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 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 dock, innumerable
fishing boats and trawlers,both Icelandic and foreign, is a memorable sight. The
town is also well known for it's carmelite convent and the viking restaurant and
annual festival which has already been held there three times.
We leave Hafnarfjörður
by slipping discreetly under the busy Reykjanesbraut thoroughfare on to a gravel
road which passes through the vast Kapelluhraun lava-field, where empty drying
racks for stockfish strech out for miles, and over the Vatnsskarð pass towards
the mysterious Kleifarvatn lake. As the road winds it's way alongside the Sveifluháls
ridge, some very strange shapes and figures, which the wind (and even some unknown
artists!) have carved into the palagonitic rocks, come into view.
Further
along, we will reach the Seltún hotspring area,
where some of the first serious attemps to capture geothermal energy in Iceland
were undertaken in the early years of this century.The solfatares, which have
recently started to form nearby, are also well worth a visit.
Grænavatn,(Green
Lake) is an interesting explosive crater on our way, and thereafter we will cross
the 650 year old Ögmundarhraun, which came tumbling down the mountainside,destroying
several farms on it's way before rushing into the sea.
At Festarfjall,the
entrails of a volcanic crater are clearly visible, and from the top of the cliffs
a passing minke whale can sometimes be spotted. 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 rewards 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 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: (4x4)Transportation and guidance.
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