At the beginning of our tour of “The Golden Circle” out of Reykjavik, we drove through the ancient lava moorlands of Mosfellshei›ion the way to Thingvellir National Park
Iceland’s “Golden Circle” refers to a drive outside of Reykjavik that encompasses three of the top natural sights in Iceland: Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir. Thingvellir National Park is a World Heritage Site praised for its historical and geological importance. Visitors can see the geological fault known as Almannagjá, the only place above sea level where the North American and European Tectonic Plates converge. Two continents literally come together here, sometimes with violent geological consequences. The park is also where the Althing, the world’s oldest surviving parliament, was founded in 930, convening here every summer for over eight centuries. At the Geysir geothermal area visitors can walk amid the multitude of hot springs and watch as Strokkur, Iceland’s version of Old Faithful, erupts every three minutes, or so — there is no set cycle to the steam geyser eruptions. c is arguably Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall.
Almannagjá is a gorge that defines the eastern edge of the North American tectonic plate where it meets the western edge of the European tectonic plate – a seven kilometers (xx miles) rift valley separates the two plates; tectonic activity has given rise to the dramatic landscape seen today; Selfoss, Iceland
fiingvellir National Park (Thingvellir National Park) was established in 1930 to protect the remains of the Albingi parliament site (930-1798). The UNESCO-listed national park delivers spectacular scenery with mountains, grass covered lava fields, and Lake Thingvallavatn. At the Silfra fissure there is crystal-clear water in the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates (the geological fault is known as “Almannagjá”).
fiingvellir National Park (Thingvellir National Park), Selfoss, Iceland
A hot spring (no eruptions from this pool) at the Geysir geothermal area, Iceland
Strokkur, Iceland’s version of Old Faithful, erupts every three minutes, or so — there is no set cycle to the steam geyser eruptions, Iceland
A view of the entire Gullfoss waterfall (“like no other”) – “in wildness and fury it outdoes the Niagara Falls of the United States”, Iceland
Meaning “Golden Falls,” Gullfoss, the breathtaking waterfall in the Hvítá River (fed by the Langjökull glacier) awes all who watch its beauty and power. The water plunges into a rocky canyon where rainbows are often seen amid the falls.
Gullfoss waterfall, #2, Iceland
“Gullfoss is Like No Other” – ‘No waterfall in Europe can match Gullfoss. In wildness and fury it outdoes the Niagara Falls of the United States. Thousands of unharnessed horsepowers flow continuously into the gorge, year in and year out.’ – taken from a travel book by two Danes in the retinue of King Frederick VII after a visit to Gullfoss, 1907. Gullfoss is a unique natural phenomenon that triggers varying impressions in people. Its conservation, and thereby its existence in its present form, has a unique history. Gullfoss and the surrounding area were made a nature reserve in 1979 to give people the best possible opportunity to enjoy this unique natural scene. The area’s ecosystem is also protected, and its vegetation remains untouched. Attempts are made to minimise man’s footprint, to keep man-made structures to a minimum and not to disturb the land and geological formations.” – sign at viewpoint overlooking Gullfoss waterfall
Gullfoss waterfall, #3, Iceland
Gullfoss waterfall, #4, Iceland
Where in the world is Riccardo? 