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 searching for flexibility, immersion in nature, and an inexpensive approach to expertise this beautiful area, tenting in a camper van is the proper answer.
This information covers all the things you could 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 permits you to 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 among 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 funds.
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 enormous 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 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 Web site, 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: Residence to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts each couple of minutes, and the dormant Nice Geysir.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Considered 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 might be price visiting. These embody:
- Kerið Crater: A volcanic crater lake with placing crimson slopes and blue-green water.
- Secret Lagoon: A lesser-known sizzling 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, 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 areas that supply a extra intimate expertise.
Greatest Campsites within the Golden Circle for Camper Vans
The Golden Circle is well-equipped with designated campsites which might be 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 primary services, and the price is round 1,530 ISK per individual per evening. It’s preferrred for nature lovers, as the positioning gives quick access to mountaineering trails by the nationwide park.
Úthlíð Campsite
Centrally situated close to the Geysir Geothermal Space, Úthlíð gives wonderful facilities resembling showers, a sizzling tub, a restaurant, and laundry companies. For 2,000 ISK per individual per evening, guests can benefit from the Northern Lights within the winter months, whereas the summer season gives lengthy, shiny days below the Midnight Solar.
Faxi Waterfall Campsite
This smaller, extra primary campsite is ideal for vacationers preferring peace and quiet. Positioned simply 8 km from Reykholt and 10 km from Geysir, it gives stunning 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, 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 incredible place to loosen up and recharge earlier than heading to the extra standard websites.
Gesthús Campsite in Selfoss
Among the finest-equipped campsites on the Golden Circle, Gesthús gives a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and laundry companies. The close by swimming pool and playground make it preferrred 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 residence to some hidden gems which might be 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 luxuriate in a pure sizzling spring tub in a heat river. The path to Reykjadalur gives a rewarding expertise with stunning views alongside the way in which, making it an ideal cease for nature lovers.
- Hrunalaug Scorching Springs: A peaceable sizzling 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 areas could be explored extra simply with the freedom and suppleness {that a} camper van gives.
Ideas for Ladies Tenting Solo within the Golden Circle
For solo feminine vacationers, tenting within the Golden Circle is usually a protected and satisfying expertise. Iceland is understood for being a protected nation with low crime charges, however there are nonetheless just a few issues you are able to do to make sure a clean journey:
- Packing the Proper Gear
- Private Security Gadgets: Whereas Iceland could be very protected, 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 could be unpredictable, even in summer season. Pack thermal layers, a water-proof jacket, and a windproof hat. Temperatures can drop considerably at evening, so having the precise 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, but it surely’s essential to let somebody know your itinerary for those who’re tenting solo. Many campsites provide Wi-Fi, so you may simply keep linked and test climate circumstances or path info.
- Necessities for a Solo Journey
- Headlamp or Flashlight: headlamp is crucial, particularly in the course of the shorter daylight in winter.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Iceland’s faucet water is a few of the purest on this planet, so carry a refillable bottle to remain hydrated.
- Dry Baggage: These are helpful to maintain garments and kit dry throughout wet or moist circumstances.
Laws 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’ve got specific 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, observe the “Go away 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.
Greatest Time to Camp Alongside the Golden Circle
The summer season months (June to August) are the most well-liked time for tenting, with hotter temperatures, lengthy daylight, and the gorgeous Midnight Solar.
Nonetheless, for those who choose fewer crowds and decrease prices, think about touring in the course of 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 also be an choice, but it surely requires cautious preparation. Be sure that your camper van is provided with winter tires and heating, and all the time 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 strategy to expertise a few of Iceland’s most iconic sights whereas having fun with the liberty and suppleness that camper van journey gives. Whether or not you’re touring solo or with others, renting a camper is the proper strategy to discover the great thing about Iceland up shut. With the precise preparation and planning, your Golden Circle tenting journey can 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? In that case, what have 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, all the time in search of 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 outdoor as a lot as potential. I take pleasure in tenting, mountaineering, cross nation snowboarding, and biking.
