Golden Circle - 5 Suitcases

7 Best Day Trips from Reykjavik: Gateway to Natural Wonders

Elle MacRae — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 12:36:00 +0000

Reykjavik might be Iceland’s buzzing little capital, but the real star of the show? Everything just outside of it. Picture waterfalls you can walk behind, black sand beaches straight out of a dream, and hot springs so magical you’ll swear you’re in a spa commercial.

Whether you’re after volcano vibes, glacier views, or just soaking your travel-tired bones in steamy blue waters, Reykjavik is the perfect launchpad. Here’s your ultimate approved guide to the best day trips you can take:

The Golden Circle: Iceland’s Greatest Hits

If you only have time for one adventure, make it the Golden Circle. It’s like Iceland’s highlight reel — dramatic, gorgeous, and a little bit mind-blowing.

Þingvellir National Park: Walk between two continents! (Seriously.) Even cooler? If you’re feeling extra brave, you can snorkel between the continents! This UNESCO World Heritage site sits right on the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Expect rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and major “wow” moments.
Gullfoss Waterfall: Get ready to feel tiny (in the best way). Gullfoss is a thundering two-tier waterfall that’s basically the queen of Icelandic waterfalls.
Geysir Hot Springs Area: Watch in awe as Strokkur geyser blasts boiling water up to 100 feet into the air — and it does this every few minutes, so you won’t have to stand around awkwardly waiting.

Spa Day at Laugarvatn Fontana

Why not combine history and hot springs? After exploring the ancient rift valleys of Thingvellir, pop over to Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. It’s a dreamy spot for a steam bath or a dip in geothermal pools, with gorgeous lake views to top it all off.

Blue Lagoon: Soak in a Dream

Need a little R&R after all that sightseeing? Say hello to the Blue Lagoon, about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. Picture yourself floating in warm, milky-blue waters, surrounded by black volcanic rock. It’s basically a sci-fi movie… but cozy.

(And yes, the Instagram photos will be amazing.)

South Coast: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Epic Vibes

The South Coast is where Iceland shows off a little.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: A waterfall you can walk behind. Pack a rain jacket and prepare for some next-level selfies.
Skógafoss Waterfall: Wide, majestic, and often graced by rainbows if you catch the light just right.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Otherworldly black sands, towering basalt columns, and wild Atlantic waves. Basically, Mother Nature flexing.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature

Short on time but want to see everything? Snæfellsnes is your spot. It’s got glaciers, lava fields, volcanic craters, adorable fishing villages, and the photogenic Kirkjufell Mountain (yes, the one from all the screensavers).

Bonus: Snæfellsjökull National Park is home to a glacier-capped volcano. Because why not?

Reykjanes Peninsula: Wild and Untamed

If you want to skip the crowds and feel like you’re exploring another planet, head to Reykjanes. It’s geothermal madness in the best way.

Krýsuvík Geothermal Area: Bubbling mud pots and steaming vents — it smells a little… earthy, but it’s crazy cool.
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse: The oldest lighthouse in Iceland, standing guard over some seriously rugged coastline.
Bridge Between Continents: Where else can you literally walk between two tectonic plates? (Add this to your brag list.)

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: Waterfall Wonderland

Out west, you’ll find Hraunfossar, where clear blue streams pour out of a lava field like magic. Nearby, Barnafoss rushes dramatically through a narrow canyon. They’re close enough to visit together, and both will leave you staring in wonder.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip! We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle

Elle MacRae — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 11:15:22 +0000

Iceland is one of the trendiest destinations on the planet. People are flocking in droves to explore the many unique experiences the Land of Fire and Ice offers. Whether you’re visiting on an extended layover, or planning to spend a week+, you’ll have plenty of things to add to your itinerary.

One thing that everyone should include in their itinerary is driving the Golden Circle route. The Golden Circle, located shortly outside of Reykjavik, offers up some pretty incredible experiences! It includes some of Iceland’s most well-known attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

In this post, we’ll map out how to spend a day driving Iceland’s Golden Circle- although you could definitely spend more time than that there!

What is the Golden Circle?

When people first start reading up on Iceland, they often confuse the Ring Road with the Golden Circle. It’s a common misconception considering rings and circles are essentially the same thing.

That being said, the Ring Road and the Golden Circle are two totally different things. The Ring Road encircles almost the entire country whereas the Golden Circle loops from Reykjavik into Central Iceland.

The Golden Circle offers up the first glimpse of the REAL Iceland and should not be missed!

You can book an organized tour or choose to rent a car and drive the Golden Circle yourself. I recommend the latter so that you can spend as much time as you want in each place. Driving in Iceland is extremely easy and honestly, you can’t get lost on the Golden Circle.

Without making any pitstops, it takes about 3 1/2 hours to drive the Golden Circle. Obviously, you’ll want to make some stops so you should plan on spending between 6-8 hours taking in the sites.

Clockwise or Counterclockwise?

This seems to be a big question whether you’re talking about the Golden Circle or the Ring Road. We suggest going clockwise on the Golden Circle, visiting Thingvellir National Park first.

The Big 4- The Most Popular Stops on the Golden Circle

Þingvellir National Park

Our first stop was Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site that has played a huge role in Iceland’s history. In the park, you’ll find waterfalls, lakes, and the famous Silfra Fissure. We enjoyed a wonderful hike from the Oxarafoss waterfall to the Visitor Center and back.

I was GEEKING OUT the first time I heard about the Silfra Fissure. The fissure is a crack between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. You can actually suit up and SNORKEL between two continents. Pretty cool, eh?

This is honestly one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I strongly suggest booking a tour and trying it out for yourself!

Things to do & see in Þingvellir National Park:

Check out Oxarafoss Waterfall
Snorkel or dive in the Silfra Fissure
Walk between the tectonic plates
Learn about the historical significance of the park at the Visitor Center
Go horseback riding
Stroll around Lake Thingvallavatn

Geysir Geothermal Areal

The Geysir Geothermal Area is located in the Haukadlur Valley. Here you’ll find boiling mud pits and two large geysers (Geysir and Strokkur).

Geysir is the OG geyser. All other geysers were named after this one. That’s pretty neat, if you ask me.

Strokkur is considered to be one of the most reliable geysers in the world, erupting every 8 to 10 minutes.

Entrance to the geothermal park is free. Plan on spending about an hour at this pit stop- between watching the eruption(s) and using the bathroom. You’ll also find a restaurant on-site where you can pick up lunch or a cup of coffee.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss was the second waterfall we visited in Iceland (our first being Oxarafoss in Thingvellir National Park). Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and is a must-see for anyone touring Iceland. The thundering sound of the water cascading over the rocks is unforgettable.

One of the best things about Gullfoss is that you have an excellent vantage point of it right from the parking lot (as seen above). It doesn’t require a hike to see it, although you can get a little bit closer.

Kerid Crater Lake

Kerid is a vibrant blue crater lake that stands in stark contrast to the green moss and red rock that surrounds it. The colors at this spot are out of this world!

If you want to walk around the edge of the crater, plan on spending just over an hour at this site. Otherwise, you could easily do it in about 30 minutes.

There is an entrance fee to enter the site and walk around the crater.

The Hidden Gems

Laugarvatn Fontana– a spa and wellness center built on natural hot springs
Secret Lagoon- the oldest natural pool in Iceland
Thjorsardalur Valley– home to one of the highest waterfalls in the country, Haifoss
Bruarfoss Waterfall– a glacier-fed waterfall known for its stunning blue colors. The hike takes about an hour each way.
Skaholt Cathedral– the country’s largest Catholic cathedral
Hveragerdi– hot springs and a geothermal park
Geothermal Energy Exhibition– an energy plant that shows how geothermal energy is harnessed
Fridheimar Tomato and Horse Farm- a family-run tomato farm that offers lunch in a greenhouse

Where to Stay Around the Golden Circle

You can find all kinds of accommodation around the Golden Circle ranging from hotels and guesthouses to cabins and even farm stays. Since the Golden Circle is so close to Reyjavik, it makes sense to use that as your base.

We suggest spending at least 2 nights in Reykjavik: day one to get adjusted to the time change and explore the city and day two to do the Golden Circle.

Our favorite hotel in all of Iceland was the Sand Hotel in Reykjavik. It was also the most affordable!

If you want to stay somewhere along the circle, you can find accommodation in the following places:

Selfoss
Laugarvatn
Flúðir
Hveragerði

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post “The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle”! Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited Diamond Beach, Skogafoss, the Katla Ice Cave, and more!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Seljalandsfoss: One of Iceland’s Most Visited Waterfalls

Elle MacRae — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 14:24:23 +0000

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It is located on the south coast of the country and is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.

The most unique feature of this waterfall is that visitors can walk behind the falls to experience a truly unique and unforgettable view. The cascading waterfall drops 60 meters into a pool below and is illuminated beautifully in the evenings. Visitors can also explore a nearby cave and take a hike to see even more of Iceland’s natural beauty.

This is the perfect spot for photography enthusiasts, adventurers and nature lovers. A trip to Seljalandsfoss should definitely be on your Iceland to-do list. Remember to dress warmly and bring your camera to capture the beauty of this natural phenomenon. So if you`re planning to visit Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is a must-see attraction that will leave you in awe!

Our Experience at Seljalandsfoss

After spending Day 1 at the Blue Lagoon and exploring Reykjavik, we headed up to the Golden Circle. Our day started with a visit to Thingvellir National Park where we snorkeled between the tectonic plates. Next, we continued our tour of the Golden Circle with visits to the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss. By the time we reached Seljalandsfoss, it was nearly 7 PM and we still had a few things we wanted to see and do. We were also still an hour out from our hotel.

Unfortunately, we short-changed our time at both Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss so that we could spend more time at Skogafoss and Kevernufoss. We also skipped the Kerid Crater, which wasn’t a huge deal.

One of the coolest things about Seljalandsfoss is that you can walk behind the waterfalls, however, you can do the same at Kvernufoss, which was one of our later stops.

Similar to our visit to Gullfoss, we simply got out of the car, snapped a few photos of the falls, and went on our merry way. We didn’t take the time to go behind the falls.

On our next trip to Iceland, I definitely want to dedicate more time to Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. I’d also like to make it to Kerid Crater next time. Us having only 1/2 a day for the Golden Circle was not nearly enough time. We definitely needed an entire day for the Golden Circle. In retrospect, we should have spent 2 nights at the Sand Hotel in Reykjavik, so that we could have more time in the Golden Circle.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

For future reference, save our post: Seljalandsfoss: One of Iceland’s Most Visited Waterfalls. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss, and much more!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Gullfoss: One of Iceland’s Most Iconic Waterfalls

Elle MacRae — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:22:08 +0000

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, located in the southwestern part of the country. The waterfall is a must-visit destination for anyone touring Iceland. The thundering sound of the water cascading over the rocks is awe-inspiring and the scenery around the waterfall is breathtaking.

Gullfoss was formed during the last ice age, when glacial runoff carved out a deep canyon in the Hvítá river. The fall is a two-step cascade that is more than 100 feet tall. The name Gullfoss translates to “Golden Falls” – a name that aptly describes the breathtaking beauty of the waterfall during the summer months when the sunlight reflects off the water and creates a golden tinge that shimmers across the falls.

Visitors can enjoy the waterfall from above, where there are observation decks with excellent views, or from below, where they can walk along a path that leads down to the base of the falls. The path is steep and can be slippery when wet, but the stunning views from the bottom make the hike worth it.

In addition to its natural beauty, Gullfoss has a rich history, with tales of its beauty and power that date back centuries. A visit to this iconic waterfall is a must for anyone visiting Iceland, and it’s an experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Visiting Gullfoss

For those traveling the Golden Circle or Ring Road, the Gullfoss waterfall less 2 hours away from Reykjavik. The short drive makes it an excellent day-trip from the capital.

Our Visit to Gullfoss

We visited Gullfoss on Day 2 of our Ring Road Tour. After spending Day 1 at the Blue Lagoon and exploring Reykjavik, we headed up to the Golden Circle. Our day started with a visit to Thingvellir National Park where we snorkeled between the tectonic plates.

By the time we left the National Park, it was already 3 PM. We hopped in the car and drove 45 minutes to the Geysir Geothermal Area before we finally made it to Gullfoss. At this point, it was pretty late in the day and we still had quite a ways before we reached Vik.

Needless to say, our visit to Gullfoss was rather rushed. The cool thing about Gullfoss is that you see the waterfall from above, rather than below. Most of the other waterfalls we visited in Iceland you viewed from below. This made our visit to Gullfoss quick and easy. Honestly, we didn’t do this stop justice. We pulled into the parking lot, walked over to the viewing area, snapped a couple of photos, and hauled ass back to the car.

Gullfoss ended up being one of the easiest waterfalls we visited. Even if we chose to hike down to the viewing area, it was an easy walk- especially compared to most of the other waterfalls we visited!

FAQ About Gullfoss Waterfall

What is Gullfoss?

Gullfoss, also known as the “Golden Waterfall,” is one of Iceland’s most popular and iconic waterfalls. It is located in the southwest of the country, along the Golden Circle tourist route. It is easily accessible by car or organized tour from Reykjavik.

How tall is Gullfoss?

Gullfoss actually has two drops, one measuring 11 meters (36 feet) and the other 21 meters (69 feet), for a total height of 32 meters (105 feet).

How was Gullfoss formed?

Gullfoss was formed during the last ice age, when glacial runoff carved out a deep canyon in the Hvítá river. The waterfall is created by a series of cascades and spills into the canyon below.

Can you walk around Gullfoss?

Yes, there are several walking paths and viewing platforms around Gullfoss that offer stunning views of the waterfall and canyon. Use caution and stay on designated paths, as the terrain can be slippery and dangerous.

Can you visit Gullfoss year-round?

Yes, Gullfoss is open to visitors year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is milder and the days are longer.

During the winter months (December-February), the waterfall can be partially frozen and covered in snow, creating a stunning, dramatic winter wonderland scene.

Is there an entrance fee for Gullfoss?

No, but there is a parking fee at the Gullfoss visitor center, which is used to maintain the area and facilities. Visitors can pay the fee at a self-service machine in the parking lot. If you are visiting on a guided tour, then the parking fee is included.

What are some other nearby attractions to Gullfoss?

Gullfoss is located along the Golden Circle tourist route, which includes several other popular attractions, including the Geysir geothermal area, Thingvellir National Park, and the Kerið volcanic crater.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventures!

For future reference, save our post: Gullfoss: One of Iceland’s Most Iconic Waterfalls. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and much more!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

The Thrilling Geysir Geothermal Area

Elle MacRae — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 22:18:52 +0000

Geysir is an awe-inspiring geothermal area located in southwestern Iceland, well-known for its iconic geyser, Strokkur, that spurts boiling water around 20 meters high into the air every few minutes. The geothermal area is situated in the Haukadalur valley, approximately 100 km from Reykjavik.

Apart from the remarkable Strokkur, visitors can explore other geothermal attractions such as the Great Geysir, which is no longer active but officially gave geysers their name, and the bubbling hot pools of the geothermal field. The area has a history of geothermal activity, with hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots dotted around the valley.

Geysir has become a popular destination among tourists, offering a unique opportunity to witness the spectacular natural wonders of Iceland up close. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails and picnic areas within the valley, as well as several nearby attractions such as Gullfoss waterfall and the national park of Thingvellir.

A visit to Geysir offers an unforgettable experience, immersing visitors in the stunning geothermal landscape of Iceland. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Iceland, providing a glimpse into the incredible natural processes that shape our planet.

Our Experience at the Geysir Geothermal Area

Day Two of our Icelandic Ring Road Tour was jam-packed. We left Reykjavik and headed towards the Golden Circle. Our first stop was Thingvellir National Park where we had the incredible opportunity to snorkel between the tectonic plates! We literally swam between North America and Iceland!

Afterwards, we headed 45 minutes east to the Geysir. Geothermal Area. Still slightly wet from our snorkeling excursion, we piled out of the car to explore Geysir and Strokkur. After paying to park, we popped into the Visitor Center to use the restroom and grab some coffee.

We crossed the street to make our way to the Geysir Geothermal Area. Many people stand around Geysir hoping for it to erupt however, this is a rarity. The nearby Strokkur Geysir is much more active going off every several minutes. As we were walking up to Strokkur it erupted! It was so cool to see it from a distance, but we wanted to see it close up so we got closer to the viewing area and waited- cameras ready- with baited breath.

The anticipation was very exciting. The hot spring bubbled and gurgled giving the allure that it would erupt, but then…nothing. Alas! Strokkur Geysir erupted sending a towering spray of Sulphur water into the air. Ashley snapped her photo and ran however, I stayed and watched the entire thing from the sidelines. I got drenched!

Visiting the Geysir Geothermal Area

Geysir is one of the most popular stops on the Golden Circle. It is located less than 2 hours away from the capital, making it an easy day trip. Pair it with nearby Gullfoss (located just 10km away) and Thingvellir National Park and you have an amazing, full day of activities!

FAQ About the Geysir Geothermal Area

What is Geysir?

Geysir is a geothermal area located in the Golden Circle of southwestern Iceland that is famous for its hot springs and geysers. Geysir and Strokkur are the two most famous geothermal features in the area.

Geysir is where all other geysirs get their name!

What is the difference between a geysir and a hot spring?

The difference is simple- one erupts and one doesn’t. A geysir is a hot spring that periodically erupts with water and steam, while a hot spring is a pool of hot water that does not erupt.

Is there an admission fee to visit Geysir?

No, there is no admission fee to visit Geysir, but there is a parking fee for cars.

How far is Geysir from Reykjavik?

Geysir is located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Reykjavik.

How often does Geysir erupt?

This is a common misconception! Geysir itself is no longer active, but the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts about every 6-10 minutes.

How high does Strokkur geyser erupt?

The height of Strokkur’s eruption varies between 15 and 20 meters (49-65 feet).

Is it safe to approach the geysers in Geysir?

There are designated viewing areas that are roped off around the geysers. It is important to stay within those areas for safety reasons. The water in the geysers is extremely hot and can cause serious injury or death.

Can you swim in the hot springs in Geysir?

No, swimming is not allowed in the hot springs at Geysir for safety reasons. If you want to swim in a hot spring, head to the Blue Lagoon.

What is the temperature of the water in the geysers?

The temperature of the water in the geysers can reach up to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit).

Can you drink the water in the geysers or hot springs in Geysir?

No, the water in the geysers and hot springs is not safe to drink due to its high mineral content and temperature.

What is the best time of year to visit Geysir?

Geysir is accessibly year-round, but summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit due to milder weather and longer daylight hours.

What is the best time of day to visit Geysir?

The geysers are active all day, but crowds can be larger in the afternoon. Morning and evening can be quieter times to visit.

Are there any other attractions in Geysir?

Yes, there are several other geothermal features in the area, including hot springs, mud pools, and fumaroles.

What other activities can you do in Geysir?

You can take a hike in the nearby Haukadalur valley, and visit the Geysir Center for lunch. We recommend the pastries and coffee!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, save our post: The Thrilling Geysir Geothermal Area. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Thingvellir National Park- The Epicenter of Icelandic History

Elle MacRae — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 18:00:59 +0000

Thingvellir National Park is an absolute gem that should be on every traveler’s bucket list! This spectacular nature reserve is located in the southwest region of Iceland and has so much to offer.

One of the main highlights of the park is its mesmerizing geological features that are unlike anything else you’ll see on this planet. Thingvellir National Park (THING-VET-leer) is settled along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Here the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visible above ground. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness these plate boundaries in action.

But that’s not the only exhilarating feature that you can enjoy in this national park. Its historical significance is undeniable. The history dates back to the establishment of Iceland’s national parliament, Alþingi in 930 AD.

Apart from its historical and geological wonders, Thingvellir National Park boasts of great natural beauty. Its varied terrain offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and various water activities such as scuba diving, fishing, and birdwatching.

Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is protected to preserve its natural and historical importance. Overall, Thingvellir National Park is a treasure trove of unparalleled natural beauty, geological and historical phenomena, and is a must-visit on your Iceland itinerary!

The Main Attractions of Thingvellir

Almannagja– a 7km long rift that marks the eastern boundary of the North-American tectonic plate.
Logberg– In early Icelandic history, it was here that the Alþingi assembly met and created the laws that shaped Iceland.
Oxarafoss– A 13 m high waterfall that was believed to have been diverted to its current location during ancient times.
Stekkjargja– A section of Almannagja that was used as a hanging site for convicted thieves.
Flosagja– A deep fissure with cold, crystal clear groundwater that originates from the Langjokull glacier 45 km away.
Thingbudir– The overgrown rectangular foundation of the old assembly meeting grounds.

Our Experience

On day 2 of our Ring Road Tour, we left Reykjavik and drove about 45 minutes to Thingvellir National Park where we booked an excursion to go snorkeling between the tectonic plates. Our excursion wasn’t until noon, so we had some time to explore the park before we met up with our tour guide.

Our first stop in the park was Oxarafoss. We parked in P3 (Parking Lot 3) and took the short hike to the falls. Old sagas say that early settlers changed the course of the river to improve the water supply at Thingvellir.

The falls have a small boardwalk area where you can snap photos from. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can hop across some of the rocks in the pool to get a closer look at the falls.

We decided to walk 1/2 mile from Oxarafoss to the Visitor’s Center. We made stops along the river before ew got to Law Rock. In 930 AD, local chieftans began to gather at an annual meeting called Alþingi (“all-thing”). These meetings took place here, at Law Rock. It is because of these annual meetings that Thingvellir can be considered as Iceland’s first capital.

Next, we passed through Almannagja (Everyman’s Gorge). This path traces the boundaries of the continents- on one side is North America and on the other is Europe.

The walk from Law Rock to the Visitor’s Center was much steeper than I anticipated. If you struggle with mobility or if you’re traveling with littles, you may want to skip the Viewing Platform and Visitor’s Center all together.

The viewing platform overlooks the great fissure where you can see the two tectonic plates moving apart. It’s kinda cool for a nerd like myself.

Here, we turned around and walked the 1/2 mile back to our parking lot.

The highlight of our visit to Thingvellir was snorkeling between the tectonic plates– well, for me anyway. Ashley didn’t love it. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a definite must if you’re into pushing your boundaries, snorkeling, and nerd stuff.

After our snorkel excursion, we drove to Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and much more! It was a super thrilling, incredibly busy day!

Visiting Thingvellir National Park

The natural site is always open and free, although you did need to pay to park.

Free one-hour guided tours in English depart from the Thingvellir church each day at 10:00 and 15:00.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post: Thingvellir National Park. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, The Penis Museum, Gullfoss, and much more!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Snorkeling Silfra: The Ultimate Icelandic Adventure

Elle MacRae — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 18:06:13 +0000

When we first started mapping out our Icelandic Ring Road Trip, snorkeling Silfra was high on my list of things I wanted to do. I’ve had a few friends who have done it said it was absolutely incredible…I just hoped I could work up the nerve to actually do it!

Located in Thingvellir National Park, Silfra is a unique snorkeling destination that promises a mesmerizing experience. The fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates offers a crystal-clear underwater view that is nothing short of breathtaking.

As you get ready for your snorkeling adventure, a wetsuit that is suitable for the chilly Icelandic waters is provided by your tour company. Soon you will find yourself in the icy-cold waters, gliding through the frigid clearest waters you will ever see. The water is so transparent that you can see up to 100 meters ahead with endless shades of blue and green.

As you journey through the Silfra fissure, it is as if you are swimming in a living, breathing geology book. You will come across vibrant colors and textures etched into the rocks, giving you a profound sense of the power of nature. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of freshwater fish that inhabit the area.

Snorkeling Silfra is an unforgettable experience due to the combination of geology, clear waters, and fish sightings. This Iceland gem is ideal for anyone seeking adventure and a newfound appreciation for the natural world.

Our Experience Snorkeling Silfra

We woke up early and had a delicious breakfast at the Sand Hotel in Reykjavik and headed to Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is about an hour outside of the city, making it the perfect day trip from Reykjavik. We arrived at the park earlier enough to be able to do some hiking and visit a waterfall before we had to meet up with our tour company. We were each given a bag to store all of our personal belongings.

Our tour was about nearly 3 hours long. The first hour was spent suiting up, going over safety information, and demonstrating a few basic moves in the water before we were able to continue snorkeling between the plates.

After checking in with our company (we used Troll Expeditions), we stripped down to our base layer and were fitted for our dry suits. For our base layer, we were long underwear (link) and a t-shirt. It was plenty warm enough for being in the water. We were also given thick gloves, a snorkel, and flippers.

The crew took a lot of care into making sure everyone was wearing the proper size suit, flippers, and making sure everyone’s hood was secure. They even helped us put our dry suits and hoods on, which was helpful since they are so bulky and awkward.

Since the gloves were so large, it was pretty hard to manipulate my GoPro, so I ended up leaving it behind. Fortunately, our guide snapped lots of photos of us, so that worked out. He sent them to us that evening, which was a super quick turn around!

To keep our heads warm, we had to wear a hood, which was fastened with a choker. The choker was really uncomfortable, especially since I have claustrophobia. Honestly, everyone was uncomfortable with it on, but ultimately its job was to prevent water from getting into our suits, so it was essential.

We were handed our flippers and snorkels and we walked just down the road to the entry point. We had to wait a bit while other groups finished getting suited up and getting info from their guides.

Once it was our turn, we had to make sure our masks were tight enough by putting our faces in the water. Next, we had to demonstrate that we could get water out of our snorkel, if needed, and that we were able to roll over onto our sides under water. It’s all pretty basic stuff and requires very little skill, at all.

Alas, it was time for us to explore the fissure. What an awesome, unique experience! I mean, how many people can say that they snorkeled between tectonic plates? That they swam between Europe and North America? I thought it was a little cooler than Ashley did, but I’m also just a tad bit nerdier and into the science of things.

As a group, we explored the fissure. We had about an hour to float in the frigid water. Since there’s such a strong current in the fissure, you barely have to swim. Swimming in the water was very effortless.

One of the things I was worried about was being cold in the water. With the suit and gloves, the only part of our body that was exposed was our face. I watched several YouTube videos and read blog posts where people said their faces were freezing in the water, I didn’t notice the cold at all.

Ashley’s suit leaked a bit around the neck area, so by the time we neared the end of the snorkeling run, she was over it. We were given the option of exploring a little lagoon area, and instead she headed to the exit point and I swam around a bit alone.

By the time we were done, our lips were swollen from the cold water and we were ready to get out of our suits. We were especially ready to ditch the chokers! Our guide wouldn’t let us remove the choker, hood, or any part of the suit until we were back at the meeting point.

We stepped into a trailer with a heater to ditch our suits and get dressed. They had heaters in the trailer which was super nice! When we took our suits off, we realized just how wet Ashley was. Her shirt was drenched, no wonder she was uncomfortable! She was the only one in our group who had a leaky suit, the rest of us were perfectly dry- except for our hair.

We were offered cookies and cocoa or coffee to help warm us up. We bid kveðja (farewell) to our guide and headed to our next stop.

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates was a super cool experience. I’m really glad that we did it and that I didn’t chicken out. I had worked myself up so much leading up to our trip that was convinced that I would have a panic attack in the water. It was all for nothing, it was such an awesome experience. Snorkeling the plates was one of my favorite things we did in Iceland. Ashley, on the other hand, didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I did. She hates being uncomfortable so she was miserable pretty much the entire time.

Would I do it again? Yes…if I had time to spare. We only had a week on our Ring Road Tour and our excursion took a big chunk of our day. Our itinerary was jam packed and we didn’t get to spend as much time at some of the other sites on our list for that day. For example, we barely spent any time at Gullfoss and we skipped the Kerid Crater all together. At the same time, it’s a once in a lifetime experience, so I’m perfectly content with having done it just the one time.

How to Get to Thingvellir National Park

The best way to get anywhere in Iceland is to rent a car. I honestly couldn’t picture doing Iceland without having a vehicle. That being said, there are plenty of tour companies that offer transportation from Reykjavik to Thingvellir.

There are plenty of rental car companies located in Reykjavik and Keflavik, near the airport. If you’re traveling to Iceland during the summer, make sure you book your rental car well in advance! Iceland is an extremely popular tourist destination at this time of the year.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our trip includes:

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
A visit to Diamond Beach
Incredible hikes
Countless waterfalls
Whale watching
And so much more!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post: Snorkeling Silfra: The Ultimate Icelandic Adventure. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, the Penis Museum, Gullfoss, and much more!

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