Iceland has quite a few
hidden gems should one be inclined to take the trouble to visit remote places. It is far more convenient to visit Southern Iceland known for some of the most charming attractions and it is no wonder that these destinations have come to be known as the Golden Circle.
While one can hire a car and drive it is only for the intrepid few. Most tourists are better off joining a Golden Circle tour organized by local tour experts in Iceland. The tour usually starts at Reykjavik and takes tourists aboard a mini bus or in a 4x4 jeep across 300 kilometers. The round trip usually lasts 9 hours and takes tourists to Urridafoss, Crater Kerid, Waterfall Faxi, Guilfoss Falls, Thingvellir National Park, Pseudocraters Rautholar and Black Sands in what will be a memorable Iceland Golden Circle tour experience.
Photography
Do not forget to carry a camera along with you. The Thingvellir National Park, besides being of historical importance, is a place of beauty as well. It lies in a beautiful rift valley set against a backdrop of cloud covered mountains. It is the perfect place to capture some scenic shots as is the Gullfoss or Golden Falls located in the canyon of the Hvita River. The sight is simply unforgettable and it could look better in video than as a still image. Proceed to Haukadalur, home of the geysors Strokkur and Geysir and you cannot fail to be impressed by the sight. The Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes and it is a sight worth recording in video or in stills.
Ride a snowmobileThere is more in store for photo enthusiasts in the form of Glacier Langjokull. The bus or jeep stops here so you might as well enjoy an optional exhilarating snowmobile ride or just photograph others doing so.
Geothermal power plantsIceland is where tectonic plates of two continents meet and you might get a glimpse. Make the effort. It is worth it. The natural geologic formation has blessed Iceland with ample geothermal energy that is exploited in its Hellisheidi power station and the Nesjavellir geothermal power station. Your tour will include a beach and you are likely to find icebergs floating in the sea. Climb aboard one and tumble around in the surf. Where else but in Iceland can you do this?
Eat Iceland FoodsIceland does have its share of typical food that may seem a bit strange to others such as whale meat eaten raw and fermented shark but do not fear. Your coach will probably stop at some nice place where there are restaurants serving traditional Iceland dishes like fish and meat soup, pate, leaf bread, salted fish and Brennivin liquor made from potato. Those who are bolder can try sour ram's testicles and smoked meat. While in Iceland and enjoying the best Golden Circle tour in Iceland, try to sample local foods. You have an abundance of fish food and meats in addition to fruits and vegetables.
Talk with the peopleYou will be covering about 300 kilometers and it is likely there will be local people at each stop. Try
talking to them. Though most may not speak English, it is an adventure conversing in sign language. You may, however, come across some who do speak English. In any case, you will discover how warm hearted and open they are.
I am an enthusiast, blogger, and article writer who has gone around the world twice. I have done a considerable amount of travel wondering the roads and towns in the magnificent lands and struck out on new adventures to countries I had not seen before. I love sharing the practical knowledge gained while travelling solo through my writings.