Today, we explored the Golden Circle, a notable route near Reykjavik. Covering around 300 kilometers, this path connects the capital with the southern regions and offers sights of three significant landmarks of Iceland.
Þingvellir National Park is a geologist’s dream. It’s located in a rift valley formed by the separation of two tectonic plates: the North American and the Eurasian plates. This meeting point is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. What makes Þingvellir so unique is that it’s one of the few locations on Earth where this rift between the plates is visible above sea level. The dark seam across the middle of the photo is the North American plate and the lighter section below it is the Eurasian plate.
Nestled in the heart of Iceland’s geothermal region lies the Geysir Geothermal Area, a hotbed of geothermal activity and a testament to the island’s volcanic vitality.
Radiating with geothermal energy, the Strokkur geyser is yet another demonstration of Iceland’s volcanic heartbeat. Reliably, every 5-10 minutes, it puts on a breathtaking show. A forceful eruption sends a plume of boiling water and steam soaring 20-30 meters high.
Among the natural wonders Iceland offers, Gullfoss holds a special place in my heart. This majestic two-tiered waterfall combines nature’s raw power and timeless beauty. With each tier, the Hvítá River plunges dramatically, casting mist and rainbows on sunny days.
The sheer magnitude and ferocity with which the waters flow are a humbling sight. No wonder it’s among the country’s most celebrated and recognized attractions. For me, out of all the wonders we’ve witnessed so far, Gullfoss is my favorite.
An unexpected detour led us to a pasture with Icelandic horses. These horses, known for their sturdy build and thick manes, are typical of Iceland. They’re distinct from many other horse breeds, having been in Iceland for centuries without crossbreeding.
Specific rocks or hills in Iceland are believed to be inhabited by elves. Disturbing these places, such as by breaking or building over them, is thought to bring misfortune.
Beneath the cloud cover in the photo lies the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Often referred to as E15 due to the challenging pronunciation (with 15 letters following the initial ‘E’), this glacier-topped volcano in southern Iceland began its eruption on March 20, 2010. After a short break, the activity resumed on April 14, 2010. This second eruption had a major impact on air travel across Europe for several days. Thankfully, it’s not erupting today.
Today, we had plans to overnight in Vík, but due to unforeseen weather conditions, the road to Vík was closed. Looks like we’ll be staying in Reykjavik for another night. Oh, the challenges of travel!