Iceland: Hunt For Polar Lights

More spectacular landscapes on our way trough the south of Iceland. Even some reindeers crossed our path. But still no polar lights until we reached Reykjavik. So, we decided to have a night out with some beer and live music.

To our surprise, we got a notice about sightings of northern lights just outside the city. A few moments later we’ve been on our search for a dark spot with less light pollution, and witnessed a wonderful heavenly light show. A last amazing impression of Iceland before returning home.

Iceland: Lava Tunnel and Aurora Borealis

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)

Iceland: Arriving In Reykjavik

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‘

Germany – on my way back home

I took some time to visit dear friends on my way back. One of them invited me to a pretty special place to camp on a private, very idyllic pond, where we had a barbeque and nice chat.

Every journey comes to an end, but the good memories stays.

Ribe, the oldest town in Danmark

On my way south, i got a hint to visit Ribe, the oldest town in Danmark. So i took a detour to stroll trough this historical place with medieval charm.

Some Impressions:

Danmark – Impressions From Copenhagen

No comments needed, just impressions from my stay in beautiful, bustling and interesting Copenhagen:

Photos taken at:

Sweden – The Red Houses Of Eksjö

Just another brief visit of a rather touristic but very pretty town in Sweden: Eksjö.

It’s famous for the typically red houses and the flair of the old days. But see for yourself…

Sweden – Stockholm

In Stockholm i bumped into the Pride Parade unexpectedly. I spent long time to watch them passing by and photographing. Watch the photos from that event, which i posted earlier:

The Pride Parade in Stockholm

But of course i visited also the world famous Vasa Museum and the old town of Stockholm.

Norway – Via Vindhellavegen To Borgund

It was on a random chat with another tourist, when i heard about that wooden Borgund Stave Church. Let’s go there i thought, followed the rainbow and found my way via the fantastic Vindahellvegen to that awesome wooden church.

Norway – Stroll trough Bergen

It’s maybe one of the most famous town in Norway: Bergen.

A pretty busy place, where many cruise ships stops. Famous not only for the fish market, but also for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen. I extend my stroll bit around town, just to get some more impressions before i left it again.