Iceland, a marvelous land to visit..

Description of a fun week for Iceland. 2200 km in 7 days to get a taste of this land that leaves you breathless tourists and residents are proud to live there. Other than nostalgia for Africa, I still have the nostalgia for Iceland

 

4 settembre – Arrival – Keflavik – Reykjiavik – Km. 72

Ready, Set, Go! Alitalia flight from Rome and Amsterdam there connection with Icelandair to Reykjavik. There are a couple of hours waiting for the arrival, in a few tosses complaint, is timely. The weather at the airport at Keflavik is not the best rain, wind and 14 ° C from 28 ° C in Rome is not bad. But we are absolutely prepared, we know that the weather factor has absolutely no influence. So first we head to the airport ATM to make a withdrawal of 20,000 ISK. Let's talk a second of the money: Iceland in the credit card is essential and essential I mean when I say that if you do not have it then give up the trip. To pay for the petrol so many distributors are fully automated and then gas can be quite difficult without the precious paper. In addition, the Icelanders used for all costs, even to buy a quart of milk, is always preferred to cash and accepted everywhere. Consider just a few coins for tradition and for small needs that we discover during our tour we could definitely achieve even with the cc. The exchange rate is € 150 IKS = 1 then drawn about 133 €. Then we head towards the door to pick up the Avis car booked from the UK: 7 days to hire a VW Golf 1.4 TSI about 300 € to which we added approximately 80 € Super CDW insurance, or an extension of that base. Here too short but necessary aside: the insurance deductible in Iceland have a rather high: in our case was equal to 800 € with the exception of damage to the crystals. Reading on various travel sites and reports of other tourists we were convinced to do this extra insurance because of the Icelandic roads, highways and not just because of that unexpected in a country so rough could happen (sheep on the road, falling stone from the cliff, rough road, etc.).. So with our supplemental insurance we have reduced the allowance to € 130 to include a cover for the crystals with the maximum overdraft of € 150. Say rather disappointing for European standards but certainly needed. Advance that the end of the journey will take our Golf uncut but you know, if you did not ... we would probably reach destroyed! We are now told to check the status of the machine before leaving. Short ride in a flood and then we start our vacation on the road begins. We take the road 41 towards Reykjavik and grind the first few kilometers trying to get familiar with the medium, the way and time. We aim to Hafnarfjordur, Reykjavik, where the fjord before we booked our hotel that will host the first night in Iceland. The hotel is called the Viking and we got a double with breakfast at 55 €. The price has attracted not a little in the capital because we did not find anything under 90 € and the distance of Hafnarfjordur, about 10 km, did not seem so terrible. The Viking hotel is located a few hundred meters from the 41 per Hafnarfjordur. The hotel is obviously in Viking style, with a wooden building that houses inside jewelry Viking art as wooden statues, bears (imagine fake) stuffed birds of various sizes and nature, Viking ships small hanging on the walls. Yes, in fact, a kitsch but the price we lured too. Then we discover that this hotel is held each year the festival of culture in the Viking and restaurant located across the street dance, drink and sing until late at night dressed like Icelandic ancestors. Check in quick and go in our room on the first floor: micro! Two beds, no closet but there's a TV on the wall and a wooden chair. Sure puts a college seems rather sad, but not the 60 that we have to spend a night. The bathroom is clean even if the dimensions, above the sink, correspond to those in the room. That will be a constant small sinks that we carry with us for the duration of our visit to Iceland, and we've absolutely given a explanation! This however will be the smallest ever made because under the glass shelf and then to wash his face contortion exercises to be done! Under our room cie a bathtub outdoor spa, which is very common in Iceland because of all the springs that are everywhere throughout the island. The downside is that the chatter of visitors will continue until late evening, even if there is a warning that you can not swim after 20 ... Last note, however, find that in all other accommodation, internet wi-fi free, in the entire hotel, including bedrooms. Good sign of civilization! These are the 18 (we also have a zone of -2 hours ahead of Italy) and then we go to the capital to visit the city without great expectations. Take the 41 and we have a slight feeling of anxiety because the Lonely Planet points out that entering the city, "it's complicated." Well, never seen a city more simple than this: just stay on 41 and eventually arrive along the seafront, turn left and you will arrive in the city center. If, however, pay more attention to the first turn two blocks Laugavegur, always on the left. This is the Via del Corso in Reykjavik at the end there are shops, a few clubs, ten cars go round and many tourists trying to find the attractions in Reykjavik ... really not much to see if we exclude some museum and The church is called concrete Hallgrímskirkja. Unfortunately we arrived after 17 and 75 m high tower is closed. There we will have a reason. Another place to look is in our Hofði the Palace or the historic building where Gorbachev and Reagan in 1986 put an end to the race between the two nuclear superpowers. For the rest Reykjavik does not seem to offer much. Let's take a stroll in the harbor, where there are fish restaurants, the gazebo, which offer whale watching tours and then we head toward the center. The respite gives us time and we take two steps without the risk of a thunderstorm, even if the temperature remains cool about 14 ° C. Let's go to the lake Tjörnin very nice and attended by hordes of restless gulls. Nearby, we stopped to eat at a place called Café Paris, is a very nice place frequented by young people but without much chaos. In addition to traditional dishes of the bars there are also some seafood and meat dishes that seem attractive even if the prices are quite Altino, but we should get used to. Both the prices of the menu that comes down to fish and lamb, lamb / sheep, which is always brought with vegetables. Two lamb dishes and a beer cost us 52 €, not bad for the baptism of fire! The time and fatigue are felt, and then we decide to go back to our hotel viking where we fall asleep in 20 seconds flat, despite the still popular with spa tub tipsy guests fat.

Keflavik – Golden Circle – Vik – Km 372

After a sturdy breakfast at 8.30 we are in the car. We cross the road again nr. 41 to the capital but then deviate on the legendary street nr. 1, or the road that follows the entire tour of the island. Today it is almost all paved and is a landmark for tourists and residents, given its important function of the link. During the reverse seems to be one of the few roads to be kept clean from snow steadily and except for some stretches north and west is all asphalt and in good condition. The limit on this street is the maximum extent permitted by Icelandic or 90 km / h. Attention because in two weeks we have seen a fixed speed camera and two police patrols and hidden behind barns, hills, curves, or 'houses take the speed of the cars that go by and we have also witnessed a chase in front of us with lots of siren and flashing (U.S. style), auto-turn and mega fine. On this strict and fines are just coming to € 1,900 with immediate payment by credit card. Not pressed on the accelerator even when the road permits with the long straight and boring and not when nothing around you for an hour. We own in their time of maximum relaxation have found the police. Some local whizzing at full speed but most of the tourists follow the rules even if the victim of the chase was just a car to rent. Also, why run? Do not you have come to Iceland to enjoy the scenery, enjoy the slow pace of days and see the wildlife? If we run we do not enjoy anything! We follow the road no.1 to deviate Selfoss and then north on State 35 in the direction of the Golden Circle consists of the attractions of Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir. The landscape quickly becomes beautiful, the road lined up along the Icelandic tundra and we realize now that the sheep and goats will keep us company throughout the journey. There are indeed numerous, free to browse almost anywhere, even climb over the mountains without any fear. It 's easy to see free even Icelandic horses, most of our small and stocky with a blonde mane and cows. These animals are the central part of the diet of Icelanders, or mutton, horse and cow will be in the several menus. We have no time to stop at Thingvellir National Park but we promise to return us to a trip. Our destination is certainly Geysir, the area of the world's most famous geyser. But on the way we stopped several times to photograph the landscape during the 35 suddenly become barren, consisting of beautiful moss-covered lava flows: the contrast of black lava with green vegetation that has grown above is really incredible. The colors of Iceland do not forget them easily. The weather is not great: we meet a thick fog and then a drizzle for an hour with us. However promising the sky and as we move towards the interior improves and we aim to Geysir with a smile looking at the patches of clear in our own direction. But before arriving in the area of Geysir, we stop to Kerio: it is a crater that has formed over 3,000 years ago, within which there is a lake of emerald green, and even rather charming spectral seen I would say the weather and wind that blows. The Icelandic singer Björk performed a concert on this lake, mounting the stage on a raft. A good place to do some shooting. We arrived at around 12.30 Geysir. Time is definitely on our side. The area has a large parking lot on the right, where there is also an unfailing service station with an adjoining snack bar and cafeteria and a little further on a mega restaurant and hotel, the Hotel Geysir suitable for groups of Germans and Japanese Coach However, they are present. After parking (free) car we walk towards the area of geysers and we are immediately struck by the area that surrounds it steaming pools of water along the trail, you hear a constant noise of mud and water boiling, sometimes a rattle: the atmosphere is really exciting, and while we took a look at all we hear a roar! It is the geyser that has exploded in its strength and beauty spraying water spray, a little further. We are like children in the chocolate factory: mad! We run, literally run to the geyser as if to give the last spray of his life but then we realize that we are truly exaggerate but so is the emotion that we find it hard to calm down. We come before this geyser called Strokkur, marked by a wooden table. The Strokkur is the Icelandic geyser activity in the largest there is and has supplanted the Geysir. This was the largest geyser in Iceland and one of the largest in the world capable of emitting a jet of water up to 80 meters until, in the '50s, the unwary visitor threw stones inside the jet filling . In 2000, however, mother nature has returned to office with strong earthquakes that have partially reopened the hole in its depth and is now capable of emitting jets of water spray, not 80 meters high, however, 2 or 3 times a day. Fortunately, there is the issue that instead Stokkur high steam jets between 15 and 30 meters every 6-8 minutes and then the happiness of all visitors, including us! Be careful because the water is thrown out with violence far exceeds the 100 ° C and there is danger of getting burned, do not put yourself downwind or you bathe! The area, however, Strokkur aside, is fascinating because there are several basins of green bubbling hot water is very impressive to take pictures and be fascinated for a couple of hours, considering the good fortune of having a beautiful sunny day. The whole area is free and this is a constant throughout Iceland: natural attractions are not paid at all (tell that to cousins that you do pay for access to the island of North Cape!). We eat a sandwich fleeting and then fly to the gas station still continuing on 35 north to arrive at Gullfoss: This is the most famous waterfall in Iceland because of its height (32m) but above the double jump and falls into a narrow canyon. The force of the waterfall is amazing and is such that the flow of water is sprayed into the air and is invariably wet, also the wind, which always remains taut, causing the spectacular but does the rest troublesome eddies of water spray that also produce magnificent rainbows. There is a path ahead to reach the mouths of the waterfalls of Gullfoss and it's beautiful even if you bathe a little. Do not miss the spectacular view from the top also, just follow the road that passes to the left of the souvenir shop, the heights from which you will make some beautiful pictures. It's getting late and we have a long road ahead of us. The annoying thing is that to resume the road nr. 1 north section needs to get back all 35 and again at Selfoss (how boring!) And then resume nr. 1 towards Vik, where to stay. We stop several times but the most important stage is the cascade of Seljandsfoss. The river drops 60 meters Seljalandsá once directly into the ocean today it remains very distant. The beauty of the cascading water flow but not the walking path that allows you to switch back (!).

Bis

But not the last waterfall we will see before us today because the cascade of Skógarfoss, immediately after the village of Skógar which takes its name. E 'is really quite spectacular jump of 62 meters for flow of water ... it's truly amazing to get there right up having the feeling of being overwhelmed and crushed ... it is beautiful and we must pay attention to the wind being very strong risk let us run over by jets on the sides. Time is short, we must arrive before 19.00 hours on our behalf, the Country Hotel Hofdabrekka as stated in the booking on booking.com. Time course worsens (and when did!), so we spend a lot more time to do the last 40 km. Vik even there waiting for a storm of rain, low clouds and obviously afraid to put so much wind. Do not believe it but take a long time to find this country hotel. We stopped at a gas which is a campsite but we employ over 20 minutes because the information we received from the map of booking.com are too general. Eventually we make it and arrive Hofdabrekka Country Hotel with more than 45 minutes late, fearing the worst. The lady, however, does not show at all excited and give us our key and we note that the restaurant's kitchen will be open until 20.30 ... we travel in rooms that are housed in a prefabricated building adjacent to the main, perhaps once barn or stable ... the time to realize that the room is spartan but clean and big enough to eat and go back to the restaurant. We're two couples and then he adds a third. The food is good with a less limited to a fish dish and a lamb, but we are too tired and the weather is very bad to think of going to Vik to try something different. Tasted for the first time the famous Skyr or an Icelandic yogurt, mixed with ice cream and fruit (usually of wood such as blueberries). Very good but also pretty caloric. Under a heavy rain regain our room and we only have time to realize that there are pools with whirlpool and spa water for the guests, but we think "we are mad in this weather?" And we fall asleep in the hope of having a time significantly more lenient in the morning.

Vik - Höfn í Hornafirði - km 308

The morning did not appear to be different, in terms of weather, the night before. Strong wind, rain and low clouds. We're pretty discouraged because today should be the day of the glaciers and hence may not see anything ... damn hope that the weather changes. We challenge the weather to go back and look at the stacks of Reynisdrangur that stand at the western front of the beach of Vik, the black sandy beach. The wind is really tight and we can do two shots to the stacks and without being swallowed up by the stormy sea we head north, again on the road nr. 1, with final destination Skaftafell and Vatnajökull glacier. The weather, as we move away from Vik and seems to improve the road seems to want to leave the worst behind. There are over 120 km that separate us from the Vatnajökull glacier where we are planning a tour double, a walk with crampons and ice cap on a visit to the Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón. On the Internet, we knew that the glacier tours are operated by two local tour operators and we had seen that Glacier Guides offers four trips daily, one at 9.00 - 10.30 - 12:00 to 14:00, but we also learned that the weather can certainly blow any program and for this reason filiamo straight try not to miss the hour 12.00. The Vatnajökull glacier suddenly stands before us, this tongue of ice wrapped in ominous clouds coming down to the sea, really takes your breath away. It is a show that is hard to describe, needs to force a visit. Vatnajökull is the largest glacial expanse in the world after the poles and covering an area almost the size of Umbria and has a thickness of about 1 km! Within this glacier is also the highest peak in Iceland, Mount Hvannadalshnùkur of 2,119 meters and a glacial valley with no name that is 300 meters below sea level (pazzesco!). From this huge tongues of ice icecap down to the sea such as the Skaftafellsjokull arriving at 1.5 km from the Skaftafell National Park (where we're going) and Breidamerkurjokull that shatters into beautiful icebergs in the lagoon Jökulsárlón. We arrive at the Skaftafell national park and we do see in the box of Glacier Guide. It tells us, the friendly guide, now on the glacier there was lots of wind and all tours were canceled in the morning (!) But we are lucky because the weather is improving and will probably be possible to make a short. It tells us to go back around 13 and then take the opportunity to eat a hot soup in a small diner next to the camp of Skaftafell. As we write out the cards with the guide joins us with a colleague (French) name Laurence. We are told that the trip is confirmed and you can go in 15 minutes. Since then, however, accompanying a group that continues to the lagoon Jökulsárlón suggest waiting at least the next tour, of 14.00. We ask him to follow them with our car in order not to unnecessarily wait an hour and not having to go back (to the glacier Skaftafellsjokull Jökulsárlón there is almost an hour's drive). Accepted and then we go to their garage, where we provide crampons and ice axes. We pay our share (5990 isk each) for a trip that promises to spend 1.5 hours on the glacier for a total of almost 3 hours of travel. We are a dozen in all, some clothes are really unthinkable: a British couple is even indecent (in her pink coat with superga in tow, he even in jeans and a cotton sweater!) And guides, Laurence in particular, are pushing for him hire at least some walking shoes (500 isk), but they refuse. Incredible! But how can think of to do even a simple walk in the mountains in those conditions? Well, nice to see him later. I follow the bus carrying the group to base camp below the glacier Skaftafellsjokull, the bus is rather unique as an old American school buses. From there, take the crampons and ice ax and we take a twenty minute walk to step very quickly and come right at the base of Skaftafellsjokull. Laurence tells us that there is a guide and not a mountain babysitter, and then shows us how to put crampons: yes you read that right there shows and does not take crampons. Obviously, repeated movements explain in a comprehensible English but also tells us that there (Glacier) everyone should be able to go it alone. Then patiently waits for all infilino crampons but then (as it should be) take care to verify the correct insertion. The two British scoundrels only understand the insistence for hiking shoes: the iron crampons completely all have spikes of 3 cm that are used to pierce the ice and provide stability but that the narrow strap to the shoe, if they are painful sole of the shoe is a ... Superga! In addition, the belt has a safety system that moves more than the shoe presses in order to prevent the lug is disengaged from the shoe. We begin the climb to the top rather difficult because we advance in the mixed ice-stones, produced by the derivation of the moraine Skaftafellsjokull. When we get on the ice alive but definitely better and Laurence stops and shows us how to walk, how to move, how to stop and how to overcome the minimum panic. It 's very good and makes us patient and try several times the ascent and descent and is particularly recommended to use the ice ax in the most appropriate or only as support staff and not as an "icebreaker" or "mace". He explains that the improper use of the ax can be very dangerous especially because the climber can escape and do great harm to his knees. Throughout the duration of the no one is put in play with the pick of a clumsy but an Englishman who nearly pitch it (by mistake) in my head of driving down an icy step. The hike is very pleasant and the good weather: no rain, but there's obviously a lot of sun, the temperature is pleasant indeed too hot. Laurence shows us how to jump over a crevasse, drinking from a stream, he explains the movement of ice and lots of interesting things. We are seeing (with a shudder) a great and deep gorge in the ice, a small waterfall. All very interesting but unfortunately the tour ends after about 1.5 hours and redo the route backwards and here we are all very delighted with the school bus, we can not stop to take pictures Skaftafellsjokull. Oh, and the two English girl: she is caught up in excruciating pain, he does not talk nearly as stunned by the wind and wet to the knees. Two emeriti jerks. From there we take the car and head to the Glacial Lagoon Jökulsárlón which is certainly one of the attractions seen in Iceland after the Blue Lagoon and the geysers of Strokkur. The icebergs break off the glacier Breidamerkurjokull, a branch of the cap of Vatnajökull, to go in this lagoon which is connected to the Atlantic Ocean. The icebergs may take up to 5 years out of this lagoon, which is 600 meters deep and has an area of 17 sq. km.

Bis

The price is 6000 ISK per person and the ride takes about 45 minutes and we reserve the last lap of the day departing at 18.00. Frankly it seems a little late and time is rapidly getting worse, but hold on and think about enjoying the ride. Let these photos while drifting icebergs and their incredible colors from green to blue even though the lack of direct sunlight reduces the beauty and spectacle of the place, unfortunately. It's time to get on the half and put on the jackets of salavataggio bagnatissimi. ... Damn it! Wrap up warmly because it is a bitterly cold and especially the amphibious vehicle is discovered (of course). no time to get in the water that had a long rain ... in the rain and wet life jacket vest for a few minutes later we are completely wet. We can not just enjoy the best of our trip because it is rather dark by the time, the low clouds and heavy rain ... the colors of the ice slowly vanish and we remain disappointed and rather wet. The guide on the vehicle makes us taste a piece of ice than 1000 years old and is the latest reminder of our trip to the Jökulsárlón. Then we climb into the car and wet seals as we headed to our hotel we booked at the fishing village of Höfn í Hornafirði, our small hotel called Hotel and Country Arnanes Arnanes is located five kilometers before Höfn. This system was very expensive, but thanks to the 20,900 ISK web booking the owner gives us a fantastic discount of 15%, leaving the breakfast included. The place is really a collection of small wooden bungalows are very pretty although the Spartans and certainly not at the price paid. In this case, wi-fi is free of charge only in the breakfast area, however, while there is no connection in small apartments. Be careful when you specify that you want to book the bungalows (cottages) because they tend to give you the basement of the main house, where he actually lives the family of the owner. He is definitely a few words, but also very serious and professional. We have all the clothes to dry, and we head Höfn to eat something, because you can not dine at Arnanes if not to the service station. We read of the port of Höfn but since it's dark and we can not see anything we head towards the restaurant recommended by Lonely Planet, the Kaffi Horn. A beautiful wooden and strangely peaceful statement. He has a decent menu of fish, but not the lobster, and we suggest a local place to eat right on the lobed. We appreciate the frankness, but we are too tired and too wet to get back on the machine and then take a grilled fish for two, plenty of very good (too much) and economic prosperity. There are also plates of meat (lamb of course), or burgers and fries in short something for everyone. We eat well and enjoy ourselves, to observe a group of Americans who ill-treated the oriental waitress on the authenticity of the dishes, insisting to know if the mushrooms are collected in a jar ... or if the maid is definitely fun, but the 20th question gets impatient and tells him that everything is cool with an air like "that's enough." The first Icelandic irritated that we see (but he was right). To forgive the outburst when he offers to pay for us to see the weather forecast for tomorrow, because we are in the region of the eastern fjords. Very nice! Time seems to be pretty decent and we moved almost in awe and pay even more pleased and satisfied. We make time to arrive at the Country Hotel, remove clothing from the radiator, take a shower and pass out in bed with duvet. The bed is very comfortable but we have no right to notice. Good night.

Höfn – Seyoisfjorour – km 310

Morning very encouraging. We make an average pay of Breakfast Country Hotel and thank you. In the valley we see that the sun illuminates the Vatnajökull and the temptation is to go back to watch the show with the sun, but we can not afford even today's stage is challenging and then we go to Höfn to admire the small but nice marina, make some shots and then off again on the no. 1 north. The miles the road becomes slow slide with many turns and starts along the first part of the eastern fjords of Iceland. Up along the roads from which views to see is a sea storm in which violent waves crashing on the rocks. The road in many places has no guardarail and puts the shivers, but luckily we do not find a car in the space of almost 100 km so we are pretty relaxed. We stopped often to take pictures but also considering the day changes from deep under cover, even if the rain does not seem to having to pay a visit. In some places the road becomes dirt, but without any concern we continue our march to the junction with the nr. 96 where we make our decision: continue on a house that size, however, the fjords on the coast or carry on no. 96, which is noted on maps as yellow ... we know that the prohibition of taking to the streets with no cars 4x4 regards the road marked with "F" and this is not op. So we decide to take it because it seems to be very scenic. The show did not disappoint and in fact in this case we see a beautiful coast with a sea increasingly agitated that gives us glimpses of chills. In some stretches and a few miles the road becomes a dirt road with few holes but nothing particularly challenging, even if this requires us to proceed with caution by slowing down our average speed, but not in a hurry because we want to enjoy the show. We arrive in the small fjord Stöðvarfjörður where we stop in the fishing village of Brekkan to eat in a small fast food restaurant has been run by two elderly ladies, but rather nice. The attraction of this place over the spectacular countryside that is home to Steinasafn Petru eighty passionate about geology, Petra Sveinsdóttir, which has collected during his life thousands of rocks now exposed in this amazing home museum. We really do not why we entered the sprightly old lady has put a donation required of € 5 to enter and frankly, in no man's land, it seemed excessive considering our passion for geology is not so exaggerated. We went over and we get to the fjord Fáskrúðsfjörður, where is the eponymous village, but today very little that has a high population growth thanks to the nearby Alcoa aluminum smelter. Here they began to build housing units for workers and even a long tunnel to enable them to reach the factory without having to do too much mileage. The factory is located in the fjord after Reyðarfjörður named the throat where the homonymous resort location for this important industrial center in Iceland. The activity started on June 9, 2007 with a big party town that has opened this industrial building, with its 2 km long, completely dominates the valley floor. The locals are delighted by this new activity that gave rise to a depressed lifeblood of Iceland, which risked the complete abandonment by the population after the fish stocks were almost exhausted that, given the local terrain with high mountains and overhangs without end was certainly not suitable for agriculture. The environmental groups have protested but the people of Iceland went ahead without taking care in the initial design. Today the population has grown from 700 to 2,000 souls, and what looked like a desolate spot is now inhabited by many people. Honestly, there seemed an area particularly devastated by the construction but not living in it we can not make a final decision, neither for nor against it because it is also to understand the population and not transit. Why believe in this fjord, and in particular there is nothing so visitors can be considered only for transit. From here we leave the end in 1996 because then anything that does not reach the fjord next ultimate goal of the day where we expect our hotel booked from Italy. Then we crossed the 92 and again no. 1, which leads us to no particular emotions Egilsstaðir rather large town which also has a small airport and a hospital, the result will actually progress from the nearby Alcoa smelter. From there take the highway 93 and head towards the fjord Seyoisfjorour homonymous village. The road climbs to climb the mountain that separates the inside from this fjord, deep and far away that is thrown violently into the Atlantic Ocean. After a climb and a beautiful plateau descend rapidly toward the sea and we can not stop to take pictures of a magnificent waterfall that is on your right going down, but not reported by the guides really violently. We arrive at the Hotel Snaefell our ultimate goal. The hotel is less noble version Aldan hotel but the management is the same. I say less noble because the cost is lower but the rooms are much smaller, so much so that the lady who has responded and confirmed the reservation we spoke of a "small double room" which actually turned out to be such. The price was 16,900 ISK, including breakfast. The only negative, and the size of the Smurfs in the room and the bathroom was that breakfast was made to the hotel about 200 meters from the Aldan Snaefell in the morning and then there's a cute coming and going of people. The woman, very energetic, but definitely efficient tells us that if we tell them right away because we want to dine in the morning is scheduled to leave the ferry and then is expected to "sold out". Worried booked for 20:30, but she now tells us that for that hour no problem ... you think I would have dinner at 18.30! Then leave your luggage in the room and make a nice walk to the hill country and some around, saw the sun wonderful company that we are doing in this late September afternoon. The ferry Smyril Line dominates the small port and maintains links with the Faroe Islands and then to Denmark. Many cars and camper ready to embark, many Germans and Dutch who decide to come to Iceland with cars. In our walk through the hills enjoying waterfalls and bucolic landscapes we encounter a big black dog that makes us take a fugone incredible because we thought we would attack and only after we discover that it was a guy who was taking a walk with him! Seyoisfjorour is famous for its wooden buildings, colorful, very nice I recommend in particular the church really feature. There is also a communal spa pool but closes at 20.30 and of course a supermarket. We realize that in addition to the hotel and the Snaefell Aldan there are also other accommodation and there is only a second restaurant a bit outside the town. At 20.30 we go to dinner and the house offers a couple of fish dishes and two meat. I must say that the fish is Fresh.

Seyoisfjorour – Húsavík - Km 330

The day is intense, and then we get up at 7 and go to breakfast under a heavy rain. We understand that Iceland is every time we see the sun then we must remember that we are almost at the North Pole and then giving the lash of the day. We climb with our Golf Egilsstaðir to return to No. 1 and take the state but we come across a bank of clouds so low that zero visibility to a few meters. We go to 20 per hour and turn on all lights as possible, we pass a dozen miles of high voltage rather well because it stops raining and the temperature has dropped to 9 degrees. INIA descent and finally the situation improves and finally, after an infinite time to arrive Egilsstaðir, take the no. 1 and we strive with determination towards the area of Lake Myvatn and Krafla volcanic area. The road is not very interesting so do not ever stop, we decided to arrive in the area as soon as possible are so many things to see. The weather will definitely improve or at least it seems to us that is all black and covered but not raining and it seems to unlock them: we begin to appreciate climates Hakaba scare even the captain! The first thing we see is the Krafla volcanic area of about 5 km from Lake Myvatn. Krafla is actually the name on a 818 m high mountain, but now with this name is displayed throughout the area, where there is a major geothermal power plant and the largest lava field across Iceland. From the first turn left and follow signs to the Krafla but the first thing you see after a few kilometers are the puffs of steam, rivers and green landscape on the extrasensory Kroflustod geothermal power station. Work began in 1973 but were completed only in 1978 due to the turbulence of the Krafla that began to erupt again in 1975. Today the central Kroflustod uses 15-17 wells at a time and develop 60 megawatts of power and has a visitors center for those who want to take a look. The thing that really strikes, however, is the location that is above the central Kroflustod, which it always comes along the way: History - Screws. It 's a crater that has a lake of turquoise on and the amazing thing is how it is formed: The year was 1724 and the area was hit by a violent phase of the main body of the Krafla eruptions that created a wide opening 320 meters is now the Store - Screws, since (hopefully) inactive. Compared to areas with the classic volcanic cone mountain that erupts erupts through this mountainous area instead of the ground cracks and fissures that emit lava, gas and everything else, by creating the lunar landscape. Before coming to the Store - screws on the LEFT there is a parking lot where you can reach after a walk of about twenty minutes, certainly the most incredible in the area: Leirhnjúkur, the crater that was formed in August 1727. This whole area is still very unstable and should never leave the marked route. In fact the ground in some places reaches 200 ° C and dangerous away-in fact fumaroles, sulfur-encrusted, bubbling mud pools, lava as far as the eye and a nauseating smell of sulfur will accompany your visit to Leirhnjúkur. The show is amazing really hard to describe in words we say it is sure proof that the ground beneath is alive, busy and dangerous and must bring a great deal of respect because it could fatally shot at any moment. The last two eruptions in the area date back to 1975 and 1984, we must pay close attention to areas of land are clearer because of the airlines that are warming, giving space to the future of mud puddles that could explode or mini Gela sulfur hot. Returning to the main road nr. 1, one can not cross it and head to the slopes of the Hver, to see a similar show in a wasteland where the contrast of the gray sky and the color mixed with copper and turquoise and green sulfur dry, along with the deafening sounds of natural vents, create a frame from Space Odyssey. Other fiction that we are walking here on earth alive! We are really fascinated and also other people who visit do not stop taking pictures and looking around with his eyes typical of what he says "not possible". Stunned go to Lake Myvatn, other fascinating volcanic area. Volissimo to eat something in a service station, we supply and so we decided to do everything around the lake following the road towards a south and stop at Dimmuborgir, the most fascinating lava field in the country with pillars, caves and natural born bizarre shapes by the eruptions of more than 2,000 years ago. You can take a walk on a path guided by different lengths and with varying degrees of difficulty to get up to 2 hours walk to the famous cave of lava, which is called Kirjan (church). If you have time seems to have a nice trip, very charming. We as a matter of time we have limited ourselves to a ride of forty minutes enough to enjoy the lunar climate of the area. The tour around the lake also knows another interesting step is the Skutustadagigar or the area of so-called pseudo craters in the southern part of the lake. Are the hills that were formed when water is trapped below the surface reached the boiling point and exploded in a steam very strong that broke the crust of the lava that formed just small cones and craters, some of which still reach 300 meters in width. I am very curious also because they are covered with moss and low vegetation that contrasts greatly with the black of the lava at the base. After the circumnavigation of Lake Myvatn, take the road nr. 85 to Husavik, in the fjord Skjàlfandi. I advise you not to take the shortest route 87 because it is marked by many motorists as a very rough and bumpy and to save a few kilometers as the crow flies probably take you longer to go along. The time when the road becomes bad (in the sense that it's raining cats and dogs again) but as we approach the sea, north point, it seems to open. When we come to Husavik is not raining and there are patches of calm in the sky, quite encouraging. This small town is very picturesque, with a beautiful fishing port overlooking the waters of the Northern Sea. The town is wonderful under the sun, with colorful houses and the air sleepy and lazy. We have come to Húsavík with a single purpose, which is common to all visitors: this is the home of the undisputed whale watching or whale photo shoot. Inform us immediately at the two kiosks that are the port and tell us that we speak the next morning: A tour starts at 9.45 am the second in a second company at 10.00. Ask about the weather (weather) is expected, but we simply said that "should not be bad, maybe just a light rain. In other words: if it is bad it will be nice. Well, cryptic! We're going to put the suitcases in the guest house we got on the internet because the Fosshotel, the only other solution to Husavik, asked us € 190 for a double. Come on in this guesthouse which is simply called Husavik Guesthouse that has just marched € 95 for a double with breakfast.

Bis

And here's the unpleasant surprise since the site was about bathroom ... Oh well no problem because we realize now that we are the only guests of the guesthouse. He asks us what time we have breakfast and would like to say that it no later than 8 then you might get the guy to give us some tips on local dining and we salute you. The evening is still very bright because of the latitude and 20 and there is still plenty of light, the sun sets dramatically behind the ridge of rock around 21:45 with a deep red that gives us hope (red sky at night time, hopefully, who knows whether it also applies to Iceland!). For dinner there are several seafood restaurants but it hits a little bar that is located on a terrace next to the port of whale watching tour operator called Gentle Giants. This restaurant is run by children themselves, and we take something to drink on the terrace (amazing but it is not cold). I soon discovered that they also eat, and between fatigue and indecision we decided to stay there because the landlord makes us see a large polystyrene box full of ice with fresh fish! Turn on the gas barbecue and start cooking. Other guests arrive, a group of Germans, an Italian couple and two pairs of English. However, we settle on the veranda mobile heated gas and the mushrooms are really good. Let's take two types of grilled fish, turbot, cod and halibut served with potatoes and salad. We drink beer and spend 9,900 ISK really well spent, the food was excellent and fresh. When we ask the brenne wine instead of coffee to digest the girl who had served us brings to the great leader who takes us underground with a bottle of homemade wine brenne (!) And offers it obviously welcoming the choice (tourists Scotch tells us just ask!). friendship and we discover that the maid is Spanish and the guy's wife is Peruvian and she also works in the small bar-restaurant. Unbelievable seems to have gone around the world in a few meters between the Germans and British, Italian, Spanish and Peruvian and one Icelandic! How nice travel! The evening is very nice but at 11 fatigue takes over and then go to sleep because tomorrow we expect the whales! Going to the guesthouse we are aware of the presence of a museum rather strange and bizarre: The HID is Íslenzka reðasafn or the Icelandic Museum of ... do it! I swear it is! It 's a museum housing a collection of dildos animals of all shapes and sizes and there are over 180. It seems there are already four donors with regard to the only sample missing: the human one!. Crazy, goodnight

Húsavík – Reykholt – km 425

And here's the unpleasant surprise since the site was about bathroom ... Oh well no problem because we realize now that we are the only guests of the guesthouse. He asks us what time we have breakfast and would like to say that it no later than 8 then you might get the guy to give us some tips on local dining and we salute you. The evening is still very bright because of the latitude and 20 and there is still plenty of light, the sun sets dramatically behind the ridge of rock around 21:45 with a deep red that gives us hope (red sky at night time, hopefully, who knows whether it also applies to Iceland!). For dinner there are several seafood restaurants but it hits a little bar that is located on a terrace next to the port of whale watching tour operator called Gentle Giants. This restaurant is run by children themselves, and we take something to drink on the terrace (amazing but it is not cold). I soon discovered that they also eat, and between fatigue and indecision we decided to stay there because the landlord makes us see a large polystyrene box full of ice with fresh fish! Turn on the gas barbecue and start cooking. Other guests arrive, a group of Germans, an Italian couple and two pairs of English. However, we settle on the veranda mobile heated gas and the mushrooms are really good. Let's take two types of grilled fish, turbot, cod and halibut served with potatoes and salad. We drink beer and spend 9,900 ISK really well spent, the food was excellent and fresh. When we ask the brenne wine instead of coffee to digest the girl who had served us brings to the great leader who takes us underground with a bottle of homemade wine brenne (!) And offers it obviously welcoming the choice (tourists Scotch tells us just ask!). friendship and we discover that the maid is Spanish and the guy's wife is Peruvian and she also works in the small bar-restaurant. Unbelievable seems to have gone around the world in a few meters between the Germans and British, Italian, Spanish and Peruvian and one Icelandic! How nice travel! The evening is very nice but at 11 fatigue takes over and then go to sleep because tomorrow we expect the whales! Going to the guesthouse we are aware of the presence of a museum rather strange and bizarre: The HID is Íslenzka reðasafn or the Icelandic Museum of ... do it! I swear it is! It 's a museum housing a collection of dildos animals of all shapes and sizes and there are over 180. It seems there are already four donors with regard to the only sample missing: the human one!. Crazy, goodnight

Reykholt – Keflavik – Km 298

Breakfast: the best when we are in Iceland, really rich buffet, a large stock of everything. Really well done is worth the € 75 spent on the hotel. The room is very large, one of the largest, with sofa, double bed, spacious bathroom and a large spa bath available! Excellent hotel if it was not a God-forsaken place could also be a nice vacation spot. Let's take a picture of what could be the country of Reykholt and then we always go on 519 towards inerno Barnafoss to see waterfalls, impressive and famous for a tragedy: two children have died in this waterfall during the Christmas day of many years ago, trying to walk on a rock arch. The mother of the young victims asked and obtained permission to destroy the rock arch and cascade Barnafoss was called, or the cascade of children. At this point we are at a crossroads to a major decision: to go back to redo all over again but on a 50 km on the 519 or take the 550 that cuts south to the park Pingvellir which then turned the gun Reykjiavik and from there to the Blue Lagoon 550 street looks like a dirt road and we are undecided but is that traffic signals on the map of the place is not named as F. we decide to go is 30 km and appear to be feasible, the road is unpaved and some aparte Sassetto the first 7-8 km are passable with a rate of 60 per hour. The signs indicate a maximum speed of 80 per hour which calms me. The road heads straight to the glacier Porisjokull that opens before us with its power and greatness. The road starts to get pretty bad with stones most often and we realize that it is necessary to significantly reduce the driving speed, climb to 40 km / h. then after a couple of kilometers beyond repair in the worst situation becoming a true off-road 4x4. We realize that we have covered about 12 km on 30 under and move forward very slowly, first and second trying to avoid fords, potholes and large rocks that could cause serious damage to our Golf. Obviously not come across anyone! We go on at various points I have to stop to see if the holes filled with water in front of us were deep or less, full of stones or not. We do 10 km per hour and it becomes difficult to think of it more in another 10 hours to save time at the end ... we're using double blowjob ... that we are! A 4x4 cross a car whose driver he looks perplexed but we also look as if to say "but what the heck, write it this way!" At the end with about 2.5 hours to do our 30 miles and arrive at 52 which is dirt, but dirt and of course we can not put no fear or discomfort! Come on now we are at home like arrows. By the 52 we also see the famous fault line that separates the North American continent than Europe, impressive ... widens every year of 2 mm ... crazy. From 52 to 36, the distance is short then the first street on the 42 towards the south in the peninsula of Reykjanes and then turn west on 427 assigned Grindavik but before we stop area geothermal Seltun is an area where the amazing multicolor steaming ground contrasts with the smell of sulfur and boiling mud pools. The road that leads to 427 Grindavik along the cliff and is clay rather rough, not exactly easy to follow (but nothing compared to the 550). Very interesting that you see glimpses of the sea especially beautiful view of the endless lava fields that lie between the mountains and the sea. A Grindavik take a short break to eat a sandwich in a service station and a stone's throw away are the Blue Lagoon, or the Blue Lagoon (blaa lónið in Icelandic). It 's definitely the biggest attraction in Iceland and is probably the most visited island. It is not a natural lagoon, but designed and features spa tubs, wooden walkways, waterfall and two hot steam baths and stone sauna (steam baths are closed for renovation). Water is water and is heated by hot springs in the area, the water takes on a blue-green algae in the water because of it and is rich in mineral salts and a thin layer of silica which tones and browse the skin. The average water temperature is 38 ° C and the outside temperature being much colder great clouds of steam rise from the tanks, making the atmosphere really almost surreal luciferin. In the lagoon there is a restaurant (not too expensive), a bar and a souvenir shop and a beauty product made with mud and water of the lagoon (these very expensive!). Admission is € 27 each and can be rented for € 5 € 7 for a towel or bathrobe for 5 € and the costume if you have not. At the entrance you are given a bracelet that will serve to open and close your cabinet enclosures for personal items and clothing. Once stripped and put the costume before entering the pool you take a shower but without the costume and by washing with soap, head included. This course is conducted in their own dressing room (I mean indoors and separated men and women): focus on why this is not allowed and there is a person who controls and draws people who do not take off the costume. The water of the lagoon it is not treated and has a spare and is rather slow for this that keep us (rightly) to hygienic conditions. then comes the bad: that in costumes and wet, the exit to get to the Blue Lagoon the stretch and drink but 11 ° C they all feel! The water instead is wonderful and we obviously made the packs of silica and the past quarter of an hour under the hot waterfall neck and neck in the slot and then a few minutes to do the sauna. Basically, in the end we spent a couple of hours relaxing and fun trying to download the toxins of the miles accumulated in the past days. Inside the lagoon there is a bar to get some things to drink (quite expensive but I had no doubt) and you can pay with the bracelet that allows you a credit of 5,000 ISK will pay on exit. Around 7 we are out and we strive towards our hotel which is located near the airport at Keflavik, given our choice for the departure of the 7:55 flight direct to Amsterdam. To go to Keflavik, where we spend the 425 on the bridge connecting the two continents and around Gunnhuver, a place where there is a deep fault line that separates the turf from the European and American symbol was built a bridge over this divide. After we move towards Keflavik but we do a quick car ride to the former American base which is located north of Keflavik, and point to our hotel, Hotel Keflavik course that is about 5 km from the airport. The hotel is quite good as a room that is as general impact even if the price for a double with breakfast is 95 € is really disproportionate to the services as a location. The only real positive note is that it is equipped to offer the very early breakfast at 5 am and has a handy screen in the lobby with the airport where you can see the status of your flight (if he is late or more) . For dinner we went to a place that advice Kaffi Duus, in a marine style that is obviously near the port of Keflavik. Very special environment, but grilled fish, lobster and many other delicacies of the sea.

Departure

Just to tell you Keflavik Airport is not very big but it is certainly rather disorganized. All check-in counters are dedicated to all flights and the row is done is only (!). Attention because in the main hall there are numerous self check-in machines and hostesses will help you make the icelandair acceptance alone. Do not like almost all other passengers who, after checking in at the machines and tapes for your hand luggage instead of going to the banks drop-off shall be returned toqueuing up for normal check-in ! Also because the row will be completely useless because the luggage have to be left at drop-off counters that are on the left side of the desks. I recommend I saw hundreds doing unnecessary row twice. For this reason, introduce yourself to two hours before your flight abundant otherwise you risk losing him for the long wait.