Golden Snorkel

The National Park of Þingvellir is the perfect place to start this tour. It is of high interest, both historically and geologically.

While in Þingvellir, you will find yourself at the exact place where was founded the very first parliament in the World, back in the year 930.

Not to mention that the North Atlantic ridge, which is the separation between the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates, can be seen in only one place in the world: right under your feet. When standing on the viewing platform, you are literally standing on the very edge of the American continent.

In Iceland, inside of the National Park of Þingvellir, one can swim in the clearest waters in the world, with about 100m of visibility under water.

The fissure separating the North American tectonic Plate from the Hreppa plate (an extremely small tectonic plate stuck between the two massive continental ones), runs through Þingvellir. A hundred kilometres from there, water coming from the glacier of Langjökull, flows underground in a corridor of lava rocks, all the way to the Silfra fissure. Lava rock is one of the best natural filters, and it is the clarity of this water that makes the experience truly spectacular.

Geysir gave its name to all the geysers in the world. This is where the word "Geyser" originates from. Geysir comes from the Icelandic "Að geysa" which means: To gush.

But Geysir is nowadays dormant. It came out of the ground for the last time in the year 2000. Its little brotherStrokkur, is still very active, and erupting every 5 to 10 minutes on average.

The touristic route that we call "Golden Circle" is named after this waterfall. Its name, Gullfoss, means "Golden waterfall".

There are different stories and legends to explain the name of Gullfoss. We will not write them here, and will leave to your guide the pleasure of telling you about them! Also note that this waterfall almost disappeared due to an industrial project, consisting in harnessing the power of the river in a hydropower plant.