It was Florian's parents, who made the Iceland adventure become reality. Our honeymoon was their amazing wedding gift to us! As we were on the verge of moving to Southamerica (again), we were looking for something exotic within Europe. And indeed, Iceland was THE spot for us. We had an unforgettable time.
When we landed in Reykjavík in August 2010, air traffic just got back to normal. Earlier that year, a vast ash cloud from Iceland had caused major flight disruptions all over Europe. All because of Eyjafjallajökull. Equipped with the extensive knowledge of one Icelandic word, the volcano's name, we first explored the capital Reykjavík, before going onto the popular "Golden Circle" round trip. This circuit covers Iceland's most striking sights: the Strokkur geysir, spitting out impressive water columns every few minutes, then the Þingvellir site, where the Icelandic parliament is said to have been founded. Also, this place is living proof of the continental drift. You can stand there one foot on North America and one in Europe! Further down the 300km loop we passed the prominent red crater of the Kerið volcano, before reaching the thunderously sizzling Gullfoss waterfall.
When we landed in Reykjavík in August 2010, air traffic just got back to normal. Earlier that year, a vast ash cloud from Iceland had caused major flight disruptions all over Europe. All because of Eyjafjallajökull. Equipped with the extensive knowledge of one Icelandic word, the volcano's name, we first explored the capital Reykjavík, before going onto the popular "Golden Circle" round trip. This circuit covers Iceland's most striking sights: the Strokkur geysir, spitting out impressive water columns every few minutes, then the Þingvellir site, where the Icelandic parliament is said to have been founded. Also, this place is living proof of the continental drift. You can stand there one foot on North America and one in Europe! Further down the 300km loop we passed the prominent red crater of the Kerið volcano, before reaching the thunderously sizzling Gullfoss waterfall.
The Golden Circle was a great introduction to Iceland, but now it was time to get off the beaten track. From Reykjavík we drove along the spectacular coastline towards Hellissandur, at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It's a land of serene beauty, and picture perfect scenery emerges all around. This is but a small selection of treasures up there.
At the peninsula's tip there is Snæfellsjökull, yet another steep volcano plus glacier. Before we went up, Florian had a deep conversation with the stony patron saint at the foot of the mountain. Just to make sure, this one was not a wicked twin brother of Eyjafjallajökull...
Still, early next morning the volcano greeted us with a tight bank of fog, that made us almost loose our way! We really had to push our small rental car to it's limits in this landscape of moon-like rubble. At some point we continued on foot towards where we reckoned the glacier was. The car disappeared in no time - swallowed up by fog. At that point Florian wanted to go back, but I knew (uhm, hoped...) we were close. And all of a sudden the fog cleared and gave way to crystal clear views! We were standing on our very first glacier! In city slippers, without sun glasses. But we made it!
Still, early next morning the volcano greeted us with a tight bank of fog, that made us almost loose our way! We really had to push our small rental car to it's limits in this landscape of moon-like rubble. At some point we continued on foot towards where we reckoned the glacier was. The car disappeared in no time - swallowed up by fog. At that point Florian wanted to go back, but I knew (uhm, hoped...) we were close. And all of a sudden the fog cleared and gave way to crystal clear views! We were standing on our very first glacier! In city slippers, without sun glasses. But we made it!
On the last vacation day we opted for a wellness treat at the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. The lagoon is fed by the hot water output of a nearby geothermal power plant and contains a special mix of minerals, silica and algae, that makes the water turn so typicly blue. I loved the natural setting of the complex and the mud masks will make your skin super soft. Just DON'T put the mud onto died hair, you'll end up looking like a sheep. Yep, I know what I'm talking about ;-)
I recommend a trip to the Blue Lagoon to any tourist who visits Iceland. It’s a unique experience and the lagoon is just a stone’s throw away from Keflavík international airport. A really great ending to a great honeymoon.
I recommend a trip to the Blue Lagoon to any tourist who visits Iceland. It’s a unique experience and the lagoon is just a stone’s throw away from Keflavík international airport. A really great ending to a great honeymoon.
