Iceland, the second largest island in Europe and home to some of the most magnificent views on earth is located in the Arctic Circle midway between North America and mainland Europe.
Reykjavík is the capital of this beautiful Scandinavian country rich culturally and in natural beauty. Almost 80% of the nation is uninhabited. In fact you can drive around the spectacular coastline and cover the entire island in 10 days.
Waterfalls, geysers, active volcanoes, black sand beaches are what one would associate with Iceland. But did you know that more than 11 % of the country is glaciers and probably that is how it derived its name though it is not as icy as its neighbor Greenland. The Golden Circle Iceland is what draws hordes of tourists each year.
When is the best time to visit the Golden Circle Iceland?
Iceland has cool refreshing summers and mildly cold winters. But the region is known for its rapid change in weather and tourists are advised to always carry warm clothing and waterproof coats along with sturdy shoes. To enjoy the natural beauty of the Golden Circle of Iceland which includes the Northern Lights, the birds, the exotic wild flowers that carpet the valleys and the immensely favorite whale watching, September is the most preferred month. Though the tourist season starts from May and peaks between July and August because around this time the weather is pleasant, the days are longer and the skies are invariably clear.
About Iceland Golden Circle
A majority of tourists who fly down to Iceland come to see the golden circle of Iceland and the Iceland self drive tours are very popular. What is the golden circle Iceland and why is it so popular? It is a circuitous route covering over 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavik to southern Iceland and back.
The Iceland Golden Circle consists of the maximum tours and travels in Iceland. Most of the tours are a day trip and last almost 8 hours. The views along the way are so spectacular that anything less can’t be even imagined.
What are the main attractions in the Golden Circle Iceland?
Pingvellir: The very first stop on the Golden Circle Iceland is this UNESCO world Heritage Site. This site is where the first parliament of Iceland was convened. We shall see the geological significance in a while.
Geyser: One of the very first geysers to be documented in Europe.
Gullfoss: A waterfall which rivals the Niagara in beauty is located in the valley of the river Hvita and can be called the Jewel of Iceland’s Golden Circle.
Keridcrater: Though technically not a part of the golden circle Iceland, any tour that doesn’t include this picturesque Crater Lakes located in the south Iceland can be deemed incomplete.
