Eman Khan shares her expertise of Iceland’s Golden Circle
A Full Information for Camper Vacationers
Iceland’s Golden Circle is among 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 proper resolution.
This information covers every part you might want to find out about tenting within the Golden Circle, with sensible ideas for these touring solo—particularly ladies—and the way renting a camper can improve your Icelandic journey.
Why Select Tenting within the Golden Circle?
Tenting in a camper van means that you can discover the Golden Circle at your personal tempo. In contrast to inflexible excursions, you may select the place to cease, keep longer at your favourite sights, and really expertise the peaceable nature of Iceland. Moreover, tenting is among the most cost-effective methods to journey by Iceland. Lodging and eating will be costly, however by renting a camper from Motorhome Iceland, you mix transportation, lodging, and cooking amenities 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 large profit is the flexibility. You’ll be able to 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 may 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 points of interest:
- 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 location of Iceland’s first parliament.
- Geysir Geothermal Space: House to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts each couple of minutes, and the dormant Nice Geysir.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Certainly one of 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 can be price visiting. These embody:
- Kerið Crater: A volcanic crater lake with hanging crimson slopes and blue-green water.
- Secret Lagoon: A lesser-known sizzling spring within the village of Flúðir, excellent 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, regionally 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 quick detours and discover these lesser-known places 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 can be excellent for camper van vacationers. Listed below are among the greatest choices:
Þingvellir Tenting Floor (Nyrðri Leirar)
Situated simply 5 minutes from the Þingvellir Nationwide Park Customer Middle, this campsite is ideal for these desirous to discover the park completely. It has fundamental amenities, and the associated fee is round 1,530 ISK per individual per night time. It’s ideally suited for nature lovers, as the location presents easy accessibility to mountaineering trails by the nationwide park.
Úthlíð Campsite
Centrally positioned close to the Geysir Geothermal Space, Úthlíð presents wonderful facilities similar to showers, a sizzling tub, a restaurant, and laundry providers. For 2,000 ISK per individual per night time, guests can benefit from the Northern Lights within the winter months, whereas the summer time presents lengthy, vivid days beneath the Midnight Solar.
Faxi Waterfall Campsite
This smaller, extra fundamental campsite is ideal for vacationers preferring peace and quiet. Situated simply 8 km from Reykholt and 10 km from Geysir, it presents lovely 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, it is a family-friendly tenting spot with a soccer discipline and proximity to mountaineering trails within the close by Haukadalsskógur Forest. It’s an awesome 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 presents a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and laundry providers. The close by swimming pool and playground make it ideally suited for households, and the city of Selfoss is only a quick stroll away for restocking provides. The price is round 3,000 ISK per pitch.
Exploring Lesser-Identified Gems of the Golden Circle
Past the principle points of interest, the Golden Circle is residence to some hidden gems which can be simply accessible with a camper van. A couple of price mentioning embody:
- Reykjadalur: This geothermal valley is a must-visit spot the place you may hike by scenic landscapes and luxuriate in a pure sizzling spring bathtub in a heat river. The path to Reykjadalur presents a rewarding expertise with lovely views alongside the best way, making it an ideal cease for nature lovers.
- Hrunalaug Sizzling 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 through a scenic hike.
These lesser-visited places will be explored extra simply with the freedom and suppleness {that a} camper van supplies.
Suggestions for Ladies Tenting Solo within the Golden Circle
For solo feminine vacationers, tenting within the Golden Circle generally is a secure and pleasing expertise. Iceland is understood for being a secure nation with low crime charges, however there are nonetheless just a few issues you are able to do to make sure a easy journey:
- Packing the Proper Gear
- Private Security Gadgets: Whereas Iceland could be very secure, it’s all the time good to hold a whistle, a private alarm, and a moveable telephone charger for peace of thoughts.
- Heat Layers: The climate in Iceland will be unpredictable, even in summer time. Pack thermal layers, a water-proof jacket, and a windproof hat. Temperatures can drop considerably at night time, so having the appropriate gear is crucial.
- Comfy Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof mountaineering boots are a should for exploring the pure terrain.
- Staying Linked
Iceland has good cell protection in most areas, nevertheless it’s essential to let somebody know your itinerary when you’re tenting solo. Many campsites supply Wi-Fi, so you may simply keep linked and examine climate circumstances or path data.
- Necessities for a Solo Journey
- Headlamp or Flashlight: A very good headlamp is crucial, particularly in the course of the shorter sunlight hours in winter.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland’s faucet water is among the purest on the planet, so carry a refillable bottle to remain hydrated.
- Dry Baggage: These are helpful to maintain garments and equipment 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 not permitted except you have got 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 surroundings 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.
- Follow marked trails: Keep away from creating new paths that may harm vegetation.
- Keep away from disturbing wildlife: Iceland’s natural world 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 most well-liked time for tenting, with hotter temperatures, lengthy sunlight hours, and the attractive Midnight Solar.
Nonetheless, when you favor fewer crowds and decrease prices, think about touring in the course of the shoulder seasons in April-Might or September-October. These occasions supply cooler climate however fewer vacationers, and also you would possibly even catch the Northern Lights within the fall.
Winter tenting can also be an choice, nevertheless it requires cautious preparation. Make sure that your camper van is provided with winter tires and heating, and all the time examine 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 technique to expertise a few of Iceland’s most iconic sights whereas having fun with the liberty and suppleness that camper van journey presents. Whether or not you’re touring solo or with others, renting a camper is the proper technique to discover the great thing about Iceland up shut. With the appropriate preparation and planning, your Golden Circle tenting journey might 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? If that’s the case, what had been the highlights of your journey? Please share your ideas within the feedback beneath.
Eman Khan
Visitor Blogger
I’m an adventurer at coronary heart, all the time searching for the following alternative to be taught one thing new. I spend my summers days in Iceland.
I spend my evenings and summers creating new hobbies and being outdoor as a lot as doable. I take pleasure in tenting, mountaineering, cross nation snowboarding, and biking.