Iceland

The Land of Fire and Ice!

Have you ever had a childhood dream of sleeping under the stars? What if there is something even more to view along with a sky full of stars – the dancing lights!
Yes am talking of the Northern lights – Aurora Borealis!

Isn’t it magical…?

The Northern lights are one of the big draws to visiting Iceland. However, they can be unpredictable and elusive. Situated in the North Atlantic and close to the Arctic Circle, it makes the area ideal to view the Northern Lights.

But one has a lot more to explore on this Island. As you take the Ring road to explore Iceland from North to South, it’s a journey of experiencing the Fire and the Ice. As we were landing at the Keflavik airport, the very first glimpse of the Island from above the clouds was mesmerizing. The land was not visible for we were enveloped in the clouds, with the golden rays of the sun shimmering over, making it look like a wonderland…I was looking forward to step into the world of natural wonders, as I tick off one of the names listed in my Bucket List…

Upon reaching Rekyavik, the capital of Iceland, we experienced a feel of modern Europe, as the city had almost everything to offer. Right from Hotels, Restaurants, a great nightlife to history and storytelling of the Vikings! Did you know that Iceland is the third windiest place on Earth! The climate in Rekyavik was bearable but as one moves towards north, the temperature was dipping and it was very windy as well.

The next day we headed for the Golden Circle Tour. We started with our visit to the Thingvellir National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a Rift valley, created by the movement of the tectonic plates.

Iceland is divided by the Mid-Atlantic Rift; some parts of it, such as Reyjavík, is on the North American tectonic plate, while others, such as Vatnajökull glacier and the East Fjords, are on the Eurasian plate. Iceland is the only place in the world where this rift is above sea-level, and nowhere can you see the edges of both plates as clearly as in Thingvellir.

We then made our way to the highly active Geysir – Strokkur! The live hot spring spouts water almost 30 meters into the air every few minutes. As we wait around the area, our eyes are glued, waiting for the eruption and there we witness the Geysir churning out great torrents of water. It truly does live up to its name.

And finally ended our day by visiting the Gullfoss waterfalls. The river near Gullfoss flows down dramatically into a wide canyon. It is separated in two tiers. The first cascade falls 11 meters and the second one drops 21 meters. The sheer grandeur of Gullfoss is something one should not miss.

Being winter the view was even more spectacular,

When the waterfall freezes over into undulating waves of glistening ice.

Cascading down, it's breathtaking…
Perfect and flawless – simply amazing.

The sound as deafening as thunder,
A serene beauty roaring with power.

White and glowing, an angelical formation.
A captivating image, filling me with emotion

The water doesn’t mind

It continues its journey

Searching for its destination

Lifting up your spirits,

It teaches you a new path of life – Move on!

Reykjavik City Tour

A quaint and serene city walk was an amazing experience. Walking down the by lanes of the city of Reykjavik was fun. While strolling the off beaten path, we passed by a small lake which was partly frozen and filled with a large number of species of the waterfowl family - Ducks!
Pondering the lake icy cold, still the glossy green heads dive and paddle through.
Such serenity abounds and the ripples silently fade.The sun slowly bids farewell, twilight at the lake.

 The Harpa Concert Hall situated at the waterfront is made up of a glass facade which reflects water and light creating a kaleidoscope of luminous colors. It is an iconic structure which mimics the indigenous basalt crystals of Iceland.

Post-midnight we begin our trip to hunt for the northern lights.

As the night darkens

Curious sights in countless numbers
crowd upon my hungry eye.
Let no ghost assault my slumbers,
sleeping out beneath the sky.

Waiting for the magical moment,

When the clouds raise the curtain

And unveil a beautiful surprise….the dancing lights!!

In unbelievable colors they move across the sky

It looks like a confused kid’s painting

Unable to decide which colors to choose n what picture to portray

As the shades n shape keeps changing.

The snow below

Looks so serene and frozen.

The spectators are few,

But the lights keep dancing apparently to some silent unheard beats.

Elegantly flowing across

Mystifying the atmosphere

Indeed it’s a magical moment hovering majestically all over.

We go back with memories to cherish forever….

Akureyri

Next day we head for our road trip to Akureyri, a town in northern Iceland. The journey was long but enticing as we experienced fresh snowfall en route. All we could see is snow on both side of the road. It seemed as though Mother Earth was draped in a White Gown and her eternal Beauty was glowing away to Glory. It was like a never ending Mountain pass covered with Snow.

We reached our Hotel by evening which is located on a hill top. Cozy and quaint, the view outside our room was so picturesque. Snow cladded mountain range on one side, with alpine trees all in a row. The branches covered with fluffy snow, looked like a flock and frosted mix of traditional green spruce in winter forest wonderland. Sipping a cup of tea, cuddled up in my cozy bed and enjoying the panoramic view from my room was a feeling of complete bliss!

Godafoss Falls

Next morning we head to enjoy the majestic Godafoss falls. The Ice blue glacial water flows over an elegant semicircular arc and creates a blue green swirling pattern among the surrounding lava. I must confess that winter is the best time to view this waterfall of Gods. Heavy snow is blanketed over the banks of the River and larger than life icicles alternated with the rushing water falls, as blocks of ice plunge into the river below. The heavy snow overhung the riverbank and getting just a little too close could end in disaster.

Words are not enough to describe the view…All I feel is…

Footsteps silent in the deep soft snow,
Shivering as a cold wind gently blows.
Not a sound comes to my red tipped ears,
All is quiet around,
Yet before my eyes only beauty I see.
A beautiful bright blanket of snow on the ground,
Rushing, falling water oh what a soothing sound.
Such is the beauty I see this cold winter's day
while strolling along I happily go my way.

My heart is filled, as I feel in oneness with the nature.

I move ahead to explore Lake Myvatn region and the geothermal area.

Lake Myvatn is a volcanic lake. There are naturally heated pools and man made lagoons with mineral rich water. We pass through Heimaey town where the Eldfell volcano nearby erupted in 1973 and lava flow through destroying half the town. The geothermal vents are still active and visible.

Step into Ice Age!!

Our journey continues from Akureyri to Reykholt. Here we enjoy another set of waterfalls – The Hraunfossar and Barnafoss and finally move to enjoy the drive into the Glacier. Embark on an adventure of a life time deep into the largest ice cave, The world’s largest man made ice tunnel into the most stable part of Europe’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. Lets Buckle up for a fascinating and thrilling ice-tunnel experience – 

 Despite viewing many glaciers by this point in my life, I will always remember this walk into the glacier. As we approached the glacier, we experienced a snow storm. It was one of those moments when you see something that is a true testament to the raw natural power and beauty of Earth. One of those moments that reminds you that nature can be simultaneously beautiful and destructive; merciful and merciless. We get into an impressive, all-terrain, eight-wheel-drive monster truck, and head up the slopes of Langjökull glacier, over an ethereal world of ice and snow. The vistas on this drive are magnificent, The landscapes unfolding beneath are stunning, and the endless surface of the glacier is so barren and beautiful that it is otherworldly. On our way, there is complete white out as the vehicle windows are blasted with the snow storm. Unable to view what’s going on around there seems to be an adrenaline rush through the spine, as one’s mind wanders along various thoughts of what’s next in store…my heart was beating fast and my legs were freezing. The temperature outside had already dipped to -9 degrees. 
Finally we reach the entrance to the ice tunnels, it was so windy and the snow was hammering on us with a blizzard ambience. But we put our crampons on, and head into the blue and white world inside of the icecap. For an hour, we follow our experienced guide as they tell us all about Iceland’s glaciers, how they are changing, and, of course, how these incredible tunnels were created. We walked onto a timber bridge and stood in the middle of a crevasse - all beautifully lit up with icicles. It was both scary and extremely beautiful. These crevasses are so dangerous, and standing in the middle of a crevasse deep inside the glacier was surreal. As I was passing by these crevasses, it looked like a huge monster is yawning away to glory.

Our drive continues next day from Husafell to Vik. It is a remote seafront village in south of Iceland. The rugged sea cliffs and black sand beaches set along the coastline. Not to forget this is one of the places where the famous “Gerua” song from the movie - Dilwale was shot.

Skogafoss –

It is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, with a drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters, and you can walk right up, but be prepared to be drenched. It is just overwhelming standing next to it. When standing at the base of Skogafoss Iceland, you will really feel your own humanity as you face off against this giant of nature! Adding to its allure is that its high volume of water makes it thunder and produce rainbow-yielding mist that often would make this falls a photographer's dream under sunny skies. During summers the full area is covered in lush greens and you can manage to see even two or three rainbows at a time on this waterfall. Skogafoss tosses over millions of gallons of water. There is a steep trail with almost 500 steps. You can climb these steps to the very top of the waterfall for a unique perspective from above.

Black Sand Beach -

Generally when we think of a beach its always white sandy beaches… but how if you get to see a Lava beach that has risen from the ashes. Yes, Iceland has a volcanic beach with black sand, insane basalt rock columns, lava formations, cliffs and caves. It’s one of the most unique beach which does not have fine black sand but comprises of shiny pebbles and stones. It’s not a tanning kind of a beach. It was created by the volcanic lava flowing into the sea.

There are two big basalt cliffs called Reynisdrangar that rise from the sea. As per the stories heard, it is said that these formations are actually two trolls. One night when they were trying to pull a ship out of the sea, the sun began to rise. And, as all us fairy tale fans know, trolls caught in daylight are turned to stone, so these two guys got stuck with this craggy rock form for time and eternity.












Opposite of the sea is an enormous natural pyramid made of basalt rock columns that looks like a staircase to the sky. This basalt cliff if you notice you will see how perfectly shaped these basalt rocks are. It’s hard to imagine that nature did this.

Visit to the wreck plane - In the middle of nowhere, there exists a wrecked abandoned plane which crashed on the black sand beach in 1973. It was a US Navy plane. The sight is like a science fiction movie scene and is a photographer’s delight, when you see the white plane gleaming under the sun on the black sand floor. You can approach the plane through the pebbled beach on a 4 Wheel Drive – Super Jeep!

Diamond Beach -

Visiting the Diamond beach, we were amazed to see the big chunks of icebergs sit on the beach as they are drifted ashore. One of the unique thing of this beach is that it never looks the same. The natural ice sculptures, will have reformed, the new ones would have appeared. These icebergs glisten on the black sand giving it the name “Diamond beach”. The sandy shores are covered in these huge diamonds and as the waves hit the shore and bash against these chunks and roll back, it’s like a Wow moment. The whole panoramic view remains etched in my memory.

Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon -

This mesmerizing lagoon filled with large chunks of ice is in the southeast of Iceland. It is the deepest and most spectacular lake. The landscape is full of broken icebergs streaked blue and white, floating with the tide. I was blown away with the stunning vastness and the unique beauty of the lagoon where the majestic icebergs make their way through the lagoon to the ocean. As we drive pass the Lagoon the glacier is seen and suddenly the floating icebergs appear as an immediate surprise. I jumped off the car to admire the shore, standing in awe of the impressive lagoon. One can take an amphibious boat ride to go close to the icebergs. As you ride through the boat and get closer, you can hear the sounds of calving ice and the "sploosh" as the newly formed iceberg plunged into the water below. It was extraordinary to be there next to the glacier, surrounded by icebergs and the beauty that encompassed me. Trolling the waters, driving around icebergs of all shapes and colors and just experiencing the beauty of the lagoon is the part of the magic which I truly wanted to experience. It was indeed a jaw dropping and hypnotic sight.

Last but not the least the cherry on top of the cake was our visit to the Blue Lagoon Spa.

This is one of a kind experience form the natural treasures of Iceland. Mineral-rich hot water from far beneath the earth forms the spectacular lagoon, where a luxurious health spa has been developed in the rugged lava landscape. The lagoon's geothermal seawater is like floating in the mineral-rich water, in close proximity to an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the natural elements and pure Icelandic air. Its indeed a unique experience for the body and mind.  This oasis of relaxation has a cafe offering drinks in the middle of the lagoon. So one can enjoy the drink while they laze in the water.

There’s nothing like a good road trip. Especially when driving past active volcanoes, blue icebergs, roaring waterfalls, and northern lights on Iceland’s Ring Road. If you’re searching for an unforgettable adventure travel experience, this road trip is definitely the one to explore. The country is visually captivating. Lurking around every bend a stunning new landscape reveals itself.
Thus ends my journey of experiencing the marvels of Nature.