Bonus tracks for Golden Circle
Golden Circle is the most popular area in Iceland among travellers (oh, man, such a fresh idea!) I was there hundred times but still love it (yeh, tired to love it). Programme is classic: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir area, Gullfoss waterfall, Kerið the crater. Sometimes local vendors adds to daytour Fontana Geothermal Baths in Laugarvatn to let customers take a bath and taste geothermally baked rye bread (I recommend).
But if you travel selfdrive or book a custom tour you can ask your driver to add some beautiful spots which is not included in classic Golden Circle programme.
This photo is mine
What is these spots?
Little and cute waterfalls
Gullfoss is not the only waterfall on Golden Circle area. There is also two little but cool waterfalls named Brúarfoss and Faxi (named Vatnsleysifoss on maps).
If you drive from Reykjavik via Thingvellir so Brúarfoss will be first on your way to Geysir area on the route 37. GPS: 64.267112,-20.521616 (64°16'01.6"N 20°31'17.8"W). Just check the turn to Brekkuskógar camping area.
Photo: Jórunn Sjöfn Guðlaugsdottir
So Faxi will be next when you already visited Geysir and Gullfoss, turn back to Reykjavik and drive by route 35. GPS: 64.226466, -20.340092 (64°13'35.3"N 20°20'24.3"W). Just turn to sign “Faxi”.
Photo: Jórunn Sjöfn Guðlaugsdottir
Oldest swimming pool in Iceland
After visiting Faxi drive to village of Fluðir by route 359 to my favourite spot (secret spot). When you reach Fluðir turn to sign “Hvammur” and drive to the end of gravel road, to the sign "Secret Lagoon". GPS: 64.137566, -20.315008 (64°08’15.2″N 20°18’54.0″W).
I found this place last summer but in fact this oldest swimming pool in Iceland was opened in 1891. Now changing rooms are renovated but swimming pool with hot and clean geothermal water still authentic without any changes. Secret Lagoon (also called Gamla Laugin) open all year around. You never see the crowd here as in Blue Lagoon and it looks and feels very very cool. Admission costs 2500 ISK but worth it, trust me.
Bobby Fischer's grave
Next stop on the way back to Reykjavik is a spot for chess lovers. This is a grave of legendary Bobby Fischer's who rest in peace on the church cemetary in Selfoss. If you want to salute Bobby please do it very quietly. He was a famous brawler but chose Iceland and Selfoss cemetary as a calm place and wished everybody leave him alone. GPS: 63.946507, -20.967076 (63°56'47.4"N 20°58'01.5"W).
This photo is mine
Short superjeep adventure
If you driving jeep or booked custom superjeep tour ask driver turn to Thusundvatnaleið (1000 lakes route) on the way back to Reykjavik. It would be short but cool superjeep adventure. But please do it only in summer when is no snow in mountains. GPS: 64.018783, -21.283753 (64°01'07.6"N 21°17'01.5"W). After you left town of Hveragerði turn to sign Ölkelduháls, drive across lava field, turn left from the road and start to cross river. If you get Hellisheiðivirkjun Geothermal Plant after 40 minutes it means you are not lost. Keep drive to Reykjavik by road 1.
This photo is mine
Dear friends,
Feel free to be free but please be gentle with Iceland and its nature.
Best regards,
Konstantin
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