thing you see in your way from the airport into the city. There’s a lot more to the area than just the airport. The area contains a host of interesting attractions and beautiful nature that’s too often overlooked by travelers.

The peninsula landscape is dramatic, with endless lava fields and mountains in the distance, geothermal areas and cute little villages. Starting out from Reykjavík, you’ll drive through the town of Hafnarfjördur, the home of the Viking Village. After a stop in Hafnarfjördur, we recommend leaving the main road to Keflavik and heading through the lava fields towards Kleifavatn. The lake is very pretty and surrounded by a beautiful landscape, a perfect place for a walk if the weather is nice. Continuing on, this route leads you to Krysuvik, a geothermal hot spot where you’ll find numerous bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles, surrounded by multicolored hills, affected by the intense heat. From here, you might head east to Strandakirkja church, which, according to legend, was built by a sailor who stranded just off the coast but was rescued by an angel on the promise he would build a church where he washed ashore.

After this, traveling west along the peninsula and passing through the fishing village of Grindavik, you can stop by the Gunnahver fumarole, where legend has it the murderous ghost Gunna was trapped by a priest using only a ball of yarn. In the same area, you can visit Reykjanesviti lighthouse and walk along the dramatic rocky coastline, with a view over the unique island Eldey. Traveling north from here, you come to the bridge between the continents at Sandvik.

Island stands on the rift between the American and the Eurasian tectonic plate and there are a few places in the country where that rift is visible on the surface.

Next up is Keflavik, a town heavily influenced by its proximity to the US army base which is now vacant. Keflavik was known as the birthplace of Icelandic rock and roll, home to the legendary band Hljomar, the Icelandic Beatles.

Honoring the heritage is the Icelandic Rock’n’roll Museum, which showcases several artifacts from the musical history of Iceland. The highlight of a trip to the Reykjanes peninsula for many people is relaxing in the famous Blue Lagoon spa on your way back to the city.

Icelandic rural landscape. Photo by Olga

The Blue Lagoon

The luxurious Blue Lagoon spa is one of the most recognized landmarks in Iceland. The characteristic turquoise blue waters are the result of a happy accident. While drilling for hot water, way opened for naturally hot water from deep underground, to flow to the surface.

The underground water, naturally rich in minerals, mixed with cold seawater, created a pool of mily blue water of the perfect temperature for bathing. Since the water continuously streams from underneath the ground, the water is completely replenished every 40 hours, keeping the water naturally clean and making chemical cleaners unnecessary

A Day from Reykjavík: Borgarnes & West of Iceland

A Day from Reykjavík: Borgarnes & West of Iceland

If the crowds on the south coast and the Golden Circle are not your thing, a tour of the west coast of Iceland might be just the ticket. The area has its share of natural wonders, with majestic waterfalls and deep lava caves, as well as a rich historical heritage.

About an hour north of Reykjavík is Borgarnes, a charming little town with cosy restaurants, a watery paradise of a swimming pool, and fascinating museums. The Settlement Centre is dedicated to the Viking settlement of the area, telling the story of Egill son of Skallagrimur, the fierce Vikning and clever poet who first settled in the area.

The Borgarnes Museum is just a couple of steps away and is focused on more recent history of the area, with permanent exhibitions on the history of childhood during the 20th century and the bird-life of the area, as well as temporary exhibitions.

The swimming pool is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, complete with an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool, three hot tubs, a wading pool, a steam bath, three waterslides of varying size and a gym.

Close by Borgarnes is Deildartunghver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. You can see boiling hot water gush from the ground, bubbling powerfully and steaming. A little further along are Hraunfossar, the Lava waterfalls. This remarkable waterfall flos out from underneath a sheet of solid lava. A short walk away is another waterfall, the thundering Barnafoss.

Icelandic volcanic stones. Photo by Olga

Viodgelmir, Iceland’s biggest lava cave by volume, is a lava tube formed during a volcanic eruption, when the magma started to cool on the surface, but there was still a hot “river” of magma flowing beneath it. Then the magma flow stopped, leaving a hollow cave beneath the cool crust on the surface. A tour of the cave can be booked in advance. Nearby Surtshellir, similar in nature, is Iceland’s longest lava cave.

Finally, if you’re traveling with a specially outfitted vehicle and guide, you can kick the adrenaline into gear and drive onto Langjökull glacier, where summer never comes. If you’re particularly adventurous, you can even travel into the Glacier, in a recently opened man-made glacier cave, equipped with a chapel, bar and movie theatre.

If you want to take the scenic route back to Reykjavík, skip the tunnel under Hvalfjördur bay and drive around the fjord. On the way you can see the old whaling station or visit a museum dedicated to the American army.s occupation of Iceland during World War II. You can also visit a working farm or hike to the tallest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur

Fort Charlotte

Fort Charlotte, Nassau, Bahamas

Built in 1788 by Lord Dunmore, this fort was named after the wife of King George III, Queen Saharia Charlotte. The middle bastion, Ft. Stanley and the western portion, Fort D'Arcy were added later. The fort has a moat, dungeons, underground passageways.

Forty-two cannons were installed there. They only fired in training have never been used in an act of war. All the pictures have been taken by Elena.

More about Nassau and Bahamas: Photos of Nassau.

Fort Charlotte. General view.

Fort Charlotte, the largest one on New Providence at 100 acres.

Located one mile west of downtown Nassau, just off West Bay Street, the fort sits on a hill overlooking the far west end of the harbour, 

The Fort Charlotte commands an impressive view of Paradise Island, Nassau, and the harbour.

It is one of several English forts that are still standing in Nassau.

These canons have never fired in an act of aggression.

The downtown is only a short walk away from the fort.

 The fort sits a short walk west of downtown Nassau and the cruise ship terminal. 

The fort has never been used in battle.