Eman Khan shares her expertise of Iceland’s Golden Circle
A Complete Guide for Camper Travelers
Iceland’s Golden Circle is without doubt one of the nation’s most iconic journey routes, providing guests a mixture of breathtaking landscapes, geological wonders, and historic websites. For these searching for flexibility, immersion in nature, and an inexpensive manner to expertise this gorgeous area, tenting in a camper van is the right resolution.
This information covers every part you have to find out about tenting within the Golden Circle, with sensible suggestions for these touring solo—particularly girls—and the way renting a camper can improve your Icelandic journey.
Why Choose Camping within the Golden Circle?
Camping in a camper van permits you to discover the Golden Circle at your personal tempo. Unlike inflexible excursions, you possibly can select the place to cease, keep longer at your favourite sights, and actually expertise the peaceable nature of Iceland. Additionally, tenting is without doubt one of the most cost-effective methods to journey by means of Iceland. Accommodation and eating may be costly, however by renting a camper from Motorhome Iceland, you mix transportation, lodging, and cooking services into one, making it particularly useful for these on a finances.
One key benefit of a camper van is its consolation and comfort. Whether you get up to the sound of waterfalls or have a late night subsequent to a geyser, you’ll have all of the necessities at your fingertips.
Another enormous profit is the flexibility. You can keep away from crowded tour buses by visiting the favored websites both early within the morning or later within the night. For instance, the busiest instances at Gullfoss and Geysir are round 9 AM to 2 PM, however tenting close by means you possibly can go to these iconic spots exterior peak hours.
What is the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle refers to a 300-kilometer loop that begins in Reykjavík, encompassing three main sights:
- Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, well-known for its geological significance the place two tectonic plates meet, and its historic significance as the positioning of Iceland’s first parliament.
- Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts each couple of minutes, and the dormant Great Geysir.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: One of Iceland’s strongest waterfalls, the place the Hvítá river cascades right into a deep canyon, providing gorgeous views and an exhilarating expertise.
Beyond these highlights, the Golden Circle options many hidden gems which might be price visiting. These embrace:
- Kerið Crater: A volcanic crater lake with putting purple slopes and blue-green water.
- Secret Lagoon: A lesser-known sizzling spring within the village of Flúðir, good for a calming soak.
- Friðheimar Greenhouse: Experience a meal inside a tomato greenhouse, the place each dish, from appetizers to desserts, is creatively crafted utilizing contemporary, domestically grown tomatoes.
Whether it’s discovering distinctive eating spots just like the tomato greenhouse or stumbling secluded waterfalls, by touring in a camper van, you’ll have the liberty to take brief detours and discover these lesser-known areas that provide a extra intimate expertise.
Best Campsites within the Golden Circle for Camper Vans
The Golden Circle is well-equipped with designated campsites which might be good for camper van vacationers. Here are a number of the finest choices:
Þingvellir Camping Ground (Nyrðri Leirar)
Located simply 5 minutes from the Þingvellir National Park Visitor Center, this campsite is ideal for these eager to discover the park completely. It has primary services, and the associated fee is round 1,530 ISK per individual per evening. It’s perfect for nature lovers, as the positioning gives quick access to mountain climbing trails by means of the nationwide park.
Úthlíð Campsite
Centrally positioned close to the Geysir Geothermal Area, Úthlíð gives glorious facilities equivalent to showers, a sizzling tub, a restaurant, and laundry providers. For 2,000 ISK per individual per evening, guests can benefit from the Northern Lights within the winter months, whereas the summer season gives lengthy, vibrant days beneath the Midnight Sun.
Faxi Waterfall Campsite
This smaller, extra primary campsite is ideal for vacationers preferring peace and quiet. Located simply 8 km from Reykholt and 10 km from Geysir, it gives stunning views of Faxi Waterfall, and there’s an on-site restaurant to gasoline up earlier than persevering with your journey.
Skjól Campsite
Situated between Geysir and Gullfoss, this can be a family-friendly tenting spot with a soccer area and proximity to mountain climbing trails within the close by Haukadalsskógur Forest. It’s an ideal place to loosen up and recharge earlier than heading to the extra standard websites.
Gesthús Campsite in Selfoss
One of the best-equipped campsites on the Golden Circle, Gesthús gives a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and laundry providers. The close by swimming pool and playground make it perfect for households, and the city of Selfoss is only a brief stroll away for restocking provides. The price is round 3,000 ISK per pitch.
Exploring Lesser-Known Gems of the Golden Circle
Beyond the principle sights, the Golden Circle is house to some hidden gems which might be simply accessible with a camper van. A couple of price mentioning embrace:
- Reykjadalur: This geothermal valley is a must-visit spot the place you possibly can hike by means of scenic landscapes and luxuriate in a pure sizzling spring bathtub in a heat river. The path to Reykjadalur gives a rewarding expertise with stunning views alongside the way in which, making it an ideal cease for nature lovers.
- Hrunalaug Hot Springs: A peaceable sizzling spring close to Flúðir that provides a extra secluded bathing expertise in comparison with the bigger, extra touristy lagoons.
- Brúarfoss Waterfall: A hidden waterfall with turquoise-blue water that’s accessible by way of a scenic hike.
These lesser-visited areas may be explored extra simply with the freedom and adaptability {that a} camper van gives.
Tips for Women Camping Solo within the Golden Circle
For solo feminine vacationers, tenting within the Golden Circle is usually a secure and gratifying expertise. Iceland is thought for being a secure nation with low crime charges, however there are nonetheless a couple of issues you are able to do to make sure a clean journey:
- Packing the Right Gear
- Personal Safety Items: While Iceland may be very secure, it’s all the time good to hold a whistle, a private alarm, and a transportable telephone charger for peace of thoughts.
- Warm Layers: The climate in Iceland may be unpredictable, even in summer season. Pack thermal layers, a water-proof jacket, and a windproof hat. Temperatures can drop considerably at evening, so having the precise gear is important.
- Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof mountain climbing boots are a should for exploring the pure terrain.
- Staying Connected
Iceland has good cell protection in most areas, but it surely’s necessary to let somebody know your itinerary should you’re tenting solo. Many campsites provide Wi-Fi, so you possibly can simply keep linked and verify climate circumstances or path data.
- Essentials for a Solo Trip
- Headlamp or Flashlight: An excellent headlamp is important, particularly through the shorter daylight in winter.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland’s faucet water is a number of the purest on the planet, so carry a refillable bottle to remain hydrated.
- Dry Bags: These are helpful to maintain garments and kit dry throughout wet or moist circumstances.
Regulations and Etiquette for Camper Camping in Iceland
Iceland has strict tenting rules to guard its fragile ecosystem. Wild tenting is not permitted until you have got specific permission from a landowner. Therefore, it’s important to remain at designated campsites when touring the Golden Circle.
To protect the surroundings and guarantee a respectful tenting expertise, observe the “Leave No Trace” rules:
- Dispose of waste correctly: Most campsites have designated waste and recycling bins.
- Stick to marked trails: Avoid creating new paths that may injury vegetation.
- Avoid disturbing wildlife: Iceland’s wildlife are delicate, and it’s important to respect their pure habitat.
Best Time to Camp Along the Golden Circle
The summer season months (June to August) are the preferred time for tenting, with hotter temperatures, lengthy daylight, and the attractive Midnight Sun.
However, should you want fewer crowds and decrease prices, think about touring through the shoulder seasons in April-May or September-October. These instances provide cooler climate however fewer vacationers, and also you may even catch the Northern Lights within the fall.
Winter tenting can be an choice, but it surely requires cautious preparation. Ensure that your camper van is provided with winter tires and heating, and all the time verify the climate forecast earlier than setting out, as roads may be icy or snowy.
Embrace the tenting journey!
Camping within the Golden Circle is an unforgettable method to expertise a few of Iceland’s most iconic sights whereas having fun with the liberty and adaptability that camper van journey gives. Whether you’re touring solo or with others, renting a camper is the right method to discover the great thing about Iceland up shut. With the precise preparation and planning, your Golden Circle tenting journey will likely be an journey of a lifetime.
Your ideas on Iceland’s Golden Circle?
Have you ever visited Iceland and traveled alongside the Golden Circle? If so, what had been the highlights of your journey? Please share your ideas within the feedback under.