Trip to Iceland - Gullfoss the golden waterfall

I told our guide, Yosif, about the 'buy one get one free' offers in Britain. He responded, "Icelanders have never heard of it, but they do have an abundance of clean water here." How blissful! Just a few days ago, we found ourselves at the 'Niagara Falls of Iceland,' known as Gullfoss. This majestic waterfall is incredibly powerful and awe-inspiring. The beauty of this place allowed me to capture even a rainbow in my photographs.

However, during our visit, as I observed the water cascading down the ravine, a peculiar thought crossed my mind—a thought that's both mesmerizing and a bit melancholic. The idea of leaving everything behind seemed oddly easy, perhaps something some people had actually done. Nevertheless, when we returned to the meeting point, we noticed Yosef, our guide, appeared slightly concerned. He quietly muttered, "I hope he didn't jump." It turned out that someone hadn't come back, and about 10 minutes later, Yosef contacted his office to reach out to the missing customer. I inquired about Yosef's muttering, and he revealed that this location was unfortunately known as a popular spot for some individuals to contemplate drastic actions. You can judge for yourself. Interestingly, the missing person had been occupied in the restroom for quite a while—likely due to something he ate.

Gullfoss, translating to "golden waterfall," carries a couple of theories behind its name. One legend suggests that a Viking king discarded his amassed treasure into the pool beneath the waterfall, ensuring no one would enjoy his riches after his passing.

enjoy the pictures.!"

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Trip to Iceland - Day 1 - Hallgrimskirkja  Cathedral in Reykjavik 

Trip to Iceland - Hot Springs 

Trip to Iceland - Hot Springs

 Here is an Icelandic humor, a man walked into a hot spring... and that's the end of the joke. The punchline might lean towards the zizekian or dark humor, much like the steam that billows from the thermal vents themselves. However, the reason behind this peculiar scenario is soon unveiled - these thermal vents spray boiling water, with temperatures nearly reaching 100 degrees Celsius.

Today, we find ourselves in the charming city of Vik, eagerly preparing to embark on an adventure to witness the awe-inspiring glaciers and enchanting caves. But before delving into these icy wonders, let's take a moment to marvel at the natural splendor of the secret lagoon hot spring, where the temperatures are pleasantly mild. Adjacent to this oasis of relaxation is The Great Geysir, the very term "geyser" finding its roots here. It's worth noting, however, that not all hot springs are suitable for a leisurely swim. Some pools are so scorching that they could singe your skin within seconds.

Interestingly, many of these scalding spots aren't meant for swimming at all; they serve as potent sources of geothermal energy. As we journeyed through a quaint city, we heard tales of locals supposedly burying dough wrapped in kitchen foil underground, only to unearth freshly baked bread come morning. While I can't personally vouch for this account (our Croatian guide, Yosif, seems a bit dubious), it does underscore the remarkable geothermal power that lies beneath the surface.

Now, let's return to the heart of our story - the natural swimming pool. Our guide proudly describes it as a triple treat, offering a warm bath, rejuvenating steam, and mineral-rich water all in one. The pool's vivid green hue owes itself to the flourishing moss that lines its edges. And, to be frank, the experience is truly invigorating.

As our Icelandic escapade unfolds, we can't help but be enchanted by the juxtaposition of Iceland's fiery underbelly and its icy landscapes. From the steamy embrace of the secret lagoon to the curious tales of geothermal energy, our adventure continues to unfold in ways we could have never imagined.

- Ajith Dharma posted -13/08/2023

Previous Post:Trip to Iceland - Day 1 

Trip to Iceland - Day 1 - Hallgrimskirkja  Cathedral in Reykjavik