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 manner to expertise this gorgeous area, tenting in a camper van is the proper resolution.
This information covers every part it’s essential learn about tenting within the Golden Circle, with sensible suggestions 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 individual tempo. Not like inflexible excursions, you possibly can 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 Iceland. Lodging and eating might be costly, however by renting a camper from Motorhome Iceland, you mix transportation, lodging, and cooking amenities 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 instances at Gullfoss and Geysir are round 9 AM to 2 PM, however tenting close by means you possibly can 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 Web site, 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: Dwelling to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts each couple of minutes, 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 gorgeous views and an exhilarating expertise.
Past these highlights, the Golden Circle options many hidden gems which are value visiting. These embrace:
- 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, 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 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 good for camper van vacationers. Listed below are a few of the finest choices:
Þingvellir Tenting Floor (Nyrðri Leirar)
Positioned simply 5 minutes from the Þingvellir Nationwide Park Customer Middle, this campsite is ideal for these desirous to discover the park totally. It has fundamental amenities, and the fee is round 1,530 ISK per individual per night time. It’s perfect for nature lovers, as the location presents easy accessibility to mountaineering trails by the nationwide park.
Úthlíð Campsite
Centrally situated close to the Geysir Geothermal Space, Úthlíð presents wonderful facilities similar to showers, a scorching 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 presents lengthy, brilliant days below the Midnight Solar.
Faxi Waterfall Campsite
This smaller, extra fundamental campsite is ideal for vacationers preferring peace and quiet. Positioned 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 gasoline 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 subject and proximity to mountaineering trails within the close by Haukadalsskógur Forest. It’s a terrific place to loosen up and recharge earlier than heading to the extra common websites.
Gesthús Campsite in Selfoss
Probably the greatest-equipped campsites on the Golden Circle, Gesthús presents a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and laundry companies. The close by swimming pool and playground make it perfect for households, and the city of Selfoss is only a brief stroll away for restocking provides. The associated fee is round 3,000 ISK per pitch.
Exploring Lesser-Identified Gems of the Golden Circle
Past the primary sights, the Golden Circle is residence to some hidden gems which are simply accessible with a camper van. Just a few value mentioning embrace:
- Reykjadalur: This geothermal valley is a must-visit spot the place you possibly can hike by scenic landscapes and luxuriate in a pure scorching spring tub 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 scorching 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 places might be explored extra simply with the freedom and adaptability {that a} camper van offers.
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 Gadgets: Whereas Iceland may be very secure, it’s at all times good to hold a whistle, a private alarm, and a moveable telephone charger for peace of thoughts.
- Heat Layers: The climate in Iceland might 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 appropriate gear is important.
- Comfy Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof mountaineering boots are a should for exploring the pure terrain.
- Staying Linked
Iceland has good cell protection in most areas, however it’s necessary to let somebody know your itinerary in case you’re tenting solo. Many campsites provide Wi-Fi, so you possibly can simply keep related and test climate circumstances or path info.
- Necessities for a Solo Journey
- Headlamp or Flashlight: An excellent headlamp is important, particularly throughout the shorter sunlight hours in winter.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland’s faucet water is a few of the purest on the earth, 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 laws to guard its fragile ecosystem. Wild tenting is now not permitted except you might have express permission from a landowner. Subsequently, 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” ideas:
- Eliminate waste correctly: Most campsites have designated waste and recycling bins.
- Persist 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 sunlight hours, and the attractive Midnight Solar.
Nonetheless, in case you want fewer crowds and decrease prices, think about touring throughout the shoulder seasons in April-Could or September-October. These instances provide cooler climate however fewer vacationers, and also you would possibly even catch the Northern Lights within the fall.
Winter tenting can be an possibility, however it 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 might 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 adaptability that camper van journey presents. Whether or not you’re touring solo or with others, renting a camper is the proper strategy to discover the fantastic thing about Iceland up shut. With the appropriate 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? If that’s the case, what had been the highlights of your journey? Please share your ideas within the feedback beneath.