The Golden Circle is a popular route for viewing some of the best-known natural sites in Iceland. This route normally takes you to Gullfoss, Geysir and Pingvellir National Park but our tour guide took us to three bonus sites – Moss Heath, Skógafoss and Seljalandfoss, the last two are waterfalls but smaller than Gullfoss. FOSS is the Icelandic word for WATERFALLS.
Our first stop was Moss Heath where we saw moss-covered lava fields as far as the eye can see. The moss is very fragile, so visitors must stay on marked paths to avoid damaging the delicate ecosystem. Weather was cooperating so far!
Next was Skógafoss, considered to be one of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls. It is 50 feet wide and 200 feet high. The air was damp when we arrived at the place, whether it was from the waterfall or drizzle it was difficult to say.
There is a steep walkway that would take you to the mountain top overlooking the valley below; however, my traveling companions declined to climb it. We saw a large group of young people donned in hiking and climbing gear all eager to conquer the mountain. Our guide informed us that they were hiking for 9 miles to another foss.
A couple of folks in our group were late coming back at the designated time since they climbed the mountain. At this time, several of us were asking if there was a restroom nearby. Askje told us to “hold it” for now and we can use one in the next stop.
Seljalandfoss was the next bonus site we visited. It was smaller than Skógafoss. Several in our group dared venture to walk behind the falls. We stayed put. Trini and I had been to the majestic Iguazu Falls in South America that even the more popular Niagara Falls pale in comparison which is the reason why we’re not that excited visiting these waterfalls. (FYI: Iguazu falls width is 1.7 miles compared to Niagara’s 1 mile and it consists of about 275 individual drops whereas Niagara only has 4).
By the time we arrived in our next site, Geysir, it was again drizzling and cold. Geysir is the original term for the English geyser. For those of us who have been to Yellowstone Park and witnessed Old Faithful spew its steam hundreds of feet in the air, Geysir was barely a mist emanating from the earth. Several in our group, including Trini, Oya and Tommy declined to walk the short distance due to the rain and the tour guide was offended. I went along and witnessed one “blow” for a second and went back to the food court to look for Trini.
After about 20 minutes looking for Trini in the very crowded (a refuge from the rain) food court/souvenir store, I saw her sitting with two others in our group. I ordered minestrone soup with bread, potato chips and coke zero which cost me the price of a good dinner in the U.S. (not complaining, I’m in a tourist trap after all).
Our next stop was the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall. It was raining hard by now so I pulled the folding umbrella from my backpack. The four of us made our way walking very slowly along a rocky path going downhill. I was worried that Trini might slip and fall as she has already a healing knee injury. We were halfway when I realized that I forgot my cellphone in the minibus! We continued on and this waterfall was more spectacular than the other two smaller falls. We witnessed the two-tiered falls plunging 36 feet (11m) then 70 feet (21m) into a rugged canyon. The roaring cascade was loud. The view could have been better had it not been raining. We slowly and carefully slogged our way back which annoyed some younger visitors who walked much quicker than these seniors, but we didn’t care.
As soon as we reached the parking lot, I ran to our mini-bus to get my cellphone and took the above photos.
Our last stop (collective sigh of relief) was the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Thingvellir National Park. Fortunately, the rain has stopped when we arrived. Askje, our guide/driver asked a show of hands who wanted to hike up to the top of the site. Half of us raised our hands, the others decided to stay in the van (including Trini, Oya and Tommy) and meet us in the top of the park. It was a decent incline but my heart was pumping hard by the time we finished the almost one mile hike.
Thingvellir (or, in Icelandic, Þingvellir) is the only place in the world where you can stand between two continental plates (North American and Eurasian), in a distinctive geological landscape that changes every year. Part of the Golden Circle, Þingvellir is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an important historical location in Iceland.
Finally, our 5-day tour was over! It was a lot of hard work for us seniors but well worth it! According to Askje, our guide/driver, we drove a total of 1,000 km (600 mi) during our tours! Would I do it again, maybe not, but I’m glad I booked this unique vacation-of-a-lifetime. We’ve experienced things the average traveler may not.
Iceland is a dramatic island nation known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” for its active volcanoes and large glaciers, characterized by other-worldly landscapes including lava fields, waterfalls, hot springs, and mountains. Geologically unique as it sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland has high volcanic and geothermal activity, which provides much of its natural heat and energy. The country also features a unique culture with strong connections to Viking heritage, literature, and outdoor activities like bathing in hot springs and observing the Aurora Borealis. (Google)
DAY 5 – Departure day. I strongly recommend a visit to this great island nation at least once in your lifetime!
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