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Showing posts from August, 2023

Vik, Iceland: A charming town on the black sand coast

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Vik is a small town on the south coast of Iceland, about 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. It is the southernmost town in Iceland with a permanent population, and is known for its black sand beaches, basalt sea stacks, and the Reynisdrangar sea pillars. Vik has a long history, dating back to the settlement of Iceland in the 9th century. The town was originally called Þykkvibær, which means "thick farmstead." The name Vik was adopted in the 19th century. Today, Vik is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning scenery and proximity to some of Iceland's most popular natural attractions. The town has a small number of shops, restaurants, and hotels, and is a great place to stop for a break on your journey along the south coast. If you're looking for food in Vik, be sure to check out The Soup Company. This local restaurant serves up a variety of traditional Icelandic soups, including lamb stew, fish soup, and pea soup. The Soup Company can get very busy during the...

Sólheimajökull Glacier: A Majestic Beauty in Iceland

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Sólheimajökull glacier is a sight to behold. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland, and it is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. The glacier is located in the South Iceland region, about an hour's drive from the town of Vík í Mýrdal. Sólheimajökull is a part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest glacier in Europe. Sólheimajökull is a relatively young glacier, having formed only about 5,000 years ago. The glacier is constantly moving, and it is slowly melting due to climate change. Hiking to the edge of Sólheimajökull is a relatively easy hike that can be done without a guide. It takes about 15 minutes to hike to the edge of the glacier from the parking lot and there are plenty of great photo spots. However, if you want to go on top of the glacier, it is essential to hire a guide and to have the proper gear. There have been several deaths on Sólheimajökull in recent years, and most of them have been caused by people climbing without ...

Seljalandsfoss: The Waterfall You Can Walk Behind

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Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland, and for good reason. It is a truly stunning sight, with a 60-meter (200-foot) drop that creates a powerful curtain of water. The best part about Seljalandsfoss is that you can actually walk behind it! There is a path that leads you to a small cave behind the waterfall, where you can get up close and personal with the rushing water. Be warned, though, you will get wet! In addition to walking behind the waterfall, you can also hike around it. The trail takes you to the top of the falls, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. The parking fee for Seljalandsfoss is ISK 700 (about USD $6) for the first 12 hours. However, I think this fee is a bit unfair, as you are forced to pay for a minimum of 12 hours, regardless of how long you stay. If you are only planning to visit Seljalandsfoss for a short time, I would recommend parking in the free parking lot at Skógafoss, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Ove...

Silfra: The Most Distinctive Snorkeling Spot in Iceland

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Silfra is a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Iceland. It is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Iceland, due to its clear water and unique geological setting. The water in Silfra is some of the clearest in the world, with visibility up to 100 meters (330 feet). This is due to the fact that the water is constantly filtered through the porous lava rock of the rift valley. The water temperature in Silfra is also very cold, ranging from 2 to 4 degrees Celsius (36 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit). Silfra is a popular snorkeling spot for both experienced and beginner snorkelers. The water is calm and there are no strong currents, making it a safe place to snorkel. A dry suit is required to snorkel in Silfra, as the water is very cold. The history of Silfra is fascinating. The fissure was formed as a result of the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The plates are moving apart at a rate of ab...

Geysir, Strokkur and Old Faithful: The Unbelievable Phenomenon of Geysers in Iceland

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Geysers are one of the most incredible natural phenomena on Earth, and Iceland is home to some of the most famous geysirs in the world. Geysir, Strokkur, and Old Faithful are all located in the Haukadalur valley in southwest Iceland, and they are a must-see for any visitor to the country. Geysir is the namesake of all geysirs, and it was the first geyser to be described in a written record. However, Geysir has been dormant since 2000, and it is now Strokkur that is the star of the show. Strokkur erupts every ten minutes or so, and it sends a column of boiling water and steam up to 60 meters into the air. It is an incredibly impressive sight, and it is sure to leave you speechless. Old Faithful erupts every 90 minutes or so, and it sends a column of boiling water and steam up to 56 meters into the air. It is very similar to Strokkur, and it is a great example of the power and beauty of geysirs. The history of geysirs in Iceland is long and fascinating. The first geysirs were formed abou...

The Secret Lagoon: Iceland's Oldest Geothermal Pool

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The Secret Lagoon (Geysirlaug) is Iceland's oldest geothermal pool, dating back to 1891. It is located in the small town of Flúðir, in the south of Iceland, and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The pool is fed by natural hot springs, and the water temperature is a constant 38-40°C (100-104°F). The pool is surrounded by lava rocks and mountains, and the views of the surrounding countryside are stunning. In the past, the Secret Lagoon was used by the townspeople of Flúðir for swimming and bathing. However, it fell into disrepair in the 1940s after a new swimming pool was built in the town. In 2005, the Secret Lagoon was renovated and reopened to the public. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, and is often described as a more affordable alternative to the Blue Lagoon. The Secret Lagoon is a great place to relax and soak in the warm, geothermal waters. The pool is also said to have health benefits, as the water is rich in minerals such as silica and sulfur...

Friðheimar: A Tomato Lover's Paradise

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Friðheimar is a unique place in Iceland. It is a family-run tomato farm and restaurant located in the town of Selfoss. The farm was founded in 1999 by Friðrik Vilhelmsson, who wanted to create a sustainable way to grow tomatoes in Iceland's harsh climate. The farm is home to four different varieties of tomatoes, which are grown in a state-of-the-art greenhouse. The greenhouse is heated by geothermal energy, which allows the tomatoes to be grown year-round. The restaurant at Friðheimar is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The menu features a variety of tomato-based dishes, including the famous tomato soup, which is made with fresh, locally-grown tomatoes. Other popular dishes include the tomato pizza, the tomato lasagna, and the tomato latte. In addition to the restaurant, Friðheimar also offers a variety of other activities, including greenhouse tours, horse shows, and gift shop shopping. The greenhouse tours are a great way to learn about how the tomatoes are gr...

Brúarfoss: The Unreal Turquoise Waterfall of Iceland

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Brúarfoss is a waterfall in Iceland that is known for its unreal turquoise water color. The water comes from a glacier, and the minerals in the glacier melt and mix with the water, giving it its unique color. The waterfall is located in the Golden Circle, a popular tourist destination in Iceland. To reach Brúarfoss, you will need to take a small detour off the Ring Road. There is a small parking fee, and then a short walk from the parking lot to the falls. The walk is easy, but it is important to wear sturdy shoes as the path can be slippery. Once you reach the falls, you will be amazed by the beauty of the turquoise water. The waterfall is about 100 feet tall, and it cascades down a steep cliff. The best time to visit Brúarfoss is in the summer when the sun is shining and the water is at its clearest. Where does the turquoise water come from? The turquoise color of Brúarfoss comes from the minerals in the glacier that the water comes from. The glacier is made up of a mixture of ice, r...