I am usually against joining tour but due to short stay and the self guided tour with Grayline bus only starts in June, I had no choice. This 14 hour day tour by Iceland Excursion cost more than 120 pound because of long distance drive. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed myself. I met Merita, a bubbly girl from Latvia who is so friendly that I would have thought that I have known her for a long time. The tour guide is very informative and speaks clear English. He rattled on history of volcanic eruptions and general knowledge of Iceland including population, animals like Viking horses, polar fox and raindeer, green house and geothermal plants. I am surprised I was able to stay awake most time listening to his fascinating accounts of volcano eruptions. Iceland is mainly treeless with sparse land covered with volcano lava. Midatlantic fissure runs across Iceland and it separates the Eurasian Plate and North American Plate. It moves 2cm apart every year generating seismic and volcanic activities.
By 730am, I waited outside the hostel for free pickup to join the tour. From Reykjavik, the bus passed by Hveragerdi geothermal green house, Selfoss, Iceland's largest dairy plan with glacial river flowing from Langjokull and famous Hekla volcano which has erupted 28 times in the past. Hekla sits on 25km volcanic fissure and erupts in 10 years cycle, last in 2000.
The first stop is Skogafoss waterfall which is located near Eyjafjallajökull, the famous subglacial volcano that erupted last year causing major disruption in air travel in Europe. Next, there is Myrdalsjokull glacier, Iceland's 4th largest glacier with Katla volcano beneath it. In between Myrdalsjokull and Vatnajokull is Lakagigar (Laki Craters) that caused the deadliest volcano eruption in history. In 1783, a fissure with 130 craters opened leading to 8 months eruptions that wiped out 50% of Iceland livestocks besides causing crop failure in Europe and worldwide. Today, there is largest lava field of Eldhraun spanning 500km area as a reminder of the disaster.
By 730am, I waited outside the hostel for free pickup to join the tour. From Reykjavik, the bus passed by Hveragerdi geothermal green house, Selfoss, Iceland's largest dairy plan with glacial river flowing from Langjokull and famous Hekla volcano which has erupted 28 times in the past. Hekla sits on 25km volcanic fissure and erupts in 10 years cycle, last in 2000.
The first stop is Skogafoss waterfall which is located near Eyjafjallajökull, the famous subglacial volcano that erupted last year causing major disruption in air travel in Europe. Next, there is Myrdalsjokull glacier, Iceland's 4th largest glacier with Katla volcano beneath it. In between Myrdalsjokull and Vatnajokull is Lakagigar (Laki Craters) that caused the deadliest volcano eruption in history. In 1783, a fissure with 130 craters opened leading to 8 months eruptions that wiped out 50% of Iceland livestocks besides causing crop failure in Europe and worldwide. Today, there is largest lava field of Eldhraun spanning 500km area as a reminder of the disaster.
Skogafoss
After short break for lunch, we stopped shortly to view Skaftafelljokul glacier and Svinnajokul glacier. Then, we passed by Oraefojokull, the highest volcanic crater with 5km diameter and full of ice. Along the crater is the highest peak in Iceland, Hvannadalshnukur. Alas, we reached Vatnajokull, Iceland's largest glacier. The view from far of the ice cap and glacier lagoon, Jokulsarlon is spectacular. I think most tourists in the bus held their breath. At Jokulsarlon, there is boat ride at the lagoon for half an hour which is amazing. Here, I get to see floating icebergs of all shapes and sizes.
Jokulsarlon
On the way back to Reykjavik, there was very brief stop at Skaftafell National Park which was quite a waste because this national park has 25 glaciers originating from Vatnajokull with lots to do and see. We had dinner at Vik Village. Merita and me wandered along the beach before dining. Last attraction was Seljalanasfoss waterfall where one can walk behind the waterfall. I was half wet by the time I finished circling the waterfall. It was great! We reached Reykjavik very late, almost near 11pm. Tired...
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