![]() Today, Gullfoss Waterfall continues to run free, and Tómasdóttir is recognized as an Icelandic conservation hero. Thanks to her passionate efforts, which included the threat of throwing herself down the waterfall, the hydroelectric plant project was eventually abandoned. Tómasdóttir hurriedly gathered the funds to hire a lawyer to nullify Howell’s contractual rights. The landowner’s daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, led the fight to stop the project. ![]() He was interested in setting up a hydroelectric plant on the falls. However, the future of Gullfoss was once very much in question.īack in 1907, an Englishman named Howell was leasing the land around Gullfoss. The waterfall and its surroundings are well-preserved, providing a pristine visual delight for visitors. Gullfoss Waterfall sends a tremendous surge of up to 140 cubic metres of water per second. Þingvellir Lake and the surrounding birch woodlands are home to trout and other fish, mink, and more than 50 species of wild birds. The national park is also home to a great variety of wildlife. ![]() Take it all in as you behold the unique landscape made up of picturesque rock formations and numerous bodies of water. In fact, it’s the only place on earth where you can stand on dry land between two continental plates. The landscape of Þingvellir actually displays the exposed tectonic plates of the rift. The nation is divided by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic plate boundary that separates the Eurasian and North American plates. During their sessions, leaders and citizens converged here from all across the country, contributing to the region’s rich cultural history that’s celebrated and preserved to this day.Īt the same time, Iceland’s fascinating geology is on full display within the boundaries of the park. ![]() The parliamentary group that met in Þingvellir was known as the Alþing General Assembly. The national park is named for the parliamentary meetings, as Þingvellir translates to parliamentary plains. The open-air gathering occurred in 930 AD and the site continued to be used as a meeting place until 1798. The world’s oldest existing parliament first met at Þingvellir. While it’s often the incredible landscapes that entice visitors, the location’s cultural history is actually what earned Þingvellir its UNESCO designation. Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage site on the Icelandic mainland. Here are the basic facts on the Golden Circle route’s top points of interest. Planning the trip of a lifetime to Iceland? Be sure to include the Golden Circle in your itinerary. Whether you’re a nature lover, geology enthusiast, or simply in pursuit of the perfect travel photo, the Golden Circle is sure to please. Within and around each of these primary sites, there’s a multitude of individual landmarks and activities to explore. The three major stops for Golden Circle tours are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Haukadalur Geothermal Area. Travel the Golden Circle route to behold incredible open spaces and stunning geology. And it’s a must-see excursion for any visitor to Iceland. The route that spans these sites is known as the Golden Circle. The worst thing about your trip to Iceland? It ends too soon.įortunately, Europe’s most sparsely populated nation contains a few of its most iconic sites clustered together closely enough to visit in one sweeping day tour. When you visit Iceland, it’s possible to simply run out of time: so much beauty, splendour, and activity and so little time. 5 Learn More About Iceland’s Greatest Landmarks and Attractions
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