The dramatic Iceland’s Golden Circle highlights is a must-see itinerary for first timers. This geothermal epicenter is where the Eurasian and North American plates meet. It takes you on a 190-mile loop in southern Iceland. Overall, this article offers insights on 3 monumental highlights: Pingvellir National Park, Haukadalur Geothermal Field and Gullfoss or “Golden Falls.”
I enjoyed this trip 2 times, with the last tour including the Fridheimar Horseshow and extra stops at Hellisheidi Power Plant, Kerid Crater and Faxi Waterfall. So, continue on to learn about what to expect from this popular itinerary. During the long summer days, it’s easy to see it all in one day.
Pingvellir National Park – Iceland’s Golden Circle Highlights
First, we leave Reykjavik with crystal, clear skies and temperatures that reach almost 70 degrees F, considered a heat wave in Iceland. Our first stop is Pingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the national parliament of Iceland established in 930 A.D. with sessions held there until 1798. It served as a good assembly sit, because of the cliffs forming an amphitheater. However, few ruins still exist as a vestige to this heritage.
Pingvellir lies in a rift valley, marking the crest of the mid-Atlantic Ridge. Also, this creates the convergence of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Overall, the valley has many unique landmarks, for example, cracks and faults, including the largest one as the canyon, Almannagja. The collision of these 2 plates is the cause of many earthquakes in the area. Furthermore, some rifts fill up with water, including, the largest natural lake in Iceland, Pingvallavatn. This is a popular diving and snorkeling location. Overall, the valley is mostly undeveloped, with many walking trails to explore this rugged terrain.
Haukadalur Geothermal Field
Secondly, our next stop is the Haukadalur Geothermal Field, with over 40 geysers, hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles. This area activated from an earthquake in the 13th century. Plus, its sister geyser to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful is Strokkur. Dependably, it erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, spraying approximately 30 feet into the air. The path through the apocalyptic takes us through surreal sites, such as, blue springs, gray mud pots and bubbling clear creeks. All the steam eerily swirls with the unpleasant egg-like smell from sulfur.
The blue springs are beautifully clear, encased by gray volcanic rocks in contrast with dramatic, green landscape. Intriguingly, I notice water streaming down a small hill, brightening the dirt. This looks like an oil painting of reddish-browns or russet, blended with a green background into a earthy simplicity. Overall, it’s amazing, however, in my opinion, not as spectacular as Yellowstone National Park.
Gullfoss or “Golden Falls” -Iceland’s Golden Circle Highlights
Finally, the grand finale of the day for me was visiting the Gullfoss Waterfall. Its grandeur, as well as historical significance, are both amazing. In the early 20th century, a family owned Gullfoss. Also, it became a prospect to be a power plant for electricity. Thanks to the daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, of the family-owned falls, we still can capture the raw beauty of this natural monument.
Most importantly, Gullfoss didn’t become a source of electricity. She is recognized as one of Iceland’s first environmentalists. By walking 120 km barefoot to Reykjavik many times, Sigridur protested against Gullfoss becoming a power plant. Also, the legend goes that she even claimed she would throw herself over the falls if the project began.
Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall) is a breathtaking icon of Iceland’s natural beauty. It’s located on the Hvita (White) River and fed by Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. Moreover, the green landscape opens up into a gaping canyon void from which this waterfall plummets down 32 meters in 2 tiers. We were lucky to be there on a bright, sunny day, so the incandescent rainbow shimmered a beautiful spectrum of light down into the canyon.
Glacial water is brownish, from the sediments that the glacial ice has carved off the earth. Thus, Gullfoss or “Golden Falls” describes the golden water falling down into the deep crevice. The flow of the waters, cascading down into infinite showers generates an ionic charge that is exhilarating to all of the senses.
Hellisheidi Power Plant
An educational stop at Hellisheidi Power Plant is so inspiring to learn about the sustainable energy. It’s the largest geothermal power station in the world and largest in Iceland. As part of its Geothermal Energy Exhibition, the power plant offers educational tours and presentations about sustainable energy. Iceland is known to be one of the greenest countries in the world. Furthermore, 100% of the electricity consumed in Iceland is from renewable sources, such as, hydro power and most homes are heated with geothermal water.
Fridheimar Horse Show
The unique visit at Fridheimar is absolutely delightful and it is owned and run by a family. On their farm they do horse breeding and horse shows they have greenhouses growing tomatoes all year round. So, in short, they do horses and horticulture. Even more, they offer a food experience with their restaurant with the main theme being tomatoes.
Their horse show demonstrates all the 5 gaits of the Icelandic Horse. This breed is world renowned for being the only one that performs all 5 gaits, particularly the tolt gait. Overall, they did an educational and entertaining demonstration of the horses doing the walk, trot, gallop or canter, tolt and skeid or “Flying Pace.” In the show, they performed the tolt, a smooth four-beat gait, allowing the rider to enjoy a bounce-free ride. Even more to prove this, the rider rode this with a pint. After the performance, we got a chance to go meet the horses up close in the stables. Overall, just an amazing experience!
Extra Stops at Faxa Waterfall and Kerid Crater
Near the Haukadlur Geothermal Field is the teal colored Kerid Crater Lake. Geologists believe it’s a magma chamber that collapsed 6,000 years ago at the end of a volcanic eruption. The crater is the northernmost part of a crater row called “Tjarnarholar.” Kerid is 55 meters (180 ft.) deep, with steps that go down to the lake.
Also, on the Golden Circle, we stopped at Faxi Waterfall or Vatnsleysufoss. It’s on the Tungufljót river plunging over 7 m. Even more impressive is the 80 m width, giving a unique show of falls. Moreover, it includes a salmon ladder and is a popular spot for fishing, and close to the restaurant called Vid Faxa.
Overall…
The Golden Circle is a wonderful way to see magnificent highlights of Iceland in one day. Even more, it inspired me to return for the Ring Road of Iceland, with the all-encompassing journey through this geothermal wonderland. To be continued on Iceland’s Ring Road…
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