I arrived in Iceland at 4:45 a .m. this morning, local time. After picking up our SIM card at the Duty Free shop (approx. $24 Canadian dollars gets you 3 GB of data), picking up the car rental, we headed straight for the capital to … take a quick nap in the grocery store parking lot.
But by 10 a.m, we were on the road to the Golden Circle, about 40 minutes southeast of Reykjavik. We began at a pull-off to shoot some quick photos, and check out the lava rock. It was so barren in this particular area, it felt like we had stepped foot on Mars.
We then continued on our way to the Geysir geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser sprays up to 30 metres of water every 4-8 minutes.
After spending the early afternoon hiking to the peak of the area, we drove over the Gullfoss Waterfall. According to Reykjavik Excursions, the waterfall was created by the river Hvítá, which tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m deep.
We didn’t stay out late. Bought a few groceries and tonight we stay at Hellisholar Cottages – where we hope to be viewing the northern lights after midnight.
UPDATE 11:29 p.m. local time: The northern lights came out in grand fashion, dancing in the night sky over our cabin. What a way to end day one.
What great photos, such a beautiful place! You both must be enjoying the adventure. The cottage is very sweet too. I will be following your adventure. 🙂
Yes, we are keeping busy and trying to take as many photos along the way as possible! 🙂
Iceland is beautiful.There is a lot of great scenery The water fall is amazing. Hope you both get to see the northern lights and I wonder how they will compare to the Yukon. Looking forward to part two of your adventure.
I would say the Yukon northern lights had more purple in them, and these ones were moving much quicker. Both great experiences!
It is so beautiful there. Breath taking.
It truly is! I think Norway was visually more stunning, but this is fast and so beautiful, as well.
amazing photo’s Em… can’t wait to see more and live vicariously thru you this week!
HEATHER! You commented on my blog 🙂 I have many more photos to come!
What a way to start your first day in Iceland. And those Norhtern Lights are just stunning, Emily
They are, it’s like an incredible experience each time I’ve seen them!
Bonjour
Quel beau voyage , des photos superbes !
Merci! 🙂
some great shots. i liked the northern lights- the sky is almost stuffed full of greens!
They were literally over my head! So cool 🙂
Oh I would love to see the Northern Lights one day!
Simply mesmerising.
I didnt expect to see them out so early, it was awesome! You must try to see them one day!! 🙂