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
Tour Price:
Price
per person, (for 4 passengers or more):
Price per person:
(click inside box to select your currency)
Conditions
of sale. (please read carefully)
Services included: Transportation
and guidance.
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