After first few days in Reykjavik, impressions of Iceland are so good that I am already thinking about going
back as soon as possible. Looks like some kind connection emerged between us, some
chemistry, perhaps even emotion. The desire for further research is growing
incredibly. Even those consequences of
" fitting in " – crazy entertainment on weekends with all its adds,
doesn`t fall hard. You are ready and eager to discover why experienced
travelers considered Iceland as one of the most beautiful countries in the
world .
The most known route in Iceland,
famous " Golden Circle ", starts with National Park Thingvellir.
The ride to the park could take some time, because you`ll almost certainly
experience the "shock " caused by brilliant scenery. Simply, you have
to stop your car dozen times to enjoy the surroundings. Your eyes aren`t accustomed to such unusual and brilliant
scenery.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is one of those
places which makes Iceland so special. Place located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, on the border between America and
Europe. It is considered to be the place
of first parliament in the world, the birthplace of Icelandic nation. So, geological, historical and cultural
significance. Enough, from where I`m standing. For all these reasons, had been
declared as National Park in 1930. Also, it is under protection of UNESCO. Walk
through the rifts between the North American and Eurasian geotectonic plates
causes in man a sense of pride, just for being in such incredible place. It crossed my mind
that only few people were here. However,
this is a " distant and cold " Iceland.
Between America and Europe
The settling of Iceland began in
AD 874. The first resident was Ingolfur Arnarson with his wife Hallveig. He built
his homestead in, and gave name to Reykjavik. Afterwords, colonization continues,
mainly in the Reykjavik area. Newcomers, Nordics and Celts were needed a place
where voice of the people can be heard, place for socializing and punishment
for disobedience. Thus, in AD 930 the first parliament in the world called
Althing was assembled and held its sessions at Thingvellir until 1799. In the area of Thingvellir National
Park, there are several impressive waterfalls, church, lake Thingvallavatn with
place called Silfra – the best location for diving in Iceland and among the top
five in the world. Here you have the opportunity to dive between two
geotectonic plates with water visibility to 100 meters.
Silfra ( www.dive.is )
40 minute drive from Thinvellir
to the east is an area of geothermal activity with the main attraction,
geysers “Geysir “and “Strokkur”. Geysir
is the most famous geyser in the world. Inactive for almost one hundred years,
with a few sporadic short-term eruptions, caused by increased seismic activity of
the area. There are some records of spitting water up to 170 meters in height.
Today, the major attraction for tourists is younger geyser called “Strokkur”,
which ejects water up to 30 meters in height .
The eruption of Strokkur
Another natural wonder of "
Golden Circle " is Gullfoss waterfall , only 10 minute drive from Geysir.
Gullfoss or The Golden Waterfall is double cascade waterfall on the river Hvita, with average flow rate of 140 m3/s. Walking near waterfall shows you how much
nature can be powerful, dramatic and beautiful.
Golden waterfall - Gullfoss
Slowly putting a puzzle together
about beauty of the island on the edge of the Arctic Circle. All we have seen
so far would be probably enough for average
travelers. But, this is Iceland folks!
There is much more natural gems yet to be seen. Okay, we saw the " main
stream ", a good part of tourists
stops here. The majority of travelers to Iceland visit only “Golden
Circle”, Reykjavik and surroundings. But now is getting interesting, and there
is much more attraction waiting for you. Wherever you decide to go back to Reykjavik, you`ll come across on a new
attraction, some new scenery, landscape ... In the southwest of Iceland there
are large number of active volcanic systems and rivers, formed by melting
glaciers which covers volcanoes. Rivers form dramatic canyons and make huge
problems to the locals when volcanoes erupted. This area is famous for its
volcanic fields, areas covered with petrified lava and leguminous plant species. Although new in tourism business, Icelanders assess
their chances very good. Tourist information boards about attractions, placed
all over the country, prove this fact. Often surprise you with the instructions
to visit new attractions, you never heard for.
Keriđ volcano with the lake
The first thing when you become
aware of Icelands beauty will be a thought that you won`t have enough time to see
everything you wish for. It`s very important
to have a good plan and awareness that
there`s still much more to be seen. The good side of the whole story is that
during high season practically there`s no darkness. So, all depends on the
physical endurance of visitors. In other words, no sleep, you're in Iceland!
One of the attractions of the
island is driving on gravel roads.
These roads are made of volcanic gravel, in most cases. You can find them in the areas of permanent seismic and volcanic
activities, practically on the live ground.
Gravel road , Reykjanes
There are strict instructions on
how to use these roads. It is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle, but it`s
possible to use the standard one with additional precaution. Such roads are in
the southern part of the peninsula Reykjanes, in the area of nature reserve
Reykjanesfolkvangur.
Kleifarvatn lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Here you can see dramatic, breathtaking
landscapes. Looks like everything else, except planet Earth as we know it. In
the nature reserve Reykjanesfolkvangur is Krysuvik, geothermal area with a large number fumaroles, solfataras, hot water springs and boiling mud.
Krysuvik
In the south western part of
Reykjanes is a small town Grindavik, surrounded by black volcanic rocks. The
black rocks are sign that we are very close to possibly most visited attraction
of Iceland, a geothermal spa " Blue Lagoon". The warm waters are rich
in minerals silica and sulfur. Recommended for treatment of skin diseases,
especially psoriasis. There`s a bar in the middle of the lagoon which serves a
variety of cold drinks and the house special " Blue Lagoon " cocktail.
Blue Lagoon
Lagoon is the ideal remedy for
the "return to life" after crazy partying in Reykjavik or after a
busy day of touring the gems of Iceland.
Paradise on the edge of the Arctic
Full of impressions, we are ready to move and travel along
Route 1 to the north and east of the country .
To be continued ...
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