Enjoy Stunning Landmarks Alongside the Northern Lights in Iceland
One of Iceland’s most popular tourist routes is the Golden Circle Tour, which allows you to visit some of Iceland’s most stunning sights, and of course provides a sensational backdrop for the celebrated Northern Lights. Iceland is famous for its collection of natural masterpieces, not the least of which are these three highlighted stops on the Golden Circle.
The region offers an amazing basket of natural phenomena in addition to the northern lights. Iceland is home to the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, which is one of the most geothermally active areas in the world, and the first stop on the Golden Circle Tour. While this valley contains many natural wonders, a must-see is the Great Geysir, which is the oldest known geyser on the planet, as well as the most famous. The Great Geysir became dormant at the beginning of the 20th century but since the earthquake of 2000, you can expect to see hot water shoot more than 70 metres into the air. This happens approximately every 8 to 10 hours so make sure you time your visit well. There is no need for timing when it comes to the second most famous geyser in Iceland, as Stokkur is one of the most regularly erupting geysers – spouting hot water roughly every 5 to 10 minutes.
The Golden Circle tour then continues to Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Gullfoss, which is located on the river Hvita. This popular natural phenomenon translates as ‘golden falls,’ named because of the glacial sediment in the water which turns the falls golden in the sunlight. These ‘golden’ waters fall a stunning 105 feet in two steps, making it by far Europe’s most powerful waterfall. If that wasn’t enough, on a sunny day, the mist clouds surrounding the waterfall are filled with dozens of rainbows, providing a breathtaking spectacle of colour and motion to rival even the Northern Lights. Iceland is clearly not content with being famous for only one natural phenomenon.
Looking for something to keep you occupied while on your search for the Northern Lights? Iceland and the history of Iceland could not be better symbolised than by the last – and most famous – stop on the Golden Circle. Thingvellir National Park is a site of historical, cultural and geological importance and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. Thingvellir is the home of a rift valley which marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is a divergent tectonic plate located along the floor of the Atlantic Ocean and part of the longest mountain range in the world. Thingvallavatan, the largest natural lake in Iceland, is also located in the National Park. The lake’s biosphere is a testament to it straddling the border between the continents of Europe and North America, with its fish population considered its greatest biological wonder as no other lake in the world supports four separate species of arctic charr. Thingvellir National Park also has historical importance, as it was where Althing, an open-air assembly representing the whole of Iceland, was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798.
Clearly it is worth going to this spectacular region for more than just the northern lights. Iceland has something to offer for every nature or history lover out there.
Abigail Collins is director of Aurora Nights, a company offering a range of once in a lifetime Iceland Northern Lights holidays in Swedish Lapland and Iceland, with accommodation including the great Ice Hotel. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company with vast knowledge based on their extensive travels to the region of the Aurora Borealis and passionate about giving superb client service.