Wednesday/Thursday, 2-3 Sep 2026
Mid 50s and Cloudy with some occasional very light rain
Wednesday was a very long day, starting at 10:00 AM and finishing at 9:00 PM with a tour of Iceland’s unique geography. It could have been shorter if only all these sights to see were located closer together, but nature prevailed and each is at least 45 minutes’ drive and some and hour and 45 minutes apart. It was all worthwhile as the pictures below can only begin to capture what we saw. Hats off to Dolly who got a picture of the geyser at its peak.
After the drop-off we had dinner at a tapa restaurant we were introduced to during the food tour the night before. Admittedly the prices are high, but to compensate the portions are huge. We shared an appetizer and an entrée and still couldn’t finish all we ate.
Thursday we were on our own with a visit to an art gallery and the Iceland Museum. We started with a huge breakfast that lasted for the day, it ended with happy-hour cocktails and snacks. The gallery was almost all contemporary art, the museum traced the history of Iceland from the first settler (He left after one winter) to the true founders who stayed, to present day.
Some interesting facts
• Iceland was one of the last places on earth to be inhabited by humans.
• Christianity was a part of the culture, peaceably, along with paganism almost from the beginning.
• A possession of Norway, Iceland “converted” from Catholicism to the Lutheran faith by royal decree, although the two Episcopal Sees were allowed to remain. The Catholic Bishop was beheaded.
• The wife of one of the Episcopal bishops wrote to the Anglican leadership and asked and received permission to run the See during her husband’s illness in the late 1700s.
Volcanic Crater
Lutheran Church. Also used by the Episcopal Church
Rainbow Street
The Rift
Lutheran Chuch with statue of Leif Ericson, a gift from the US
Not too dignified
Waterfall
Handsome couple
Huge organ
Icelandic Wrestling Guide couldn't explain why it was at the geyser site
Blue Lagoon
The Rift
Our Hotel
GREAT geyser shot by Dolly
The Rift
Even GREATER geyser photo by Rick
Stark altar in the Lutheran church
They really were this BIG
Pieces of lava on canvas
My favorite
Sorry no pictures of the Icelandic History Museum. So engrossed we didn't take any.
Great pics! the waterfall is unbelievable. Since you are abandoning your daughters (ha! ha!) for Thanksgiving I was looking of going to Iceland during that time, but don't think the time of year will be agreeable with me!