We travelled to Iceland during end of May with two of our friends. This blog is about our Iceland travel diary and places to visit in Iceland. This blog speaks about our experience of visiting the top attractions in Iceland as well as lesser known places we have visited during our Icelandic adventure. We landed at Keflavik international airport (close to Reykjavik), picked up our rental car from near the airport and stayed overnight at a hotel. After a nice basic breakfast we started our exploration of the Wonderland!
During our trip to Iceland for the majority of our road trip we stick to the attractions near or next to the famous Ring Road that circles around the country and is 1,328 kilometres long (825 miles) – also called Route 1 and is Iceland’s main motorway.
Day 1 – Arrival and picking up the rental car
Day 1 of our Icelandic adventure was not very exciting, our flight from London to Iceland was delayed by couple of hours and we reached Keflavic late in the evening. After completing immigration formalities at the airport we picked up our rental car. We checked into our hotel around midnight and went into the room to take some well deserved rest before starting our Icelandic road trip.
Day 2 – Drive by the South Costa
Iceland has an incredible number of waterfalls! Each unique and filled with their own personality! Seljalandsfoss or the curtain waterfall is perhaps one of the most photographed and the most popular waterfall. The name means ‘selling the land of waterfalls’- no clue why anybody would want to sell this! Foss in icelandic means waterfall.
view of Seljalandsfoss from inside the waterfall
With an impressive 60 meters cascade Seljalandsfoss (also known as Seljalands) presents a sight that is hard to beat! The water that feeds this waterfall originates from the famous or infamous Eyjafjallajokull glacier-capped volcano. The impossible to pronounce name is a description of the volcano with Eyja meaning island; fjalla meaning mountain; and jokull meaning glacier. This is the same volcano that captured headlined in March and then in April 2010, powerful eruptions that caused substantial disruption to air traffic across Europe leading to cancellation of thousands of flights across Europe and somehow also put Iceland on the world travel destination map!
In front of Seljalandsfoss
The gushing water creates a curtain and if you are fine with getting a bit sprayed then walk behind the curtain and experience the magic! May not be such a good idea during winter though! Unlike most other waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss can be viewed from all angles!
There is a designated Seljalandsfoss Waterfall paid parking lot. It is lovely to hang around for a bit, we were totally drenched and the bright sunshine was an excuse to just sit around and relish a cup of coffee and sandwiches from the stalls in the area.
Also know as the ‘rainbow’ waterfall, Skogafoss is probably the most famous waterfall in Iecland. The name means the forest waterfall. The water comes from the Skógá River, which has its source in the nearby Mýrdalsjökull glacier and drops from a height of 60 meters into a deep pool below. The mist generated by the waterfall often creates a magical rainbow or rainbows, making it feel like a place out of a child’s imagination! Well Iceland has a lot of these and it is easy to get into a deep sense of awe for all the wonders of nature!
Panoramic view of Skogafoss
Rainbow formation in front of Skogafoss
Skógafoss is also a popular hiking destination to the right of the waterfall, there is a steep trail/ steps (around 500) that leads to the top of the waterfall, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area. This trail is the beginning of a popular hiking trail called Fimmvörðuháls over to Þórsmörk
Reynisfjara Beach - Hálsanefshellir Column Beach
Reynisfjara is a long beach on the South coast of Iceland, near the town of Vik, the southernmost village on the mainland of Iceland. It is covered with black volcanic ash and dark rocks and one of the most popular black sand beaches in Iceland. The black sand is crushed lava from the volcanoes. Reynisfjara also has abundant birdlife; and you are likely to spot some puffins in the summer.
Panoramic view of Reynisfjara beach
Pointy rock formations which are collectively called Reynisdrangar
From the ground rise massive basalt stacks and jutting out of the sea near the shore are impressive tall and pointy rock formations, the remains of sea cliffs and featured in Season 7 of Game of Thrones. They are called Landdrangur (largest and farthest away), Skessudrangur and Langsamur – collectively called Reynisdrangar - three trolls - not the social media types. In Nordic folklore trolls are monstrous creatures that live in isolated areas of rocks and mountains. Legend has it that these three trolls were trying to pull a ship to the shore but took too long and turned to stone with sunrise!
Basalt column formation at Reynisfjara beach
At the shore, basalt column have a cave called Hálsanefshellir. It doesn’t hurt to be careful when visiting the cave as rocks can fall down from the ceiling and landslides are relatively frequent in this area, plus massive tides can close up the cave.
Vik í Myrdal, or just Vik, is the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland, located 186 kilometres (110 miles) from the capital Reykjavík.
High on a hill in Vik is a pretty little wooden church - clean lines and minimalist design and wrapped by beautiful lupin fields. It offers great views down to the black sand beach. But in addition to its seemingly simple purpose of being the town’s church, it has another purpose for the residents.
Wild lupin bloom on the sloop of hill near Vik í Myrdal church
Vík lies directly south of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which is on top of the Katla volcano. The Katla Volcano has bene quite for more than is usual for dormant volcanos and it is thought that an eruption is imminent. The eruption will melt enough ice to trigger a flash flood and the church is expected to be the only building that may survive due to its high location.
Solheimasandur plane Wreck
Another iconic site in Iceland - created by a juxtaposition of man’s engineering (gone wrong) against the backdrop of the surreal Icelandic landscape - the images of the northern lights dancing in the sky and the rusting reck is a beautiful reminder of our insignificance against the might of nature!
Where did this wreck come from? Iceland being a NATO member, the US Navy was routinely flying over Iceland. The wreckage was originally a US aircraft - there is some conflicting information on which one - most sources say it was a Navy transport aircraft - Douglas DC3 while few claim it be a converted Douglas C-117
Douglas DC3 plane wreak at Solheimasandur (PC: Madhurima RG)
On 21-Nov-1972, the US Navy had delivered supplies at Hofn Hornafjördur Airport for the radar-station in Stokksnes, and encountered severe icing and the pilot was not able to maintain altitude and managed to land force parallel to the shore line on the southern coast, the frozen black sand beach acting as a bumpy runway. All the crew members survived and were rescued. The remains of the plane were abandoned by the US after all the parts that were worth something being stripped out during and soon after the rescue or put to better use later by the locals. The main fuselage remains now - a rusting wreck but a travel destination!
However, it must be remembered that it is around 7 kms walk through the volcanic beach to the wreck and back from the parking site. It should take around 1.5 hours to 2 hours for a round trip depending on your speed and weather conditions. Several tourists had to be rescued in the past years and two have even reported to have died. Iceland is a place of extremely dynamic weather and with little or no people around, it is best to take decisions based on safety. There is also a shuttle bus resvice that runs between the car park and plane wreck all 7 days a week between 10 am till 5 pm (from car park) and last bus from plane wreck leaves at 17:55 pm. And the shuttle service cost 2900 Islandic Korna which is around 17 GBP (December 2023 rate).
Bus time table between car park and plane wreak at Solheimasandur
The drive back from Solheimasandur to our accomodation was equally nerve wracking - with close to zero visibility due to fog, it just kept getting more and more surreal!
Reynisfjara though incredibly beautiful can also turn dangerous very quickly. Powerful waves from the unrestricted Atlantic Ocean build up into very tall ‘sneaker’ waves that have claimed lives in the past.
We stayed overnight in a farmhouse turned hotel near Vik.
Day 3 – Drive by the South Coast to Further East
Situated along Iceland’s south coast, Eldhraun is the largest lava flow in the world. Vast expanses of land covered in years of lush thick moss, which hide beneath their surface rough and jagged edges of the volcanic rocks. It is one of the best examples of how unearthly Iceland can seem to the outsider! Well, you are not alone, in 1969, the Apollo 11 crew trained for their moonwalk for its similarity to the surface of the moon.
The surreal and stunning exterior, however, masks the darker story of its birth. The Eldhraun lava field was formed after the massive eruption of Laki volcanic system (The Skaftá River Fires) that took place over 8 months in the late 18th century. This was considered to be one of greatest recorded eruptions that produced millions of tons of sulphur dioxide and fluorine. It not only impacted Iceland, but also caused massive climate changes, the haze of dust and sulphur particles spewed up by the volcano was carried over much of the northern hemisphere, ranging from the United States to Japan.
Tourist information about Eldhraun moss field
About 25% of Iceland's population died either from the eruption or the famine which followed. Also 85% of the livestock died from eating grass contaminated with fluorine. Culturally, it also meant loss of Icelandic dances, as the Icelanders stopped dancing in the grim years that followed which also led to mass migration to Denmark.
In Britain, that summer is known as the Sand-Summer due to the fallout of ash, and the ensuing food poverty was a major factor in the build-up to the French revolution of 1789. Now it is also thought that the eruption had disrupted the Asian monsoon cycle, prompting famine in Egypt.
So, as you stand and wonder at the delicate flora on the moss, appreciate the consequences this geological upheaval had on the history of so many economies.
This graceful and vivacious waterfall is a dream for photographers and an amazing place to stop and reflect and connect with nature. The sound of water, the winds, the rocks jutting out and standing undeterred by the constant flow of water, is truly marvellous. It is one of those places that tempt you to stay there for a bit longer and lose all sense of time.
Panoramic view of Fossálar Waterfall
Fossálar Waterfall is not massively popular tourist attraction in south part of Iceland. The viewpoint of the waterfall is located on side the Ring Road. So all visitors need to do is park the car on by the side of the road safely and walk to the viewpoint which is located around 20-25 meters from the road.
Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón translates to “Glacier's River Lagoon” and is Iceland’s deepest lake. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon started forming from melted glacial water and continues to grow as ice blocks crumble from the ever-shrinking glacier. The lagoon connects with the ocean and is composed of seawater and freshwater which gives its unique color. The icebergs in Jokulsarlon are composed of ice that is over 1,000 years old. The icebergs that break away from the glacier and fall into the lagoon slowly melt and drift out to sea, where the North Atlantic. These are also then washed ashore on the nearby intense black beach- Breidamerkursandur which has earned the name Diamond Beach, as the glistening ice chunks lying resemble diamonds in the sun.
Panoramic view of Jökulsárlón Glacier lake
Jökulsárlón Glacier lake in the backdrop
Seals can be seen in Jokulsarlon year-round, but they flock to the lagoon’s mouth to catch fish in the winter.
Though much smaller and much quieter than the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Svínafellsjökull glacier is almost over 1000 years old. It is the glacial tongue of the massive Vatnajökull glacier. The electric blue ice structures with black lava veins are a sight to behold. The name can be decoded as - Svínafell refers to the pig mountain which can be seen as you leave Ring Road 1 and jökull means glacier.
Svínafellsjökull glacier panoramic view, the small lagoon where the glacier ends
Walking path from car park that takes visitor to the edge of the Svínafellsjökull Glacier
This glacier lagoon is easy to reach from Ring Road 1 and just under 150km east of Vík. There is a big parking space at the start of the trails and the viewing point. The walk from car park to the glacier is around 15 minutes via a nicely laid flat gravel road through senic sarraounding.
Víkurfjara - Black Sand Beach of Vik
Víkurfjara beach is a senic black sand beach located in the town of Vik close to Ring Road 1. The sand of the beach is black in colour as commonly found in almost all beachs in south of Iceland. The beach is less than 5 minutes drive from the Ring Road through residential area with direction cleraly marked which directs to the beach car park situated very close to the beach.
Víkurfjara beach - the black sand beach at Vik
The distinctive black colour of the sand comes from the most common volcanic rock basalt fragments which is formed when lava comes out during a volcanic eruption and meets the cold water of ocean.
Picturesque Víkurfjara beach is a perfect spot for taking some awesome photos
Wild lupin flower grows in large numbers near Víkurfjara beach during late spring (end May, early June) creates a contrasting and breathtaking view of the beach. The rocks of Reynisdrangar can be seen at a distance from the beach as well. Víkurfjara beach is seperated from the Reynisfjara beach by a cliff that protrudes out into the oacen between two beaches. This cliff is also popular nesting sight for Puffins in summer and puffins in large number can be seen on the cliff near the beach from late spring and through out summer.
Overnight stay in Farmhouse in Hella
Our homestay in a cabin in the middle of vast open farm land near Hella
Geysir and Strokkur are located in the Geysir Geothermal Area, in the valley known as Haukadalur Valley in South Iceland, within which are located Great Geysir and Strokkur (the Churn), and boiling mud pits - a wonderful window into the hot and active world under the earth’s surface. It’s about 100 km or 1.5 hours from Reykjavik by road on Route 35 or Route 37 heading through Thingvellir.
Strokkur geyser eruption which reaches height of around 25 to 35 meters
The ‘Geysir’ is the forefather of all geysers and gives the name ‘geyser’ to all geyser as this was the first geyser seen and recorded by Europeans. The word geyser itself stems from the Old Norse word “geysa” which means “to gush” or “to rush forth.” There are around 20-30 geysers in Iceland. The most geysers in the world are in USA - Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming that has over 300 or them, other countries with some geysers are Siberia, Chile and New Zealand.
Board displayed at Geysir Geothermal Area explaining the mechanism behind geyser eruption
‘A geyser is a rare kind of hot spring that is under pressure and erupts, sending jets of water and steam into the air. Geysers are made from a tube-like hole in the Earth's surface that runs deep into the crust. The tube is filled with water. Near the bottom of the tube is molten rock called magma, which heats the water in the tube. Water in the lower part of the tube, close to the magma, becomes superhot. Gradually, it begins to boil. Some of the water is forced upward. The boiling water begins to steam or turn to gas. The steam jets toward the surface. Its powerful jet of steam ejects the column of water above it. The water rushes through the tube and into the air. The eruption will continue until all the water is forced out of the tube, or until the temperature inside the geyser drops below boiling (100 degrees Celsius, or 212 degrees Fahrenheit, at sea level). After the eruption, water slowly seeps back into the tube. The process begins again. In some small geysers, the eruption process can take just a few minutes. In larger geysers, it can take days. The most famous geyser in the United States, Yellowstone National Park's Old Faithful, erupts about every 50-100 minutes.’
Also, as per National Geographic Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming has more than 300 geysers about two-thirds of the number of geysers in the entire world. Other geyser hot spots are Siberia, Chile, Iceland and New Zealand.
Board displayed at Geysir Geothermal Area comparing the height of all famous geysers around the world
The Geysir has been active for at least 10,000 years and has been known since the 13th century. It is said that the Geysir once erupted with a much more powerful reaching heights of 120-170 metres. It is also said that the Geysir’s periods of intense activity follow large earthquakes. It remains dormant now and the last activity was during 2000. These days, the Geysir is less active, but Strokkur can captivate you for hours with eruption every few minutes and the hot water gushing out with all the drama and reaching heights of 30-40 metres. Strokkur is currently, the tallest erupting geyser in Iceland.
Hot spring at Geysir Geothermal Area
There are several other smaller geysers and hot springs. A slow-paced exploration of site takes a couple of hours.
Located in the southwest of the country, along the Golden Circle tourist route is the iconic Gullfoss, also known as the "Golden Waterfall".
Panoramic view of Gullfoss
It has two drops, one measuring 11 meters (36 feet) and the other 21 meters (69 feet), for a total height of 32 meters (105 feet). Gullfoss plunges into a gorge of foaming water and is viewed from top and sides. Gullfoss was formed during the last ice age, when glacial runoff carved out a deep canyon in the Hvítá river. The waterfall is created by a series of cascades and drops that plunge into the canyon below.
From a photo spot at Gullfoss
Gullfloss has an interesting history - it was owned by an Icelandic farmer, who was approached by an English investor interested in utilizing the energy of the waterfall to fuel a hydroelectric plant. Though he declined the offer, the investor managed to work through a loophole to proceed with his plans. The farmers daughter thereafter led a long battle to get the contract nullified, paying for a lawyer through her savings. Eventually the investor withdrew and the waterfall remained untouched. You can see a plaque with her details at the top of Gullfoss. The lawyer Sveinn Björnsson, who assisted her went on to became the first president of an independent Iceland.
Friðheimar – Tomato Farming Greenhouse (farming using geothermal energy) and Lunch
We had booked our lunch at Friðheimar - an amazing experience eating tomato based cuisine in the warm and bright greenhouse!
Dining setup in the middle of greenhouse tomato farming at Friðheimar
Bar inside the tomato farming greenhouse Friðheimar
A couple had brough the farm which had two greenhouses, and a large house in 1995 with the aim of combining their different areas of expertise – horses and horticulture. They subsequently built a massive greenhouse and kept running the farm and renovating the existing buildings. After a few years they decided to start growing tomatoes all year round and with collaboration with Finnish experts introduced horticulture under artificial lighting.
Tomaro harvest and tomato based soup and drink that gets served at Friðheimar
Informative guided tour on greenhouse tomato farming at Friðheimar
Today the place is bursting with activities and visitors are offered with free guided tours after lunch. The annual harvest now is around 370 tons!
Thingvellir National Park
Located 49 km east of Reykjavík from Reykjavík, the Thingvellir national park is where you can witness history and get a glimpse of the future!
Walking path inside Thingvellir national park
The National Park is located in an active volcanic area and covers area that constitute the World Heritage property. It is enclosed by mountains on three sides, featuring grass-covered lava fields, and Lake Þingvallavatn lies at its southern end creating an unparalleled view all around.
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland sits on the constantly active geologic border - the mid-Atlantic ridge (ridge being the boundary between two tectonic plates) - North American plate and Eurasian plate. So, Iceland literally sits between two continents. Being in the middle of a ridge means it is the centre of geological activity. The tectonic plates shift and collide and move away apparently at the rate of 2.5cm per year. When the tectonic plates move apart, the oldest rocks get pushed to the sides, and new rock gets formed in the middle. Eventually, these plates will end up splitting the whole island in two - right through its middle part. So, one day, Iceland will no longer be a single piece of land!
Water steams running through the Thingvellir national park where the two tectonic plates merges
The fissure can be seen today at the Thingvellir National Park - you can see both sides of the plates and literally walk between two continents, or dive if you wish, between America and Europe.
Picturesque landscape and water cascade at Thingvellir national park
Though lot of people come for snorkelling and diving - just witnessing the ravines opened by the tectonic movement is sure to fill you with awe! These ravines are then filled with the water from the Langjökull glacier, traversing its journey underground through porous lava rock, before revealing its pristine beauty in the ravines. Not to mention that it was the shooting location in HBO’s Game of Thrones series.
We called it a day after visiting Thingvellir National Park and checked into our accommodation in Selfoss.
Day 5 – Snæfellsjökull Peninsula
After early breakfast we left Selfoss and started for Snæfellsjökull Peninsula which is loacled in the north west part of country. There are a number of attractions in Snæfellsjökull Peninsula alongside the ring road that covers the entire peninsula. We started clockwise and went towards west covering all major attractions.
There is no dearth of surreal things to witness in Iceland - the Búdakirkja church is definitely one of them. Almost reminiscent of the black volcanic soil in Iceland, this dainty little panelled black wooden church with white doors and windows sits in an open green palette lava field in the hamlet of Budir in Iceland’s Snafellsnes peninsula. In the old times the village used to be called Hraunhofn, which meant ‘“The Harbor of Lava” in Icelandic.
Panoramic view of Búdakirkja church or Black church
It is tiny - around 5m x 9m and sits upto 50 people. There is an organ, but no heating, no bathroom or running water in the church. There are two church bells in the tower. The church is used for traditional church events for the parish, destination weddings, music events, storytelling etc.
Búdakirkja church or Black church is a great photo location for travellers tavelling to Snæfellsjökull Peninsula
The first church was a small turf church with a cemetery that over time fell into disrepair and was finally abolished. In the 19th century, a local widow, applied for permission from the Church authorities to rebuild a church and paid for the little church that stands today. She was buried in Budir cemetery and is a gravestone in her memory.
Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge (Rauðfeldsgjá)
Rauðfeldasgjá Gorge is a hidden gem of Snæfellsnes Peninsula located in the Botnsfjall Mountain. During summer months it is possible to walk inside the gorge and experience the enormity and beauty of the nature. Located 10 minutes walking form the main road, this natural beauty is one of the must-see places in Snæfellsnes Peninsula for visitors. Anyone willing to visit this place can park the car just off the road in a well-maintained carpark and walk 10 minutes to the mouth of the gorge.
Opening of the Rauðfeldasgjá Gorge on mountain cliff
Rauðfeldasgjá Gorge gets its name from an Icelandic folklore that was written during the 14th century based on a saga from 9th century. The saga narrates that a half-troll and half man, Bárður was to live in a place called Laugabrekka in Snæfellsnes Peninsula with his daughters. His brother used to live in a nearby village called Arnarstapi with his two sons. The cousins, four of them used to often play together by the shore. The saga says that during one such playful day one of the boy named Rauðfeldur pushed Bárður’s elder daughter onto an iceberg. The daughter believed to drifted away on the iceberg to Greenland. This made Bárður furious and angry, and he pushed Rauðfeldur into the gorge and his brother, Sölvi, off the nearby cliff. This gave birth to the name of the gorge as Rauðfeldsgjá and the nearby cliff Sölvahamar Cliff. As per the saga then Bárður went to nearby glacier Snæfellsjökull and never to be seen again. Local believes Bárður still watching over the area from the glacier.
Inside Rauðfeldasgjá Gorge
The opening of the gorge is narrow with a tiny stream of river flowing though it. There are rocks on the river which are suitable to step onto and walk inside withing getting the feet wet. 10 to 12 meters inside the gorge widen few meters and have some dry patches to stand onto. Here the gorge ends where the walls of the gorge are brightly green in colour due to the moss growing on the face of the rock. There is a crack at the top of the tall wall of the gorge from where the sun rays fall into the gorge creating a magical scene.
Panoramic view of the valley from the entrance to Rauðfeldasgjá Gorge
The view of the valley and the coastline from the mouth of the gorge is breath-taking and worthy of a few snaps.
Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint and Gatklettur Stone Bridge
In Iceland’s dynamic geology, it is not impossible to imagine hot magma falling through cliffs and hitting the cool waters of the Atlantic and solidifying. Thousands of years of erosion thereafter can carve windows and doors into these formations.
Gatklettur Arch (Hellnar Arch)
Gatklettur Arch (Hellnar Arch) is one such marvel of nature and even boasts of stunning swirling patters. There is great birdlife around the cliffs and pretty flora surrounding the area.
Walking path from carpark to Arnarstapi cliff viewpoint
Arnarstapi cliff viewpoint present a beautiful panoramic view of the Atlantic and surrounding areas and cliff which showcases the mightiness of mother nature.
Arnarstapi cliff viewpoint and Gatklettur lies between Arnarstapi and Hellnar villages along an iconic coastal path and can be reached from both points. However, the closest car park to both of these is in Arnarstapi, which allows the easiest access to the main road we chose to start from this fishing village.
Another geological wonder of the Snæfellnes peninsula are the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs that can be reached from Visitor’s Centre, through mossy fields. The silhouette of these rocky pinnacles emerging over the entire southern coastline resemble a castle (perhaps slightly distorted version) and is usually referred to as a rocky castle. These are the remains of a volcanic crater, and the magnificent form has been carved over years of battering by the sea waves.
Panoramic view of Lóndrangar basalt cliffs and Altantic ocean
Legend has it that there are elves in the area! Wander around the unreal surroundings and down a few shots of Brennivín - you may probably spot one!
A stunning intense black lava sand and pebble beaches located on the foot of Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Western Iceland. Hugged by rugged cliffs and a green moss turf on the lava field with wildflowers and sounds of birds, this is another sight to marvel at. On the beach is a big red lava rock called Söngklettur or the Singing Rock. The rock is said to be protected by the elves in the area.
In the middle of no-where in Snæfellsjökull Peninsula
On the beach there are four big stones all in different size - ‘lifting stones’. as they were used by the fishermen in Iceland to measure their strength. The smallest weighing around 23 kilos, and the heaviest around 154 kilos. You'll also see the remains of the Epine GY7, a British trawler that was shipwrecked off the coast of Djúpalónssandur.
This bright orange lighthouse standing tall on the rocky black cliff - another dramatic and iconic feasts Iceland has to offer. The drive to the lighthouse was a bit edgy but the view was phenomenal.
Viewing deck and walking planks at Svörtuloft Lighthouse
There are wooden walking planks and a viewing panel overlooking the ocean. The sound of seagulls mixed with the waves hitting the cliffs and the stench of bird poop is a strong reminder of where you are.
View of Svörtuloft Lighthouse, cliff and ocean
The vastness of the ocean and the lighthouse brings up visuals of weary seafarers delight of reaching dry land! It is not hard to imagine how difficult it would be to navigate the sea with high winds and jagged cliffs. It is said that many ships have been stranded and destroyed and led to the construction of the lighthouse, in the early 20th century. The original structure was replaced with the current concrete structure due to significant erosion. There are no public toilets in the vicinity, so find one before making your way up to the orange beauty!
Kirkjufell is a distinctive arrow shaped mountain besides the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the Snaefellsness Peninsula in the fishing town of Grundarfjordur. Kirkjufell is one of the steepest mountains in Iceland and is said to be made up of a few different types of lava and rock with fossils found at the top of the mountain
Classic shot of Kirkjufell with volcanic mountain in the backdrop
Kirkjufell is one of the most famous and top tourist attraction of Iceland
There is a car park and a well-maintained path that leads you uphill near the waterfall which is actually a group of 3 waterfalls dropping into a river. These aren’t as big as other waterfalls, but the view is top down and therefore a different perspective from others.
Day 6 – Back To Reykjavik And Blue Lagoon
Located in west Iceland and accessible from Highway 54, these incredibly perfect basalt rock columns are over 50 meters high and hard to believe that they are not man-made!
Gerðuberg Cliffs consist of a series of hexagonal shape tall columns standing like a wall
Iceland’s 130 volcanoes have been erupting periodically over millions of years, but only 30-40 remain active. One of these is Ljósufjöll volcanic system. The cliffs were formed by flowing basaltic lava that originated within the Ljósufjöll volcanic system. The Lava flows rich in iron and magnesium are cooled rapidly by the sea and the air, and as the lava solidifies, vertical cracks are formed by the stress of the rock’s cooling and contracting. The fractures grow perpendicular to the surface of the flow, and as they continue to grow, they form a closely-spaced regular array of columns and can end up with 3 to 8 sides; the Gerðuberg columns have the more typical hexagonal shape. Similar columnar natural structures can be seen in other parts of the world too.
Gerðuberg Cliffs is not a popular tourist attraction, but it worth a visit
The attraction is located off the main road (Ring Road). A gravel road branches out of the main road with clear sign leading to the car park at the bottom of the cliffs. The distance from the main road to the car park is around couple of kilometers. The attraction is not hugely popular among tourists, so finding an empty space in the car park is not a challenge at any time of the day and there is no entry fees to the attraction. No information centre or public toilers are around either, describing in simple terms - its located in the middle of no where!
This natural harbour which was the backbone of Icelandic fishing trade and led to the growth of the city around it. Today it is more of a tourism site, and it is hard to miss signs for whale-watching tours. The vessels leave multiple times a day, and cruise into Faxaflói Bay, where an abundance of white-beaked dolphins, Humpback Whales, Harbor Porpoises and Minke Whales and occasionally Blue Whales and Fin Whales can be sighted. Iceland has a tradition of whaling, though it current times there is little consumption within the country and most of the catch is either exported to Japan (Fin Whale) or served to tourists (Minke Whale). With rising awareness and campaigning, the demand has been decreasing and there has been an increase in whale watching activities instead.
Reykjavik old harbour area houses a number of good restaurants serving local foods
We strolled along the harbour and wandered aimlessly for a while before heading to a nice cozy restaurant in the heart of the old harbour called Sagreifinn (Seabaron) for lunch. The restaurant is very popular among locals and tourists which serves amazingly delicious lobster soup and grilled fish and seafood.
Lobster soup, seafood and fist skewers at Sagreifinn (Seabaron)
The decore of the restaurant is traditionally Icelandic with lots of pictures and sailing and maritime items on display. We ordered soup, grilled fish and seafood and enjoyed thoroughly. After lunch we headed for our last treat in Iceland - Blue Lagoon.
We decided to wrap up our trip of Iceland by wrapping ourselves in the warmth of the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon. Logistically it made sense as it is just 15-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport.
Blue Lagoon which is a wastewater lagoon is the top and most famous attraction of Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is technically man-made and was initially formed by the wastewater from the nearby geothermal power plant which started collecting in a pool which later saw development around it as it becoming more and more popular to bath in these waters. The water is naturally heated by the Earth's geothermal energy and is typically around 37-39°C (98-102°F). The water has a milky-blue color due to the high concentration of silica, sulfur and other materials. There is also a research and development facility on site dedicated to cures for skin ailments. You receive some complimentary silica mud and other face packs on the pool for a face mask. You can even enjoy some drinks while in the pool. The cold air outside, the warmth of the water, the vivid blue colours surrounding you and the beautiful volcanic landscapes around make it an amazing experience.
Blue lagoon is a perfect location for relaxing after a long road trip of Iceland
Though a lot of websites we researched mentioned it was required to bath naked before entering the pool, there are excellent shower facilities with curtains and with complementary towels. There are also cafes and restaurants inside the facilities. As with most places these days, it is essential that you book in advance!
