We start
this excursion by heading south towards the Álftanes peninsula with the intention
of visiting Bessastaðir, which is the residence of the presidents of the Republic
of Iceland. Of course, the place is mostly off limits to the public, but the beautiful
18th century chapel is not and Bessastaðir is also renowned for it's varied birdlife,
especially in the springtime and autumn when many species of migrating birds make
their annual halt there.
Next on our way is the bustling town of Hafnarfjörður
whose busy harbour,with it's shipyards and dry docks, innumerable fishing boats
and trawlers,both Icelandic and foreign, is a memorable sight. Further south,
we drive along the desolate Vatnsleysuströnd (The Waterless coast), towards the
villages of Vogar and Innri-Njarðvík, where we have the possibility to visit a
19th century fishermen's shed.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the busy Reykjanesbraut
highway, we will steer towards a quiet country lane leading to the tiny village
of Hafnir, where we will visit an interesting aquarium which has recently been
established there.Further along this lane,we will arrive at Stóra-Sandvík creek
which shows some unmistakeable signs (faults and fissures) of being the place
where the North-Atlantic Ridge emerges from the ocean and comes ashore.
Arriving
at the tip of the Reykjanes peninsula itself, our attention first of all be drawn
to the tremendous amount of geothermal energy which is present there, and man's
attemps to capture it. First of all, the tall Reykjanes lighthouse
catches our eyesight, but we will head straight for the cliff where the old lighthouse
used to stand, and from there take in the incomparable view of the gannet island
Eldey on the horizon, the busy shipping traffic in the channel, and the ever present
birdlife in the cliffs up close.
Viewing the entrance to the port of Grindavík
will bring home the truth, even to the most hardened landlubbers, that seafaring
in Iceland, even at the best of times, is a hazardous undertaking, but the generally
opulent aspect of the town also attests to the fact that, if everything goes well,
the reaps are plentiful.
Finally, we will wind up this tour by admiring the
geothermal plant at Svartsengi and by going
to have a soothing bath at the famous Blue Lagoon. Return to Reykjavík thereafter.
Duration of tour: 4-5 hours ,
Departures: 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.;daily by
request Price per person, (for 4 passengers or more):
:
(click inside box to select your currency)
Conditions
of sale.
Services included: Transportation and guidance.
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