The first night we were there we went on the Northern Lights Mystery Tour in an attempt to see the Aurora Borealis, but to our disappointed the weather conditions meant we were unable to see them. It was a long evening on the coach being taken to several different locations across Iceland in order to try and see the Northern Lights so we were quite disappointed when we didn't see them - as that's one of the main reasons you'd go to Iceland!
However, all was to be redeemed the next morning (on Grant's birthday) when we got up and caught the coach to the Blue Lagoon. It is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. The water was on average around 38 degrees Celsius and was the biggest sauna I could ever imagine. It was super relaxing and the complimentary face masks made your skin feel so soft. We didn't take any photographs whilst we were in the Blue Lagoon because it was a bit of a jaunt to go back and forth to the lockers where our stuff was kept safe, and we much preferred to live in the moment than worry about selfies.
After this we found a great Italian restaurant for Grant's birthday meal. It was called Rosspomodoro and wasn't too bad on the budget, considering how expensive Iceland is generally. We didn't have to book, we just walked in which was great. We didn't think the taste of the food was anything to rave about but we enjoyed it nonetheless. We had food at the restaurant connected to our hotel the next evening, it was called Jörgensen kitchen and bar, and we even thought that food was just okay.
When spending in Iceland, you must be prepared for the inflation costs on everything, including food, so I would certainly take that into account if you are thinking of going. On average, meals in restaurants were around 30 pounds - even for something as simple as fish and chips! On our first evening we had a large pizza to share and that came up to around 26 pounds (for a pizza that's crazy, right). But, we didn't go to Iceland to eat, we were there to see the amazing sights!
Our first stop was Þingvellir National Park, which is a UNESCO world heritage site and the place where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe split. We also visited the place where the parliament was held and where chiefs would decide on legislation in their Viking ways.
Another place we visited was Gullfoss Waterfall where the water plunges 105 feet - it is huge!
Next, we visited "The Great Geysir" hot spring called Strokkur which shoots boiling water up 20 metres in the air every four minutes or so. It was magical! We waited around a few times to get some good photographs of this in action.
Our last stop was Skálholt Cathedral (the most famous Church in Iceland) - it had beautiful stained glass windows and was situated in a most stunning location.
Iceland is SO gorgeous, just got back myself! Agree with you on the food being pricey though - I cooked the majority of my meals in my hostel to save a bit!
ReplyDeleteIt had some of the best views I've every seen! We stayed in a hotel, but I definitely would have done a hostel too especially if we had gone for longer. Even in the shops the food was expensive! We did buy some snacks and stuff to eat in our room and on the day trips!
Delete