Experiencing Iceland's Golden Circle On Northern Lights Holidays

Winter holidays are, by definition, different than those that take place over the summer months. While the latter are more focused on enjoying the warm weather near a beachfront or riverside location, winter breaks tend to be more activity-related - one needs think no further than ski-resort breaks to find evidence to support this statement.

Winter sports holidays are not, however, the only popular type of cold-weather break. In recent years, another type of activity tour in which to engage during the winter months has rapidly been gaining popularity among nature-loving travellers worldwide: Northern Lights holidays.

Centred on the Aurora Borealis, one of the most breathtaking natural phenomenon in the world, these holidays take participants on an experience to encounter the most impressive features of the Arctic natural world. And as anyone who has ever travelled that part of the world will attest, many of these are located in Iceland.

Indeed, while somewhat less talked about than its neighbours to the 'left' (Sweden, Norway and Denmark), Iceland is home to an impressive collection of stunning natural sites that can be visited on Northern Lights holidays. One of the largest and most notable of these natural hotspots, the Golden Circle, is described below.

Natural Gold

The Golden Circle is an area of Iceland comprised mainly of a natural reserve included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. One important site to visit is the 3000-year-old volcanic lake, called Kerid. This impressive crater, which last erupted around 3000 years ago, has since filled with water, making for an imposing sight.

The Thingvellir National Park, which stands on a tectonic fault includes such landmarks as the Gullfoss Waterfall, as well as a number of geysers - which often surprise visitors not quite used to hot water suddenly spraying from out of the ground! The main attraction at Thingvellir, however, is the presence of the mini rift valley, created by an environment of tectontic movement and volcanic activity. As a site of intense geological (and, indeed, cultural) importance, it is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the country and one that should definitely be included on the itinerary of Northern Lights holidays.

History buffs will also be interested to know that this region was the founding site for the Icelandic parliament – the Althingi – in 930 AD. In fact, it was this historical landmark that granted the site the distinction of being considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, in 1994.

Travellers visiting Iceland have several days to spare on the course of their Northern Lights holidays should go out of their way to explore the stunning natural tableau offered by the Golden Circle.

Abigail Collins is director of Aurora Nights, who offer a select range of trips to see the Northern Lights. For Northern Lights holidays, Iceland and Swedish Lapland offer an excellent chance to encounter the aurora borealis. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company passionate about client service, with a vast in-depth knowledge based on extensive travels to region of the Aurora Borealis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.