Welcome to Iceland - The Land of Fire and Ice.
After leaving Positano we flew from Napels to Hamburg (stop over) and then to Oslo. We stayed overnight at Radisson Blu Airport Hotel Oslo as we had an early flight to Keflavik the next morning.
Wow, what a change in temperature and scenery. Coming from a very hot Italy we arrived in Iceland to a chilly 8°C. A quick change of clothing and a brisk walk to our rental car and we were ready to embark on our journey through Iceland.
We made a quick stop at Bonus (supermarket) to stock up on some food and then hit the road. After leaving the airport you are immediately confronted with a volcanic rock landscape. This continued until we hit Reykjavik.
Our first day’s itinerary was to complete the Golden Circle. First stop was Thingvellir National Park. Besides being a location of historical significance, we found it fascinating as the canyon is formed between two tectonic plates, which are clearly visible. North America and Europe meet at the Thingvellir National Park. This means you can actually cross over from one continent to the other in a single step.
Next stop, the Geysir Hot Springs. If you’re interested take a look at my blog about this special area.
The last attraction for us on the Golden Circle that day, due to time constraints, mainly due to me taking too many photos, was the Gullfoss Waterfall. We have come across so many beautiful waterfalls on our travels. I have tried to capture a few, but the beauty and intensity of some of these waterfalls is awe-inspiring. I can’t describe the feeling of watching water flowing and falling off a cliff, sounds such a simplistic thing, but has such immense beauty.
We did manage to squeeze in 2 more waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, seeing as the sun doesn't set in Iceland until around 9pm. We stopped at Seljalandsfoss waterfall and climbed up the side of the mountain next to it. You can take a walk behind Seljalandsfoss to absorb its grandeur - magnificent.
The volcanic landscape you encounter after leaving Keflavik airport.
Just one of the views on the way around the Golden Circle.
You come in contact with the Icelandic horses everywhere.
Thingvellir National Park.
Tectonic plates of North America and Europe meet at the Thingvellir National Park.
The road to the Thingvellir National Park.
A flock of birds I saw as we were leaving Thingvellir National Park.
Gullfoss Waterfall, this picture and below.
On our way to our accommodation in the bubble.
Kerio Crater found on the ring road.
I was fascinated with all the bales of hay around the countryside. They are either wrapped in white, black or pink.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
The views from the top of Skogafoss waterfall.
Skogafoss waterfall.
Make sure you take the walk up the stairs at Skogafoss waterfall to encounter what can be seen behind it.
