If You Only Have 1 Day In Iceland
We spent 18 wonderful days in Iceland, and to this day it's vying with Norway for the top spot in Jorge's travel heart. Since then, I have had many friends go to Iceland for shorter trips and come back saying "eh." "Eh" is the absolute last thing that would come to mind when I think about Iceland, so I thought I would post some sample itineraries, and see if I can save future travelers from having just a so-so Iceland experience.
Something I think I should mention here is WHEN to go to Iceland. The high season in Iceland is approximately June 1 - August 30, and because I prefer to travel in the shoulder season, we went in May. The next time I go back it will probably be in September. I think that April - May and Sept - Oct would probably be lovely times to go to Iceland. Just keep in mind that there is very little daylight in the winter months and while there are many fun things to do in the winter (Northern Lights watching, ice cave exploring, snowmobiling, etc.), if you go there for four days and get bad weather every single day, you will probably not get to experience the best that Iceland has to offer (in my opinion).
Thingvellir or Þingvellir lies in a rift valley that marks the boundary between two tectonic plates: North American and Eurasian. It marks the crest of the Mid Atlantic Ridge and if you are a geologist this is what dreams are made of. This is one of only three National Parks in Iceland and is also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The visitor center doesn't open until 9, but here is where I'm going to hit you with some fantastic advice. It is very rare that you won't be able to gain access to nearly any public site in Iceland regardless of the time. I think there may have been one or two places in the ENTIRE COUNTRY that had restricted access until opening hours. Otherwise, if you get there early enough you can beat most of the tour buses. Most tour groups will do the Golden Circle in this exact same route, so if you can get a head start on them and time your arrival for no later than 8 AM, you will have a pretty good head start for all the rest of the sites. Plus, you will want to take pictures on your drive so it's better to start early and make the most of your day.
This is how cold it was in the middle of May. It took a little more than gentle prodding to get me out of the car.
I honestly don't remember why, but when we went the cathedral was closed so we were just able to explore around the Þorláksbúð (pictured below) which was built on the ruins of the original Þorláksbúð temple. After construction of the main cathedral, this building was used as a storehouse.
If you've made good time and are interested in some historical perspective I would certainly include this as a stop on your golden circle tour. Tourism is increasing every year in Iceland, so I would be surprised if you had any trouble gaining access to the cathedral when you go, and there are relics, a small museum in the crypt and an archaelogical site you can visit.
Something I think I should mention here is WHEN to go to Iceland. The high season in Iceland is approximately June 1 - August 30, and because I prefer to travel in the shoulder season, we went in May. The next time I go back it will probably be in September. I think that April - May and Sept - Oct would probably be lovely times to go to Iceland. Just keep in mind that there is very little daylight in the winter months and while there are many fun things to do in the winter (Northern Lights watching, ice cave exploring, snowmobiling, etc.), if you go there for four days and get bad weather every single day, you will probably not get to experience the best that Iceland has to offer (in my opinion).
So, here is one option if you only have one FULL day in Iceland.
Day 1: The Classic Route
This option is for the first time traveler to Iceland and covers the basic Golden Circle. This is probably the most popular single day tourist route in the entire country, and that comes with all it entails. The sights are big and bold and the route is well mapped and easily navigable, which also means that you will probably start to recognize the other tourists before you're halfway done. You will need a rental car, and depending on the time of year (availability of light) you will want to start as soon as you are able to try and avoid the crowds.
Stop 1: Thingvellir National Park
This was on the side of the road on the way to the park and the year we went was right after True Detective Season 1 had come out, so all I could think about was the yellow king and carcosa.
Thingvellir or Þingvellir lies in a rift valley that marks the boundary between two tectonic plates: North American and Eurasian. It marks the crest of the Mid Atlantic Ridge and if you are a geologist this is what dreams are made of. This is one of only three National Parks in Iceland and is also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The visitor center doesn't open until 9, but here is where I'm going to hit you with some fantastic advice. It is very rare that you won't be able to gain access to nearly any public site in Iceland regardless of the time. I think there may have been one or two places in the ENTIRE COUNTRY that had restricted access until opening hours. Otherwise, if you get there early enough you can beat most of the tour buses. Most tour groups will do the Golden Circle in this exact same route, so if you can get a head start on them and time your arrival for no later than 8 AM, you will have a pretty good head start for all the rest of the sites. Plus, you will want to take pictures on your drive so it's better to start early and make the most of your day.
Stop 2: Efstidalur II
Ok it's probably going to be "too early" for ice cream, but Efstidalur II is a cute family run farm hotel with a cafe (so you could get JUST coffee if you want) that makes many of its own products on site. When we went we were the only people there, but at the time it hadn't been open for very long. We talked to the owner's daughter and she told us that when the economy crashed her and her husband decided to move home to her parents farm hotel and help them run the business. They have a good, local product with an interesting set up and I have a feeling that when you go it will be a lot busier - for good reason.
Ok it's probably going to be "too early" for ice cream, but Efstidalur II is a cute family run farm hotel with a cafe (so you could get JUST coffee if you want) that makes many of its own products on site. When we went we were the only people there, but at the time it hadn't been open for very long. We talked to the owner's daughter and she told us that when the economy crashed her and her husband decided to move home to her parents farm hotel and help them run the business. They have a good, local product with an interesting set up and I have a feeling that when you go it will be a lot busier - for good reason.
What's perhaps most interesting is they have built the cafe around the cattle pens, so you can sit and enjoy your ice cream coffee while watching cows happily munching on hay directly outside the glass enclosed walls. It's worth a stop and a chat if you have the time and if you're lucky you can even pet some of the baby cows.
I think this is where I first started taking pictures of other people's pets. What started as a hobby has turned into a life's work.
Stop 3: Geysir
Geysir is a famous hot spring and the third official stop on your golden circle tour. I say official, because if I've learned anything about Iceland, it's that (weather permitting) you can make your own stops as long as you're smart about where to drive. Some of the best places we found were not always in the guidebooks.
This picture always makes me think of the Icelandic brown bread that's baked in the ground. I can just imagine tins of it steaming away underground here.
The Great Geysir was considered dormant, but an earthquake in 2000 precipitated infrequent eruptions. For the most part it is considered nearly inactive but nearby Strokkur erupts every 6 - 10 minutes. If you've seen a picture of the eruption it's most likely Strokkur and may just be mislabeled online.
All Jorge wanted out of this stop was a shot of the geysir erupting and raining down on him. Success.
Geysir is a famous hot spring and the third official stop on your golden circle tour. I say official, because if I've learned anything about Iceland, it's that (weather permitting) you can make your own stops as long as you're smart about where to drive. Some of the best places we found were not always in the guidebooks.
The Great Geysir was considered dormant, but an earthquake in 2000 precipitated infrequent eruptions. For the most part it is considered nearly inactive but nearby Strokkur erupts every 6 - 10 minutes. If you've seen a picture of the eruption it's most likely Strokkur and may just be mislabeled online.
Stop 4: Gulfoss
Otherwise known as the Golden Waterfall, Gulfoss is fed by Iceland's second biggest glacier, the Langjökull. When the sun hits it just right, the falls can take on a golden hue (hence the name), and you can often see rainbows along the spray.
The first thing I noticed about Gulfoss was the sound of crashing water and the fine mist that seems to float all around the walkway. Even though it was impossible for me to imagine a waterfall of this scope, the atmosphere as you take the concrete walkway acted as sort of a prelude of what's to come. These are an immense series of waterfalls and it was our first Icelandic waterfall, so it was really almost jaw dropping to finally reach the main section of the falls.
If it looks like I'm grimacing, it's because I probably was. It was COLD down near the falls and I just took off my hood and unzipped my jacket to try and look realllllll casual for the picture.
Otherwise known as the Golden Waterfall, Gulfoss is fed by Iceland's second biggest glacier, the Langjökull. When the sun hits it just right, the falls can take on a golden hue (hence the name), and you can often see rainbows along the spray.
The first thing I noticed about Gulfoss was the sound of crashing water and the fine mist that seems to float all around the walkway. Even though it was impossible for me to imagine a waterfall of this scope, the atmosphere as you take the concrete walkway acted as sort of a prelude of what's to come. These are an immense series of waterfalls and it was our first Icelandic waterfall, so it was really almost jaw dropping to finally reach the main section of the falls.
Stop 5: Skálholt
Ok. The truth is (sorry Icelanders) that Skálholt will feel anticlimactic after your other stops. It is SO IMPORTANT and I truly do understand that it is arguably one of the most important historical sites in Iceland, but from a tourist's perspective, after spending the morning at places like Geysir and Gulfoss, you will ask your wife why you had to stop here. At least that is what my husband did.
Ok. The truth is (sorry Icelanders) that Skálholt will feel anticlimactic after your other stops. It is SO IMPORTANT and I truly do understand that it is arguably one of the most important historical sites in Iceland, but from a tourist's perspective, after spending the morning at places like Geysir and Gulfoss, you will ask your wife why you had to stop here. At least that is what my husband did.
I honestly don't remember why, but when we went the cathedral was closed so we were just able to explore around the Þorláksbúð (pictured below) which was built on the ruins of the original Þorláksbúð temple. After construction of the main cathedral, this building was used as a storehouse.
If you've made good time and are interested in some historical perspective I would certainly include this as a stop on your golden circle tour. Tourism is increasing every year in Iceland, so I would be surprised if you had any trouble gaining access to the cathedral when you go, and there are relics, a small museum in the crypt and an archaelogical site you can visit.
Stop 6: Kerið Crater
Kerið crater is thought to have originally been a cone volcano that erupted, emptying its magma reserve. Over time, the weight of the cone collapsed into the empty magma chamber, creating a large depression that filled with water. The area is made of a vibrant red volcanic rock, and I don't think we saw anything else quite like this anywhere else in Iceland. What is perhaps most impressive about this site is the contrast with the teal water and the moss covered red crater. Apparently the acoustics inside the crater are amazing and artists such as Björk have held concerts here.
One thing to note is this is the only stop on the ENTIRE golden circle (when we went) that charges an admission fee. This is something that is amazing about a very expensive country. They really value their environment, and have made it possible for nearly anyone to experience the natural wonders that shape Iceland.
From Kerið, it is about 45 minutes back to Reykjavik. The entire drive is about 3 1/2 hours (not including stops) so doing the entire Golden Circle is really an all day event. You can return to the city and have dinner and wander around, or if you're super ambitious, you can try to squeeze the Reykjanes Peninsula at the end of this and try to squeeze it all into one day (if you're there in summer). If you really want to go to the Blue Lagoon, you could do that this evening, or depending on the time of year, try and schedule a Northern Lights Tour.
There really is no end of things to do in Iceland, many within close proximity of Reykjavik and especially if you are there during the summer months, there is so much daylight that you could really make this into a marathon. I found this blog to be super helpful before I went, and the best advice I can give you is to get out on your own and do some exploring.
Finish the night off exploring Reykjavik, getting a hot dog (or two) and if you're so inclined, participating in an Icelandic rúntur.
Kerið crater is thought to have originally been a cone volcano that erupted, emptying its magma reserve. Over time, the weight of the cone collapsed into the empty magma chamber, creating a large depression that filled with water. The area is made of a vibrant red volcanic rock, and I don't think we saw anything else quite like this anywhere else in Iceland. What is perhaps most impressive about this site is the contrast with the teal water and the moss covered red crater. Apparently the acoustics inside the crater are amazing and artists such as Björk have held concerts here.
One thing to note is this is the only stop on the ENTIRE golden circle (when we went) that charges an admission fee. This is something that is amazing about a very expensive country. They really value their environment, and have made it possible for nearly anyone to experience the natural wonders that shape Iceland.
From Kerið, it is about 45 minutes back to Reykjavik. The entire drive is about 3 1/2 hours (not including stops) so doing the entire Golden Circle is really an all day event. You can return to the city and have dinner and wander around, or if you're super ambitious, you can try to squeeze the Reykjanes Peninsula at the end of this and try to squeeze it all into one day (if you're there in summer). If you really want to go to the Blue Lagoon, you could do that this evening, or depending on the time of year, try and schedule a Northern Lights Tour.
There really is no end of things to do in Iceland, many within close proximity of Reykjavik and especially if you are there during the summer months, there is so much daylight that you could really make this into a marathon. I found this blog to be super helpful before I went, and the best advice I can give you is to get out on your own and do some exploring.
Finish the night off exploring Reykjavik, getting a hot dog (or two) and if you're so inclined, participating in an Icelandic rúntur.
Comments
Post a Comment