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 in search of flexibility, immersion in nature, and an inexpensive means to expertise this gorgeous area, tenting in a camper van is the right resolution.
This information covers every part that 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 lets you 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 really expertise the peaceable nature of Iceland. Moreover, tenting is without doubt one of the most cost-effective methods to journey via Iceland. Lodging and eating may 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: House to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts each jiffy, and the dormant Nice Geysir.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: One in every of 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 embody:
- Kerið Crater: A volcanic crater lake with putting 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, 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 quick detours and discover these lesser-known areas 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 finest choices:
Þingvellir Tenting Floor (Nyrðri Leirar)
Positioned 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 individual per night time. It’s splendid for nature lovers, as the location gives easy accessibility to mountaineering trails via the nationwide park.
Úthlíð Campsite
Centrally situated close to the Geysir Geothermal Space, Úthlíð gives wonderful facilities similar to showers, a sizzling tub, a restaurant, and laundry providers. For 2,000 ISK per individual per night time, guests can benefit from the Northern Lights within the winter months, whereas the summer time gives lengthy, vibrant days underneath 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 lovely 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 mountaineering trails within the close by Haukadalsskógur Forest. It’s an important place to calm down and recharge earlier than heading to the extra fashionable websites.
Gesthús Campsite in Selfoss
The most effective-equipped campsites on the Golden Circle, Gesthús gives a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and laundry providers. The close by swimming pool and playground make it splendid for households, and the city of Selfoss is only a quick 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 principle points of interest, the Golden Circle is residence to some hidden gems which are simply accessible with a camper van. Just a few value mentioning embody:
- Reykjadalur: This geothermal valley is a must-visit spot the place you may hike via scenic landscapes and revel in a pure sizzling spring tub in a heat river. The path to Reykjadalur gives a rewarding expertise with lovely views alongside the way in which, making it an ideal cease for nature lovers.
- Hrunalaug Sizzling Springs: A peaceable sizzling spring close to Flúðir that provides 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 areas may be explored extra simply with the freedom and adaptability {that a} camper van supplies.
Suggestions for Ladies Tenting Solo within the Golden Circle
For solo feminine vacationers, tenting within the Golden Circle generally is a protected and satisfying expertise. Iceland is understood for being a protected nation with low crime charges, however there are nonetheless a couple 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 protected, it’s at all times good to hold a whistle, a private alarm, and a transportable cellphone charger for peace of thoughts.
- Heat Layers: The climate in Iceland may 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 proper gear is crucial.
- Snug 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 necessary to let somebody know your itinerary should you’re tenting solo. Many campsites supply Wi-Fi, so you may simply keep related and verify climate situations or path data.
- Necessities for a Solo Journey
- Headlamp or Flashlight: An excellent headlamp is crucial, particularly through the shorter daytime 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 situations.
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 will have express permission from a landowner. Due to this fact, it’s important to remain at designated campsites when touring the Golden Circle.
To protect the setting and guarantee a respectful tenting expertise, observe the “Depart No Hint” rules:
- Eliminate waste correctly: Most campsites have designated waste and recycling bins.
- Persist 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 time months (June to August) are the preferred time for tenting, with hotter temperatures, lengthy daytime, and the attractive Midnight Solar.
Nonetheless, should you desire fewer crowds and decrease prices, take into account touring through the shoulder seasons in April-Might or September-October. These occasions supply cooler climate however fewer vacationers, and also you would possibly even catch the Northern Lights within the fall.
Winter tenting can also be an possibility, but it surely requires cautious preparation. Be sure that your camper van is supplied with winter tires and heating, and at all times verify the climate forecast earlier than setting out, as roads may 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 gives. 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 proper preparation and planning, your Golden Circle tenting journey will likely 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.
