Thingvellir, Geysers and Gullfoss Waterfall

Day 1 of our Iceland holiday and after driving through the streets we arrived at The Northern Lights Centre where our very informative guide explained the concept of The Northern lights. There was much to see here and lots to take in but the interactive displays, videos and films certainly helped. We had our photos taken here as well as a treat and a good reminder of what we had seen.

We then had a very picturesque drive towards Thingvellir with snow and ice all around. The road was very good, our driver excellent and we saw lots of lovely homes and farms scattered about the countryside. Icelandic horses popped up occasionally and every second there was something to see. Loved the brightly coloured roofs on the buildings and of course seeing all the cars and everything under snow. So unusual for us as we live in the sun

Before too long we came to The National Park and off we went to explore. A lovely time was had by all, walking around in this very special place, and being able to admire the countryside but also to take in some of the history.

Unfortunately time to get back on the coach and here we had a very exciting drive as a severe wind came up and our coach almost blew off the road. Thanks to our wonderful driver we were ok but a small vehicle in front of us was not so lucky. The wind pushed them off the road and into the snow. Not hurt, just another winter adventure. Then we continued to travel and observe the wonderful countryside and trees and rivers as we passed.

Next stop was to see the amazing geothermal area of Geysir. The thermal heat pools were spreading steam out constantly and the Stroker hot spring area was so large with the bubbling mud pools and the erupting geyser going off at regular intervals. The water plume was so high and so very spectacular that many of us jumped each time it blew. What an amazing place and so we had to stop at the restaurant area across the road and sit with our coffee and food to take in the amazing sights just across the road form us. It was a wow day!

However moving on there was more! Our next stop was to visit the Gullfoss Waterfalls, a waterfall in two parts that is so large and just stunning that it really is something else. The waterfalls in part were frozen and where the water flowed from the top falls, was just so breathtaking. A good walk around this area was definitely a must and although cold it didn’t stop anyone from crunching around on the snow covered paths. You see these things in books but being there was unbelievable. Great day and so much to see.

Back on the coach we hadn’t finished our days tours yet as a visit to Skalholt was on the itinerary. Skalholt was Iceland’s capital in the Middle Ages, but now a place for tourists to visit. Our stop was to see the beautiful Skálholt Cathedral. It has beautiful stained glass windows and is beautifully done with a mosaic behind the altar. More great scenery on the way back to our accommodation after a brilliant day’s touring.