Sunday, 8 March 2026

The Golden Circle @ Isolated! Icy! Iceland.

 "Iceland Is Alive Beneath Our Feet.”


The Golden Circle
Heading towards the loop of the Golden Circle, there’s a quiet rhythm that settles in—tires humming against the road, windows framing a shifting panorama of Iceland’s raw beauty. We feels suspended between worlds: Reykjavík fading behind and ahead, the promise of geysers, waterfalls, and rift valleys carved by tectonic forces. The landscape rolls past in vast sweeps—moss‑covered lava fields, distant snow‑capped peaks, and sudden bursts of geothermal steam rising like whispers from the earth.
It’s a journey of contrasts—comfort within the bus, wildness beyond the window—where every curve of the road feels like an unveiling, and the Golden Circle becomes not just a route, but a moving meditation on Iceland’s fiery heart and icy soul.

Big Bus Tour
We booked our excursion with Bus Travel Iceland, joining the tour on a large coach. By the time the bus reached us, we were the last passengers to be picked up, which meant the only seats left were at the very back row. It was a bit of a challenge for my Mr., as the rear seats can feel more cramped and bumpier. 

Yet there is a secondary door located in the middle, making access easier and less troublesome for him. In the end, what could have been an inconvenience turned out to be manageable, and we settled in with anticipation for the journey ahead.

Above the Volcanoes
It felt as though we had entered another planet — a landscape reminiscent of Mars, with endless lava fields stretching out in every direction. 


The ground was dark and rugged, sculpted by ancient eruptions, and the horizon seemed alive with the memory of fire. 



As we drove, the thought struck me that we were moving across the very tops of volcanoes, not just one, but many, each lying dormant beneath us. The sensation was surreal: a journey over land forged by violent forces, now silent yet still powerful. 


The scenery carried both an eerie stillness and a raw beauty, reminding me that Iceland is a place where earth’s deepest energies are always close to the surface.



Sunnumörk Shopping Centre
Do you know you can walk in between of North American and European tectonic plates easily here?


The Sunnumörk Shopping Centre in Hveragerði, Iceland is a modest but remarkable mall that has gained fame for its extraordinary location: it sits directly on the fissure where the North American and European tectonic plate s meet. 

This means visitors can symbolically cross from one continent to another simply by walking through the building, making everyday shopping feel like a geological adventure. 
Inside, the centre offers a mix of local boutiques, cafés, and services, reflecting the town’s cozy atmosphere while highlighting its unique setting.



 Hveragerði itself is known for its geothermal activity, with hot springs and greenhouses nearby, so the shopping centre adds a quirky modern twist to the town’s natural wonders.




Kerið crater
Our first stop of the tour is to Kerið crater which is pronounced roughly as “Keh-rith” This is a striking volcanic caldera lake located in Iceland’s Grímsnes area, along the Golden Circle route.



Formed about 3,000 years ago, it is part of a row of volcanic craters known as the Western Volcanic Zone. Unlike many craters that are the result of explosive eruptions, Kerið is believed to have formed when a volcanic cone collapsed into an empty magma chamber, leaving behind a steep-sided oval basin. 

Today, its vivid red volcanic rock contrasts beautifully with the aquamarine water that fills the crater, creating a dramatic natural amphitheater. 

The crater is about 55 meters deep, 170 meters wide, and 270 meters across, and visitors can walk around the rim or descend to the lake’s edge. 

Such an educating experience that combines a geological wonder and a linguistic curiosity for travelers exploring Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.


Icelandic Horses
I couldn’t quite recall the name of the place, only that it was a private horse farm tucked between Geysir and Gullfoss along Route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut). We paused there briefly, just long enough to stand close to the Icelandic horses and even purchase small bags of feed to offer them. It was one of those quintessential Icelandic encounters — fleeting yet unforgettable. As soon as we arrived, I was greeted by the sight of sturdy, thick-maned horses gathered along the fence line. Their curious eyes and gentle presence made them feel less like livestock and more like companions, waiting patiently to meet us.



Icelandic horses are a distinctive breed, instantly recognizable for their smaller, compact frames and thick, rugged coats that seem almost built from the elements themselves. Standing at about 1.3m–1.4m tall, they are pony-sized in stature but classified as horses because of their remarkable strength and endurance.
Their double-layered coats grow long and shaggy in winter, protecting them against Iceland’s fierce winds and snow, then shed to a sleek summer coat when the weather softens. This adaptation, combined with their muscular build and dense bone structure, makes them hardy survivors in a land where conditions can be unforgiving.
Despite their sturdy appearance, they are gentle and approachable, with a calm temperament that has endeared them to Icelanders for centuries. They are also famous for their unique gaits, especially the smooth tölt, which allows riders to travel long distances comfortably across Iceland’s rugged terrain. In many ways, these horses embody the spirit of Iceland itself — resilient, versatile, and deeply tied to the rhythms of the land.
I press my palm into the thick coat, and it greets me with a rugged softness — the outer hairs course, almost bristly, yet beneath them a dense warmth that feels like wool alive with breath. My fingers sink slightly, brushing through layers built for Iceland’s winters, and I can feel the quiet strength of muscle shifting under the surface.


Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss, meaning “Golden Falls,” is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and a centerpiece of the Golden Circle route.



Located in the Hvítá River canyon, Gullfoss cascades in two dramatic stages: first a short drop of about 11 meters, then a longer plunge of 21 meters into a rugged gorge. The waterfall’s immense power creates a constant roar and mist, often catching the sunlight to form shimmering rainbows that give it its “golden” name. Gullfoss is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of Iceland’s commitment to preserving its environment—early in the 20th century, local efforts prevented it from being harnessed for hydroelectric power, ensuring its wild beauty remained untouched. Today, visitors can walk along viewing paths that bring them close to the thundering water, experiencing both the raw force of nature and the serene grandeur of Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

Standing before Gullfoss, I felt the raw pulse of Iceland itself—an immense surge of water thundering into the canyon, its roar echoing like the heartbeat of the earth. Mist rises in shimmering veils, catching sunlight and scattering it into fleeting rainbows that seem to hover just for me.
The air is cold and damp, yet charged with energy, as if every drop carries centuries of volcanic fire and glacial ice. Watching the twin cascades plunge in succession, I sense both power and grace: nature’s ferocity softened by beauty. It is overwhelming and humbling, a reminder of how small human are against the vastness of the elements, yet I felt so privileged to witness such grandeur.
I noticed a lower viewing platform and decided to make my way down. Halfway along the descent, however, I stopped — the spray from the waterfall was already reaching me, cool droplets splashing across my face. The deeper I went, the stronger the mist became, and I could see people at the platform shielding their faces against the relentless force of water.
The pressure was bombastic, overwhelming in its strength, and I knew I would not go further. Instead, I paused midway on the staircase, edging toward the corner to steady myself. From there, I lifted my camera and snapped a few photos, each shot taken while my face grew wetter with the glacier-fed spray, a reminder of the raw power that surrounded me.





Whispers of Water in Haukadalur
The area we visited is known as Haukadalur, a valley celebrated not only for its geothermal wonders but also for its intricate network of waterways. Here, countless tiny rivers and spring-fed creeks weave through the landscape, eventually joining the larger currents that shape the region. These streams often appear as slender, fast-flowing channels, tumbling over rocky beds and breaking into lively rapids that sparkle in the sunlight. 
At the heart of this watershed lies the Hvítá River, the great glacial artery that carves its way south from Langjökull and ultimately plunges into the canyon at Gullfoss. The river in these photos is one of Hvítá’s smaller tributaries, a spring-fed branch that cuts across the valley with its own distinct character.
Together, the rivers and their countless feeders give Haukadalur its dynamic atmosphere: a landscape where steam rises from the earth, waters rush through meadows, and every channel seems to whisper a story of Iceland’s raw, untamed energy.
The little river in owes its vivid blue color to glacial and geothermal origins. Meltwater carries fine rock particles, known as glacial flour, which scatter sunlight and create a milky turquoise hue. Mineral-rich springs add clarity and brightness, so when the light strikes, the water glows with that striking, almost otherworldly shade of blue.

Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area, located in Haukadalur Valley along Iceland’s Golden Circle, is one of the country’s most famous natural wonders. It is home to bubbling hot springs, steaming fumaroles, and geysers that showcase the island’s volcanic energy.
The area takes its name from the Great Geysir which rarely erupt (last eruption was in 2000), it is a hot spring which has been active for more than 10,000 years. The oldest accounts of gushing hot springs here date back to 1294!

It is actually the nearby Strokkur geysir that steals the show, sending jets of boiling water up to 20–30 meters into the air every 5–10 minutes. Visitors can wander among the steaming vents and colorful mineral deposits, feeling the ground tremble with geothermal power.
The Geysir Geothermal Area is not only a highlight of the Golden Circle but also a vivid reminder of Iceland’s fiery heart, where the earth’s energy bursts dramatically to the surface in a spectacle of heat, steam, and water.
As we step onto the walking path of the geothermal field, the earth itself seems alive. Wisps of vapor rise from scattered vents, curling into the crisp air like ghostly breath.

Each plume carries the scent of sulfur, sharp yet strangely grounding, reminding me that the ground beneath my feet is restless and powerful.

The landscape feels otherworldly — patches of steaming soil, bubbling pools, and sudden bursts of mist breaking the silence.

Walking through it, I’m surrounded by a raw energy that blurs the line between land and sky, a constant reminder that Iceland’s volcanic heart is always beating just below the surface.

Litli Geysir
Litli Geysir, unlike its powerful neighbor Strokkur, is a small geothermal spring that quietly bubbles away in the Geysir geothermal field of Haukadalur Valley.

It doesn’t erupt in dramatic bursts but instead simmers steadily, releasing steam and warmth from the earth. Its modest size and constant activity make it easy to overlook, yet it offers a more intimate glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic energy.

Standing beside it, you can feel the heat rising, catch the sulfur-rich scent in the air, and listen to the gentle bubbling — a subtle but captivating reminder of the raw forces beneath Iceland’s surface.

Strokkur Geysir
Strokkur geysir, is one of the country’s most reliable and spectacular natural attractions. It first became active in the late 18th century, which makes it more than 200 years old today. Strokkur has remained a consistent performer, shooting boiling water 20–30 meters into the air every 5–10 minutes. Though it briefly feel dormant in the mid‑20th century after an earthquake blocked its conduit, locals cleared the passage in 1963, reviving its activity. Since then, Strokkur has erupted regularly, delighting visitors with its rhythmic bursts of geothermal energy and making it a centerpiece of Iceland’s Golden Circle route.


At the very moment Strokkur erupted, we were prepared — cameras lifted, anticipation surging. In just seconds, nine shots captured the full drama: the sudden burst of boiling water, the soaring column shimmering against the sky, and the graceful collapse as it cooled and returned to the earth.
Each frame feels like a pulse of nature itself, shifting from raw force to quiet release. More than a series of photos, it became a living memory of Iceland’s volcanic energy, fleeting yet unforgettable.
We had gathered close, encircling the geyser, waiting for that elusive surge. Though it erupts roughly every ten minutes, the wait stretched endlessly, each second heavy with expectation.
My Mr and I felt both exhilarated and tense, as if the world was holding its breath with us. Then the signs appeared — the pool trembled, bubbles rose, and the water swelled, gathering strength. In that suspended instant, our hearts beat in sync with the restless earth.
Suddenly, with a thunderous roar, Strokkur shot skyward, a towering sculpture of water and steam carved against the Icelandic sky.

Mist brushed our skin, the ground quivered beneath us, and awe swept through the crowd.
In moments it was gone, the geyser settling back into silence, already preparing for its next magnificent surge.


After Strokkur’s mighty blast, the geyser slowly settled, its towering column collapsing back into the pool.
Steam lingered in the air as the water began to simmer again, bubbling gently as if gathering strength for the next eruption. We let our own excitement ease, calming our racing emotions while the earth itself seemed to reset. 

In that quiet pause, we snapped a few more photos — capturing the softer side of Strokkur — before heading off for lunch, still carrying the awe of what we had just witnessed.


The Geysir Center is a visitor hub located directly across from the famous Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley, South Iceland. It combines a large souvenir shop, restaurants, cafés, and facilities, making it the main stop for travelers exploring Strokkur and the surrounding hot springs.

We had a simple lunch at Kantína, the casual restaurant inside Geysir Center. The setup felt a bit like an Ikea-style canteen — you follow the loop, pick out what you want along the way, and settle the bill at the end.
Our choices were straightforward but satisfying: a plate of fish and chips, a slice of cake, and two cups of coffee to round it off. It was a relaxed break, a chance to refuel before continuing our Golden Circle adventure.
One of the largest in Iceland, offering local crafts, Icelandic name brands, and gifts. The design emphasizes sustainability, using recycled materials and wood from old farmhouses.



Þingvellir National Park
Pronounced roughly as “Thing-vet-lir” in English, Þingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most treasured sites, both historically and geologically. It was here, in the year 930 AD, that Iceland’s Alþingi—the world’s oldest surviving parliament—was established, making Þingvellir a cradle of democracy and a place where laws were spoken aloud beneath the open sky.

For centuries, chieftains gathered in this dramatic rift valley to settle disputes and shape the nation’s identity.
Beyond its political legacy, Þingvellir sits directly on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which slowly drift apart, creating fissures, cliffs, and clear spring-fed lakes. Visitors can walk through Almannagjá gorge, stand where history was made, and gaze at landscapes shaped by volcanic forces. The park also offers the chance to snorkel or dive in Silfra fissure, a glacial-water rift renowned for its crystal clarity, and to explore trails that wind past lava fields, waterfalls, and mossy plains.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir is a place where history, culture, and geology converge—an awe-inspiring blend of human heritage and natural wonder that makes it a cornerstone of the Golden Circle.





Walking along the path at Þingvellir is like stepping through a living boundary between continents. On one side rises the North American tectonic plate, on the other the Eurasian — two massive slabs of the earth’s crust slowly drifting apart.

The lava walls flanking the trail look strikingly similar, rugged and dark, yet the knowledge that they belong to different plates makes the experience surreal.


As I move between them, I’m literally walking in the rift where the earth is stretching, a place where geology becomes tangible.
The air feels charged with history and natural power, and every step is a reminder that Iceland sits at the meeting point of worlds.


As we prepared to head back to town, I couldn’t help but reflect on the contrast: moments ago we were walking along rugged lava paths, surrounded by raw volcanic landscapes, and soon we’d be returning to the rhythm of city life.

Only in Iceland can you move so seamlessly from untamed nature to modern civilisation, as if the land itself is reminding you of its dual identity — wild and ancient, yet welcoming and alive.


It felt like closing a chapter, carrying the echoes of lava walls and tectonic rifts back with us, even as we rejoined the comforts of town.

And just like that, we’ve arrived at the final stop on this blog journey—thank you so much for walking alongside me through every story, snapshot, and sensory moment. 

If you’d like to continue exploring, I’ve gathered links to my other posts from this trip below. Each one offers a different glimpse into the places, flavors, and feelings that made this adventure unforgettable:

It would mean so much if you had a moment to dive into a few more of the unforgettable adventures we've shared. Each one holds its own story, waiting to be rediscovered.

You're warmly invited to explore my other travel blogs, featuring adventures across France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and even a few unforgettable cruises.
Last year, we ticked the bucket list of Mrs Lee who always wanted to visit The Great Wall of China, so this year we shall fulfilled Mr Lee's wish which will be Taiwan in March 2026.
Following trip after Taiwan will be Japan again, this time we are heading to Kyushu with a much deeper and blissful meaning. 
To stay connected and catch the latest updates, feel free to follow me on social media: Facebook page: followblueginger, Instagram page : followblueginger , TikTok page: bluegingerkaren and Tumblr page :followblueginger.
Thanks for being part of the journey!
"I travel because seeing photos in books and brochures was not good enough for me, To be there, that was everything"
Þingvellir National Park













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