MAIN Travel Tourist Attractions Iceland Golden Circle Tour

Rift gully at the end of the Eurasian plate in Þingvellir National Park. The right side is where Europe ends. The left side is an area between continental plates. Langjökull glacier provides a stunning backdrop.

The name Þingvellir is translated as "Parliament Plains." The population of Iceland gathered here for two weeks each summer to pass laws and resolve disputes at the the Alþing general assembly - the world's oldest existing parliament.

Related Links: • Iceland Travel Guide • Planning Your Trip to Iceland • Reykjavik - Iceland's Capital City

Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and is splitting along the spreading center between the North American and Eurasian Plates. Don't worry, though. Magma fills the gap so the island will stay in one piece.

Walk along the edge of the North American continent in Iceland's Þingvellir National Park. The rocky volcanic ledge on the right is actually the end of the continent. This is one of only two places on the planet where the rift is able to be seen above ground.

"Fertile is water that runs under lava." Lake Þingvallavatn provides homes for 150 types of plants and 50 different invertebrate species as well as water fowl, foxes and mink...

Walking Between Two Continents

Unlike Iceland whale watching or tours that are limited to warmer seasons (or Iceland northern lights tours that require the long dark nights of winter) most companies run the Golden Circle tour throughout the entire year.

The tour usually consists of stops at the Kerið crater, the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot springs and Þingvellir national park. All of these are famous attractions that should be included in a trip to Iceland. They are all close to Reykjavik and can easily be enjoyed in one day, making for the ideal day tour.

We travelled with Reykjavik Excursions. The agent who booked the tours for us, Hildur Armannsdottir, was extremely friendly and helpful. In addition to advising us to take the Golden Circle Tour, she arranged for a tour that took us, and our luggage, to the Blue Lagoon spa for an few hours of relaxation before dropping us at the airport for our flight back home. Hildur explained a little about the Icelandic language and the family atmosphere that often surprises visitors to Iceland.

The population of Iceland is small and most of the current residents are descendants of the original settlers. The language that is spoken has remained true to the ancient roots to such an extent that most grade school children can read the ancient Sagas in the original language and understand them perfectly.

Hildur pointed out that Icelandic culture has been formed by both the closeness of the community and the struggles to tame an unforgiving land. The waterfalls in Iceland are regarded with a special fondness that visitors may not understand. They are not just a source of beauty or national pride. Icelanders feel a true kinship with their land and the falls are regarded as real friends.

We began with a stop at one of the greenhouses that provide fresh vegetables for Icelanders. In this land of arctic weather and short growing seasons, thermal heat and glass help deliver garden products for a good part of the year.

It seems that every stop includes an entry or exit through a souvenier shop and this was no exception. Handmade sweaters and Icelandic crafts based are easy to find. After a quick snack we were off to see the major attractions.

Kerid Crater - The first tourist attraction on the tour is Kerið, the mouth of an extinct volcanic. The water-filled crater is 55m deep and some 3000 years old. The water is an odd greenish color during the warmer months and a reflective sheet of ice during the winter. Like the Grand Canyon in the USA, the majesty of the view is difficult to capture in pictures.

The rocky slopes rise at a steep angle from the crater resulting in an eerie panorama that should be on your itinerary if you plan a visit to Iceland. Kerið is a natural amphitheatre with excellent acoustics. Iceland's famous Bjork decided it was the ideal location for an outdoor concert. The performers floated on the water while entertaining crowds gathered on the sides and above the basin.

Gullfass - The name Gullfoss or Gullfass translates to the Golden Waterfall. Visitors who watch the sun play on the water as it cascades 32m down in two stages fully understand the meaning of the name. The massive falls are located on the Hvitá river. Under the right conditions, colorful rainbows dance on the spraying water filling the air above the canyon.

In winter, ice formations form uncanny sculptures. The cascading water and spray are captured by the cold and frozen into amazing shapes. Small wonder that the people of Iceland express such a love for their waterfalls. The beauty of this place is a sight that will not soon be forgotten.

Geysir Hot Springs Geothermal Area - The geothermal field in Haukadalur is a natural wonder of hot springs and boiling mud pools. The “Great Geyser” even gave its name to this spectacular phenomenon. Today, the Geysir itself is no longer erupting, but nearby Strokkur sends up a column of water and steam up to 30 meters high every few minutes to the delight of onlookers, who strive to catch the moment on film.

At the Geysir center visitors can enjoy a multimedia exhibition and learn more about the geology and history of the area. Also on spot is a restaurant and accommodation for those wishing to stay overnight. In summertime, the highland route of Lyngdalsheiði provides a convenient shortcut to Þíngvellir for those traveling on four wheel drive.

Pingvellir National Park - A UNESCO World Heritage site, Þingvellir national park is of immense historic and symbolic importance to Icelanders. It was long the site of the original Alþing, or national parliament of the settlers, and the setting for many of the most important events in the history of the island. Established in 930, the Alþing was an assembly of free men that gathered at Þingvellir for two weeks each summer to settle disputes, set laws and arrange marriages. Imagine the significance of gathering again with friends and distant family members between long, dark, isolated Icelandic winters and it is easy to understand why modern Icelanders are so friendly to visitors.

Þingvellir is also renown for its geological significance. The area is located on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, where the continents of Europe and America drift apart, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity. Standing in the Almannagjá fissure, the visitor is literally situated between the continental plates. Þíngvellir is also known for its exquisite beauty. The birch-covered lava fields and the clear blue waters of Lake Þingvallavatn produce a harmonious, almost serene landscape. In summer, why not end the day with a midnight riding tour at Þingvellir national park?

Skálholt Church - One of the extra stops on our tour was to visit this historical site. The new church is set in beautiful surrounding and the stained glass windows provide a riot of color in the simplicity of the interior. This important site in early Icelandic history might have become the capital if nature had not intervened...

During the bus ride, as we travelled through the countryside, we were treated to an Icelander's perspective of Iceland. Our guide asked us to call her Dottir since her name was impossible to get right for our un-Icelandic tongues. She spoke both English and German fluently.

We were serenaded with traditional Icelandic ballads and children's songs; given a background on all of the sights; instructed in the history of Iceland and introduced to the hidden mythical world so vital in Iceland.

We were delivered back to the door of our hotel after a day of touring. We still had enough energy left to taxi back to the city to have an authentic Icelandic dinner at Laekjarbrekka restaurant.