The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular loop from Reykjavik that goes around the south part of Iceland and showcases some of the best sights the island has to offer (although, there are a ton more to see). After a full day of walking along lava-strewn terrain, witnessing water in all forms of its natural state, and experiencing a little continental drift, we learned a very important lesson. Everything in Iceland is epic.
Lava fields covered in 1000 year old moss.
Taking pictures with the moss is fine, but stepping on it kills it. Stick to the paths!
Close up of a lava rock with moss and the lighter colored lichen that also grows in these fields. Our guide joked that these are the most useless fields since people can't walk on them or grow anything.
Our first set of waterfalls was Faxi falls and the first time we managed to get a picture of these blue flowers that are in bloom all around the area right now.
Next up, hot springs and geysers in Haukadalur. This one is called Blesi and those silver specs are coins that people have thrown in, sort of a natural wishing well.
The most temperamental geyser is Strokkur which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. Oh yes, and those black specs are flies that seem to swarm around the hot water.
The water may be beautiful, but don't touch. There are signs all over warning people that the water temperature ranges between a scalding 80 to 100 degrees Celsius.
Gullfoss. Two tiers of raging water. Absolutely stunning.
Gullfoss or "The Golden Waterfall" was named because rumor has it that there is gold at the bottom of the falls for anyone who dares to get it. We opted for the much safer selfie.
Thingvellir National Park contains the largest lake in Iceland, Thingvallvatn, but that's not the main attraction.
Iceland sits on top of two tectonic plates, the North American plate and the Eurasian plate. The water in between the plates is so clear and deep (up to 300 feet) that it is a popular place for scuba divers and snorkelers to explore.
Say hello to the North American tectonic plate.
Nothing like a little walk between two continents to end the day.