Breakfast with a View
July 11, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Our last day at Hotel Varmaland with an excellent breakfast. And we’re off to the “Golden Circle”
The F-Road Saga
July 11, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
F roads are not vulgar, but rather a designation for need for 4x4 and level of maintenance to expect. Our journey to Gullfoss began scenic, through rolling farmlands with mixed paved and gravel roadsRead more
Gullfoss Falls
July 11, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
At the end of the journey, this is what we discovered, an awesome waterfall that upon approach looked like one of the geothermal areas with the amount of mist in the air. A brief layover though as weRead more
Silfra Snorkeling
July 11, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
We returned to the division between North America and Eurasia for a frigid swim in the Silfra Fissure. The water is glacier run off, filter by lava yielding some of the clearest water in the world.Read more
Lögberg
July 11, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Law Rock was where the Alþingi (Icelandic Parliament) was founded in 930, one of the oldest in the world. Chieftains met outdoors for 2 weeks each summer and discuss legislation and rule on crimesRead more
Þingvellir National Park
July 11, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Iceland’s first national park. Impressive landscapes, waterfalls, and the meeting of tectonic plates. Could have spend much longer hiking around and taking on the scenery.
Kerið Crater
July 11, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
This mountain collapsed when all the molten magma drained out, creating the awe inspiring crater with a blue lake at the bottom. They wouldn’t let us swim, but given the water temp that was for theRead more
Into the Highlands
July 12, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
The Hella bus stop (pronounced Hetla) was conveniently across the street from our humble surroundings at the Stracta Hotel where we boarded a bus to venture inland. Thankfully they were much moreRead more
Landmannalaugar
July 12, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
After a 2 hour off road adventure, we arrived at Landmannalaugar. Translated to “The People’s Pool”, Landmannalaugar is the start of the Laugavegur Trail and base camp for many outdoorRead more
Hiking Part 1
July 12, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
Venturing through a lava field we gained elevation as we went into the mountains that are the rim of an old volcanic crater. Our destination was peak of a the “Red Wave with a Troll’s Finger”
Hiking Part 2
July 12, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
Past a Sulfurous geothermal area, we arrived at the final push towards our summit. Short but steep, navigating snow and ice in July was a new experience, but the colorful changes were breathtaking. WeRead more
The Summit
July 12, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
2 hours later we’ve arrived! The wind and gravel be damned, the view was worth the effort as the panorama view was extremely humbling and gratifying.
The Descent
July 12, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
After lunch amongst the basalt columns, we continued our downward journey back to the trail head, past a river and more awe inspiring views.
Base Camp Plunge
July 12, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
We returned to the start of our trek with enough time to test the hot springs. Unlike the controlled pools from day one, this river temperature was controlled by nature and where you sat. A uniqueRead more
Icelandic Dinner
July 12, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Upon return to Hella, our famished stomachs led us to Hygge, situated between a camp ground and a golf course. We were given our first taste of traditional local spirit Brennivin, which you eat withRead more
From One Island to Another!
July 13, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
We left Hella bright and early to board the Herjólfur Ferry to Vestmannaeyjabær on Heimaey Island. It was cold, but sunny and gave us a beautiful view of the mainland!
A Whale of a Time
July 13, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
Our first stop was to the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary where they care for and rehabilitate injured whales and puffins . We got to see some puffins up close as well as their two beluga whalesRead more
Vestmannaeyjabær
July 13, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
With time to spare we walked around town, to explore. There is zero doubt what the local economy was as the smell of fish was prominent everywhere we went. With eager eyes I left Allie behind andRead more
RIB Boat Ride
July 13, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
While the sun was still shining we hoped on a boat for a tour around the island. Cliff side nesting birds were everywhere as we went into seaside caves, saw the effects of the 1973 eruption and newlyRead more
Mini Bus Tour
July 13, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
After a quick lunch at the local fast food spot, much better than McDonalds, we joined a bus tour to explore Heimaey Island. Views included the local golf course, the valley where the ÞjóðhátíðRead more
Winding Down
July 13, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
After a full day, we went to the local brewery and pizza place for a more “traditional” meal. Walking around we found some more intriguing sites before ending the day above a bookstore.
Lovely Day for a Horse Ride
July 14, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
After another early morning ferry ride, we drove a quick 45 minutes to the beachside town of Vik to try our hand riding Icelandic Horses. Riding along the black sand beaches, we had a very picturesqueRead more
Journey to Katla
July 14, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
After a quick food stop, we boarded our second off road adventure vehicle to head up to the base of Katla, one of the most active volcanos on Iceland and about 20 years overdue for an eruption.Read more
Ice Spelunking
July 14, 2022 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Our second journey into a cave, this one was in a glacier and entirely of ice. Our eccentric and knowledgeable guide Thor was himself an attraction, as he took off across quick sand frequently sinkingRead more
