We spent four nights in Reykjavik and had a fantastic time! What an amazing place! As the plane was landing, I was surprised by the wild, exposed landscape and the lack of trees. It was so different from anywhere I had been before – no wonder Iceland is such a popular location for films and TV series such as Game of Thrones. However, it is true to say that everyone we met was as warm and welcoming as the landscape was bleak. Here are some highlights, in no particular order.
1. Walking around Reykjavik
The city centre is very compact and is a great place to wander around, shop and just take in the picturesque streets and quirky buildings and museums.
2. Hallgrímskirkja
This is one of the loveliest churches I have ever visited. A most effective advert for the argument “less is more”! The lack of ornate features really highlights the beauty of the building. The Hallgrímskirkja dominates the city’s skyline and the views from the viewing platform in the tower (accessible by lift) are exceptional. During our visit we were fortunate to hear a singer performing and this definitely added to the experience.
3. The Blue Lagoon
Well, despite not feeling swimsuit ready for quite some time, this simply had to be done! It was a great, unique experience. Approaching the entrance was a bit disconcerting as the black lava rubble on either side of the path was not what I had been expecting but the whole thing was very well organised and very relaxing. We followed the advice about putting lots of conditioner in your hair to stop it going too wild because of the … in the water and this certainly worked. It was bitterly cold walking from the building to the water but it wasn’t far at all and stepping into the water was like getting into a soothing hot bath. We were in the water for over an hour and a half, drank a glass of prosecco, treated our skin to the silica mask and the algae mask and generally had a fabulous time. We didn’t take photos in the lagoon itself although lots of people had invested in the waterproof phone cases which were for sale. Maybe next time!
4. The Golden Circle
An amazing day! The tour was really well organised by Reykjavik Excursions and even included a bonus visit to a tomato factory on our way to Geysir. I had no idea that tomatoes were grown in Iceland and it was fascinating to find out how this was possible but the highlight was the bar/café where you could sample some tomato products. Although the tomato and apple pie was tempting, we played safe and had the tomato soup! Delicious!
Then it was on to Geysir where we were to see Strokkur, the most active geyser which erupts about every 6 minutes. The landscape was very bleak and atmospheric and Strokkur was very impressive. We managed to stay dry too.
After lunch and shopping, it was on to Gulfoss waterfall – spectacular!
Our final stop was Thingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are separating at the rate of 1.5cm per year. We walked along the 2km path, past the place where the General Assembly met and recited laws as early as the year 960, to the modern visitor centre.
5. The Northern Lights
Well, we did see them although my phone didn’t cope well taking photos of them. It was worth stumbling around in total darkness and even falling over, but I would like to see them again and take better pictures. Several people on our tour took a tripod. Maybe that’s the way forward!
We left Iceland feeling that there is a lot more we would like to see there. If you fly from Europe to the USA with Icelandair you are allowed a stopover of up to 7 days – great idea!
