Golden Circle

Der Golden Circle ist eine berühmte Reiseroute im Südwesten Islands, die einige der spektakulärsten Sehenswürdigkeiten der Insel verbindet. Der Name "Goldener Kreis" bezieht sich auf den kreisförmigen Verlauf der Straße und die atemberaubenden Highlights entlang der Strecke. Zu den markanten Stationen gehören der Þingvellir-Nationalpark, wo das alte isländische Parlament gegründet wurde, als auch ein Geysir, ein Geothermalgebiet und der Gullfoss-Wasserfallin. Der Gullfoss ist ein beeindruckender Doppelfall, der zu den schönsten Wasserfällen Islands zählt. Der Golden Circle bietet eine großartige Möglichkeit die beeindruckende Natur und Kultur Islands zu erleben.

Top spots on the Golden Circle

Thingvellir
Geyser
Gullfoss
Kerid crater
Bruarfoss
Skalholt
Iceland horses
Reykjadalur

Inspiration for our Gullni collection

Thingvellir National Park

As a heritage site and national park, Thingvellir National Park in Iceland has a lot to offer. Here is some important information to know about the park:

  1. History: Thingvellir National Park has a long history. This is where Iceland founded the Althing, Iceland's parliament, in 930. Since then, Thingvellir has been the main meeting place of the Althing and the place where important decisions were made for over 850 years.
  2. Geography: The park is located near Reykjavik and covers an area of ​​approximately 23,000 hectares. There is Iceland's largest freshwater lake, Þingvallavatn, which lies at a plate tectonic interface.
  3. Activities: Thingvellir National Park offers a variety of activities for tourists including hiking, horse riding, snorkeling, diving, fishing and wildlife watching. In winter you can also go skiing and snowboarding here.
  4. Natural Beauty: The park is famous for its breathtaking nature, including crystal-clear rivers, lakes and waterfalls, dramatic rock formations and breathtaking scenery between continental plates.
  5. UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 2004, Thingvellir National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List to recognize its historical and geological significance.

Geyser geothermal area

The Geysir geothermal area in Iceland is a tourist highlight and one of the country's top attractions. Here are some facts and information you should know about it:

  • The Geysir geothermal area is located in southwest Iceland, approximately 100 km east of Reykjavik.
  • The most famous geyser in the area, Geysir, is now largely inactive. However, its namesake, the Strokkur, is very active and emits a 20-30 meter high fountain of water and steam about every 5-10 minutes.
  • The water in the area is very hot and rich in mineral salts, resulting in colorful deposits and so-called "sinter terraces".
  • It is free to visit the Geysir geothermal area, but parking fees apply. There is also a tourist shop and some restaurants nearby.
  • It is important to follow safety rules and not get too close to the geysers as the hot water and steam can be very dangerous.
  • Near the Geysir geothermal area there are also other attractions such as Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park that are worth visiting.

Gullfoss waterfall

Gullfoss is one of the most famous and visited waterfalls in Iceland.

  • It is located in the south of the country, about an hour's drive from Reykjavik.
  • The name Gullfoss translates to "golden waterfall" because the spraying water sometimes shimmers golden in the sunlight.
  • The waterfall has two stages and falls a total of 32 meters deep into a narrow gorge of the Hvítá River.
  • In summer, many tourists can visit the waterfall and it can get quite crowded. But in winter it is less crowded and the waterfall is often surrounded by ice.
  • Gullfoss is part of a popular tourist route called the Golden Circle, which also includes Thingvellir National Park and the Strokkur geyser.
  • There are several hiking trails around the waterfall that offer views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
  • It is important to follow safety regulations and not climb around on the rocks along the gorge as this can be very dangerous.

Kerid crater

Kerid is a volcanic crater in Iceland and one of the main attractions on the Golden Circle. The crater is about 55 meters deep and 170 meters wide, and inside is a deep, turquoise lake.

  • Kerid is about 3,000 years old and was formed by an explosion crater and collapse.
  • The crater is a popular destination for tourists, but they must be aware that entering the crater rim can be dangerous. However, there is a safe path that leads around the crater.
  • The lake inside the crater is considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland. Its turquoise color comes from minerals that dissolve in water.
  • The crater can be visited all year round, but it is particularly spectacular in winter when it is covered in snow.
  • Entrance to the crater costs approximately 400 ISK or 3 euros and parking is chargeable.

Bruarfoss waterfall

Bruarfoss Waterfall is located near Langjökull Glacier.

  • The waterfall is about 60 meters wide and falls in several stages to a height of about 25 meters.
  • The name "Bruarfoss" translates to "bridge waterfall" as it is located near an old bridge.
  • Unlike many other waterfalls in Iceland, Bruarfoss is not easily accessible and requires a hike of about an hour from the nearest parking lot.
  • The waterfall is known for its incredible turquoise water, which is created due to the mineral content in the surrounding rock.
  • It is important to be careful to respect the waterfall's surroundings and not to throw anything away or damage anything, as it is a protected nature reserve.

Skalholt

Skálholt is a historic place in Iceland that plays an important role in Icelandic history and culture. The place is in the south of Iceland, about 100 kilometers east of the capital Reykjavik.

During the Middle Ages, Skálholt was the most important religious and political place in Iceland. One of the two episcopal churches stood there, the other was in Hólar in the north of the country. The Bishop of Skálholt had a great influence on Iceland's political life and was one of the most powerful men in the country.

However, in the 19th century, Skálholt was destroyed by a severe earthquake and lost its importance as a religious and political center. Today Skálholt is a cultural meeting place with a museum complex and a restored episcopal church. Concerts and cultural events take place here regularly.

Visitors to Skálholt can also visit the nearby Kerid Crater Lakes and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Iceland horses

Icelandic horses - The robust horses from the north

Icelandic horses are a special breed that are very popular in many countries due to their robustness and endurance. The horses come from Iceland and have been bred there for centuries. Due to the harsh climate and difficult living conditions, the animals have developed into very resilient and adaptable horses.

Icelandic horses are simply impressive. Not only are they very beautiful, but they are also very smart and affectionate. They can grow up to 1.40 m tall and weigh 350 kg. Icelandic horses are characterized by their strong physique, their sure-footedness, their fast gait and their willpower. They are particularly well-known for their special gaits: in addition to trot and canter, they master tölt and pacing, which are very comfortable and smooth movements.

Icelandic horses are very popular as leisure horses, but they can also be very successful in dressage or show jumping. Another advantage of these robust animals is their long lifespan. They can live up to 30 years and are therefore long-term companions.

Reykjadalur

Reykjadalur - Discover the natural wonders of Iceland

Reykjadalur is a picturesque valley in Iceland known for its hot springs and pools. The valley is located not far from the town of Hveragerði and can be reached from Reykjavík in around 40 minutes.

Hiking through Reykjadalur is an unforgettable experience. The route is about 3 km long and takes you along a river fed by hot springs. Along the way you can enjoy many small waterfalls, dense forests and breathtaking views.

When you arrive at your destination, you can relax in one of the hot pools. The warm water is the perfect place to relax after your hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a leisurely look at the breathtaking landscape around you.

Reykjadalur is a beautiful valley that offers you a glimpse into the fascinating natural paradise of Iceland. If you want to explore the beauty and wonders of Iceland on your own, then you should definitely visit Reykjadalur. Plan your trip carefully and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and hot springs of this magical place!

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