Golden Circle Iceland Self-guided GPS Driving Tour Adventure

Welcome to Reykjavik, the enchanting capital of Iceland and a city that effortlessly combines natural wonders with vibrant urban charm. Nestled on the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean, Reykjavik is a captivating destination that will capture your heart from the moment you arrive.

Let’s start off with a little bit of history:

Once upon a time, in a land of ice and fire, Reykjavik began its extraordinary journey. Legend has it that Viking explorers sailed across treacherous seas and stumbled upon a smoky bay surrounded by majestic mountains. Intrigued by the steam rising from hot springs, they decided to settle in this mystical place.

As the years went by, Reykjavik transformed from a humble farming settlement to a bustling trading post. It became a hub of activity, attracting merchants, fishermen, and adventurers from all corners of the world. The city's fortunes rose with the tides of the fishing industry, and its colorful houses began to dot the landscape like a vibrant artist's palette.

In the 20th century, Reykjavik became the stage for a historic event. Iceland, like a phoenix, rose from the ashes of colonial rule and declared its independence. Reykjavik proudly assumed its role as the capital, embracing the spirit of freedom and progress.

Today, Reykjavik stands tall as a vibrant metropolis, blending ancient Viking heritage with modern innovation.

This cosmopolitan city may be small in size, but it packs a punch with its unique character and irresistible allure. Reykjavik is a place where colorful houses dot the streets, creating a picturesque setting against a backdrop of rugged landscapes. The city effortlessly blends its rich Viking heritage with contemporary design, resulting in a delightful fusion of tradition and modernity.

Reykjavik is a hub of creativity and culture, with a thriving arts and music scene. From lively galleries and museums to vibrant street art, the city is a canvas for artistic expression. You'll find an abundance of live music venues, showcasing local talent and international acts that fill the air with soulful melodies.

That’s all pretty great, right? On THIS tour however, we will be going on an adventure outside of the city and into serenity.

That’s right. This is the UCPlaces Golden Circle tour, not the City of Reykjavik tour.  In case you didn’t pay attention during the intro, here’s what we will find on this awesome tour:  

Parks, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, geothermal power plants, greenhouses, craters, lagoons, churches, gulches, museums, observation decks, tomato farms, scenic overlooks, and probably even more amazing sites that I just can’t think of right now.

So please follow your navigation as we head off on the adventure of a lifetime.

As we leave the city and go toward our first town, let me tell you a few unknown fun-facts about Iceland:

Renewable Energy: Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy. Around 85% of the country's primary energy comes from renewable sources, primarily geothermal and hydroelectric power.

Elves and Hidden People: Icelandic folklore is rich with stories of elves and hidden people (Huldufólk). Many Icelanders believe in their existence, and construction projects have been altered to avoid disturbing their supposed dwellings.

No Mosquitoes: Iceland is one of the few places on Earth where you won't find any mosquitoes. The country's cold climate and windy conditions make it an inhospitable environment for these pesky insects.

The Icelandic Language: Icelandic has changed very little over the centuries and remains remarkably similar to Old Norse. This means that Icelanders can still read ancient Icelandic sagas written in the 13th century without much difficulty.

Renewable Fisheries: Iceland is known for its sustainable fishing practices. The country carefully manages its fish stocks, and fishing quotas are based on scientific research to ensure long-term sustainability.

No Army: Iceland is one of the few countries in the world with no standing army. Instead, it maintains a small coast guard responsible for defense and search-and-rescue operations.

Volcanic Activity: Iceland is home to over 130 volcanoes, some of which are active. The island's volcanic landscapes, such as the famous Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes, have shaped its unique geology.

Book-Loving Nation: Iceland has a strong literary tradition, and its people have a deep love for books. The country publishes more books per capita than any other nation, and an annual "Book Flood" tradition occurs before Christmas when most books are sold.

Language Preservation: Icelandic is one of the oldest living languages in the world and has remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Icelanders take great pride in preserving their language and heritage.

No McDonald's: Iceland is one of the few countries where McDonald's failed to establish a lasting presence. The last McDonald's restaurant closed in 2009, largely due to high import costs and changing consumer preferences.

The Midnight Sun and Polar Nights: In summer, Iceland experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun never fully sets, providing continuous daylight for several weeks. Conversely, during winter, some parts of Iceland experience polar nights, with extended periods of darkness.

No Railway System: Despite its modern infrastructure, Iceland does not have a railway system. Travel between cities and towns is primarily facilitated through buses, cars, and domestic flights.

Were you aware of any of those fun-facts? How many? Well let’s learn a whole lot more as we continue on our way. Just follow your navigation.

 

 

Up ahead is Mosfellsbær. This charming town is like stepping into a fairytale book, with colorful houses dotting the landscape and friendly locals ready to greet you with a smile. From quirky street art to quirky cafes, Mosfellsbær exudes a playful spirit that's infectious. Want to channel your inner Viking? Grab a helmet and join a thrilling ax-throwing competition. Looking for a unique way to explore the area? Hop on a Segway and zoom through the picturesque streets, feeling like a modern-day explorer. And don't forget to indulge your sweet tooth at the town's famous chocolate factory, where you can watch the mouthwatering treats being crafted with love. Mosfellsbær is a place where laughter echoes in the air, adventure lurks around every corner, and joy is the key ingredient. 

You’ve probably noticed by now that Iceland loves its roundabouts. One of these roundabouts will have a sign leading you to Thingvellir. Keep your eyes peeled!