Iceland

This was my first trip abroad in 3 years due to Covid. I booked an Iceland Air package including flights, hotel and 2 trips. They appear to have partnered with Reykjavic Excursions who also run the Flybus between the city hotels and the airport.

Moon rise over the glacier

They are very proud of their volcano which erupted last in 2010 and stopped international air travel. The pilot pointed it out as we flew into Iceland and it came up at least once on the tour.

Iceland in winter is very cold so I highly recommend plenty of layers. The food is really expensive, which is something to be aware of if you plan on eating out. My hotel was very basic with barely any facilities, so I spent most of my time there out and about. Apart from that Iceland is an absolutely beautiful country.

Reykjavic

I had a full day in Reykjavic, starting at the Northern Lights Centre which even came with a complimentary hot drink. It's quite a small centre but it tells you a lot abut the Northern Lights and how best to photograph them. There was even a set-up to allow you to practice and a photobooth that you could email yourself a photo from. This is definitely worth a visit, especially if you plan on going in search of the Northern Lights.

There are lots of other attractions near the centre and I chose the Whales of Iceland museum which is home to 23 life-size model whales. I watched an hour long documentary on sound pollution (shipping, military, oil etc.) in the sea and its impact on Marine life. Whilst it was a tad depressing it was very educational and I definitely learnt something. There are audio guides next to each model Whale to help you learn more about these beautiful creatures.

Model Whale

When I headed back towards the centre I visited the Icelandic Phallological Museum, or, as described on the tourist map - the Penis museum. I didn't really know what to expect but I felt it had to be visited, so off I went. It has a wide range of specimens of penis' from different animals, including a human one. There was lots of facts on each mammal and I actually found it quite interesting, if not very niche. They also have a café which specialises in penis shaped waffles, which again had to be done. The waffles were very nice and I had the Christmas one which I would certainly recommend.

Christmas Waffles

My next visit was to Hallgrims Church and went up the tower for a panoramic view of the city. It's quite modern and is very impressive. Inside was free to visit, but there was an admission fee for the tower.

Hallgrims Church

My final stop of the day was to Sundhöll geothermal pools. This was probably the cheapest thing I did and cost a fraction of some of the bigger, more well known spots. It has full facilities, including lockers and showers and is open from early morning to late evening. There is a steam room, plunge pool, hot tub and swimming pool. I definitely enjoyed this a lot and it's another thing I would highly recommend.

The below is a picture of the sculpture called the Sun Voyager which sits along the shoreline.

Northern Lights Tour

I did this tour which starts late evening and involves about an hours drive out of the city. I wasn't lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. Reykjavik Excursions do allow you to rebook onto the next available tour to try again if you don't see them. This did involve standing in a freezing cold car park in the dark for an hour and a half and I can't say I was in a rush to repeat that experience. Good place to get some night photography practice in though - got some lovely photos of scenery I couldn't even see.

Night photography of scenery I couldn't see without the photo.

The Golden Circle Tour

This was a day trip from Reykjavic Excursions with 4 decent length stops to visit some of Iceland's beautiful nature. The disadvantage of this is the places are all tourist attractions, so lots of coach parties were around at each stop. Again it could get very cold out, so go prepared.

The first stop was to Fridheimar which are greenhouses for growing tomatoes hydroponically under artificial lights. We were given a brief explanation of the business and on growing tomatoes in Iceland. They have a tomato themed bar, serving drinks and tomato soup, which was very nice.

Our second stop was to the geothermal area, with hot springs and a Geysir that erupts around every 5-10 minutes. It was absolutely stunning to see. I didn't make it round the full site because it was really icy and slippery - plus I don't own crampons. There is a visitor centre consisting of a shop and restaurant across the road to go and warm up in once you have visited the geothermal areas.

Hot springs in the geothermal area

We then stopped at Gullfoss which is an absolutely beautiful waterfall which can be viewed from a couple of different points. It's pretty spectacular, but another very cold stop.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Our last visit was to Gestastofa visitor centre, from which there a couple of different paths you can walk along and it links back to the start of democracy in Iceland. The views from here really were incredible. We were there as the sun was beginning to set over the glaciers and mountains which just added to the incredible views. I rate my photos, but they just don't so it justice.

One of the many stunning views