Eman Khan shares her expertise of Iceland’s Golden Circle
A Full Information for Camper Vacationers
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 means to expertise this gorgeous area, tenting in a camper van is the proper resolution.
This information covers every thing you have 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 may select the place to cease, keep longer at your favourite sights, and actually expertise the peaceable nature of Iceland. Moreover, tenting is without doubt one of the most cost-effective methods to journey by Iceland. Lodging and eating could be costly, however by renting a camper from Motorhome Iceland, you mix transportation, lodging, and cooking services into one, making it particularly helpful 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 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 may go to these iconic spots exterior 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 positioning 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: One in every of Iceland’s strongest waterfalls, the place the Hvítá river cascades right into a deep canyon, providing gorgeous views and an exhilarating expertise.
Past these highlights, the Golden Circle options many hidden gems which are price visiting. These embody:
- Kerið Crater: A volcanic crater lake with hanging pink slopes and blue-green water.
- Secret Lagoon: A lesser-known scorching spring within the village of Flúðir, excellent for a calming soak.
- Friðheimar Greenhouse: Expertise a meal inside a tomato greenhouse, the place each dish, from appetizers to desserts, is creatively crafted utilizing recent, 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 are excellent for camper van vacationers. Listed below are a number of 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 price is round 1,530 ISK per particular person per night time. It’s excellent for nature lovers, as the positioning gives easy accessibility to climbing trails by the nationwide park.
Úthlíð Campsite
Centrally situated close to the Geysir Geothermal Space, Úthlíð gives wonderful facilities resembling showers, a scorching tub, a restaurant, and laundry companies. For 2,000 ISK per particular person per night time, guests can benefit from the Northern Lights within the winter months, whereas the summer time gives lengthy, vibrant days beneath 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 gives 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, this can be a family-friendly tenting spot with a soccer area and proximity to climbing trails within the close by Haukadalsskógur Forest. It’s an ideal place to chill out and recharge earlier than heading to the extra well-liked websites.
Gesthús Campsite in Selfoss
Among the best-equipped campsites on the Golden Circle, Gesthús gives a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and laundry companies. The close by swimming pool and playground make it excellent for households, and the city of Selfoss is only a quick stroll away for restocking provides. The fee is round 3,000 ISK per pitch.
Exploring Lesser-Identified Gems of the Golden Circle
Past the primary points of interest, the Golden Circle is dwelling to some hidden gems which are simply accessible with a camper van. Just a few price mentioning embody:
- Reykjadalur: This geothermal valley is a must-visit spot the place you may hike by scenic landscapes and revel in a pure scorching spring bathtub in a heat river. The path to Reykjadalur gives a rewarding expertise with lovely views alongside the way in which, making it an ideal cease for nature lovers.
- Hrunalaug Sizzling Springs: A peaceable scorching 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 places could be explored extra simply with the freedom and adaptability {that a} camper van gives.
Ideas for Girls Tenting Solo within the Golden Circle
For solo feminine vacationers, tenting within the Golden Circle is usually a secure and satisfying expertise. Iceland is thought for being a secure nation with low crime charges, however there are nonetheless a number of issues you are able to do to make sure a easy journey:
- Packing the Proper Gear
- Private Security Objects: Whereas Iceland could be very secure, it’s at all times good to hold a whistle, a private alarm, and a transportable cellphone charger for peace of thoughts.
- Heat Layers: The climate in Iceland could 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 best gear is important.
- Snug Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof climbing boots are a should for exploring the pure terrain.
- Staying Linked
Iceland has good cell protection in most areas, but it surely’s necessary to let somebody know your itinerary for those who’re tenting solo. Many campsites provide Wi-Fi, so you may simply keep related and test climate circumstances or path data.
- Necessities for a Solo Journey
- Headlamp or Flashlight: A great headlamp is important, particularly through the shorter daytime in winter.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland’s faucet water is a number of the purest on this 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.
Rules and Etiquette for Camper Tenting in Iceland
Iceland has strict tenting rules to guard its fragile ecosystem. Wild tenting is now not permitted until you might 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, observe the “Go away 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 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 preferred time for tenting, with hotter temperatures, lengthy daytime, and the attractive Midnight Solar.
Nevertheless, for those who want fewer crowds and decrease prices, contemplate touring through the shoulder seasons in April-Could or September-October. These occasions 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. Make sure that your camper van is provided with winter tires and heating, and at all times test the climate forecast earlier than setting out, as roads could be icy or snowy.
Embrace the tenting journey!
Tenting 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 or not you’re touring solo or with others, renting a camper is the proper method to discover the fantastic thing about Iceland up shut. With the best preparation and planning, your Golden Circle tenting journey will probably 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 under.
Eman Khan
Visitor Blogger
I’m an adventurer at coronary heart, at all times on the lookout for the following alternative to study one thing new. I spend my summers days in Iceland.
I spend my evenings and summers creating new hobbies and being outside as a lot as potential. I get pleasure from tenting, climbing, cross nation snowboarding, and biking.