Langjokull glacier is the second largest glacier in Iceland and thereby the second largest glacier in Europe. Going up there is like entering a backdoor to another planet. After passing Gullfoss waterfall we head up to the highlands and the vegetation starts giving way to a post ice age landscape of volcanic rocks and rugged hills. Thousands of years ago the main ice cap melted and carved out the edges of this world with glacier tongues and flooding. This area has also seen eruptions in the distant past and some of ridges almost seem like the remains of an epic battle of prehistoric gods and monsters. The ice flow itself is almost overwhelming, accessible only by snowmobiles, monster trucks and experienced guides, it is very hard to be left untouched by the wild wasteland of Langjökull Glacier.

Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to Iceland’s geological and historical significance. Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the park showcases a dramatic landscape shaped by the continental drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

This extraordinary site not only allows visitors to witness the visible rift between the plates but also holds deep historical importance. Þingvellir hosted the world’s first parliament, the Alþingi, in 930 AD, making it an ancient symbol of democracy. The park’s diverse terrain includes the picturesque Öxarárfoss waterfall and the crystal-clear waters of Silfra fissure, offering a unique opportunity for snorkeling or diving between the continents.

Exploring Þingvellir is a journey through both geological wonders and Iceland’s rich heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

The Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur valley is just under an hours drive east from Thingvellir through the Rift Valley from the North American Plate to the Eurasian Plate going along the mountain range to the north bordering the highlands. This hot spring area is one of the few places where you can find those natural steaming pools of geothermal water in Iceland, and the only one where an active geyser Strokkur erupts every 4-5 minutes. The Great Geysir which gave its name to the geysers of the world has gone quiet in recent years but every now and then in the aftermath of earthquakes it erupts high towards the heavens.

Gullfoss waterfall in Hvítá glacial river plunges 105 feet down two steps into a great gorge after flowing through the barren icelandic highlands from Langjökull glacier, it is the most visited waterfall in Iceland praised for its natural beauty and powerful roar. Named the golden falls after a legend saying that an old viking threw all is gold into the waterfall so no one could enjoy his riches after his day, or possibly just for the rainbows in the spray above the waterfalls on sunny days, or maybe just for its captivating presence, who knows and that is the nature of legends.