Earth, Wind, and Fire (with Cold Water)
Iceland Road Trip
Our second day in Iceland began with a simple plan: drive the Golden Circle, observe the forces that shaped the island, and avoid falling into any boiling holes in the ground.
Spoiler alert: we survived.
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route—and for good reason. In just one day, we saw shifting continents, steaming geothermal weirdness, a roaring waterfall, and a volcanic crater filled with strange blue water. Iceland was already showing off.
Þingvellir National Park: Where the Earth Pulls Apart.
First stop is Þingvellir, where the Earth splits down the middle. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart, leaving dramatic rifts in the landscape. You can hike between continents, which is just as exciting as it sounds.
It is also the site of Iceland’s first parliament, which was established over a thousand years ago. Standing in the drizzle, you can almost hear Viking-era debates. The air felt ancient in the best way.
Geysir, Iceland’s Original Show-Off
Next, there’s the geothermal field of Geysir, where steam rises from the ground and Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes like clockwork. It’s an excellent location for dramatic photographs and moments of awe—or unexpected wet surprises if you get too close.
The smell of sulfur was strong, the wind was sharper, and the Earth felt very alive beneath our boots.
Gullfoss, The Golden One.
A short drive took us to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. The name means “Golden Falls,” and when the sun shines just right, you can see why.
We hiked down to the lower viewpoint and simply stood there, dwarfed by the spray, sound, and scale. It’s the type of place that makes you feel quiet, even if you arrived chattering in the car.
Kerið Crater – A Pop of Color
Before our final stop, we made a detour to Kerið Crater—a striking volcanic caldera filled with milky blue water surrounded by red volcanic rock. The color contrast is incredible, especially if you catch it at sunset.
You can walk around the rim or descend to the water’s edge. We did both because it’s not every day you get to descend into a volcano that appears to be wearing lipstick.
Evening at the Efra-Sel hostel.
We ended the day at Efra-Sel Hostel, which is nestled in a peaceful rural setting with vast skies, quiet fields, and no traffic noise—except for the occasional bleating sheep.
We did not cook, but the communal kitchen was bustling with travelers sharing stories over tea and leftovers. The atmosphere was cozy and calm, the beds were comfortable, and the view from the window was breathtaking. Only hayfields and clouds.
We plugged in our electronics, charged all of our batteries, and sat down for the kind of rest that only comes after a day of wind, waterfalls, and wonder.
What could go wrong?
