Created by 3GoExploring.
Back in August 2023, we were in Iceland aboard P&O’s adult-only ship Arcadia completing a beautiful 21-night cruise to Norway and Iceland. Having crossed over the Arctic Circle and experienced the beauty of Norway (don't forget to check out our Norway blogs) we couldn't wait to reach the shores of Iceland. Having seen films like Walter Mitty the awe-inspiring Icelandic landscapes was high on our agenda and we couldn't wait to open the balcony curtains as we neared the coastline.
It is everything you would expect and more, as with most locations, film or photographs don't do it justice, you have to experience it with your own eyes to fully appreciate the island's raw beauty.
Grundarfjörður, a small town on the north coast, with a population of 872. As you arrive you can't miss Kirkjufell or Church Mountain, with its steep slopes and dramatic peak this mountain is one of Iceland's most photographed landmarks. To fully appreciate Kirkjufell and the surrounding landscape we decided to walk from the port to Kirkjufellsfos (Church Mountain Falls).
This is a fairly easy walk following the path and will take around an hour, keep your camera ready to capture the reflection of Kirkjufell. The setting of the waterfall with the background of the mountain makes for some dramatic photographs and as you can imagine is a very popular attraction.
Another popular waterfall in the area is Grundarfoss, to reach this picturesque waterfall you return back to the port and follow the path in the opposite direction. For film buffs, you might recognise the scene from Walter Mitty and the rush to be first to the only bike….
Please wear sensible footwear as the trail is flat to start but as you get closer becomes rocky and you might need to cross water. The views as you expect are amazing, water plummets 230 feet with a lush green backdrop.
Ísafjörður, a more relaxing day with a stroll around the town taking in the views across the fjord to Naustahvilft otherwise known as the Troll Seat. We found this port of call had less to offer than others so excursions may be worth looking at.
Our final port of call and an overnight stop was Reykjavík the capital, a popular destination known for its diversity and inclusive culture also having the reputation of being one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world. We had decided on the must-do Golden Circle Tour, the most famous of all scenic routes which combines some of the most stunning landmarks.
Thingvellir National Park, an area of historical and geological interest. An early Icelandic settlement which housed the parliament.
Iceland is well known for its volcanic activity. Thingvellir is the location of two tectonic plates that are slowly drifting apart, with the crevasses clearly visible. An awe-inspiring location that demonstrates how active the Earth is, a humbling experience.
Strokkur, famous for the Great and Strokkur Geysir steam vents and the hot springs of bubbling sulphurous mud. Although the Great Geysir is no longer as active, the Strokkur fountains about every 8 to 10 minutes. A fountain of hot water spurts up to 30 metres, keep an eye on the wind direction and make sure you are upwind.
Gullfoss Waterfall, no words can portray the dynamic awesomeness of this waterfall. On average 100,000 litres of glacier water from Hvita plunge 31 metres into the canyon below. Raincoats are a must if you want to stay dry, we decided just to literally soak up the atmosphere.
After being dropped back into Reykjavik, we took the opportunity to explore the city and take in the landmarks.
Our trip to Iceland was so memorable from seeing whales and dolphins to the awe-inspiring scenery, we feel that all travellers should at some point visit Iceland, the memories will, as they say, last a lifetime.
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