Trip Iceland

Iceland is a volcanic island in the North Atlantic Ocean east of Greenland and immediately south of the Arctic Circle. About 79% of Iceland's land area, which is of recent volcanic origin, consists of glaciers, lakes, a mountainous lava desert, and other wasteland. About 28% of the land is used for grazing, and 1% is cultivated. The inhabited areas are on the coast, particularly in the southwest where about 60% of the population lives.

          Because of the Gulf Stream's moderating influence, the climate is characterized by damp, cool summers and relatively mild but windy winters. We landed at Keflavik, a small fishing town and planned to stay for few days. The August weather turn cold and strong wind but luckily I have heavy coat with me. The local currency is Iceland Krona but Euro and US$ are widely accepted.

         EU granted candidate status to Iceland by formally approving the opening of membership talks. As part of the European Economic Area, Iceland is already a member of the EU's single market. It is also a member of the Schengen Area which removes border controls between member states. Iceland could become an EU member in near future.

          The blue lagoon is located about 40 minutes from the capital Reykjavik and a stone throw from Keflavik. I can see smoke stacks of the power plant from my lodging. The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous attraction. A pool of superheated neon blue water, it is believed to have restorative effects.

          The path to the lagoon entrance has been carved into the lava and the winding shape. It gives the spooky feeling like you are going to be covered by hot lava.

          A popular misconception is that the Blue Lagoon is a naturally occurring hot spring pool; this is not one of them. The water that fills the Blue Lagoon actually comes from a nearby geothermal power plant. The hot water (about 464 degrees Fahrenheit) comes from over 6,000 feet deep below the ground and is used to create electricity for the nearby city of Reykjavik.

          The lagoon gets is vivid blue color from the blue-green algae and white silica mud. This water, which is about 240 degrees C, passes through several processes to generate electricity and then heats water that in turn heats 89% of Icelandic homes. The extra run off forms the blue lagoon which is about 35 degrees C to about 40 degrees C year round.

          The blue lagoon is known as a therapeutic bathing pool. The lagoon has proven health benefits. Scientists say bathing in the lagoon has positive effects on psoriasis and eczema. The lagoon is a very popular tourist attraction, mainly because of the many health benefits. The Blue Lagoon produces and markets the Blue Lagoon skin care products, based on active natural ingredients from the Blue Lagoon.

         No it is not a fountain of youth. This man made waterfall makes for the most powerful and energizing massage! I have tried and felt good but the restoration of my skin has no effect on me. (Possibly it beyond repair).

          Volcano Kerio is a 55 meter deep volcanic crater formed over 3000 years ago after an explosion. It is contains a lake with stunning blue/green water. Located just off the road, you climb the slope up to the crater edge and look over into the waters below. It is pretty spectacular, with the blue/green water being offset by the red soil on the walls of the crater. The crater is in the same route of the famous “Golden Circle”.

         Travelling around Iceland it is interesting to note the different vegetation cover on the older and younger lava flows. Lavas older than 1000 years have a thick growth of moss whereas younger lavas have little vegetation. Should I believe it?

          Geysir (English: Geyser) There are to be seen some of the most famous sights of the island, the geysers. The biggest geysers of Haukadalur valley are Strokkur and Geysir itself, which gave others their name. Strokkur is very dependable and erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, whereas the bigger Geysir has been quiet for some time. There are also a lot of other little hot springs nearby.

         You can see the base of Strokkur, and can watch the heated water swirling and gurgling. As it gets closer to erupting, you can see the pressure building as the water starts to rise slowly in a dome...then all of a sudden off she blows!!.

         Almost as fascinating is after the erupting, the excess water is sucked back down into the hole, just like a sink when you pull out the plug. The Geysir is part of the Iceland famous tour “Golden Circle”. The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route in South Iceland, covering about 300 km looping from Reykjavik into central Iceland and back.

          Gullfoss (English: Golden Falls) The fall also located on the "Golden Circle. We arrive in the top parking lot at the falls, near the visitor center, you can't see the falls, but you can hear the thundering water in the distance. It gets louder as you walk towards the edge of the cliff....and then you look over and see the falls ahead.

          Gullfoss is Iceland's most famous waterfall, and are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The falls are the most powerful in Europe. The view from up here is great, but for an even better look, there is a 5 minute walk that takes you right onto the rocks at the edge of the falls! Fabulous to be so close to this beautiful natural wonder! Just don't get too close to the edge. I saw a picture of frozen Gullfoss, very impressive and massive ice block.

          A spectacular waterfall that cascades into the mighty Hvita River. Gullfoss is two-tiered waterfall - the two levels of falls making this an extremely awe-inspiring sight. There is the first drop with foaming water surging over rocks, and then the second drop is into a narrow canyon which is 70 meters deep and 2.5 kilometers long. The spray that comes up from the falls is pretty impressive - be prepared to get a little wet.

          During World War II the military airfield served as a refueling and transit depot. During the Cold War, NAS Keflavik played an important role in monitoring marine and submarine traffic from the Norwegian and Greenland Seas into the Atlantic Ocean. Forces from the United States Air Force were added to provide radar monitoring, fighter intercept, in-flight refueling, and aerial/marine rescue. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, however, the base's role was cast into doubt. The base officially closed on 30 September 2006.

          The 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull are relatively small for volcanic eruptions, caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe over an initial period of six days in April 2010. Few of my co-workers stranded in Europe’s cities for few days waiting for sky to open up and I did not hear any complaint when they got back in the office (umm….). cr-image Bryanjar Gauti

          The overall landscape of the Iceland is spectacular. The land is very empty, bare land, no trees and it can pass for a lonely planet. Iceland is one of the least densely populated countries in the world (less than 320,000 and rank 233 of 240). cr-image Henrik Thorburn.