Kerið - Gullfoss - Geysir Strokkur - Þingvellir

The Golden Circle is a popular scenic route, within a day’s drive from Reykjavik, that features several major sites including the Gullfoss waterfall, the Haukadalur geothermal area with the erupting Strokkur geyser and Þingvellir National Park.

👍 Today we discovered what is now my favourite waterfall: Bruarfoss.

We started the day with a visit to Bobby Fischer’s grave, followed by the Kerid Crater.

We ended the day back in Reykjavik.

1-1 Golden Circle.

Highlights Slideshow

Bobby Fischer’s Grave

Robert James Fischer (1943–2008) was the 11th World Chess Champion. He was a prodigy who first won the US Chess Championship at age 14.

I remember following along as he defeated the Russian Boris Spassky for the world championship in 1972 in Reykjavik (Iceland). This was a big deal. The USSR versus the USA at the height of the Cold War.

I’ve studied many of his games and his skill, and depth and clarity of thinking is breathtaking.

He could be described as a flawed genius. He’s not the first chess grandmaster to develop mental health issues. Later in life he was very critical of the US government after 9/11 (he also made public racist remarks) and became an émigré. He was detained in Japan and was to be deported to the USA to face charges.

After an appeal from Fischer, Iceland granted him citizenship on humanitarian grounds. He lived there as a recluse until his death. He is buried next to the Lutheran Church in Laugardælir (Selfoss).

Kerið Crater

Kerið is a 55 meter deep volcanic crater that is about 3,000 years old.

It was formed by an enormous eruption in which the once cone-shaped volcano emptied its magma chamber. The structural weakness this caused the peak to collapse, leaving behind this enormous crater.

Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

According to our guide book:

The waterfall is formed by the Hvítá river, which flows from the nearby Langjökull glacier. The water cascades down two tiers, with a total drop of 32 meters, creating a stunning display of rushing water and mist.

One of Gullfoss’s unique features is how the river disappears into a crevice at the bottom of the falls, creating the illusion that the water is vanishing into the earth.

This has led to many myths and legends surrounding the waterfall, including stories of hidden treasure and ghosts.

According to an information board on the site:

It is likely that Gullfoss was given its name because of the golden evening hue which often colours its glacial water.

Another theory is that the name was inspired by the rainbow which often appears when sunshine hits the water-spray thrown up by the waterfall.

Another theory about the name can be found in the Sveinn Pálsson’s travel journal. Once upon a time, a farmer named Gýgur lived at Gýgjarhóll. He had plenty of gold and could not bear the thought of someone else possessing it after his lifetime. To prevent this, he placed the gold in a coffer and threw it into the waterfall - which ever since has been named Gullfoss.

Geysir Strokkur

Geysir Strokkur is a hot spring in the Haukadalur geothermal area. It erupts every 5 to 10 minutes.

There are also several little geysers and fumaroles.

Litli-Geysir. So cute.

As we approached I caught Strokkur make a small eruption.

The next eruption was more impressive but I got distracted by the crowd of people watching through their cameras and phones. Like acolytes waiting for some religious revelation.

When the eruption happened I was zoomed in, so I missed the full display and just got a close up of water droplets flying around. You can see the water roiling around just before the eruption.

I couldn’t be bothered waiting around for another 10 minutes.

There were also some whimsical fumaroles.

Bruarfoss (Bridge Falls)

Bruarfoss is a short and easy walk from the car park.

My AI buddy thinks this plant is Empetrum nigrum, commonly known as crowberry. It is a common plant in the Arctic and subarctic regions.

This is my favourite waterfall.

It reminds me of the Bosquet des Rocailles cascade at Versailles (also known as the Bosquet de la Salle de Bal).

What it lacks in force it makes up for in finesse. It is on a human scale.

The water really was that turquoise colour.

Bruarfoss is set in beautiful, open landscape.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park is Iceland’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.

Just south of the park is Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake.

From our guide book:

The first thing to notice at Þingvellir is its sheer aesthetic beauty. Dried magma fields covered in Icelandic moss, lush valleys, and glacial springs crisscross the sprawling park.

One of the area’s highlights is the exposed rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the only place in the world where you can see geology such as this on land.

Back to Reykjavik

Our circumnavigation of Iceland was nearly over. We just had to head back to Reykjavik.

It was such a memorable trip and the fluctuating weather just added to the adventure and the fun.

2 To Reykjavik.

Stay tuned for more adventures on our European Odyssey!