Monday, May 12, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Rehkjavik, Iceland

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
The land of ice, fire, and natural wonder

The capital of Iceland’s land of ice, fire, and natural wonder, Reykjavik, is a city like no other, blossoming among some of the world’s most vibrant and violent scenery. Home to two-thirds of Iceland’s population, Reykjavik is the island’s only real city. It is a welcoming and walkable place, full of bicycles gliding along boulevards or battling the wind when it rears up. Fresh licks of paint brighten the streets, and an artistic and creative atmosphere embraces studios, galleries, and the kitchens where an exciting culinary scene is burgeoning. Plot your adventures in the city’s hip bars and cozy cafes, or waste no time venturing to Iceland’s outdoor adventures.

Reykjavik’s buildings stand together – below the whip of winter’s winds – with the magnificent Hallgrímskirkja church, with its bell tower rising resolutely over the city. Iceland’s largest church’s design echoes the lava flows that have shaped this remote land and boasts a clean and elegant interior. The Harpa Concert Hall’s sheer glass facade helps it assimilate into the landscape, mirroring the city and harbor. Its LED lights shimmer in honor of Iceland’s most excellent illuminated performance – the northern lights.

Walk in the crusts between continents, feel the spray from bursts of geysers, and witness the enduring power of Iceland’s massive waterfalls. Whether you want to sizzle away in the earth-heated geothermal pools or hike to your heart’s content, you can do it all from Reykjavik – the colorful capital of this astonishing outdoor country.

SIGHTS

• Hallgrímskirkja Church
• Harpa Concert Hall
• National Gallery of Iceland
• Aurora Reykjavik
• Reykjavik Art Museum
• Reykjavík City Hall & Lake Tjörnin
  
• CUISINE
  Reykjavík’s culinary tapestry is woven with bold creativity and Nordic elegance. From Michelin-recommended restaurants like Dill to chic seafood bistros in the Old Harbor, guests can savor reindeer carpaccio, birch-glazed lamb, and fresh langoustine. Contemporary chefs elevate traditional Icelandic fare with precision and flair, offering a feast for all senses in Iceland’s cosmopolitan heart.

Today’s Excursion – The Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon
During this panoramic excursion to Thingvellir, Gullfoss, and Geysir, we experience the spectacular natural wonders of the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon.

Reykjavik, Mosfellsheidi Heath and Almannagja
We drove to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the Viking Parliament and Iceland’s geological and historical heritage. We viewed Almannagja, where Europe’s oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in 930 and convened every summer for nearly eight centuries.

Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir Geothermal Area
Thingvellir National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site of the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall.

Then we drove to the Geysir geothermal area with its many hot springs. The most active one, Strokkur, spouts every few minutes.

Next was a visit to see and feed some Icelandic horses, and onto an extinct volcano with a lake in the middle.

The Blue Lagoon
We drove through the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula towards the Blue Lagoon and stopped for approximately two hours to indulge in these waters. The Blue Lagoon owes its existence to the nearby geothermal power plant. The on-site facilities offered changing-room facilities, a tax-free shop, and a café. The water of the Lagoon is a steamy 98-102°F (36-39°C), mineral-rich and reputed for its healing properties. The blue colour of the water, the steam, and the thirteen-foot-high lava wall surrounding the Lagoon succeed in creating a unique atmosphere. This natural and very popular health spa is now a major attraction in the region and is considered one of the island’s most visited places.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.