Breathtaking Iceland

I have always been fascinated by Iceland, even as a child. I can still remember the grayish stamp in my collection, depicting the famous geyser of Iceland. A remote island, so far away in the north, where vikings surly roam the wild and harsh land...
Well, many years have passed till finally, for a week in mid August 2001, I fulfilled an old dream.
A bit of geography-geology first. Iceland is an island in the north Atlantic, almost touching the Arctic Circle. Its area is more than 100,000 sq.km (about 40,000 sq.m) but its population is only 275,000 which makes it one of the least populated countries on earth. Furthermore, about 70% of the population lives in and around the capital Reykjavik and the rest are spread along a thin belt around the shores. The interior is covered by huge glaciers and is completely uninhabited
The more significant aspect of Iceland however is the fact that it lies exactly on the divide between the Euro-Asian and the North American tectonic plates. This "loose" region in the earth crest undergoes constant geological activity, which give rise to numerous earthquakes, volcano eruptions, hot steam, waterfalls and geysers sprouting everywhere.
The result of this constant 'war' between ice and fire is a breathtakingly beautiful rugged island, where the powers of nature created [and continue to create] the most dramatic scenery imaginable.
The moss-covered surrealistic-looking lava fields and the strange rock formations that abound are the hallmark of the Icelandic landscape.

Lava rocks and moss-covered soil

Lava plow-marks, Thingvellir

Reykjavik itself is a pleasant-looking, non-assuming yet bustling town with a beautiful large lake in its very center.
We stayed in Reykjavik at the cosy and comfortable 'old-world' Hotel Borg, from where we took numerous trips around the island.
Iceland weather, even in summer, can be harsh, cold and rainy. Uncharacteristically though, we were extremely lucky to have only one half-day of rain during our whole stay.

Reykjavik from roof-top revolving restaurant

Reykjavik lake

We did not come to Iceland for its gastronomic delights, but we were surprised to discover that the quality of food and service we got everywhere was exceptionally high. Eating out in Iceland is expensive [as indeed everything else is] and wine is all the more so. I'll mention some of the better meals we had along our itinerary. The few wines we had were extremely expensive and not worth remembering.

Hotel Borg - We were pretty tired on the day of our arrival, so we took dinner at the hotel's restaurant. As it turned out, Hotel Borg restaurant is considered among the best in Reykjavik.

We hired the services of the gentle charming and knowledgeable Magnus Hjartarson who, with his brand-new Mercedes, was our guide and driver for the duration of our stay in Iceland. Although at an age when most people have long been in retirement, his physical and mental agility were astounding. Almost every lake, river or waterfall evoked a relevant saga story or poem from Magnus. Not only is he experienced knowledgeable and helpful, but his stamina and persistence at getting us to see and experience all that we could during our short stay were way and beyond his 'call of duty'

Strokkur geyser

Gulfoss waterfall

Faxi waterfall

Volcano crater lake

Dorit at the hidden waterfall

Dramatic-looking rock island

Sea shore rock formation

High drop Skogafoss waterfall

Beautiful Icelandic horses

Rugged mountain contours

Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods)

Yak at Godafoss

Lake Myvatn

On the way to Husavik

The fishing port at Husavik

Dorit the whale watcher

Reach Me? yak@yakshaya.com

Copyright 1996-2003.
Jacob "Yak" Shaya.