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Reykjanes and the Blue Lagoon
 Duration: Approx.
5 hours
We start our tour with a drive past Bessastadir, the
official residence of the Icelandic President, and proceed through the
picturesque town of Hafnarfjördur. The town is affectionately known as the
‘town in the lava’ owing to its charming location nestling amongst ancient
lava formations of all shapes and sizes. Travelling through this surreal
landscape towards the Reykjanes Peninsula, we pass the NATO base at
Keflavik, and on to the small fishing village of Hafnir at the very tip of
the peninsula. Reykjanes, from which the entire region takes its name, is
one of the earth’s great geological wonders. Here the tectonic plates of
Eurasia and North America split, and you can literally walk from one
continent to another by way of the ‘bridge between two continents’. Nearby
the twin craters at Stampar testify to the area’s fiery origins. Although
the last eruption here was in the 13th century, earthquakes are common and
the lighthouse on the cliff top, Iceland’s first, was damaged by one in
1887. We continue past its replacement to the actual cliffs themselves
where we make a stop, providing us with a wonderful opportunity to see at
close range various nesting sea birds such as kittiwakes, fulmars and
guillemots. After a short walk we head for the hot springs and solfataras
of Gunnuhver, where we witness the powerful jets of steam escaping from
deep beneath the earth’s crust with their multi-coloured deposits
crystallizing on the surface. Now we follow the coast road, passing the
region’s many salmon farms across an impressive volcanic plateau to the
bustling fishing village of Grindavik, where we make a short stop at the
harbour. Our next stop is the Blue Lagoon, one of the most popular places
to visit in Iceland. This pool of pure, mineral-rich geothermal seawater
located in the middle of a lava field is a wonder of nature and attracts
more than 100,000 visitors a year in search of health, relaxation and
recreation. From a special viewing platform, you’ll see the natural
lagoon’s amazing pale blue waters and the unique bathing facilities
surrounded by a four-metre high lava wall. Following the visit, we return
to Reykjavik and the ship.
By coach/on foot, subject to a minimum of 30/maximum of
200. Please note: We regret that there will not be time for passengers to
bathe on this tour. |
