Golden Circle

Geysir
see all photos »

On our first full day in Iceland my sister and I picked up our rental car and then drove what is known as the Golden Circle, Iceland´s three top attractions.  After we were done seeing the awesome Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gulfoss, we headed to Hvolsvollur to spend the night at the only hotel we will be staying at.  Our travel agent from Iceland Visitor, Gisli, said this would be the nicest place we stayed, but it was actually my least favorite - first thing when we got there, I had to kill two gigantic spiders in our room!  They were so big I was afraid to do it with just a paper towel in my hand - I used my shoe.

Where Iceland's first parliament took place
see all photos »

The first thing we saw was Þingvellir, a beautiful National Park that is a rift valley.  It is actually the meeting point of the North American and the Eurasian plates, and there is a lovely rift/canyon to walk through, with high black rock walls and lots of little purple wildflowers.  It was also the site of Alþing, Iceland´s first parliament in the 900s.  Apparently it was the easiest point for everyone to get to, and they gathered on this rocky outcropping with a great view of the lake and surrounding area.

Andy at Gullfoss
see all photos »

Next we saw Geysir, which actually doesn´t blow up anymore, but Strokkur, also a geysir, does.  Our guide book said it goes off every 10 minutes so we were surprised when it blasted off every 5 - the first time it went off, I ran back quick because I was afraid it would splash us!  It was very tall and the explosions were always very sudden - cool.

Next was Gulfoss, one of the most fantastic waterfalls I have ever seen!  There are awesome paths on the cliffs above as well as leading down to the waterfall itself.  Gulfoss is actually two separte falls.  The upper is about 33 feet, the lower 63 feet.  The lower path leads to rocks that jut between the two falls, excellent for picture taking and water spray.

At the end of the day we went to Hvolsvollur and ate pizza at the local joint - very heavy on the onions, but good!  And we fell into a long sleep, still jetlagged and trying to adjust to the time change from AK - 9 hours, so when we get up here in the morning ,it is like midnight at home!