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Golden Circle Drive in Iceland Photo By Kit Bigelow

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Golden Circle, Iceland

Golden Circle is a tourist route in southern Iceland covering about 300 km. It is the area that contains most tours and travel-related activities in Iceland. The three tour stops on the route are the Pingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur: which contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur.

The Thingvellir is a national park in south-West Iceland about 40km from the capital city, Reykjavik and the first stop on the Golden Circle route, while Gullfoss waterfall is Iceland’s most famous waterfall which is found in the river Hvita in south-West Iceland. Geothermal Area is a term used for a part of Haukadalur Valley in South-West Iceland. It is known for its geothermal activities.

It as well has other stops such as the Kerio volcanic crater, the town of Hverageroi, Skalholt cathedral, Hellisheioarvirkjun geothermal power plants and the Nesjavellir.

1. In the Pingvellir National Park, you can stand on two continents at once

Pingvellir National Park is one of the attraction sites in the Golden Circle. It has remarkable geological and historical significance. When standing in this Pingvellir National Park, you can stand on two continents at once if you spread your legs 7Km wide.

This is the distance between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It created the rift valley that you can see above sea level in the national park. The middle part is not suitable for man while the rift between the two continents grows 2 cm each year. Interestingly, that’s why I recommend it as a must-see.

2. Golden Circle, Pingvellir Park has Some Dark History

The stories about the National Park are not all genuine. Near the Oxarafoss waterfall, you find the Drekkingarhylur-pool. The pool has been accused of hosting the execution by drowning several women who have been accused of sins of adultery or child murder.

Nevertheless, it is said the citizens who were found guilty of witchcraft were burnt at the stake of Brennugja-gorge. In back 17^th century during the witch hunts, 23 people were executed and only 2 were female, and this went against the European and American ‘trends’ where witchcraft was mostly associated with women.

3. Pingvallavatn is the Largest Lake in Iceland

The Pingvallavatn lake in Golden Circle is the largest in Iceland. It covers an area of 85 Km2. It is slightly bigger than Manhattan.

The lake is popular and well known by fishermen since is used for fishing due to its Arctic charr and has an impressive depth of 114m as-well-as.

4. Gullfoss Waterfall is a Popular Tourist Attraction

Golden Circle Gullfoss  Drive photo By http://www.cgpgrey.com

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The interesting thing about the waterfall is how close you can get to it, especially in the summer since the weather is favourable and suitable to visit a waterfall.

However, during the winter months, looking from a distance is the only choice for one’s safety. During winter, it is so cool and the water turns to ice. On your first approach Gullfoss the crevice is obscured from the view and this makes it look as if a waterfall falls into the Earth

5. Sigridur Tomasdottir was the First Environmentalist in Iceland

In 1907, Howells, an English businessman,  had seen the opportunity of a lifetime in buying the Gullfoss waterfall, harnessing its great energy to produce electricity. The land belonged to Tomas Tomasson, her daughter Sigridur liked this natural treasure and took to herself and protected it against foreign investors.

She went to Reykjavik to present her case and threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if everything fails. Lawyer Sveinn Bjornsson helped her and they managed to annul the contract and the waterfall was saved due to Sigridur’s bravery and resistance. Today, Gullfoss belongs to the people of Iceland and is one of the most frequently visited landmarks in the whole country.

6. Gullfoss is Powerful

Golden Circle Gullfoss Drive photo By http://www.cgpgrey.com

The Gullfoss is powerful no wonder they wanted to build a power plant on it. This valley of waterfalls increases and gets 25cm longer each year due to erosion.

The usual water flow over Gullfoss is 109 meters squared per second and its recording of 2000 cubic meters per second is the heaviest water flow ever.   

7. There is a Fontana Geothermal Spa

At the centre of the Golden Circle is the Fontana Wellness spa. After a long day exploring nature and enjoying the attractions in the Golden Circle, you get a relaxing massage.

A Golden Circle and Fontana Spa tour offers the chance to relax and enjoy the restorative powers of Iceland’s geothermal springs. You get to saunas overlooking the lake or take the plunge into the lake itself. This cold bathing helps to support healthy circulation and muscle recovery.

8. Availabilities of Restaurant: Fridheimar

There is the availability of restaurants such as Fridheimar. Fridheimar is a family restaurant and farm that specializes in food that you might not expect to see in Icelandic cuisine like tomatoes.

While you are on your tour of the Golden Circle don’t worry about where to eat or have a drink since a restaurant like Fridheimar got you. Here you get to taste for yourself the delicious tomatoes results of this science experiment with the aid of geothermal heat which Iceland have in abundance.

9. You Get to Ride in ATV

Golden Circle Drive in Iceland Photo By Kit Bigelow

During your Golden Circle Route, you can combine the sights with riding on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Here you get to ride up to the mountain of Hafrafell, not a long distance from Reykjavik.

 This experience is mad fun and you should not miss it on your Golden Circle tour. As you ride on clear days, you can enjoy views over the city and beyond the Reykjanes peninsula.

10. Haukadalur Geothermal Field (Geysir and Strokker)

In the middle of the country, you will find a Haukadalur geothermal field with its geysers and hot springs despite being Iceland. This great Geysir has been here for more than a hundred years and its little sibling Strokkur is still active.

 When you visit here it is good to follow the marked path in the area since boiling water can gush out from the earth at any time which is dangerous.