History and nature collide where the continents continue to drift in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site within the Golden Circle. The Hakið Visitor Center is a great place to start your exploration. Inside there are interactive panels to learn about geological features and the culture of the park. Leading from the […]
Monthly Archives: October 2018
31 posts
A waterfall with such vigor, it bares the name of the god Thor. Þórufoss often spelt as Thorufoss and it is a hidden gem in the Golden Circle. While hundreds flock to Gullfoss, we had this waterfall all to ourselves. It is a short detour from the main road, with […]
Despite the long dark winters, plump juicy tomatoes are grown year round in Iceland. Friðheimar is a farm and restaurant which produces 18% of the country’s tomatoes, among cucumbers, peppers, and more. It does so all year long by harnessing geothermal energy to power artificial lights for growing. A tangle […]
Peaceful is not something often associated with the tremendously popular Golden Circle route, but you can find that feeling at the hidden gem Faxi Waterfall along with the beauty the region is beloved for. Also known as Vatnsleysufoss and Horses Mane Falls, the water flows from the Tungufljót River. Just […]
The Golden Falls, more commonly known in its Icelandic translation as Gullfoss, is a waterfall located in the Golden Circle and one of the most visited sites in the entire country. Fun fact: Gullfoss is the focal point of the music video for a song I love, “Heaven” by the […]
Geyser is such a common word worldwide, yet it is derived from one very specific place in Iceland. Europeans first mentioned Geysir, or gusher in Icelandic, in 1294 and the name became an umbrella for the rare geological phenomena in the world. Geysir Hot Spring Area is located in Haukadalur […]
A lesser known attraction in the Golden Circle, for now, Bruarfoss Waterfall is one of the most incredible sights you’ll see in all of Iceland. Its bright blue coloration is the stuff of fairytales, not filtered trickery. The river stems from Langjökull glacier and pours into a deep crevice of […]
Clamber through a cave, cross a river on a log, and climb up ropes into Iceland’s deepest canyon to get a glimpse of Glymur. Until 2011, this post would have been titled Hike to the Tallest Waterfall in Iceland. Since then, scientists have discovered there is a taller waterfall in […]
If you’ve been around Reykjavík, it’s likely you are already acquainted with the Esjan Mountain Range, likely without even knowing it. Just across Faxafloi Bay the imposing flat topped mountains loom, setting the scene for a great picture of Sun Voyager and many other perfect postcards. The most popular hiking […]
If you were dropped just twenty minutes beyond the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, the landscape at Heiðmörk Nature Reserve would fool you into thinking you were on Mars. The Rauðhólar, or red hills, are 5,200 year old pseudocraters which were created when lava flows on top of swamps making the […]
A hidden forest in the heart of the Icelandic capital Reykjavík, Ellidaardalur isn’t well known to the typical tourist. Discovering dense woods is a rarity on the island, making it all the more magical of a place. The preserve is a 3 ½ miles long by up to a mile wide […]
Shopping in Iceland can come with a hefty price tag, but if you catch the largest flea market in the country open only on weekends in Reykjavik – you might be able to haggle a decent deal. Kolaportið Market has been around for almost 30 years, it offers a bit […]
Birders traveling in Iceland flock to the capital city Reykjavík where up to 50 species of waterfowl reside at Tjörnin. Translating to pond, the prominent body of water is home to many interesting birds including eider, gadwall, scaup, greylag goose, and whooper swan. You can find information about different species […]
On the outer reaches of Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik, at the most northwestern point of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula sits Grótta Lighthouse. A bird sanctuary, place of beauty and solitude, this is a favorite spot for those looking to get away from the bustle just a few blocks away. To reach the […]
Iceland is filled with natural splendor everywhere you look. In the capital city of Reykjavik there are manmade wonders which are worthy of your time as well. Hallgrímskirkja A national sanctuary, active church, and the most recognizable building in Iceland stands 244’ tall, visible from just about anywhere you look […]