Iceland’s Golden Circle
()
About this ebook
Iceland’s Golden Circle features five stunning attractions within the southwestern sector of the country. The illustrated guide introduces you to the Blue Lagoon, Thingvellir National Park, Laugarvatn Cave, the Geysir Geothermal Region and Gullfoss Waterfall.
The capital city of Reykjavik forms the far western extremity of the circle’s arc and becomes an excellent launching point to visit each.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon has evolved into a paramount visit for tourists owning to its close proximity to Reykjavik (29 miles) and Keflavik International Airport (13 miles). Since opening as an international spa resort in 1999, the thermal ice blue waters have attracted indulgent soakers worldwide. The Blue Lagoon has evolved into arguably one of the world’s premier spa locations. Within tourist circles it has become labeled a Wonder of the World.
The lagoon is an estimated 94,000 square feet filled with 9 million liters of geothermal seawater. The temperature remains a steady 102 F, but stretches of the water may fluctuate slightly in temperature. The contemporary resort accommodates approximately 4,000 visitors daily and features numerous amenities including dining, health, body and skin products and spa related services.
Thingvellir
The closest attraction to Reykjavik is Thingvellir (25 miles), the ancient gathering site of the Icelandic parliament and judicial process. Dating back to 930 AD, the historic assemblage grounds became a unifying foundation for language and literature of the Icelandic peoples. Spectacular lava cliffs and fertile plains designate this crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge forming the geographical boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Laugarvatn Cave
Established in 1910 as a temporary habitation, Laugarvatn cave supported two families over the subsequent twelve years. Extensive interior improvements were crafted into the stone for comfort and sustainability. Danish King Christian X visited the property in 1921 and was feted with a local delicacy of Skyr Med Rjoma (Icelandic Skyr with cream).
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall is Europe’s largest cascade and Iceland’s most picturesque falls. Water sourced from the glacier Langjokull surges forcibly into the Hvita River before sheering off abruptly twice into a steep gorge shaping the Gullfossgjufur canyon below.
Geysir Geothermal Region
The Haukadalur Valley offers hot springs and consistent geyser eruptions. Two principle geysers, the Great Geysir and Strokkur have erupted steadily for centuries. Although the Great Geysir is currently dormant, Stokkur hurls streams of boiling water and steam into the atmosphere 65-130 feet high interspaced only five to ten minutes apart.
The entire Golden Circle may be easily navigated by car within a single day. Haste however is wasted. Each attraction merits thoughtful attention and appreciation. Traffic is fluid and the roads are well maintained. The majority of attractions are easily accessible even during inclement months. This picturesque guide is an ideal accompaniment for the ultimate road trip.
Marques Vickers
Visual Artist, Writer and Photographer Marques Vickers is a California native presently living in the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle, Washington regions. He was born in 1957 and raised in Vallejo, California. He is a 1979 Business Administration graduate from Azusa Pacific University in the Los Angeles area. Following graduation, he became the Public Relations and ultimately Executive Director of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce between 1979-84. He subsequently became the Vice President of Sales for AsTRA Tours and Travel in Westwood between 1984-86. Following a one-year residence in Dijon, France where he studied at the University of Bourgogne, he began Marquis Enterprises in 1987. His company operations have included sports apparel exporting, travel and tour operations, wine brokering, publishing, rare book and collectibles reselling. He has established numerous e-commerce, barter exchange and art websites including MarquesV.com, ArtsInAmerica.com, InsiderSeriesBooks.com, DiscountVintages.com and WineScalper.com. Between 2005-2009, he relocated to the Languedoc region of southern France. He concentrated on his painting and sculptural work while restoring two 19th century stone village residences. His figurative painting, photography and sculptural works have been sold and exhibited internationally since 1986. He re-established his Pacific Coast residence in 2009 and has focused his creative productivity on writing and photography. His published works span a diverse variety of subjects including true crime, international travel, California wines, architecture, history, Southern France, Pacific Coast attractions, fiction, auctions, fine art marketing, poetry, fiction and photojournalism. He has two daughters, Charline and Caroline who presently reside in Europe.
Read more from Marques Vickers
Famous West Coast Suicides and Shocking Celebrity Deaths Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Murder in California: Rage and Revenge Murders Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsParis: Famous Historical Residences Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMurder in Washington: Notorious Crime Sites Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsArchitect John D. Parkinson: Eternally Elevating the Los Angeles Skyline Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsUnsolved Western American Murders and Extended Cold Case Resolutions Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTwisted Tour Guide: Baltimore Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTwisted Tour Guide Los Angeles Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOregon Coast Guide: Beauty, Novelty and Curiosity Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTwisted Tour Guide San Francisco Bay Area Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Murder in California: Serial Killers and Unsolved Murders Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Murder in Oregon: Notorious Crime Sites Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFrom One Artist To Another: Online Marketing Advice For Artists Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTwisted Tour Guide San Diego Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsVertical Bellevue Washington: Architecture Above A Boomburg Skyline Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsToxic Silicon Valley Groundwater Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEpilogues and Aftermaths: Historically Forgotten Survivors and Consequences Volume One Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShadowlands Photography Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPacific Coast Wines (2021-2022): An Insider's Guide to West Coast Winemaking Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsArchitectural Flourishes: Paris, France Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLove, Wine and Real Estate in Southern France Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFrom One Auction Buyer and Reseller To Another Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Leaves of Autumn: Meditations on Middle Age Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRed Light District: Butte, Montana Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTexas Wine Guide (2020-2021) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFreebie Travel Guide to Western Oregon: Historical, Cultural and Sometimes Macabre on the Cheap Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTwisted Tour Guide: Seattle and Puget Sound Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsVladimir Putin’s Time in Dresden, Germany Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsZen By Default: The Poetry of Marques Vickers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Iceland’s Golden Circle
Related ebooks
Lonely Planet Iceland Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsReykjavik Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Frommer's Iceland Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsInsight Guides Iceland (Travel Guide eBook) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Exploring Iceland: A Comprehensive Travel Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands & Islands: Travel Guide eBook Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Mini Rough Guide to Iceland (Travel Guide eBook) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTravel New Zealand: Preparation for Travellers to Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTravel New Zealand: An Introduction for Travellers to Aotearoa Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOrkney Visitor's Guide 2017 [Travel Series] Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPaddle Scotland: The Best Places to Go with a Paddleboard, Kayak or Canoe Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTravel New Zealand Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLuxury Travel (Volume 7) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Mini Rough Guide to Reykjavík (Travel Guide with Free eBook) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSea Pools: 66 saltwater sanctuaries from around the world Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLonely Planet Scotland's Highlands & Islands Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Frommer's New Zealand Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsScotland Highlands & Islands Handbook, 6th edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Notes on New Zealand Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsUltimate Island Travel: Greenland And Iceland Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShort walks in the Peak District Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Iceland Watch Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsScenic Walks in Killarney Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Ice Crop: How to Harvest, Store, Ship and Use Ice Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShetland Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Walking in the Isles of Scilly: 11 walks and 4 boat trips exploring the best of the islands Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPocket Rough Guide Reykjavík: Travel Guide eBook Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShort walks in the Lake District Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsReykjavik Iceland & Its Surroundings Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShort walks in the Yorkshire Dales Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Europe Travel For You
Fodor's Bucket List Europe: From the Epic to the Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHuckleberry Finn Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Creeper: an atmospheric, chilling horror from the author of The Watchers Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Unlocking Spanish with Paul Noble Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Easy Learning Italian Conversation: Trusted support for learning Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mastering Spanish Words: Increase Your Vocabulary with Over 3000 Spanish Words in Context Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Frommer's Spain Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMicroadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Conversational French Quick and Easy: The Most Innovative Technique to Learn the French Language. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How to Get Really Good at Spanish: Learn Spanish to Fluency and Beyond Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIrish Stories and Folklore: A Collection of Thirty-Six Classic Tales Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Easy Learning French Conversation: Trusted support for learning Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLearn Spanish : How To Learn Spanish Fast In Just 168 Hours (7 Days) Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Forest Walking: Discovering the Trees and Woodlands of North America Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Notes from a Small Island Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I Hate Men Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Lysistrata Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Everything Travel Guide to Ireland: From Dublin to Galway and Cork to Donegal - a complete guide to the Emerald Isle Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFrom Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5(Not Quite) Mastering the Art of French Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Scottish Miscellany: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Scotland the Brave Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Paris Letters: A Travel Memoir about Art, Writing, and Finding Love in Paris Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'll Never Be French (no matter what I do): Living in a Small Village in Brittany Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Happiest Country Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for Iceland’s Golden Circle
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Iceland’s Golden Circle - Marques Vickers
ICELAND’S GOLDEN CIRCLE
BLUE LAGOON, THINGVELLIR, LAUGARVATN, GULLFOSS WATERFALL AND GEYSIR
Published by Marques Vickers at Smashwords
Copyright 2022 Marques Vickers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Iceland’s Golden Circle
The Blue Lagoon
Thingvellir
Laugarvatn Cave
Gullfoss Waterfall
The Great Geysir and Strokkur
SOURCES AND ARCHIVES SOURCED
Icelandmag.com
GuideToIceland.is
Traverse-Blog.com
Icelandtrippers.com
Wikipedia.org
Outdoorproject.com
Iceland’s Golden Circle
Iceland’s Golden Circle is marketed as three stunning locations within the southwestern sector of the country. The three include the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Region and Gullfoss Waterfall.
The capital city of Reykjavik forms the far western extremity of the circle’s arc and becomes an excellent launching point. Two additional attractions, the Blue Lagoon and Laugarvatn Cave have been added to this guide. Each has become popular visitation stops.
The Blue Lagoon has evolved into a paramount visit for tourists owning to its close proximity to Reykjavik (29 miles) and Keflavik International Airport (13 miles). Since opening as an international spa resort in 1999, the thermal ice blue waters have attracted