We opted for a tour in Iceland as most of the sights are natural sites along the West and Southern Coasts. In Summer you’d probably self-drive, after yesterday’s weather I’m glad that someone who is used to the conditions is behind the wheel!
Our guide, Soli, was born and bred in Iceland, but has spent many years travelling in South America. He started the tour with some basic stats about Iceland… 120,000 people in Reykjavik, and a similar number in the surrounding municipalities. This makes up about 2/3 of the total population. For many years fishing was the main industry, but it has now shifted to tourism, with many of the fishing villages dying.
Iceland was originally discovered by Irish Monks, but wasn’t settled until the late 800’s by a Viking named Ingólf. Legend has it that Ingólf threw two pieces of timber off the ship, and decided to settle wherever they came to shore. Two years later, the timber was found in Reykjavik, and so it became the capital. Reykjavik means ‘Smoky Bay’, referring to the steam that comes off the hot springs.
The Norwegian Vikings brought Irish slaves to Iceland. Genetic research suggests that most Icelandic people are 3/4 Norwegian, and 1/4 Irish. The language is similar to that of Norway, Denmark and Sweden, but that isolation has meant that it has remained more pure.
Our first stop was at Grábrók, a crater that was formed in a fissure eruption less than 3000 years ago. We hiked up to the top, and enjoyed the view into the crater, and out to the surrounding mountains. The wind was phenomenal at the top, making the temperature significant less than the claimed 2 degrees!
The landscape is rugged, and the contrast of the ice and snow on the mountains is stunning. This place would be so different depending on the time of year.
The Hraunfossar waterfalls consist of countless springs that emerge from under the edge of a lava field and flow into the river Hvita. After seeing so many frozen lakes and waterways it was a surprise to see so much water flowing. This landscape is stunning… 
The Barnafoss Waterfall nearby is known as the ‘Childrens Waterfall’. Years ago, one Christmas Day, the household had gone to attend mass leaving two children at home. When the people returned, the children had gone, however tracks led to the river. The children had fallen off the stone arch and drowned, therefore the mother had the arch destroyed, and the falls were named to remind people of the incident and prevent future tragedy.
As we left, the snow started to fall and our photographer was left trying to capture the final moments of light. We’re very grateful for his commitment to getting good shots 🙂
The little village of Reykholt was once one of the intellectual centres of the island, and home of poet and politician Snorri Sturluson in the Middle Ages. I’ve been reading Richard Fiedler’s Saga Land that shares the Icelandic stories, or Sagas. Snorri is clearly an important figure in the history of Iceland as a writer and leader. It is said that he died in the pool at Reykholt.
Late afternoon we headed to the Sturlurekysir Horse Farm. The family has bred Icelandic horses for competition, riding, and breeding for 4 generations. Traditionally horses have 3 gaits – walk, trot, and gallop. Icelandic horses naturally have 2 additional gaits – the Tölt (lifting the front knees) and the Flying pace (legs on each side in unison). The horses are a mix of Norwegian, Arabian and Mongolian, and are generally short and stocky with fabulous manes and fringes!
The farm is also known for it’s hot spring, and rye bread that is cooked with spring generated steam. We met Bylgja, about 5 years old, and beautiful! Our animal loving pair really enjoyed an hour with the horses and dogs.
Just when we thought our magnificent day was over, the Northern Lights appeared above us as we left dinner in Borgarbyggō. I don’t think I could ever tire of seeing the lights. How tiny we are…
We’ve been watching the events unfolding on the other side of our planet as well. As the family news-junkie, I’ve appreciated the ability to watch the bushfire coverage on ABC via youtube, and access the Australian news. It’s heartbreaking to see the impact that the fires have had on our Australian communities and wildlife. This has become major international news, and I hope it will drive the important conversations about a range of topics that need to happen.
Love M & theBunch x
Sun: 11:21-15:44
Temperature: 2-4, wind 27km/h
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