Iceland...the 'land of fire and ice'. Reykjavik. 7th March -11th March 2019

Well what a trip it was!! One which will be remembered for a long time to come and a few items 'ticked' off my bucket list! The hotel we stayed in is close to the city's attractions, situated near the harbour and a short walk to the central shopping district with many bars and restaurants. The hotel had it's own bakery, the 'Donuts' were delicious with the Creme Brulee being the favourite!

 

I shall start with the Northern Lights.

The coach trip on the first evening was organised by the 'City Breaks' company we travelled with, namely Jet2. I have to say that they gave useful and very informative information on each tour we had booked with them.
The Northern Lights did appear for us on what was a clear night but with the naked eye they appeared as white/grey shapes in the dark sky. My camera did not capture the lights very good at all, luckily my Daughter has the next model up from mine and with the camera set up on a tripod she captured some super images. My thanks are extended to her for the use of a couple of these images added to this post.
The evening was a good one and definitely worth wrapping up warm for and the hot chocolate organised by the tour operators went down a treat!

 

The 'Golden Circle Tour' the following day was most enjoyable. Spectacular scenery was enjoyed throughout the day as we travelled to the venues on the tour.

 

Gullfoss Waterfall was the first stop on the tour. I have since read that in Icelandic, Gull means Golden and Foss means falls/waterfall. Due to the sediment from glaciers, the water has a brownish colour and sometimes when the sun shines on the water it can take on a golden hue. Hence the name 'Golden Falls'.

The waterfall is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland.

 

Alighting from the coach it was obvious that this was one place where thermals and baselayers were in a league of their own and definitely a must!! It was so cold, due in the main to the spray from the waterfall.I do not think I have felt 'instant' cold like it before. I have to say it was well worth the 'freeze' as the two-tiered waterfall was a sight to behold.

Gullfoss Waterfall is unique because you view the falls from above and it appears that the waterfall is actually going underground! It is a very interesting perspective making Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.

A couple of interesting information notices.

 

 

 The next stop was to the Geyser Hot Springs to see the lively 'Strokkur' (the churn)

which spouts water 30 metres into the air every few minutes! It is the greatest active geyser on site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are around thirty much smaller geysers and hot pools in the area, including one called Litli Geysir ('Little Geysir').

 

It was an awesome experience to see the Strokkur spouting the water to such amazing heights.

 

Lunchtime!

Lunch was to be taken at 'Fridheimar Tomato Farm' and what a treat it was too. I have never tasted tomato soup like it! A delicious soup with home baked bread, an added bonus is that you can eat as much as you like! Fresh Basil is growing on each table to add to the soup if desired along with sour cream and cucumber relish.  A farm to table experience and lovely to come into the warmth of the greenhouses.

 

Amazing greenhouses full of tomatoes, heating is geothermally transferred .

https://fridheimar.is/en/horticulture

 

 

They also breed horses at the farm. Lovely to see  several  Icelandic horses in a paddock outside!

https://fridheimar.is/en/horse-breeding

 

 

National Park Thingvellir

 

'Thingvellir has been a National park since 1930 and was named a World heritage site by UNESCO in 2004. When Viking settlers arrived in the 10th century, it was the site they chose as the meeting place of Althingi, the world's oldest parliament.'

 

The above is reproduced from the itinerary of the tour.

 

https://www.thingvellir.is/en/nature/continental-drift/

 The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir

     

Path between the North American Plate and Eurasian tectonic plates. It was a long walk but well worth it and a memory to treasure!

 

 

 

 Fault in the landscape caused by the continental drift between the tectonic plates.

 

The Drowning Pool

 

 

An awesome Park and a world away from my local park!

To be continued.