Probably Iceland’s most famous tourist attraction is the Blue Lagoon, located just minutes from Keflavík International Airport. The milky blue mineral-rich waters are the result of the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, which channels water into an artificial lagoon. A unisex spa has been created here with the awesome rugged lava landscape as a backdrop. The waters are thought to provide healing powers, health and beauty, so treat yourself and promote the harmony between mind and body. www.bluelagoon.com.
The “Golden Circle” is the region immediately east of Reykjavik where you will find Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir, three of Iceland’s most visited destinations. Geysir, also known as “The Great Geysir” is one of nature’s most impressive phenomena. This is the oldest geyser in the world dating back over seven hundred years. Eruptions at Geysir force boiling water almost 70 meters into the air. In recent times these eruptions have become less frequent, occurring just a couple of times a day. An earthquake in 2000 revived the Geysir to a more active state. However, with each passing year, the geyser is again becoming more dormant. Not to fear, the nearby Strokkur, with its 30 meter geyser, erupts every 5 – 10 minutes.
Gullfoss is Iceland’s most famous waterfall and is often described as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Waters from Hvítá (White River) meander sharply towards the two-stage plunge of 32 meters (105 ft). The spectacle is quite dramatic, with rainbows present on sunny days. The waterfalls were almost lost in the early 20th century, when investors planned to dam the Hvítá to build a hydroelectric plant. Fortunately, they were unable to pay the land lease costs. Since the mid 1970s the waterfalls have belonged to the country and have been preserved as part of the nation’s natural heritage.
Þingvellir, a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Iceland’s most famous sights. The park has played an important role in Icelandic history, being the location of the Alþingi, one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions dating back almost 1100 years. The Alþingi was an institution of law makers that met yearly to recite law and decide disputes. Today, visitors can still see the Drekkingarhylur (The Drowning Pool) that was used to drown women lawbreakers. Also, the park’s immense picturesque valley provides visitors with an opportunity to clearly see continental drift fault lines and fissures. www.thingvellir.is
