I certainly did not do Iceland justice by stopping only for two days, but it was not meant to be to a trip to explore this scenic island in the midst of the Atlantic, 2800km from the North Pole.The glaciers, geyers and volcanoes have to wait for another journey. The only reason I set foot on Reykjavik was that I could not see myself sitting in a plane for 10 solid hours, going to New York City. So I broke up the journey.
Iceland’s glacier approaching Reykjavik
Driving into nowhere
Having only two days, I asked travellers who had visited Iceland before and their advice was “get out of Reykjavik immediately, rent a car at the airport and see Jökulsarion, a bluesih lagoon dotted with icebergs, and or the Golden Circle”.
My loop- from Keflavik Airport south to Blue Lagoon, then west to Gullfoss and back to Rejkavik
When the car rental person asked if wanted unlimited miles and I said yes, kind of guessing all this is a bit far, the person looked a me like a ghost and explained it was a five hours drive each way. I knew this was not feasable, since I was aleady dead tired, before even starting off. I had to sleep in one of these capsulas at Zurich Airport the night before, due to a change of flights.
Zurich Airport Capsula Hotel for 120 US
So I drive off, not knowing where to. There are not many roads leading away from the airport, which is at the very east of the island. Since I wanted to avoid Reykjavik I had to go south, and by sheer luck discovered the Blue Lagoon, for € 110 you can swim in the warm water, sipping a drink. Needless to say that you need a reservation, which I did not have, so after taking plenty of photos I continued, aimlessly.
Running into such a scenic place like the Blue Lagoon so soon and by accident, led me to the false impression that these natural wonders are waiting behind every curve. So wrong. It started raining, fog settled in, for hours I passed nothing but rocks partially covered with patches of green. I had not eaten since dinner on the plane, but even restaurants where nowhere to be seen. I was getting dizzy and almost nauseous, still I kept going.
Scenery for hours driving south of the airport and west in a loop
Once I passed through a small town before I reach Gullfoss
I checked the map, Gulffoss Waterfall was not so far, by the time I got to the nearby town I was so exhausted that all I wanted was to sleep, but hotels were around € 200-300. No sign of a waterfall either. I made a very quick decision: straight to Reykjavik, and straight to bed.
Hotel Fron – right in the center for 160 US
Driving in Iceland is usually slow, most streets are two lane roads. The rental cars starts peeping immediately if you exceed the speedlimit. I was fascinated how the car computer knew exactly what speed limit was where. What really surprised me, even at the height of the tourist season, I felt rather lonely on the road. Or this was the sich I was absolutely in the wrong places.
Dashboard of rental car
Reykjavik – Bay of Smoke
Reykjavik Downtown
I now regret not having simply stayed in Reykjavik, since it has a lot to offer for two days, various Museums, with the Penis Museum most likely the most unusual one. But I had to learn the hard way.
The city center is nice to walk around, in July, if you like for 24 hours, lots of small shops, bars and restaurants. Nothing is cheap by the way.
Cathedral of Christ the King
Reykjavik
Tourist trail
I always travel light, especially since Iknew I would be in hot weather in NYC and Virginia, all the time. And no, I did not anticipate how chilly Reykjavik was. Wearing every shirt with long sleeves I had packed, was not enough. When I saw a sign “,rent a jacket”, I did exactly that, for €36 for a day.
Rented jacket for Euro 34
Penis Museum
Penis Museum inReykjavik
Most of the penises exhibited are from animals
American Presidents can be pretty disgusting
Stranded whales – their penis is held back by a muscle, relaxed (when animal is dead) it prodrudes
Tjörnin – The Lake
This lake is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Lots of important buildings line its shore, like City Hall, the Iðnó. Built into the Lake on stilts, it is open to the public. The view through the large windows is quiet impressive – like being in a infinite pool.
City Hall on Tjörnin – The Lake
Shores of Tjörnin – The Lake
Monument of Unknown Burocrat – unique statue sculpted by Magnús Tómasson in 1994,
I walked down to the harbour because to get a look of another famous building- The Harp, full of shops and restaurants.
The Harp on the oceanfront
Reykjavik oceanfront
Iceland’s Cuisine
I did not really get to taste a lot of it, since prices were dear. Luckily I was too exhausted to eat much, besides the breakfast buffet of the hotel took me through the day.
A glass of wine for 9 Euros during summer offer
3500=24 €
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