Day 8: Golden Circle and Hvammsvik Spa

Today we spent our time exploring the famous Golden Circle, a must-do route for those visiting the country.

The excursion began with a unique breakfast in a geothermal area, where we boiled eggs in hot springs. Eating something cooked directly by the volcanic earth was a simple but memorable experience, very much in line with the spirit of Iceland.

Our first stop was at the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall. Its two levels of fall and the deafening sound of the water make it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country.

We continued towards the Kerid Crater, an ancient volcanic crater filled with water that offers an incredible contrast between the red of the rocks and the blue of the lake.

Next, we visited the tectonic fissure at Þingvellir, a place where you can literally walk between the tectonic plates of Europe and America. The geological and cultural history of the place makes it doubly special, as it was also the site of the first Icelandic parliament.

Another iconic stop was the Strokkur geyser, which impresses with its eruption every few minutes. Watching the bubble form just before it erupts is fascinating and a sight that never gets old.

To finish off the tour, we were taken to the hidden gem of a hot spring resort in Hvammsvik. We loved it because unlike other more famous resorts in Iceland, it wasn’t overcrowded with tourists. Plus, its location on the coast allowed us to enjoy the contrast between the warm hot springs and the cold ocean waters. It was a perfect way to relax after a day full of activity.

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Back in Reykjavik, we rounded off the day with dinner at Hereford, where we sampled their “Icelandic menu.” It included delicacies like smoked puffin and traditional Skyr cake. While some of the flavors were more curious than pleasurable, the experience was unique and very much in keeping with the adventurous spirit of our trip.


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