Eman Khan shares her expertise of Iceland’s Golden Circle
A Full Information for Camper Vacationers
Iceland’s Golden Circle is likely one of the nation’s most iconic journey routes, providing guests a mixture of breathtaking landscapes, geological wonders, and historic websites. For these looking for flexibility, immersion in nature, and an reasonably priced means to expertise this beautiful area, tenting in a camper van is the right answer.
This information covers every thing you’ll want to find out about tenting within the Golden Circle, with sensible ideas for these touring solo—particularly girls—and the way renting a camper can improve your Icelandic journey.
Why Select Tenting within the Golden Circle?
Tenting in a camper van lets you discover the Golden Circle at your personal tempo. Not like inflexible excursions, you’ll be able to select the place to cease, keep longer at your favourite sights, and really expertise the peaceable nature of Iceland. Moreover, tenting is likely one of the most cost-effective methods to journey by way of Iceland. Lodging and eating will 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 price range.
One key benefit of a camper van is its consolation and comfort. Whether or not 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.
One other enormous profit is the flexibility. You possibly 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 occasions at Gullfoss and Geysir are round 9 AM to 2 PM, however tenting close by means you’ll be able to go to these iconic spots outdoors peak hours.
What’s the Golden Circle?
The Golden Circle refers to a 300-kilometer loop that begins in Reykjavík, encompassing three main sights:
- Þingvellir Nationwide Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Website, 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 Space: Residence to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts each jiffy, and the dormant Nice Geysir.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: One in all Iceland’s strongest waterfalls, the place the Hvítá river cascades right into a deep canyon, providing beautiful views and an exhilarating expertise.
Past these highlights, the Golden Circle options many hidden gems which might be price visiting. These embrace:
- Kerið Crater: A volcanic crater lake with hanging pink slopes and blue-green water.
- Secret Lagoon: A lesser-known sizzling spring within the village of Flúðir, good for a soothing soak.
- Friðheimar Greenhouse: Expertise a meal inside a tomato greenhouse, the place each dish, from appetizers to desserts, is creatively crafted utilizing contemporary, domestically grown tomatoes.
Whether or not 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 supply a extra intimate expertise.
Finest 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. Listed below are among the finest choices:
Þingvellir Tenting Floor (Nyrðri Leirar)
Situated simply 5 minutes from the Þingvellir Nationwide Park Customer Heart, this campsite is ideal for these desirous to discover the park totally. It has primary services, and the associated fee is round 1,530 ISK per individual per night time. It’s best for nature lovers, as the positioning affords quick access to mountaineering trails by way of the nationwide park.
Úthlíð Campsite
Centrally positioned close to the Geysir Geothermal Space, Úthlíð affords glorious facilities similar to showers, a sizzling tub, a restaurant, and laundry companies. For 2,000 ISK per individual per night time, guests can benefit from the Northern Lights within the winter months, whereas the summer time affords lengthy, vibrant days underneath the Midnight Solar.
Faxi Waterfall Campsite
This smaller, extra primary campsite is ideal for vacationers preferring peace and quiet. Situated simply 8 km from Reykholt and 10 km from Geysir, it affords stunning views of Faxi Waterfall, and there’s an on-site restaurant to gas up earlier than persevering with your journey.
Skjól Campsite
Located between Geysir and Gullfoss, this can be a family-friendly tenting spot with a soccer area and proximity to mountaineering trails within the close by Haukadalsskógur Forest. It’s an important place to chill out and recharge earlier than heading to the extra widespread websites.
Gesthús Campsite in Selfoss
The most effective-equipped campsites on the Golden Circle, Gesthús affords a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and laundry companies. The close by swimming pool and playground make it best 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-Recognized Gems of the Golden Circle
Past the primary sights, the Golden Circle is residence 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’ll be able to hike by way of scenic landscapes and luxuriate in a pure sizzling spring bathtub in a heat river. The path to Reykjadalur affords a rewarding expertise with stunning views alongside the best way, making it an ideal cease for nature lovers.
- Hrunalaug Sizzling Springs: A peaceable sizzling spring close to Flúðir that gives 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 will be explored extra simply with the freedom and suppleness {that a} camper van gives.
Ideas for Ladies Tenting Solo within the Golden Circle
For solo feminine vacationers, tenting within the Golden Circle generally is a protected and pleasant expertise. Iceland is understood for being a protected nation with low crime charges, however there are nonetheless a number of issues you are able to do to make sure a clean journey:
- Packing the Proper Gear
- Private Security Gadgets: Whereas Iceland could be very protected, it’s all the time good to hold a whistle, a private alarm, and a transportable telephone charger for peace of thoughts.
- Heat Layers: The climate in Iceland will be unpredictable, even in summer time. Pack thermal layers, a water-resistant jacket, and a windproof hat. Temperatures can drop considerably at night time, so having the best gear is important.
- Comfy Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof mountaineering boots are a should for exploring the pure terrain.
- Staying Related
Iceland has good cell protection in most areas, but it surely’s necessary to let somebody know your itinerary in the event you’re tenting solo. Many campsites provide Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to simply keep linked and test climate circumstances or path info.
- Necessities for a Solo Journey
- Headlamp or Flashlight: An excellent headlamp is important, particularly through the shorter sunlight hours in winter.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland’s faucet water is among the purest on the earth, so carry a refillable bottle to remain hydrated.
- Dry Baggage: These are helpful to maintain garments and kit dry throughout wet or moist circumstances.
Laws and Etiquette for Camper Tenting in Iceland
Iceland has strict tenting laws to guard its fragile ecosystem. Wild tenting is now not permitted until you could have express permission from a landowner. Due to this fact, it’s important to remain at designated campsites when touring the Golden Circle.
To protect the atmosphere and guarantee a respectful tenting expertise, comply with the “Depart No Hint” rules:
- Get rid of waste correctly: Most campsites have designated waste and recycling bins.
- Stick with marked trails: Keep away from creating new paths that may harm vegetation.
- Keep away from disturbing wildlife: Iceland’s wildlife are delicate, and it’s important to respect their pure habitat.
Finest Time to Camp Alongside the Golden Circle
The summer time months (June to August) are the preferred time for tenting, with hotter temperatures, lengthy sunlight hours, and the attractive Midnight Solar.
Nonetheless, in the event you desire fewer crowds and decrease prices, contemplate touring through the shoulder seasons in April-Might or September-October. These occasions provide cooler climate however fewer vacationers, and also you would possibly even catch the Northern Lights within the fall.
Winter tenting can be an choice, but it surely requires cautious preparation. Be certain that your camper van is supplied with winter tires and heating, and all the time test the climate forecast earlier than setting out, as roads will be icy or snowy.
Embrace the tenting journey!
Tenting within the Golden Circle is an unforgettable strategy to expertise a few of Iceland’s most iconic sights whereas having fun with the liberty and suppleness that camper van journey affords. Whether or not you’re touring solo or with others, renting a camper is the right strategy to discover the great thing about Iceland up shut. With the best preparation and planning, your Golden Circle tenting journey shall be an journey of a lifetime.
Your ideas on Iceland’s Golden Circle?
Have you ever ever visited Iceland and traveled alongside the Golden Circle? In that case, what have been the highlights of your journey? Please share your ideas within the feedback beneath.