Iceland, a land of fire and ice, has been on our bucket list for years. Today, we finally stepped foot on its shores, and I’m already in awe.
Reykjavik, the capital city, is a charming blend of modern and traditional. Founded in 870 AD, it’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Iceland’s population is relatively small, with just over 360,000 people. Their largest trait is family but most interestingly is they don’t have surnames, instead they use patronymics and metronymics to name themselves after one or both their parents. For example, if a girl’s father’s name is Gunnar, her patronymic would be Gunnarsdottir, which means “Gunnar’s daughter”. The gender of the child determines the ending of the name, with “-son” for boys and “-dottir” for girls. For example, if Egill Jonsson and Selma Traustadottir have a son named Gunnar, his last name would be Egilsson.
A highlight of our day was a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park is where the Icelandic parliament, the Althingi, was established in 930 AD. The most remarkable thing about Thingvellir is that you can walk between two continents: the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
For my amazing horse friends out there, one of the most iconic symbols of Iceland is the Icelandic horse. These hardy and very friendly horses, at only 13 – 14 hands tall, with their unique gait called the Tölt, have been an integral part of Icelandic culture for centuries. They are small but not considered ponies, they are not wild but aren’t behind fences. They roam around but apparently know where their home is. They are the I my breeding horse here and there are 80,000 of them! That’s 1 horse to every 4 people!
The island’s dramatic landscape is shaped by volcanic activity. Lava flows have created unique formations over thousands of years. This year alone, there have been several volcanic eruptions, reminding us of the power of nature. One such eruption occurred just a few miles from the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa we visited today.
Our day started with a visit to Kerid Crater, a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater that’s 165 feet deep. The vibrant colors of the crater walls and the crystal-clear water were beautiful. From there, we headed to the Haukadular geothermal area, home to the famous Strokkur geyser. Watching the geyser erupt every few minutes was a mesmerizing experience. You had to be quick to catch it!
We then ventured to Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. This majestic waterfall is formed by the Hvítá River, which flows from the Langjökull glacier. The river plunges into a deep canyon in three tiers, creating a spectacular cascade that is both powerful and serene.
The name Gullfoss translates to Golden Falls.
As we approached Gullfoss, we were immediately struck by its immense size and the sheer force of the water. The waterfall’s three tiers create a dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle, with the water crashing down into the canyon.
We spent quite some time admiring the waterfall from various vantage points and taking too many photos of course!
After our visit to Gullfoss, we continued our journey through the Golden Circle.
We also visited Faxi Falls, a lesser-known beauty nestled within the region. Fed by the glacial waters of the Tungufljót River, this picturesque waterfall is a serene oasis amidst the region’s geothermal wonders. Its relatively modest height of 23 feet debunks its impressive width of 300 feet, creating a captivating cascade that stretches across the river’s expanse. It was very powerful.
Our day concluded with a relaxing soak in the popular Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa known for its milky blue waters and rich mineral content. The lagoon contains approximately 6.3 million gallons of water, which is constantly being replenished by natural hot springs. The warm, mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties, and the lagoon is a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. It was hard to make ourselves leave the wonderful 102 degree waters!
As we arrived at our ship, we received news that the volcano had erupted just a few miles from the Blue Lagoon. The area was safe, but people were evacuated as a precaution. Some of our friends from the ship were among those who were evacuated. It was a surreal experience to realize that we had just been in that area an hour before the eruption.
Our first day in Iceland has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the volcanic landscapes to the geothermal wonders, this country has left us with wanting more. We can’t wait to see what adventures await us tomorrow.
May God bless you always
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 