On arriving in Reykjavik, it was yet another cloudy, cold and rainy day. If it wasn’t for the splash of colour on most of the buildings it could be best described as Fifty Shades of Grey!
We docked a little way out of town and a shuttle was available, but at a cost of course. Iceland like Norway is unbelievably expensive, and they would be the only ports where we would smuggle out a pastry or two to tide us over until we reboard the ship.
Our tour today was called “The Golden Circle”, a must do tour if it is your first time visiting. Just like Akureyri, if it is not green, it looks volcanic, and if we thought Akureyri looked steamy due to the geothermal activity, Reykjavik looked like it was going to explode.
Our first stop was at the Thingvellir National Park. A place of great historical significance to Iceland, as it was here that their parliament was first born. Representatives of the Norse clans assembled here each year, laws were created, disputes settled, news shared, and criminals were tried and punished.
We followed the trail through a canyon lined with amazing lava formations, and took in the beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Next, we visited the place where the name Geysir came from. A spot where dozens of hot water blow holes are still active. We didn’t have to wait long to watch the explosive eruption of Strokkur, the largest and star of the show. Blowing every few minutes, hurling boiling water up to a height of 60 feet. Don’t stand down wind or you will find yourself showered with sprays of warm water as it drops back to the ground.
Driving through what can only be described as breathtaking countryside we ended up at the Gullfuss Waterfall. Once again, paths would take you so close you could nearly touch this massive two-tier waterfall. With the uneven surfaces and lack of significant barriers, you couldn’t help but wince when you spotted those adventurous souls jump the rope for that must have selfie shot.
Mesmerising, was sight and thunderous sounds of the water cascading down into the deep crevasse, creating a spray of water that falls upon you, as if caught in a light shower of rain. This was summer; how amazing this would look in winter when the waterfall freezes over.
We headed back to Reykjavik, where we had the option of being dropped off in town or going back to the ship. We felt that we had such a wonderful and satisfying day that we didn’t need to cram more into it. So we went “home” to our nice warm ship with plenty of free food.
