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 looking for flexibility, immersion in nature, and an inexpensive manner to expertise this beautiful area, tenting in a camper van is the right answer.
This information covers the whole lot you must learn 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 permits you to discover the Golden Circle at your individual tempo. In contrast to 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 big 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 location of Iceland’s first parliament.
- Geysir Geothermal Space: Dwelling to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts each jiffy, 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 are value visiting. These embrace:
- Kerið Crater: A volcanic crater lake with hanging purple slopes and blue-green water.
- Secret Lagoon: A lesser-known scorching spring within the village of Flúðir, good 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 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 here are a few of the greatest choices:
Þingvellir Tenting Floor (Nyrðri Leirar)
Situated simply 5 minutes from the Þingvellir Nationwide Park Customer Middle, this campsite is ideal for these eager 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 best for nature lovers, as the location presents quick access to climbing trails by the nationwide park.
Úthlíð Campsite
Centrally situated close to the Geysir Geothermal Space, Úthlíð presents glorious facilities corresponding to showers, a scorching tub, a restaurant, and laundry providers. For 2,000 ISK per particular person per night time, guests can benefit from the Northern Lights within the winter months, whereas the summer season presents 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 presents stunning 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, it is a family-friendly tenting spot with a soccer subject and proximity to climbing trails within the close by Haukadalsskógur Forest. It’s an incredible place to loosen up and recharge earlier than heading to the extra fashionable websites.
Gesthús Campsite in Selfoss
The most effective-equipped campsites on the Golden Circle, Gesthús presents a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and laundry providers. The close by swimming pool and playground make it best for households, and the city of Selfoss is only a brief stroll away for restocking provides. The price is round 3,000 ISK per pitch.
Exploring Lesser-Recognized Gems of the Golden Circle
Past the primary points of interest, the Golden Circle is house to some hidden gems which are simply accessible with a camper van. A number of value mentioning embrace:
- 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 presents a rewarding expertise with stunning views alongside the best way, making it an ideal cease for nature lovers.
- Hrunalaug Scorching 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 through a scenic hike.
These lesser-visited places could be explored extra simply with the freedom and adaptability {that a} camper van offers.
Suggestions for Girls Tenting Solo within the Golden Circle
For solo feminine vacationers, tenting within the Golden Circle generally is a secure and satisfying expertise. Iceland is understood 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 clean journey:
- Packing the Proper Gear
- Private Security Objects: Whereas Iceland may be very secure, it’s all the time 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 season. Pack thermal layers, a water-proof jacket, and a windproof hat. Temperatures can drop considerably at night time, so having the precise gear is crucial.
- Snug Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof climbing boots are a should for exploring the pure terrain.
- Staying Linked
Iceland has good cell protection in most areas, nevertheless it’s necessary to let somebody know your itinerary in the event you’re tenting solo. Many campsites provide Wi-Fi, so you may simply keep linked and examine climate circumstances or path info.
- Necessities for a Solo Journey
- Headlamp or Flashlight: An excellent 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 laws to guard its fragile ecosystem. Wild tenting is now not permitted until you have got specific permission from a landowner. Subsequently, 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” ideas:
- Eliminate waste correctly: Most campsites have designated waste and recycling bins.
- Keep on with marked trails: Keep away from creating new paths that may injury vegetation.
- Keep away from disturbing wildlife: Iceland’s wildlife are delicate, and it’s important to respect their pure habitat.
Finest Time to Camp Alongside the Golden Circle
The summer season months (June to August) are the preferred time for tenting, with hotter temperatures, lengthy daylight, and the gorgeous Midnight Solar.
Nonetheless, in the event you want fewer crowds and decrease prices, contemplate 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 would possibly even catch the Northern Lights within the fall.
Winter tenting can be an possibility, nevertheless it requires cautious preparation. Be sure that your camper van is supplied with winter tires and heating, and all the time examine 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 adaptability that camper van journey presents. Whether or not you’re touring solo or with others, renting a camper is the right strategy to discover the great thing about Iceland up shut. With the precise 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? In that 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, all the time searching 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 outdoor as a lot as potential. I get pleasure from tenting, climbing, cross nation snowboarding, and biking.
