From the Vatnajökull Glacier breaks icebergs into the lagoon Jökulsàrlon. That’s also the starting point for tours into ice caves. The weather wasn’t ideal at all due the rain and dark clouds. So i was missing the colors on both, the ice cave experience and on the lagoon itself too. However, there was a nice group i joined and despite i didn’t bring home the pictures i expected, it was worth the experience.
We headed East along the south coast on the search of polar lights. But also the short daylight has lots to offer. So did we come across some rivers with icy waterfalls, barren landscape or also the volcano Hekla. Another stop was at the abandoned village of Keldur with its distinctive turf houses.
For our main goal, to see and take pictures from northern lights, we booked a hotel outside of towns. Unfortunately we’ve been unlucky. We haven’t seen any sign of the nature phenomena.
Out of a spontaneous idea, a good friend followed me to Iceland. So i picked him up the other day and went again with him to the area of Golden Circle.
Starting with a nice breakfast at bakery, while the locals roaring with their big trucks into the weekend. Some waterfalls on our way, as well more Iceland horses and of course also geysirs.
End of day we found a nice thermal bath to relax after a day driving.
Just got into my car and drove along the road. It’s a popular circuit route called the ‚Golden Cirlcle‘.
I stopped along the way, where the landscape was beautiful, the place had to offer some points of interests or also just for the Iceland horses.
At the Kerid crater, a strong, icy wind reminded me on the country i’m in. It kept this way all day. But maybe it was the reason not seeing many tourists around. Most of them just jumped out of their big, comfortable busses for a quick photo snap. Also at Skalholt Cathedral i was completely on myself.
More highlights are the icy Gullfoss waterfall and the hot geysir, as well the Thingvellir Nationalpark, where two continents drifts apart. Literally.
Volcanic activity with lava flows belongs to one of the impressive nature phenomena of Iceland. Despite the recent eruption of a volcanic fissur on the Reykjanes Peninsula, there’s currently no lava flow. The area is closed to public for safety reason anyway. But i heard of that lava tunnel, which is accessible by a tour…
Another natural spectacle are the northern lights. The night i left the capital city for more remote and dark place wasn’t to expect any sightings of Aurora Borealis. But often, when you expect it least, luck crawls into your life.
From my warm, beautiful and cosy place i stepped out into the dark, cold and windy backyard. I noticed the clear sky with shiny stars and decided to give it a go. I learned before, Aurora Borealis not always appears in strong, bright colors, but often starts with a rather dull grey area on the sky, easily mistaken as mist. I pointed my camera by chance to such a fog-like area, and got surprised by a greenish band of light hovering over the city of Selfoss in my back.
After the excitement of this first sight and capture, i changed my location. Outside of town and near a small mountain i observed the sky for more light phenomenas. I didn’t get disappointed. That foggy looking sky turned greenish, got stronger and ghostly lights from strong green to soft reddish was dancing over the sky…
(sorry for the many northern light photos. i was too excited)
Weather changes quickly in Iceland. No surprise to wake up with roads covered in ice and snow next morning. After another stroll trough the inner city of Reykjavik and a tasty breakfast, it’s time to get out of urban area.
On my way out, i visit the famous Perlan Museum, with its informative displays and an „original“ ice cave. But don’t miss the upper platform for another stunning view back to the city and the surroundings.
The worst was not the temperature of -6°C, but the strong wind. Within minutes out on the car park, searching for my rental car, my fingers got numb. It took me several minutes more to defrost them again and finally got my gloves out of my luggage. Lesson learned, always keep your gloves ready.
Strolling around Reykjavik, enjoying the clear morning air, the long dawn in the morning and of course some bakeries with coffee and sweets. But also visiting some landmarks as the sculpture ’sun voyager‘, the rainbow street or the famous Hallgrims Church. From the bell tower one get a fantastic view over the capital city and the surroundings. It was absolutely worth it.
A worth was also to visit the bar ‚Hus Mals Og Menningar‘ with their daily live music. You can’t end your day better than with a glass of local beer and music from ‚The Bookstore Band‘
Another highlight visiting Wallis/Valais is the mighty glacier called Aletschgletscher.
I got to the small village of Fiesch and by cable car up to Eggishorn, from where the view is superb.
Just a bunch of picture of the most famous mountain of Switzerland:
Winter in Turkey impressions #17: Gelibolu, also known as Gallipoli, gained sad notoriety after a disastrous battle on WWI with many thousands killed. In the history of the many New Zealander and Australian soldiers involved it bekam known as ANZAC day.
For me was it the end of an very interesting trip trough the history of times. But before i left Turkey, i met an very nice couple riding a Honda Africa Twin. A newly wed couple, it turned out, on their trip trough their own country. After a nice chat, i handed over a sticker, which i got from an other Turkish friend and motobiker.
Güle güle ve yakında görüşürüz. Teşekkür ederim Türkiyem!
rene bauer photography 