Reykjavík

Iceland is the size of Kentucky and its capital city is Reykjavik. It is one of the wildest places on earth, with active volcanoes, hot thermal springs and breathtaking waterfalls. It’s also clean and committed to finding the perfect balance between day-to-day living and harnessing its natural resources with eco-friendly practices. We opt for the Golden Circle Excursion which consists of a trip to the geysers, the waterfalls and the National Park. As a bonus our first stop is at a geothermal powered power plant. All of the energy used by Iceland is from renewable sources. Most of the islands houses are heated with hot water from geothermal as well as de-icing of roads and parking garages in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik is located on the exact boundary of the between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Earthquakes are frequent and volcanic eruptions occur often, like the 6 day long eruption in April 2010 that impacted air travel worldwide. This is a geologist’s playground, so much to study and measure with frequent changes. Their national park has a walk over the fissure between the tectonic plates. The fissure is tens of feet wide, not miles.

Next, we head to the Haukadalur Geothermal Area to witness the eruption of the Strokkur geyser. It’s no Old Faithful, but they are very proud of it and it does erupt ever 12-15 minutes.

Then we continue on to Gullfoss to view the “Golden Falls” which is 105’ in height and plunges into the Hvita Canyon. This waterfall is known for its multi-step cascade along a 90 degree bend of the Hvita River. Average amount of water running down the waterfall is 4,900 cu ft per SECOND. Highest flood measured was 71,000 cu ft per second. Now, that’s a waterfall.

Then we head to Thingvellir National Park where Iceland’s first parliament was held outside in the 10th century and continued through the 18th century. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, surrounded by rocky cliffs and fissures. You literally look into the fissures and it gives you chills.

Time to head home, so we drive across the Hellisheioi mountain plateau, blanketed with lava fields. Regretfully, the fog is so dense that we see none of this. From the highest point of the plateau, you can view the Eyjafjallajokull which is the glacier covered volcano that erupted in 2010, causing widespread problems across Europe with air travel. Iceland is truly the island of fire and ice, but today shrouded in fog!