24 Jun A Photo Essay: Iceland
We had an amazing time exploring Iceland as you can see in our Iceland video–now, here is a preview of our adventures through photos. The beauty of Iceland is immeasurable, so rather than trying to summarize it, I’m going to let the photographs speak for themselves and get right to it in our Iceland photo essay:
Evening snorkeling in Silfra at Þingvellir National Park.
We went on the “Under the Midnight Sun” evening snorkeling tour and along with our guide, we were the only people in the river so we had the entire area to ourselves.
The water in Silfra is a stunningly bright blue and some of the clearest water on earth.
Crossing a single lane bridge while driving along Route 1 in south Iceland.
In 1996, following a volcano eruption, a flood destroyed bridges and Route 1 in southern Iceland. This is a memorial created from twisted bridge girders that were destroyed in the flood.
Lookout spot along Route 1 for viewing a glacier outlet in Vatnajökull National Park in south Iceland
Rock formation spotted in a field while road tripping the south coast of Iceland.
Near the entrance of Vatnajökull National Park with a glacier in the background.
There was a dust storm in this lava field near Route 1 when we were driving by.
The ever changing landscape in Iceland always makes for interesting scenery when driving Route 1.
Driving on a rainy day out to the Drumbó Base Camp for our White Water Canoeing trip.
Relaxing in a stretch of calm water of the Hvítá River while white water canoeing.
Cliff jumping into the Hvítá River during our white water canoeing trip. Micah and I were too cold to jump into the freezing water, but others from our group were more brave.
Boat that gives tours of Jökulsárlón, the glacier lagoon.
Ice at the glacial lagoon, Jökulsárlón.
Walking along the black sand beach where the icebergs from Jökulsárlón float out to the ocean.
Walking around the lava fields at Þingvellir National Park
Exploring inside a secret lava cave located in Þingvellir National Park
River running through Þingvellir National Park near the area where the world’s oldest parliament was established in 930.
Öxarárfoss, a waterfall along the tectonic rift in Þingvellir National Park.
The upper falls at Gullfoss, which translates to mean Golden Falls. Gullfoss is located along the famous Golden Circle route.
Gullfoss is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river and plunges over a cavern that is105 ft. deep.
The Strokkur geyser in the geothermally active valley of Haukadalur erupts every few minutes to heights anywhere between 15-40 meters high.
Hot Spring at the geothermally active valley of Haukadalur.
Steam from the hot springs and mud pots at the Gunnuhver geothermal area in the Reykjanes peninsula
Taking a stroll with Inga from Tiny Iceland at Gunnuhver, a geothermal area in the Reykjanes peninsula.
Camper van parked near Valahnúkur, a black sand beach in the Reykjanes peninsula.
Ship resting in the field along the road in the Reykjanes peninsula.
Plane in the field just off of Route 1.
This barn looks as though it was engulfed by a lava flow many years ago. We spotted numerous houses like this along the coast.
Beautiful and friendly Icelandic horses that came to say hi to us.
Hvalsneskirkja is a church that was built out of stone in 1887.
Pools near the entrance of the Blue Lagoon. Don’t try to swim here though, as the water is not warm like it is once you get inside to the actual lagoon.
Pools of glacial water at the base of the Falljökull outlet glacier.
Skógafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland and drops around 200 ft. off of a cliff.
The famous Hallgrímskirkja Church and statue of Leif Ericson in downtown Reykjavík. The statue was a gift from the people of the United States to the people of Iceland.
The Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavik is an ode to the sun.
Funky buildings with street art making a statement in Reykjavik
How to get a fresh drink of pure glacial water from a small stream.
Our glacier hike guide, Magnus, pointing out some interesting facts.
View from the start of our hike on the Falljökull outlet glacier.
Our guide showing us how to walk on the glacial ice.
Getting the ropes ready for ice climbing along the icefalls coming from the Vatnajökull ice cap.
Looking out to the coast while standing on the icefall of the Falljökull outlet glacier.
Our guide climbing up the icefall walls without any ropes.
Working on setting up the second rope line along a steeper wall for even more ice climbing.
Rappelling down the ice wall after climbing all the way to the top.
It was hard to tell where the glacier stopped and the clouds started when we were hiking.
Looking down into a water filled crevice on the glacier.
Finishing up the remainder of our hike, our other guide, leading us in, out and around the crevices.