From the Itinerary: The three most visited attractions in Iceland are collectively known as the Golden Circle. After taking the morning ferry from Heimaey back to the mainland, make your way directly to the agricultural village of Fludir, but here you find the oldest public geothermal bath in Iceland, now known as the Secret Lagoon. After your plunge and lunch in the village you ́ll continue onwards to the highlights of the Golden Circle. Your first stop will be at the magnificent waterfall Gullfoss, or ́ ́golden falls ́ ́. As you leave your car you will hear the tremble from this powerful waterfall. Established walkways allow you to explore the waterfall from various angles as you search for the perfect photo. Just a ten minute drive from Gullfoss waterfall you come to the geothermal area of Geysir, where the active geyser Strokkur reigns supreme sending an eruptive column of boiling hot water 100ft into the air every 8-12 minutes. From there you take direction of Thingvellir national park. You can stop in the village of Laugarvatn and walk down to the lake from the Fontana Spa to witness the tiny hot-springs right on the shore of the lake. Continue over the Lyngdalsheidi mountain pass until you get to the national park of Thingvellir. This is a place of great significance to the Icelandic people, both because of it́s history and for its geology. This is where the early settlers in Iceland, the norse Vikings, convened to form the oldest known democratic parliament which ran consecutively from the 9th century until the year 1798. This is also where the massive tectonic plates of North-America and Eurasia are slowly drifting apart, making Iceland grow inch by inch each year. This continental drift has created a rift valley at Thingvellir and leaves a dramatic impression on the landscape with endless faults, fissures and canyons. A great place of for a stroll where you can take in the history and powerful geology. After exploring the national park you ́ll drive across the Mosfellsheidi mountain pass and back towards Reykjavik and your hotel.
In addition on this day I snorkeled between the continents at the Silfra fissure. I had to postpone this activity which was originally scheduled for day 3 which was the day after I sprained my ankle.
Was stressed in the morning that the car wouldn't start and I had to be at Silfra in time for snorkeling. The day was further constrained by the ferry schedule, so lots to do and I didn't need any issues with the car. I was up early, had a quick breakfast and was happy that the key appeared to be working. It still wasn't consistent with locking, so decided not to lock the car any more. I got to the ferry very early and waited. Not much to report.
The weather was good and the ferry back to the mainland was uneventful. I was able to see puffins flying/diving along side the boat, along with other seabirds, but they were too far away to get any definition.
The Secret Lagoon was rather creepy. It was probably the most "natural" (read basic) of any of the hot springs I visited. The "floor" was unimproved - you walked along the basic stone and any living plants that were underwater. I liked it the least of any of the hot springs. That said, they did have houses for the local elves:)
I was able to get to 2 of the 3 attractions along the golden circle. I did stop at Geysir to check out the thermal activity.
Gullifoss (Golden Falls) was amazing and very powerful.
I skipped Strokkur because you couldn't guarantee when the geyser was going to spay, I had already seen the thermal activity at Geysir and Strokkur appeared quite crowded. I went straight to Thingvellir because I had to be at Silfra in time for the snorkeling.
Thingvellir was a wonderful place to walk with nice paths and you could see above ground the results of the tectonc plates meeting. The canyon walls and view were further enhanced by a rainbow.
The Silfra fissure meeting point is a short drive from the walking area. The
fissure water is very cold, as you can imagine, so we had to use dry suits. This was my first experience with a dry suit and it was awkward, but I was glad. had it on when the water hit my face. The water itself was an amazing color blue - I've never seen such a thing. Not much to see except this blue clear cold water. The snorkeling itself was only about 30 minutes, but I'm glad to say I had the experience.
By the end of today I officially completed my circumnavigation of the island! I was back in Reykjavik and at the Borg where I started a million years ago. I parked in a public parking area near the hotel, got my stuff and walked back to the Borg hotel for the night.
Dinner was at the Apotek Hotel where I was lucky to get a reservation. This was a weird evening because half way through dinner I was asked if I would move tables. This has never happened to me before and needless to say I wasn't very happy about it. I had a direct conversation with the manager about their business practices. I did end up moving and they comped my dinner. I gave bad reviews to this restaurant.
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