Latest news with #GoldenCircle
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Travel + Leisure
02-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Iceland's First Cascading Waterfall Lagoon Has a Hot Spring, Swim-up Bar, and Mountain Views
From unique hot springs to scenic hiking trails, Iceland's natural landscapes provide one-of-a-kind experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The country is also home to over 10,000 waterfalls and lagoons, and now exploring those famed waterways just got easier. This summer, a new wellness venue, Laugarás Lagoon, will open its doors to those looking to enjoy the variety of water-based experiences in Iceland. Located in the southern part of the country, and approximately an hour outside of Reykjavík, the new wellness center is home to a variety of activities including what the property calls the 'first cascading waterfall lagoon opening on The Golden Circle." From a hot spring, swim-up bar, on-site spa, and relaxing areas of lounging or sitting, the Laugarás Lagoon says it offers tranquility and peace with tons of areas for relaxation. "Bathe among a breathtaking landscape. Nestled among the mountains and overlooking the Hvítá River, the exquisite two-story lagoon envelopes guests in its warm geothermal water, perfectly balanced with the landscape," the website shares. The new Lagoon is accompanied by a restaurant which can accommodate over 80 diners, that has an Icelandic-themed menu curated from locally sourced ingredients under the helm of chef Gísli Matt. "This is cooking rooted in tradition but shaped by modern techniques, with many dishes prepared over open fire. Every element focuses on sustainability: fermentation and preservation minimize waste while supporting nearby farmers and producers in a circular food system that respects the land," the company told Travel + Leisure in a press release. While there is no official open date set, a spokesperson for the Lagoon shared a target date of midsummer, and travelers can make reservations starting Aug. 15. The new lagoon will have packages ranging from ISK 6,900 (approximately $56.34) to ISK 15,900 (or approximately $130.39). The standard admission provides unlimited access to the wellness, as well as a changing room, where the premium offering includes a two-course meal at the restaurant. Iceland has long been a popular destination among wellness travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was previously ranked as the most relaxing tourism attraction in the world, in 2023 and T+L contributor Rachel Chang reported that Sky Lagoon is a lesser-known gem in the country.
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Robbie Williams' Bath gig 'chaotic' premium ticket holders say
Premium ticket holders say they feel let down after paying double the price for a "chaotic" experience at a Robbie Williams sold-out event on Friday was the first of two performances to be held at the Royal Crescent in Bath, Somerset. The singer performed to 15,000 people in what was described as "the most intimate show of his tour".But those who splashed out on a Golden Circle ticket said they did not receive the VIP experience they were promised and were instead "crammed" into the promoters Senbla said the issue has been "rectified for this evening's concert by putting into place stronger communications lines between our security teams and event staff". A Golden Circle ticket cost about double the price of general claimed to offer a spacious standing experience, access to a VIP hospitality area, a dedicated entrance and food and drinks before the show. But Peter Hayes, from Gloucester, said the reality was "really disappointing"."We've paid £266 for the Golden Circle and were promised lots of different things," he said."We've come through pretty much the same entrance as everyone else, and the Golden Circle is currently inaccessible. "There's so many people crammed in, there's no way I want to go into that."I've actually found myself in the ordinary ticket area, just happy to be in a bit of space."Mr Hayes said he had to queue for more than 90 minutes to be served at the bars, one of which had run out of everything except soft drinks by 19:45 BST. Daisy, from Leicester, told the BBC on Friday: "It's absolutely packed, there's no staff anywhere and there's no directions for anything. "It was chaos, so I did not get searched or anything, which didn't really reassure me."Rina Pengilly said she had bought the premium tickets four months prior as a surprise for her father. "It was meant to be a very special occasion and we can't even get in," she said. "My dad needs special assistance so I wanted to be in the Golden Circle for his own safety, so that's why it's disappointing." A spokesperson for Senbla denied claims that the tickets for the Golden Circle section were oversold. "Last night Robbie Williams wowed the audience with a spectacular show, the first night of two he is performing in Bath," they said."There was a very small issue with Golden Circle ticket holders yesterday evening, where later into the concert there were pinch points causing delays to the entry of the Golden Circle section. This section was not oversold."We have ensured that this has been rectified for this evening's concert by putting into place stronger communications lines between our security teams and event staff."
Forbes
01-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
For Authentic Iceland, Look Beyond The Golden Circle
The Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region is one of many highlights of Iceland far beyond the Golden Circle. getty There's a reason Iceland's Golden Circle is so famous. Just a short drive from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is advertised as an ideal route for first-time visitors or anyone short on time. The trio of Thingvellir National Park, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area form a compact, dramatic showcase of Iceland's natural power. But popularity has its downside. In 2024, Iceland welcomed almost 2.3 million international visitors. While that number might not seem excessive at first glance, it's striking when set against the country's population of just 380,000. One of the biggest overtourism issues facing Iceland is that almost 99% of those visitors arrive at Keflavik International Airport, with many heading straight for the island's most popular sightseeing route. A big proportion of visitiors head straight for the Golden Circle, a route that attracts coachloads of tourists throughout the year. During peak season, queues form at car parks and trails fill with chatter and selfie sticks, putting the wild sense of isolation that Iceland promises out of reach. Yet beyond this heavily trafficked loop, there are other landscapes just as spectacular, and possibly even more rewarding because of their solitude. Peaceful villages of the Eastfjords sit between steep mountains and calm bays, while the waters of the north are rich with whales and seabirds. Elsewhere, the Reykjanes Peninsula is shaped by recent volcanic activity, while the highlands remain raw and untamed, offering gravel roads, steaming vents, glacial rivers and vast empty plateaus that feel far removed from the modern world. Despite an expanded airport and new direct flights, the north of Iceland remains one of the country's best-kept secrets. From the harbor town of Husavik, travelers can join tours to spot humpback whales and puffins in near silence, far from the crowds of the south. Many of the boats here use electric motors, making for a peaceful and sustainable experience on the water. Husavik is a wonderful base in Northern Iceland, whether for whale watching or simply enjoying the long summer nights. getty Nearby Akureyri is Iceland's biggest city outside the Reykjavik capital region, but it feels more like a well-kept village. It makes an excellent base for day trips into the surrounding fjords or inland toward Goðafoss, one of Iceland's most photogenic waterfalls. Although knitting is a cherished tradition throughout Iceland, it holds a special place in the north. Each year, the region hosts a beloved knitting festival that brings together yarn lovers from across the country for workshops and a lively marketplace. History buffs should detour to Sauðarkrokur to explore Iceland's medieval sagas at the immersive 1238: The Battle of Iceland exhibit. Reaching the Eastfjords takes time, but those who make the journey are rewarded with raw landscapes and a slower pace of life. Tiny towns like Seyðisfjorður feel like they've been plucked from a postcard, complete with colorful wooden houses and a curious local art scene. The region is ideal for hikers and nature lovers, with dramatic coastal paths, waterfalls, and far fewer tourists than the south coast. The drive itself is part of the appeal with grazing reindeer sharing the winding roads with the handful of vehicles. If eastern Iceland appeals, you might consider arriving the traditional way: by sea. The Smyril Line ferry travels from Denmark, stopping in the Faroe Islands before reaching Seyðisfjörður. This approach offers a slower, more reflective beginning to your Icelandic journey, far removed from the bustle of Keflavík Airport. While the voyage can be long and the seas occasionally rough, it rewards patient travellers with a strong sense of place, as Iceland looms out of the wild Atlantic. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs black sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls, and the glacier-capped Snaefellsjokull volcano into a single day's drive. It's more accessible than the Westfjords or Eastfjords but still far quieter than the Golden Circle. Svodufoss waterfall and Snaefellsjokull glacier are popular attractions in Iceland, yet without the mass crowds of the Golden Circle. getty This region is rich in folklore and literary history. Snaefellsjokull inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth, and many villages in the area are closely tied to Iceland's sagas. For a cultural detour, stop by the Settlement Center in Borgarnes to learn about the country's early days and the stories that shaped its identity. Farther north, the Westfjords offer some of Iceland's most remote and dramatic scenery. Towering cliffs, winding roads, and little in the way of infrastructure give this region a wild, end-of-the-world feel. One of the highlights is Dynjandi, a majestic tiered waterfall that cascades down a mountainside. Despite the isolation, the town of Isafjorður provides modern comforts, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues. You don't need to abandon the south entirely, just shift your focus. Instead of the packed paths of Gullfoss or Geysir, drive east of Vik to the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon or explore the serpentine Fjaðrargljufur canyon. Even along the Ring Road, it's possible to escape the crowd with a little planning. For something even more offbeat, take a detour to the Katla Geopark for ice cave adventures in near solitude. The southern region, as with the rest of Iceland, has far more to offer than the Golden Circle, especially for travelers willing to look beyond the obvious.
Telegraph
27-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The 10 best day trips from Reykjavik
Reykjavík is a vibrant destination in itself – but it's also an excellent jumping-off point for exploring some of Iceland's broader natural wonders. A diverse array of adventures are available from the capital, from established classics such as the Golden Circle to road trips along the south and west coasts to see jaw-dropping beaches, waterfalls, glaciers and lagoons, and closer-to-home options such as the Sky Lagoon spa, boat rides to spot whales and puffins, and enjoy nature walks around nearby islands. Almost all these trips can be self-driven or booked via a local tour company such as Reykjavik Excursions, Arctic Adventure, Troll and EastWest. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best day trips from Reykjavik. Find out more below or more inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels, restaurants, bars and things to do. Best for nature Golden Circle The most famous day trip available from the capital is still one of the best for first-time visitors. It covers three iconic sights: Thingvellir National Park, a rift valley located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates that's also the site of the world's first parliament (the Althingi); the Geysir geothermal area, with its bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers; and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most powerful in Europe. Contact: Area: Southwest Iceland How to get there: You can join a tour with any of the mentioned operators but driving yourself means you'll get to enjoy more time hiking around Thingvellir (it's big) and enjoying a dip at the Secret Lagoon hot springs. Reykjanes Peninsula A 45- to 60-minute drive from the capital, the Reykjanes Peninsula is a geothermal wonderland that became famous recently with the eruptions of the Fagradalsfjall (2021) and Sundhnúkur (2023 to 2025) volcanoes. It's a safe area to visit though, with bubbling mud pools and fumaroles, pretty Kleifarvatn lake, and Iceland's oldest lighthouse at Reykjanesviti. It's also home to the Blue Lagoon in case you want to combine the trip with a luxurious dip. Contact: Area: Reykjanes How to get there: Take a tour with Arctic Adventures or enjoy a drive at your own pace. South Coast Iceland's southern coast is dotted with a string of memorable and highly photogenic sights. Many are conveniently located along, or just off, the Ring Road, with the only snag that – for a day trip – you'll be coming back along the same road. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand and basalt columns of Reynisfjara Beach and Sólheimajökull glacier. It's possible to go as far as Jökulsárlón but you won't be back for dinner, so plan on eating en route. Back to index Best for enjoying the coast Videy Island A lovely and easy trip for island and nature lovers. Just 20 minutes on a ferry from the harbour, Videy offers walking trails through grassy meadows and along cliff edges, lots of bird life, and public art in the shape of Yoko Ono's 'Imagine Peace Tower' and Richard Serra's 'Milestones', the latter a series of basalt stone sculptures scattered across the island. A small café serves drinks and light meals in summer. Heimaey A visit to Heimaey, the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago, is a pleasant, slower-paced affair. Famous for its volcano, Eldfell, which erupted dramatically in 1973 and whose summit can be safely hiked for panoramic views, the island is also home to the Eldheimar Museum, which tells the story of the island's full evacuation, as well as local wildlife – it's home to Iceland's largest puffin colony in summer – and stunning coastal scenery. The harbour has some lovely spots to eat. Contact: Area: Heimaey How to get there: Take a tour with or enjoy the two-hour drive from Reykjavík to Landeyjahöfn followed by a short (35-minute) ferry ride. Whale and puffin watching Being located right on the coast means that boat tours are easy to hop onto from Reykjavík. There are many options, many of them offering whale-watching tours, during which you might spot Minke whales (quite common, especially in summer), humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, puffin tours, or a mix. Contact: Area: Reykjavík Harbour How to get there: Most tours leave directly from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, just a short walk from the city centre, and take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the tour. They operate year-round, but whale sightings are more frequent between April to October and puffins between May and August. Back to index Best for families Raufarhólshellir Cave Located about 40 minutes from Reykjavík, this so-called 'lava tube' is one of the largest – around 1,300 meters – and most accessible in Iceland. It was formed by an eruption around 5,000 years ago, the flowing lava created a hollow tube as the surface hardened and the molten lava drained out. A guided tour leads visitors around 500 to 800 meters through the tunnel to show the striking lava stalactites and stalagmites. It's great fun for the kids, and the visitor centre has a café. Contact: Area: Keflavik/Reykjanes How to get there: You can join a group tour, or drive out here yourself. The venue also arranges private transfers. Snaefellsnes Peninsula Iceland's west coast often comes in second place to the lushly-landscaped south. But a trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is every bit as scenic, with an impressive procession of highlights north of the Reykholt Valley that includes seal-spotting at Ytri Tunga beach, the black sands of Djúpalónssandur, Svödufoss waterfall and stunning hikes at Hellnar and Arnarstapi. It's a long day's driving if you want to see the whole peninsula, so be sure to leave early. Contact: Area: West Iceland How to get there: You can join a tour to see many of the highlights, or drive it yourself. If you choose the latter and you have time, the route via Hvalfjordur fjord is the most scenic, though it will add some time. Back to index Best hot springs Sky Lagoon Technically within walking distance of the city centre, Reykjavík's Sky Lagoon feels like it could be a thousand miles away. More accessible, albeit smaller, than the more famous Blue Lagoon, it offers a boutique experience with a five-step ritual experience that includes a cold plunge, a light scrub and a spacious sauna with stunning sea views, and a naturally-heated lagoon that abuts the North Atlantic. A swim-up bar and restaurant make a half-day easy. Contact: Area: Kársnes How to get there: The Sky Lagoon is around four miles from the centre. You can walk it in around 90 minutes, hop on a tour or take public transport. Reykholt Valley The low-key village of Reykholt, nestled in a scenic valley in West Iceland, can be reached in around an hour and a half from Reykjavik. Often overlooked, it's rich in history, geothermal activity and gentle landscapes. As well as a museum dedicated to thirteenth-century historian, poet and politician Snorri Sturluson (situated on his former homestead, where you can also find the country's oldest hot pool), you can visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, and the splendid Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Contact: Area: Reykholt How to get there: You can usually visit the village and valley on longer tours to West Iceland. Local buses can take around three hours so for a day trip, a self-drive is best. Back to index How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Paul has been an Icelandophile since writing his 2003 music-themed travelogue, 'waking up in Iceland'. He has travelled all over the country during his numerous visits since, and loves nothing more than a dip in a local hot pool and a waffle at the timeless Mokka cafe.
Fast Company
15-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
How to ace almost any behavioral interview questions
You've made it past the recruiter and the first round of interviews. Now you're meeting with the hiring manager. They'll likely ask you a series of behavioral questions to evaluate whether you're a good cultural fit for the team. They'll also assess whether they believe you are up to the managerial and leadership challenges facing the role. Preparing for behavioral interviews can be nerve-wracking. The stakes are high, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the possible scenarios they could throw at you. I've spent over a dozen plus years of preparing folks for interviews and talking to people on the hiring side. As a result, I've developed an approach to behavioral questions that will help you shine in the behavioral interview. It's all about ensuring that you start strong. The STAR framework and why it doesn't quite work Many people use the STAR framework to structure interview responses. This method helps candidates describe their experiences to illustrate desired competencies. Start with 'S' the Situation they faced, 'T' their Task, 'A' what Action they took, and 'R' the Result they achieved. Now, this framework does help you organize your thoughts and distill a story to illustrate your experience and competencies. Unfortunately, this approach fails rhetorically because it lacks a strong start. When you lead with situations or context before getting to the task, the interviewer has to wait too long for the payoff. You risk losing the interviewer before you get to the action and results. An interview is like any presentation, you have somewhere around 30 seconds to hook your audience. Starting strong means a clear, concise statement of value that captures what kind of leader or manager you are. It also provides the interviewer a blueprint of what to listen for in your response. How behavioral interviews work Behavioral interviews are based on the premise that past experience is a predictor of future performance. The questions are generally less about getting the 'right' answer. It's more about helping the interviewer understand your approach, how you think, how you relate to others, and your values. As one hiring manager told me, 'When a candidate explains how he or she thinks about solving a problem, I get a lot more insight into what it would be like to have them on my team than I do from them reciting the solution.' In my view, the STAR formula focuses too much on the story and not enough on the meaning. To borrow language from Simon Sinek's Golden Circle model for organizations, interview candidates who strictly adhere to the STAR approach focus too much on the 'what' and not enough on the 'how' or the 'why.' When you start your answer by naming the principles or values that guided your action, you get to the heart of the matter quickly. You also cue the interviewer on what to listen for as the story unfolds. How to prepare for behavioral interviews The STAR method is a good start to help you distill the narratives that illustrate your experience and competence. But to ensure that you have a strong start for each STAR story. Reflect on the foundational values that guided your actions. That might be empathy, accountability, collaboration, customer focus, data-driven decision-making, fairness, relationships, trust, or transparency. Articulating these principles will help establish what kind of leader, manager, or contributor you are. Examples of strong answers Once you've identified a set of 5–8 principles or values, you can use them to frame almost any answer. For example: Behavioral question #1 'Tell me about a time when you had to influence without authority.' 'Influencing without authority was a key part of my role at ABC Company. T here were three things I always tried to keep in mind: empathy for my cross-functional stakeholders, transparent communication, and relentless customer focus. On xyz project, as the product manager (situation) I needed to influence my engineering counterpart to commit to an aggressive timeline (task). I knew that her team was under a lot of pressure. I had a series of 1:1 conversations with her about the requirements. I made sure to listen with empathy so that I understood all her constraints (action). I also shared the potential customer impact of the feature. It turned out that her team had been expressing frustration about not feeling valued. So it was key that she could motivate her team to work on a more visible feature (action). We found some compromises and were able to land on a timeline that would be a stretch for her team but that she was excited about (result).' Here are some other examples of strong starts: Behavioral question #2 'What was a time when you failed?' 'First, let me start by saying that in order for a goal to be meaningful, it needs to be beyond what you've done before, and so there is always a risk of falling short. The key is to communicate to stakeholders as soon as I know we are going to miss, take ownership of the failure, and use it as an opportunity for learning. An example of this is when I led a team in product marketing at xyz . . .' Behavioral question #3 'How have you managed conflict within your organization?' 'Well, conflict is inevitable, and in my view, if it is handled with empathy for both participants while maintaining accountability for results, it can be an opportunity to learn more about each other and build trust and improve collaboration. The conflict I want to talk about was between someone who reported to me and someone on another team and was related to overlapping roles and responsibilities . . .' The importance of principles Once you have a strong list of principles, you can plug them into almost any behavioral question and nail the response. And if your interview is on video, you can write each of your values on a post and attach them to your monitor. This will act as a reminder to cue you during the interview. Then you can kick off any response with an articulation of your values and priorities. This will ensure that your interviewer gets a true sense not just of what you've done, but of how you approach problem-solving and what you stand for.
