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4 dni, pakiet | Urlop na Islandii z zorzą, południem, Złotym Kręgiem i Błękitną Laguną
Spędź niezapomniane wczasy na Islandii korzystając z naszego 4-dniowego pakietu. Zaraz po przyjeździe zanurzysz się w niesamowitej atmosferze kolorowego i nieco ekscentrycznego Reykjaviku. Będziesz również eksplorować najpiękniejsze i najpopularniejsze miejsca w kraju bez zamieszania i stresu. Przyleć i wypoczywaj, my zajmiemy się resztą!
Plan wycieczki zakłada doskonałą równowagę między naturą i kulturą. Odwiedzisz spa Błękitna Laguna, przejedziesz trasą Złotego Kręgu, zobaczysz wysokie, piękne wodospady i gejzery wyrzucające z siebie wodę. Nie zabraknie lodowców, wulkanów oraz słynnych czarnych plaż.
Zimowa Islandia znana jest również z niesamowitych zórz polarnych - przy odrobinie szczęścia zobaczysz jedną z nich. Dedykowana wycieczka, podczas której wybierzesz się poza miasto (w idealne miejsce, aby na nią polować) jest uwzględniona w tym pakiecie.
Istnieje wiele sposobów, aby wakacje na Islandii stały się jeszcze bardziej wyjątkowe, pomimo tego, że będą trwały tylko kilka dni. Możesz dodać kolejne aktywności w trakcie procesu rezerwacji i wybrać się w miejsca niespotykane nigdzie indziej na świecie.
Podróżując przez słynną trasę Złotego Kręgu możesz spróbować wycieczki skuterami śnieżnymi po potężnym lodowcu Langjökull, lub snorkelingu w szczelinie Silfra wypełnionej krystaliczną wodą, która leży na styku dwóch płyt kontynentalnych. Opcją jest również jazda konno w otoczeniu malowniczego krajobrazu. Koń islandzki ma jeden z najpłynniejszych chodów znanych człowiekowi, a ich niewielki rozmiar oznacza, że jazda jest idealna nawet dla początkujących.
Podziwiając czarne, piaszczyste plaże i szumiące wodospady na południowym wybrzeżu, możesz poświęcić kilka godzin na wędrówkę po lodowcu. To jedna z najbardziej niezwykłych aktywności dostępnych w kraju, zbliżająca do surowej islandzkiej natury dyktującej codzienność na wyspie.
Zarezerwuj tę wycieczkę już teraz i zobacz jak wygląda zimowa Islandia. Sprawdź dostępność tego pakietu wybierając datę.
Kilka faktów
- Dostępna: Wrz. - Kwi.
- Czas: 4 dni
- Aktywności: Lodowiec, Snorkelling, Skutery śnieżne, Jazda konna, Zwiedzanie, Łódź, Zorza polarna, Gorące źródła
- Poziom trudności: Łatwy
- Języki: English
- Obszar: Błękitna Laguna,
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is the most popular attraction in Iceland drawing people from all across the world.
The Lagoon is just a fifteen-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport, or a thirty-minute drive from Reykjavík, located between the two. It is thus often visited straight after arrival to the country or right before departure.
There are few better ways to recharge after a long-flight or action-packed holiday.
The Blue Lagoon started as a pool of wastewater from the Svartsengi geothermal plant in 1976. The first person to bathe there was Valur Margeirsson in 1981. He was met with some resistance prior to taking the first dip as people thought he was mad for wanting to bath in a "blue mud pool". He and others soon began to notice the unusual but remarkable healing qualities of the azure waters.
Those with conditions such as psoriasis found the waters immediately soothing for their condition. News quickly spread, and by 1987, the first swimming facilities were officially opened.
Since then, the establishment has only grown, from an open pool with no surrounding buildings to a luxurious spa, research centre and hotel.
The Blue Lagoon is considered to have such notable regenerative qualities because the water is rich in silica and sulphur. A research and development facility on site finds cures and remedies for skin ailments, and silica mud is available for free on the sides of the pool for guests to enjoy a facemask.
The temperature in the bathing and swimming area is very comfortable, averaging 37–39° C (98–102° F). The Blue Lagoon also boasts the LAVA Restaurant, the Blue Café and the Lagoon Spa: you can thus enjoy cocktails, health products, delicious meals and treatments such as massages without leaving the premises. Saunas, steam rooms and a small waterfall are also on site.
For all of these reasons and more, the Blue Lagoon is considered to be one of the most enjoyable and romantic spots in the country. It is surrounded by a plethora of fantastic volcanic landscapes, and the water itself is opaque and vividly blue. Rising pillars of steam only add to the spa's fantastic ambience.
Things to Note
The Blue Lagoon Spa is open throughout the year, and popular in every season. Due to the fact it has a maximum capacity for the comfort of its guests, it is essential that you book several months in advance to ensure your space. The vast majority of the time, you will be turned away at the door without a reservation.
More reserved guests might want to be aware that it is a requirement to shower naked in public before entering the lagoon, to ensure that the highest hygiene standards are maintained. Though uncomfortable for some, nudity has little taboo in Icelandic culture, so worry not; no-one's looking.
Those who are travelling on a budget will note that the Blue Lagoon is quite pricey. There are other smaller spas and pools that can be entered for less, such as the Fontana Spa, Secret Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths and Krauma Spa. Of course, natural hot pools are free to enter.
For more information, you can read articles on the best pools in the country and the best natural hot springs.Złoty Krąg,
The Golden Circle is a 300 kilometre (186 mile) route to the three most popular natural attractions in Iceland: the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
This sightseeing trail is easy to do within half a day from Reykjavík, either by self-drive or on one of many tours. Some of these tours have additional activities, such as snorkelling or snowmobiling, or are conducted in a unique style, such as by helicopter, or under the midnight sun.
Within the three locations of the Golden Circle are some of the clearest examples of Iceland's fascinating geological forces, magnificent landscapes, and rich culture.
The Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot-spring haven in Haukadalur Valley. As could be guessed, it is home to a famous geyser, the name of which has named all others: Geysir itself.
Though this feature is currently in a phase of inactivity, its neighbour Strokkur more than makes up for it. Every five to ten minutes, it blasts a column of boiling water to heights that can reach over 40 metres (131 feet).
The surrounding area is dotted with fumaroles, hot springs, and mud-pits. There are also two other smaller geysers, Smiður and Litlí-Strokkur, that can be easily visited, as well as a hotel, restaurant, cafe and gift shop across the road.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The 'Golden Waterfall', Gullfoss one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, plummeting 32 metres (105 feet) in two tiers into the river gorge of the popular rafting river Hvítá. It is just a ten-minute drive from Geysir and is the furthest point on the Golden Circle from Reykjavík.
Gullfoss was very almost lost in the early 20th century when British developers sought to harness its incredible power for geothermal energy. Though they got the lease to the land, allowing them to go ahead with their plans, they met an unlikely adversary: the daughter of the farmer who owned it, Sigríður Tómasdóttir.
This resilient woman refused to see the waterfall, to which she and her sisters paved the first path, destroyed. She, therefore, walked over 200 kilometres (124 miles) to Reykjavík and back multiple times to meet with a lawyer in order to help change the decision.
Though the process was arduous and took years, eventually Sigríður managed to exhaust the resources of the businessmen and they withdrew their plans. Because of her, all Icelandic waterfalls are now protected from foreign investors, and she is considered one of Iceland's first environmentalists and most important historical people.
Thingvellir National Park
The largest attraction of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park. The Icelandic parliament was founded here in 930 and remained until the year 1798 before moving to Reykjavík, making it the original site of what is now the world's longest ongoing parliament.
Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important places to visit in Iceland. This is not just for its historical and cultural values, but for also its magnificent landscape and dramatic geology.
Þingvellir is surrounded by a beautiful mountain and volcanic ranges, as it is located in a rift valley directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can walk between the continents, in the Mid-Atlantic Rift.
The daring and qualified even have opportunities to snorkel or scuba dive in this no-mans-land, in a ravine filled with crystal-clear spring water called Silfra. The visibility here can exceed 100 metres (328 feet), revealing incredible geological sites. Though it never freezes over due to the constant flow of water into it, it is 2°C (35°C) throughout the year, thus underwater explorers are always equipped with protective suits.
Other sites of note are the magnificent Almannagjá gorge, which you can walk down into to reach the rift valley from the North American tectonic plate, and the beautiful lake Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland, which gleams to the south of the National Park.
Surrounding sites
Due to its convenient location in south-west Iceland, it is easy to visit the Golden Circle alongside with many other sites. Those seeking relaxation could head to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir or Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, those seeking adventure could book a trip to the ice tunnels of Langjökull glacier, and those seeking culture could visit the Sólheimar ecovillage. For more natural beauty, you can visit the nearby Kerið crater lake.
There are many tours that include such bonuses, but if driving yourself, you should check out this guide to great detours off the Golden Circle.Reykjavik,
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of any sovereign state in the world.
Despite a small population (approximately 120,000, with just over 200,000 in the Greater Reykjavík area), it is a vibrant city that draws an ever increasing number of visitors every year. It is the financial, cultural and political centre of Iceland, and has a reputation of being one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.
The city of Reykjavík is located in southwest Iceland by Faxaflói Bay. Throughout the ages, the landscape has been shaped by glaciers, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and the area is geothermal; after all, its name translates to 'Smoky Bay'.
Much of the current city area was subglacial during the Ice Age, with the glacier reaching as far as the Álftanes peninsula, while other areas lay under the sea. After the end of the Ice Age, the land rose as the glaciers drifted away, and it began to take on its present form.
The coastline of Reykjavík is set with peninsulas, coves, straits and islands, most notably the island of Viðey, and seabirds and whales frequent the shores. The mountain ring as seen from the shore is particularly beautiful.
Mount Esjan is the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavík and the most distinctive feature of the coastline. This majestic summit is also highly popular amongst hikers and climbers. Other notable mountains that can be seen from the seaside are Akrafjall and Skarðsheiði.
On clear days, one may even see as far to the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier, at the end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
The largest river to run through the city is Elliðaá in Elliðaárdalur valley, which is also one of Iceland's best rivers for salmon fishing.
There are no trains or trams in Iceland, but most people travel by car. The city also operates a bus system. There are two major harbours in town, the old harbour in the centre and Sundahöfn in the east.
The domestic Reykjavík Airport is located at Vatnsmýrin, not far from the city centre and close to the hill Öskjuhlíð and the restaurant, vantage point and exhibition centre Perlan. The international Keflavík Airport at Miðnesheiði heath then lies around 50 kilometres (31 miles) from the city.
Cars, jeeps and bicycles can be readily rented in the city and many organized tours are also being offered. It is, however, quite easy to walk between the major sites.
What to See & Do in Reykjavik
The local arts scene is strong in Iceland, with annual events and festivals, many of artists from which have hit the international stage.
Major events taking place in Reykjavík include Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavík Pride, RIFF (The Reykjavík International Film Festival), The Reykjavík Literature Festival, Culture Night, the Reykjavík Arts Festival, Food & Fun, the Reykjavík Fashion Festival and the Sónar music festival.
Amongst the famous people from Reykjavík are musicians like Björk Guðmundsdóttir and Sigur Rós, and writers Halldór Laxness (born on the main street, Laugavegur) and Arnaldur Indriðason.
Those eager to soak up the local culture should visit the city's many museums, exhibitions and galleries, and check out live music at the cafés, bars, and concert venues dotted around. You could look at the programmes of what's on at the Harpa music hall or the theatres, or else plan a few hours at the lighthouse at Grótta, the shopping street of Laugavegur, or the old harbour and the flea market.
You could even book a bird- and whale watching tour or a visit to Viðey island. There are a lot of things to do and the possibilities are endless.
Make sure to visit the public square of Austurvöllur, one of the city's most popular gathering places, where you'll also find the national parliament, the Alþingi, as well as the state church, a statue of independence hero Jón Sigurðsson, cafés, bars and restaurants.
Austurvöllur was central in the protests following the banking collapse of 2008, along with Lækjargata, home to the House of Government. You are also not likely to miss the great church of Hallgrímskirkja that towers over the city from the hill of Skólavörðuholt, from which you'll get a great view of the city.
Try a walk by the city pond, Tjörnin, to greet the many birds that frequent the area and to visit the city hall, stationed by its banks. A beautiful park lies by the pond, ideal for a nice walk, and sometimes concerts get held there.
Further off is the campus of the University of Iceland, the Nordic house and the Vatnsmýrin wetland, a particularly pleasant place, but be mindful to not disturb the wildlife there by keeping to the pathways.
For a nice swim on a warm day, we particularly recommend Nauthólsvík beach, which is heated with geothermal water. Those who love a dip should also visit the Laugardalur valley, home to one of the city's best swimming pools, which sits a short walk away from Ásmundarsafn gallery, a beautiful botanical garden and a domestic zoo.
A walk by the Ægissíða beach, with its old fishing sheds, in the west part of Reykjavík also holds a particular charm. From there, you can see all the way to president's house at Bessastaðir, which is also a historical site in its own right, having been the educational centre of Iceland for centuries.
Another place that offers one of the city's best views is Perlan, up on Öskjuhlíð hill. The hill itself is a popular place to spend a few hours, with over 176,000 trees and great opportunities for walking and cycling. Perlan also has and observation deck with great views, a café and an exhibition centre.
Furthermore, the city is a short drive from many of Iceland's major attractions, most famously the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. In close vicinity you'll also find the Heiðmörk preservation area, a favourite local site of the people of Reykjavík, as well as the Blue Mountains, one of Iceland's best skiing venues.
Finally, we'd like to stress that these are only some suggestions of the many things you might check out in Reykjavík. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you'll be able to make the most of your visit and we wish you a pleasant stay in our capital.Skógafoss,
Skógafoss is one of Iceland's biggest and most beautiful waterfalls with an astounding width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (197 feet).
Due to the amount of spray the cascade produces, at least one rainbow is present any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds.
Located on the Skógá river, this mighty cascade is clearly visible from Route 1 and is an excellent place to stop and stretch the legs while travelling Iceland's South Coast. The river below Skógafoss holds a large char and salmon population and is thus a favourite spot for fishermen in the summer.
The land underneath the waterfall is very flat, allowing visitors to walk right up to the wall of water. This will get you drenched, although, on a summer's day, it can be quite tempting.
Skógafoss can also be viewed from the top as a steep staircase leads to an observational platform above the cascade. Many nesting seabirds can be found on the route up.
Skógafoss is located near the small village of Skógar, south of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano. There you'll find the Skógasafn folk museum, an open-air museum with both old wooden houses and turf houses, as well as a regional museum with various artefacts from this area.
A part of the Skógasafn Regional Museum is the Museum of Transportation, which showcases the history and evolution of transportation, communication and technologies in Iceland. There, you can see how this nation evolved from the age of the working horse to the digital communications of the 21st century.
The Skógasafn museum also includes a café and a museum shop, and in the village of Skógar, you will find both a hotel and a restaurant.
At the eastern side of Skógafoss, you will find one of Iceland's most famed hiking routes; the Fimmvörðuháls pass. The 22 kilometre (14 miles) trail takes you along Skógá river, between two glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, before ending in the beautiful Þórsmörk valley.
Skógafoss is often visited alongside the waterfall Seljalandsfoss, which is just a little further along the South Coast. Both fall from cliffs of the same height, and while Skógafoss is much more powerful, Seljalandsfoss has a cave behind it, which means it can be fully encircled. It is also next to a much lesser known but still awe-inspiring waterfall, Gljúfrabúi.
A gold ring is on display at the Skógasafn museum. According to legend, the ring is from a chest that was owned by Þrasi Þórólfsson, one of the first Viking settlers in the area, who by some accounts was a giant. Folklore states that before his death in 900 AD, Þrasi buried a chest filled with gold in a cave behind Skógafoss waterfall.
Many attempts were made to retrieve the chest after Þrasi's death, and years later, locals managed to grasp a ring on the side of the chest. As they pulled, the ring broke off, and the treasure was lost forever. The ring was then given to the local church before it made its way to the museum.Seljalandsfoss,
Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall that can be fully encircled, situated on the South Coast of Iceland with a drop of 60 metres (200 feet).
Due to the waterfall's close proximity to the Ring Road and impressive natural features, it is one the country's most famous and visited falls. Majestic and picturesque, it is one of the most photographed features in all of Iceland.
Geology and Surroundings
Seljalandsfoss waterfall, part of the river Seljalandsá, has its origins underneath the glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The volcano beneath this ice cap was the one that erupted in 2010 and caused havoc at airports across Europe.
The cascade of the falls is relatively narrow but falls from a tall cliff that once marked the country's coastline, the sea is now located across a stretch of lowlands and is visible from the site.
The most distinguishing feature of Seljalandsfoss is a pathway that stretches all the way around it. The cliffs behind the falls have a wide cavern, and rocks and paths allow guests to fully encircle it in summer.
Though a mesmerising opportunity, visitors should be prepared to get dampened due to the perpetual mist of the falls, which also tends to make the rocks of the pathway slippery.
Floodlights have been set up on both sides of the waterfall, which impressively illuminate the scene during the night when the midnight sun is not out. The lights were installed in 2001 due to the growing popularity of the falls as a tourist destination.
After visiting Seljalandsfoss, it is common for visitors to continue north to the waterfall Gljúfrabúi, which is found partially hidden behind a rock face. Because of Seljalandsfoss extreme popularity, Gljúfrabúi is widely considered the hidden gem of the scene, as it is too often overlooked.
Seljalandsfoss is also usually visited alongside the nearby Skógafoss. The waterfall falls from the same height, and while it cannot be encircled, it is much more powerful and steeped in the legend of a giant's hidden treasure.
Visitor Centre Controversy
In 2017, it was announced that a visitor's centre was to be constructed near the falls. The design of the building indicated that it would be seven metres (23 feet) high and 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet) in size. Landowners in the area opposed to the idea, proclaiming that the centre would greatly alter the natural appearance of the waterfall's renowned scenery.
The project has neither been fully approved nor wholly cancelled, with ideas surfacing of either significantly reducing the size of the construction, or moving the visitor centre's location further away, for instance to the nearby farmstead Brekkuhorn.
Seljalandsfoss in Popular Culture
Along with a multitude of South Iceland's most famous natural attractions, Seljalandsfoss can be seen in Justin Bieber's music video for his song 'I'll Show You'. Please enjoy the video without emulating any antics that will endanger yourself or the environment.
The waterfall was also a featured waypoint during the first leg of the sixth season of The Amazing Race, an American reality TV series.Geysir,
Geysir is a famous hot spring in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley, found in south-west Iceland.
Making up just one of the attractions along the world-renowned Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Þingvellir National Park and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir is most well-known for having lent its name to geysers all around the world.
Though Geysir itself is rarely active these days, Haukadalur Valley boasts a plethora of hot springs and geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur.
Strokkur is, arguably, the country's most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water from 20 metres (65 feet) up to 40 metres (130 feet) high. Don't worry about missing this incredible spectacle of nature, as Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes; just make sure to have your camera ready.
Geysir is much larger, but years can go by between eruptions here; it is currently in an inactive phase. When it does erupt, the water can shoot up in the air as high as 70 metres (230 feet).
Just a few minutes walk north of Geysir are a wealth of fumaroles emanating steam and gas into the cool Icelandic air. Aside from watching the hypnotic pillars of steam, you will also be able to observe the yellow sulphuric stains along the fumaroles themselves, a result of the earth's minerals crystallising around the rock bed.
At the southern part of the valley, Þykkuhverir, you'll find various bubbling mud pots. These spooky brown cauldrons are actually fumaroles that boil up through the loose ground; after a dry spell, these mud pools are likely to transform into a hardened fumarole.
Nearby Attractions
About two kilometres (one mile) from Geysir is a preserved natural pool called Kúalaug. It has room for three to five people at a time, but care should be taken, as the area around the pool is very delicate. The temperature is 39-43°C (102-109°F), depending on where you are positioned in the pool.
The water is slightly muddy, as the pool is built on soil, and the bottom is slippery due to algae, so caution is advised when relaxing here.
Haukadalur has also seen a rise in reforestation in recent times thanks to continued experiments and research in the area. Today, Haukadalsskógur is one of the largest forests in south Iceland, boasting accessible walking paths (also for wheelchair users), fascinating vegetation and The Tree Museum, built in the memory of forester Gunnar Freysteinsson.
Haukadalur has been inhabited and used as a church site since the Age of Settlement. Given its historic value, it should be noted that scholar, Ari "The Wise" Þorgilsson, grew up here; it was also where the first pastoral school in Iceland was built.
The current wooden church was last rebuilt in 1938 but its architectural style dates back to 1842, making it well worth a visit to see how Iceland looked before industrialisation.
For accommodation, Hotel Gullfoss is approximately 7 kilometre from the Geysir area, and closer still is Hotel Geysir on the other side of the road from the attraction, where you will also find a restaurant, café and a souvenir shop.Gullfoss,
Gullfoss (translated to 'Golden Falls') is one of Iceland's most iconic and beloved waterfalls, found in the Hvítá river canyon in south-west Iceland.
The water in Hvítá river travels from the glacier Langjökull, before cascading 32 meters (105 feet) down Gullfoss' two stages in a dramatic display of nature's raw power. This incredible site is seen by most visitors, as it is on the Golden Circle sightseeing route.
Because of the waterfall's two stages, Gullfoss should actually be thought of as two separate features. The first, shorter cascade is 11 metres (36 feet), whilst the second drop is 21 metres (69 feet). The canyon walls on both sides of the waterfall reach heights of up to 70 metres (230 feet), descending into the great Gullfossgjúfur canyon. Geologists believe that this canyon was formed by glacial outbursts at the beginning of the last age.
In the summer, approximately 140 cubic metres (459 cubic feet) of water surges down the waterfall every second, whilst in winter that number drops to around 109 cubic metres (358 cubic feet). With such energy, visitors should not be surprised to find themselves drenched by the waterfall's mighty spray.
As mentioned, Gullfoss makes up a part of the highly popular Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park. Many Golden Circle tours include additional activities that can be taken from Gullfoss, such as ascending the mighty nearby glacier Langjökull and entering its ice tunnels, or snowmobiling along its gleaming surface.
In the early days of the last century, Gullfoss was at the centre of much controversy regarding foreign investors and their desire to profit off Iceland's nature. In the year 1907, an English businessman, Howell, sought to utilise the waterfall's energy and harboured ambitions to use its energy to fuel a hydroelectric plant.
At the time, Gullfoss was owned by a farmer named Tómas Tómasson. Tómas declined Howell's offer to purchase the land, stating famously "I will not sell my friend!" He would, however, go on to lease Howell the land without the knowledge of a loophole that would allow him to proceed with his plans.
It was Tómas' daughter, Sigríður Tómasdóttir, who would lead the charge to stop Howell's ambitions. Having grown up on her father's sheep farm where she helped pave the first road to Gullfoss, she sought to get the contract nullified, hurriedly saving her own money to hire a lawyer.
The ensuing legal battle was an uphill struggle; the case continued for years, forcing Sigríður to travel many times by foot to Reykjavík, a distance of over 100 kilometres (62 miles). Circumstances became so difficult that Sigríður threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if any construction began.
Her tenacity, however, resulted in success. In 1929, Howell's withdrew from the lease, unable to keep up with the costs and difficulties of his plan. The waterfall fell back into the hands of the Icelandic people.
Today, Sigríður is recognised for her perseverance in protecting Gullfoss and is often hailed as Iceland's first environmentalist. As such, she is one of the most famous figures in Iceland's history. Her contribution is forever marked in stone; a plaque detailing her plight sits at the top of Gullfoss.
Interestingly, the lawyer who assisted Sigríður, Sveinn Björnsson, went on to go down in history too; he became the first president of Iceland in 1944.
Restaurant / Cafe
Besides Gullfoss, visitors can enjoy the views from Gullfoss Cafe, a locally run delicatessen that serves a wide variety of refreshments and meals. The menu has options to tantalise everyone's taste buds: hot soups, sandwiches, salads and cakes. There is also a shop on site where visitors' can browse and purchase traditional Icelandic souvenirs.Eyjafjallajökull,
The glacier volcano of Eyjafjallajökull is notorious the world over for causing havoc to air travel in 2010, and stumping television anchors everywhere as they tried to pronounce it. 1651 metres (5427 feet) tall, it is one of the most dominant features of the South Coast.
The glacier of Eyjafjallajökull is approximately 100 square kilometres (39 square miles), making it the country's sixth largest. It sits close to the fourth greatest, Mýrdalsjökull, which also conceals another notorious volcano, this one called Katla.
While Eyjafjallajökull's eruption was huge and disruptive, it pales in comparison to the potential of Katla. Far more explosive, and under much thicker ice, an eruption here in unfavourable wind conditions could have worldwide consequences.
The magma chambers between both of these mighty volcanoes are connected, and, unfortunately for us, an eruption at Eyjafjallajökull is usually followed by one at Katla within a decade.
Eyjafjallajökull has many glacial outlets, the most famous being Gígjökull. Many rivers flow from its meltwater, and one of these falls into the beautiful South Coast waterfall, Seljalandsfoss, which it is possible to fully encircle.
Eyjafjallajökull's most recent eruption was no doubt the most famous in Iceland's history (although the honour really should go to Laki, the 1783-4 eruption of which caused an ash cloud so great that Europe fell into a famine that many historians believe led to the French Revolution). On March 27th, 2010, magma began to bubble from beneath the surface, and by April 14th, ash was starting to billow from the peak.
800 people were evacuated, in fears not of magma, but of equally dangerous glacial floods, which have decimated Icelandic towns in the past. Animals were ordered to be kept inside, and those with respiratory problems told they should also stay indoors.
Air travel across Europe was halted, as, by the evening of April 15th, the ash was already over the UK, Scandinavia, and parts of Germany. Holidaymakers were trapped, waiting for news, and would end up stuck for eight days; in Scotland and Ireland, there were even flights delayed in May due to lingering effects.
Thankfully, no one was injured, although the ash is thought to have caused respiratory issues for some in the south of the country. Many farms were also destroyed by the ash and floods, with some farmers still struggling to recover today.
Since settlement in 874, Eyjafjallajökull has also erupted in 900, 1612, and from 1821 to 1823. The latter released a huge amount of fluoride which is believed to have affected the bone health of humans and animals alike at the time.
Eyjafjallajokull today
Eyjafjallajökull is now entirely safe to visit and is seen on most tours of the South Coast in clear weather. In the town of Hvolsvöllur, there is a visitor's centre on the volcano, which focuses on the experience of one family whose farm, Þorvaldseyri, was one of the many destroyed by the floods, lava and ash.
It is very unlikely that Eyjafjallajökull will erupt again any time soon, with hundreds of years between each eruption, but as mentioned, its neighbour Katla might start rumbling...Þingvellir,
Þingvellir National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage site on the Icelandic mainland and one of the three stops on the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, alongside the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley (Geysir) and Gullfoss Waterfall. Just to the south of the park is Þingvallavatn, Iceland's largest natural lake.
The first thing that visitors to the National Park notice is its sheer aesthetic beauty; dried magma fields, covered in Icelandic moss, sit carved by glacial springs and surrounded by a bowl of ancient mountain peaks.
Two of the greatest attractions in the park are the exposed North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; it is one of the only regions in the world where you can see geology such as this on land.
Visitors are encouraged to walk along the North American tectonic plate, where they can read more about the area's fascinating formation and history, before descending into the valley below.
Þingvellir can be anglicised to 'Fields of Parliament', a nod to the area's fascinating history and relevance to Icelandic culture. It is here, after all, that the world's first democratically elected parliament that remains functioning, Alþingi, was formed in 930 AD.
It may seem unlikely that Vikings would want to be under such an uncombative government, but the thirty or so clans that lived in Iceland at the time sought to prosper in their harsh new environment.
The first gathering was such a success that the meetings became annual, and it became a place where disputes were settled, criminals were tried, and laws to the benefit of all were laid down.
This saw the birth of the Icelandic Commonwealth, a time of independence and freedom for the Icelandic people before they became constituents of the Norwegian monarchy. Sessions would continue to be held at Þingvellir until 1798.
Though the parliament was removed by the Danish at this time, it returned 1845 to Reykjavík.
Another major reason as to why Þingvellir is considered so important to Icelanders is the fact that this is where the decision was made to abandon the belief of Paganism and the Norse Gods; the people adopted Christianity in 1000 AD under threat of invasion from Norway.
This turning point in history was left to the pagan lawspeaker, Þorgeir Þorkelsson, who rested on the choice for one day and one night before reappearing to share his decision.
To symbolise the country's change, he threw idols of his old deities into the northern waterfall Goðafoss, the name of which translates to 'Waterfall of the Gods'.
Silfra Fissure
Þingvellir is one of the most widely visited attractions in Iceland, in large part due to the fact that it is home to the glacial spring, Silfra fissure, one of the top ten sites in the world for snorkellers and scuba divers.
Silfra (meaning 'Silver') is a submerged ravine within the park, boasting visibility of up to 100 metres (328 feet) and a temperature just above freezing. Participants in these tours will be attired at the Silfra carpark in neoprene hoodies and gloves, as well as an undersuit and drysuit for thermal protection.Strokkur,
Strokkur is Iceland's most visited active geyser. One of the three major attractions on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, it is usually visited alongside Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.
Strokkur is found in the Geysir Geothermal Area, titled after the Great Geysir, which lent its name to all others across the world. It is the greatest active geyser on site; Geysir itself is in a period of inactivity. Strokkur erupts more regularly than Geysir ever did, blasting water to heights of around fifteen to twenty metres every five to ten minutes, although it is known to reach up to forty metres.
Strokkur and Haukadalur Valley
Strokkur is the primary feature of the Haukadalur valley and the main reason why it is one of the most visited sites in the country. While Geysir will very occasionally still erupt to enormous heights, it is nowhere near reliable enough to justify the area's popularity.
Haukadalur valley, however, has many other features that make it worth a visit. The natural beauty of the area is shaped by the forces of the earth; fumaroles, hot-springs, mud-pits and other little geysers are littered around, and the ground itself is dyed vividly by elements such as sulfur (yellow), copper (green) and iron (red).
Opposite the main geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley is a restaurant, cafe, hotel and luxury gift shop.
Science behind Strokkur
Active geysers like Strokkur are rare around the world, due to the fact that many conditions must be met for them to form. They are thus only found in certain parts of highly geothermal areas.
The first condition that is necessary is an intense heat source; magma must be close enough to the surface of the earth for the rocks to be hot enough to boil water. Considering that Iceland is located on top of the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this condition is met throughout most of the county.
Secondly, you will need a source of flowing underground water. In the case of Strokkur, this comes from the second largest glacier in the country, Langjökull. Meltwater from the glacier sinks into the surrounding porous lava rock, and travels underground in all directions.
Evidence of this flowing water can be found in Þingvellir National Park, where there are many freshwater springs flowing straight from the earth.
Finally, you need a complex plumbing system that allows a geyser to erupt, rather than just steam from the ground like a fumarole. Above the intense heat source, there must be space for the flowing water to gather like a reservoir. From this basin, there must be a vent to the surface. This vent must be lined with silica so that the boiling, rising water cannot escape before the eruption.
Environmental Issues with Strokkur
One of the main reasons that Geysir entered a period of inactivity was due to the fact soap used to be pumped into the vents to make the eruptions more dramatic; it damaged the structure of the vent and prevented water building up. Strokkur, therefore, is guarded against all interference, with chains keeping visitors a good distance away.
Unfortunately, however, there have been incidents where people have meddled with its natural state. For example, an artist called Marco Evaristti once poured food colouring into it to make the eruption pink. He defended himself by claiming that nature was open to artists to utiltise and the fact the colouring was all-natural, but he became a pariah amongst many Icelanders, and was arrested and fined (though never paid it).Reykjanes,
Reykjanes is a peninsula in south-west Iceland, characterised by immense lava fields, volcanoes and heightened geothermal activity.
Volcanic & Geothermal Activity
The Reykjanes Peninsula runs along the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates are drifting apart. Due to this geological setting, the whole peninsula is extremely volcanically active, covered with lava fields, and eruptions and earthquakes are very common here.
During the Middle Ages, many eruptions occurred in Reykjanes, but no eruptions have been recorded here for the last 500 years. This is simply a period of dormancy, however; they could start again at any time.
Earthquakes are still common. In 2001, one occurred beneath the lake Kleifarvatn and drained it to the extent that it lost 25 per cent of its surface area. Since then, hot springs have been bubbling beneath its surface.
The main geothermal areas of Reykjanes, however, are Gunnuhver, Krýsuvik and Svartsengi. Various mud pools and fumaroles can be seen at Gunnuhver, while Krýsuvik is characterised by hot springs and mud pots that bestow multicoloured hues upon the soil.
The green crater lake Grænavatn is also an impressive sight.
Svartsengi is home to a geothermal power station that produces 76.5 MW of electricity from the 475 litres of 90° C water that gushes from the earth per second.
The mineral-rich surplus water fills up the Blue Lagoon spa.
Nature & Wildlife
Reykjanes' cliffs are teeming with birdlife. Its best-known bird colony resides in Krýsuvikurbjarg which is the nesting place of approximately eighty thousand seabirds. While puffins are not found here, it is an excellent place to spot cormorants, fulmar, and other such species.
North of Krýsuvíkurbjarg is the aforementioned Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the peninsula and one of the deepest in Iceland. On the centre of the peninsula is lake Djúpavatn, a popular fishing destination.
Reykjanes is hammered by some of the most breath-taking breaker waves in the world. A short drive from Krýsuvík is Selvogur, where one can witness mighty waves shattering against the rocks. On Reykjanestá, the southwest tip of the peninsula, the waves are known to reach heights of thirty metres (nearly one hundred feet).
Because of this, coastal erosion is constantly ongoing at Reykjanes, and if it were not for the eruptions, it would either be much narrower or simply lost to the seas.
The peninsula's north side is dotted with fishing villages and towns, most notably Keflavík, Sandgerði, Garður and Vogar. Grindavík town is located on the south shore of the peninsula. Together, the towns and towns Keflavík, Njarðvík, Hafnir and Ásbrú make up the municipality Reykjanesbær which consists of just under 16,000 residents, making it the fifth largest municipality in Iceland.
Near Keflavík is the Miðnesheiði heath, where the international airport, Leifsstöð (also known as Keflavíkurflugvöllur, or Keflavík Airport) is located. This is the port of arrival for the vast majority of travellers coming to Iceland.
The World-Famous Spa
On the southern tip of the peninsula is the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, an ideal place for relaxing and bathing and one of the most-visited attractions in Iceland.Sólheimajökull,
Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the mighty icecap of Mýrdalsjökull on the South Coast of Iceland. It is one of the most easily accessible glaciers to reach from Reykjavík, just 158 kilometres (98 miles) away.
For those who are based in Reykjavík, it is by far the favourite spot on which to take guided glacier walks, competing nationally for popularity only with Svínafellsjökull in the south-east.
Geography of Solheimajokull
About eight kilometres long and two kilometres wide (five miles long and just over a mile wide), Sólheimajökull is an impressive feature. Due to the way it descends from Mýrdalsjökull, however, without a clear distinction between the two, it appears much bigger.
Mýrdalsjökull itself has many other outlet glaciers; overall, it is the fourth largest ice cap in Iceland. Beneath its thick surface is one of the country's most infamous volcanoes, Katla.
The nearby Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010 causing widespread havoc at European airports. Throughout history, eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull mean that Katla will also erupt, and so the volcano is due to go off soon. However, volcanoes and all seismic activity in Iceland is highly monitored, meaning that it is perfectly safe to travel around the area and even take an ice cave tour in the glacier above.
Sadly, like all the glaciers in Iceland bar one, Sólheimajökull is shrinking rapidly. A glacier lagoon at its base reveals how quickly it is receding: the length of an Olympic swimming pool every year. It seems like this change is already an irreversible consequence of climate change, and it may be gone within decades.
Visitors to Iceland should, therefore, make sure they witness the ice-cap while it is still with us.
Sólheimajökull has several distinctive traits that separate it from other glaciers. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to find, laying just off of the Ring Road that encircles Iceland. Secondly, it is not surrounded by tall mountains, meaning those who ascend it can attain incredible views of the South Coast. Thirdly, it is home to many walls of ice that can be climbed up with ice axes on certain tours.
There are also crevasses that snake across the surface, spectacular ice ridges and formations, and a vivid colouration that dances between a gleaming white, electric blue, and ash black. Occasionally, you will even find an ice cave, though these can never be guaranteed.
A river runs from the meltwater of the glacier tongue, called the Jökulsá á Sólheimasandi. This river runs through a glacial outwash plain - otherwise known as a black-sand-desert - of Sólheimasandur to the nearby ocean.
Tours on Solheimajokull
Many day tours run from Reykjavík to Sólheimajökull, for glacier hikes or as part of a greater South Coast tour.
Greater South Coast tours include visits to other features, such as the incredible waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, the black sand beach Reynisfjara, and some even reach Vatnajökull National Park and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Hidden crevasses and ice caves, slippery surfaces, and the threat of rock- or ice-falls all pose dangers on glacier hikes, but glacier guides have to pass several training courses to deal with these eventualities, making the activity quite safe for those in a fit state of health.
All guests are equipped with helmets, ice axes, and crampons, and should arrive wearing warm clothes and sturdy hiking boots.
It is forbidden to ascend glaciers without the correct equipment or training, for your safety and the safety of others. There have been injuries and deaths on Sólheimajökull before, and glacier guides have had to risk their lives to rescue those who flouted the rules.Mýrdalsjökull,
Mýrdalsjökull is a glacier in the south of the Icelandic highlands. It is the country's fourth largest ice cap, covering nearly 600 square kilometres (232 square miles), and its highest peak is almost 1500 meters tall. It is most well-known for sitting atop the notorious and explosive volcano, Katla.
Mýrdalsjökull is visible from Route 1 on the South Coast, sitting to the north of the village of Vík. It is visited on some snowmobiling, ice caving and helicopter tours, and one of its glacial outlets, Sólheimajökull, is the most popular place in the country for ice-climbing and glacier hiking.
Eruptions beneath Myrdalsjokull
Since 2010, the world has known of the volcano beneath Eyjafjallajökull; after all, it halted European air travel for over a week and stumped news readers everywhere. Few, however, are aware of the much larger volcano right beside it.
Mýrdalsjökull conceals Katla, one of the country's most active volcanoes, having erupted, on average, once every fifty years since 930 AD. Because of the glacier above it, these eruptions tend to cause enormous ash clouds. It is these ash clouds that lead to flights being grounded, crops and livestock poisoned, and have the potential to change the world's climate.
The last major eruption beneath Katla was in 1918, in which such huge lahar floods occurred that the southern coastline was extended five kilometres outwards. This area is also very susceptible to glacial floods, or 'jökulhlaup', during eruptions, even when the lava does not break through the surface of the ice. These are as dangerous as the lava itself, having wiped out whole Icelandic villages before.
Historically, the area was little settled for this reason.
Katla is connected to the same volcanic system as Eyjafjallajökull and usually erupts violently a few years after Eyjafjallajökull does. As the ex-president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson said in 2010:'The time for Katla to erupt is coming close… it is high time for European governments and airline authorities all over Europe and the world to start planning for the eventual Katla eruption'
So it is currently several years overdue. Katla is monitored heavily, and roads around it closed when seismic activity increases. All road closures around Iceland can be found on Road and Coastal Administration's website.
Tours on Myrdalsjokull
While there are no eruptions immediately imminent, tours continue to run onMýrdalsjökull, allowing visitors to enjoy the glacier. It is, for example, possible to snowmobile across its surface throughout the year and take ice caving tours beneath it throughout the year, with departures from both Reykjavík and Vík.
Considering the ice caves under Vatnajökull glacier are usually only accessible from November to March, this provides a wider window of opportunity for travellers to Iceland outside of the depths of winter. It should be noted that the caves in Mýrdalsjökull do not have the same blue ice, however.
Tours around Myrdalsjokull
Mýrdalsjökull can be seen on all South Coast tours that reach Vík and beyond in clear weather. It can also be seen from above on helicopter tours that depart from Reykjavík.
The best perspectives of the glacier, however, can be found on the popular Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, which goes between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Part of this hike can be done in a day, or you can take the complete route from Þórsmörk to Skógar on a three-day trekSilfra,
Silfra is a fissure filled with fresh spring water within Þingvellir National Park, and one of the country's most cherished wonders. Snorkelling and diving in its crystal-clear waters is an experience that is both thrilling and relaxing, and it is now considered to be one of the top five dive sites in the world. It takes around an hour to reach Silfra from Reykjavík.
Geography of Silfra
Silfra fissure opened in 1789, due to the movements of the tectonic plates that frame Þingvellir National Park. The North American and Eurasian plates, which run all the way through Iceland, separate at about 2 centimetres per year, and as they do, they tear open fissures in the land between them.
Some of the ravines fill with water travelling underground through the porous lava fields in the area, originating from Langjökull glacier about 60 kilometres north. It can take the water up to a century to reach Silfra and this long filtration process results in the water being both extremely clear and drinkable.
Because the water travels underground, it maintains a constant temperature of two to three degrees Celsius and does not freeze over immediately at the source of the spring. Snorkelling and diving tours are thus open throughout the year.
The clarity of the water is what draws most visitors. The visibility can extend to over 100 metres, allowing you to see the canyon walls and bottom like you are floating over a great cathedral.
The last colour that water absorbs is blue, which means that when you look forward in Silfra, it is as if you are looking into an ethereal, vivid, azure world. The clarity also means that sun-rays refract through the surface of the water, creating rainbows on Silfra's bed when the weather allows.
Snorkelling in Silfra
Snorkelling in Silfra fissure is a highly enjoyable activity, but you must meet some prerequisites to be able to join. These are as follows:
- You must be able to swim
- You must be over 16
- You must be in good physical health
- You must be at least 145 centimetres and 45 kilograms
- If you are over sixty, you will need a medical waiver
- If you are over forty-five with a history of heavy alcohol use and pipe smoking, you will also need a waiver
The most common option for snorkelling is to conduct it in a drysuit. Drysuits work with a fluffy undersuit to keep your body free from water and insulated against the cold, making the task of swimming through the near-freezing temperature more than achievable.
While drysuit snorkelling is the most comfortable and popular option, a few tours allow you to go through Silfra wearing a wetsuit. Wetsuits, made of neoprene, allow water to surround your body in a thin layer, that your body then heats up and uses to protect you. Though they grant you more flexibility, they are not so warm, so this should be done by the daring; you will also need to be at least 50 kilograms to snorkel in a wetsuit.
In all tours, you wear neoprene on your head and hands to allow for better mobility, a mask and snorkel, and a pair of fins, all of which are provided on site. The course of Silfra takes approximately forty minutes, and there is a gentle current throughout, meaning it requires minimal energy to traverse.
Diving in Silfra
Diving through Silfra gives an extra dimension to its beauty, as you will be able to look up and see the sun glistening upon the surface as you cruise through the crystal clear waters. However, considering the risks associated with diving in cold water and cumbersome equipment, all who partake must meet all the requirements above, as well as one of the following:
- You must be a qualified diver with a certification in a drysuit speciality, OR
- You must be a qualified diver with at least 10 logged dives in a drysuit conducted over the past two years, signed by an instructor or divemaster.
Þingvallavatn (anglicised to Thingvallavatn, 'the Lake of the Fields of Parliament') is a rift valley lake located roughly forty-minutes drive from Iceland's capital city, Reykjavík.
Features of Thingvallavatn
Þingvallavatn is partially within the boundaries of Þingvellir National Park, Iceland's oldest National Park and only one with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Covering an area of 84 square kilometres (32 square miles), Þingvallavatn is the largest natural lake in Iceland with its greatest depth measuring at 114 metres (374 feet). Þingvallavatn is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, on a part of the ridge known as the Reykjanes Ridge.
The lake has only one outflow, the river Sog.
Of particular note to biologists and fishermen are the four morphs of Arctic Char that inhabit the lake. The lake's char are an excellent example of species evolving to fit and adapt to a secluded environment; over ten thousand years, one species of Char has transformed into four different-sub branches. Other fish in the lake include the the Brown Trout and the Three-Spine Stickleback.
History and Geology
Þingvallavatn takes its name from the historical founding of the Alþingi, which occurred in 930 AD at what is now known as Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir literally translates to 'Fields of Parliament'.
The Alþingi was the first democratically elected representative parliament in world history (examples such as Ancient Athens were direct, not representative, democracies); Icelanders used to travel by foot or horseback simply to congregate at Þingvellir where they would hear the latest laws and judgements of the island.
Þingvellir National Park is also notable for its geology. Given its position on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the park is one of the only places on the planet where visitors can see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates standing exposed from the earth.
Footpaths allow you to get up close and personal to the plates, standing right where the ancient settlers once did. In between the tectonic plates lies fields of dried volcanic rock, blanketed with a thick, yet fragile layer of Icelandic moss.
Scuba Diving in Thingvallavatn
Scuba diving around Þingvallavatn revolves around two sites, Silfra Fissure and Davíðsgjá (David's Crack), the former being one of the most popular spots on the planet for snorkelling and underwater exploration.
Silfra Fissure is situated between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is filled with crystal-clear glacial water originating from the Langjökull ice cap. The water measures at between two degrees Celsius all year round, with a slight current preventing the fissure from ever freezing over.
Davíðsgjá is found within Þingvallavatn and is often considered the darker and more dramatic cousin of Silfra Fissure, resembling the gorge formation so prevalent across the Mid Atlantic Rift.
Only certain tour operators provide tours into Davíðsgjá, so make sure to do some research beforehand if you are looking to access this dive site during your time in Iceland.Langjökull,
The mighty Langjökull, the 'Long Glacier', is the second-largest glacier in Iceland, at 935 square kilometres (361 square miles). For jeep and snowmobile trips, Langjökull is the most popular glacier in Iceland, and skiing and hiking here is possible as well.
Highland tracks
Langjökull is located in the Highlands, and two main highland tracks, connecting the north and the south of Iceland, lie alongside it.
The Kaldidalur road stretches from Þingvellir National Park northwards to Húsafell. The Kjalvegur road, meanwhile lies east of Langjökull and west of Hofsjökull glacier, starting near the famous Gullfoss waterfall to the south, and passing through the beautiful Hveravellir geothermal area to the north.
The landscape of Langjokull
Langjökull is about 50 kilometres (31 miles) long and up to 20 kilometres (12 miles) wide, and the ice is around 580 metres (1,903 feet) deep at its thickest. The glacier reaches its highest point in its northernmost part, which is called Baldjökull, rising around 1,450 metres (4,757 feet) above sea level.
The glacier lies over a massif of hyaloclastite mountains. The tops of these mountains can be seen in certain places on the glacier. It also conceals at least two active volcanic systems, the calderas of which are visible from the air.
The best known of these systems fuels the geothermal area of Hveravellir, east of Baldjökull. Also in the east lies the Kjalhraun lava field, which formed about 7800 years ago.
To the northwest of the glacier is another system that produced the vast Hallmundarhraun lava field, through which the Hvítá river runs in the direction of Gullfoss waterfall. Also in the area is Iceland's longest lava cave, the fascinating Surtshellir.
Southwest of Langjökull is the Presthnúkur lava field, fissures of which creep under the ice. South of the glacier is the Lambahraun lava field and even further south lies the Skjaldbreiðarhraun lava field and the Skjaldbreiður shield volcano.
Compared to other regions in Iceland, the area is considered relatively calm, with only 32 eruptions in the last 10,000 years.
Into the glacier
Near the highest peaks of Langjökull exists a man-made ice tunnel, a true spectacle for any visitor passing by the glacier. Designed and constructed by geophysicist and presidential candidate Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, the tunnel exists to allow visitors to explore the inside of a glacier without having to come to Iceland in mid-winter for a chance to see the less-than-reliable ice caves.
Guests traverse beneath Langjökull's thick ice sheet, experiencing the vivid blue colouration within, and gaining an insight into the glacier's beauty, formation and processes. It is the only place in the world where this is possible. 'Into the Glacier' tours are often combined with adventure activities such as snowmobiling.
Nearby glaciers
The glaciers located nearest to Langjökull are Eiríksjökull, which conceals the highest mountain in west Iceland, and Þórisjökull. Hrútfellsjökull also lies on the east side of Langjökull.
Between Þórisjökull and Geitlandsjökull is a valley called Þórisdalur. Along with stunning views, it features prominently in Icelandic folk tales; the outlaw Grettir the Strong of Grettis Saga, for example, is reported to have resided here for one winter.
Langjokull and the Golden Circle
Iceland's most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle, would not be possible if not for Langjökull glacier; none of its three iconic features would exist in their current state without the melting ice.
Gullfoss waterfall is the most obvious example of this. The river that feeds into it, the Hvítá, is a glacier river flowing straight from Langjökull; the scale of the ice cap is hinted at by the sheer volume of water that cascades here every second.
The hot springs at Geysir, meanwhile, are supplied with water underground. Meltwater from Langjökull feeds into the surrounding lava fields, which have very porous rock, and flows in a subterranean river to the geothermal area, where it comes bursting out of the naturally forms vents.
While Þingvellir would still have its National Park and World Heritage status without Langjökull, which it received for being the original site of what is now the longest-running representative parliament in the world, it would be notably less beautiful.
Many springs exist throughout the park, also formed by the underground meltwater of the glacier. Due to its long filtration process, the water emerges as some of the clearest naturally occurring water in the world.
Silfra fissure, therefore, is the best snorkelling and diving location in the country and consistently ranked as one of the top ten places for such activities in the world.
Global warming
Langjökull is shrinking fast and concerns have been raised about the glacier due to the effect of global warming. Some researchers fear that if climate change continues at its current rate the glacier may be gone in 150 years. Less optimistic scientists have said it could be gone in as few as 50.Międzynarodowe lotnisko w Keflaviku,
Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is Iceland's only international airport and the port of arrival for the vast majority of visitors to the country. In 2016 alone, almost seven million passengers went through its gates.
The History of Keflavík International Airport
Keflavík International Airport is a relic from the 'invasion of Iceland' in World War II, when Allied troops took over the island nation following the defeat of its colonial ruler, Denmark, at the hands of the Nazis.
The British laid out a landing strip in the town of Garður, but considering Iceland's incredibly strategic position in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, one strip was not quite enough.
After taking control of the 'occupation', US troops constructed and opened two airfields for military purposes in 1942 and 1943. Though they returned the property after the war, the United States reclaimed it in 1951 after a controversial defence alliance with Iceland.
This pact, and the general joining of NATO in 1949, caused decades of national protest, comparable to the 'Women's Day Off' marches in 1975 and the 'Kitchenware Revolution' which followed the 2008 economic crash. The circumstances of it, however, also allowed decades of development at Keflavík Airport.
The airport first started to separate civilian and military use in 1987, with the opening of the Leifur Eríksson Terminal. Named after the first European to settle the Americas, it would go on to handle all the guests coming to or leaving Iceland.
The arrangement that the US would provide Iceland's defences continues to this day, but their permanent bases at Keflavík were left at the expiration of the treaty in 2006. The airport was thus moved into full control of Icelanders and has expanded as a civilian hub ever since.
Keflavik International Airport Today
Keflavík International is located on the tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland's south-westernmost region. The drive to the capital city of Reykjavík is only about forty-five minutes, and there is a bus service that continuously runs between the locations, day and night.
This service provides guests with the option to stop at the Blue Lagoon en route in either direction, the iconic health spa renowned for its healing azure waters. The lagoon sits between the airport and the capital, refreshing guests after a long flight, or revitalising them in preparation for one.
The airport itself has all the modern amenities one would expect from a port that experiences so much traffic. It has restaurants, bars and cafés, banks and money transfers, car rental options available, a smoking area and, of course, many options for duty-free shopping.
Considering the price of and lack of availability of alcohol in Iceland, it is the best place to stock up on any tipple desired for your trip. Otherwise, you will have to locate specialist alcohol shops, which have limited opening hours, are sparse in the remote regions of the country, and have high taxes and duty.
The main airlines that arrive at and depart from Keflavík are the two national carriers, the prestigious Icelandair and budget airline WOW. Over thirty different carriers have chartered flights to the port, however, which head to over ninety different destinations. This is only ever increasing, with new travel routes emerging as Iceland's popularity continues to skyrocket.Öxarárfoss,
Öxarárfoss is a waterfall situated within Þingvellir National Park in southwest Iceland.
The waterfall flows out the river Öxará, cascading in two drops over the cliffs of Almannagjá gorge, which marks the eastern boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The waterfall has a height of 13 metres (44 feet) and an average width of six metres (20 feet). The pool of water at the waterfall's base is dotted with large, smooth rocks, which get especially icy in winter. The waterfall can be visited year round, but expect large crowds during the peak season of the summer.
During the depths of winter, the waterfall is entirely frozen over. Ice climbers have been known to scale it, but this should only be done with and by experts.
Surroundings and History
Öxarárfoss is one of the most popular attractions of Þingvellir Natural Park, which in turn, is one of the most popular attractions of Iceland. The National Park is one of the three famous sites of the Golden Circle along with Gullfoss waterfall and the Geyser Geothermal Area, for both geological and historical reasons.
The geological reason is that, as mentioned, Þingvellir lies between the tectonic plates. As they pull apart, the land is torn, and thus there are many beautiful ravines and lava fields to be found.
The most famous of these ravines is Silfra. Like the others, it is filled with crystal clear glacial water, which emerges from a spring, but unlike the others, it is possible to take snorkelling and diving tours here.
The water from the crevasses such as Silfra feed into the lake Þingvellavatn; in fact, the river Öxará, which feeds Öxarárfoss, is the only source of the lake that does not come from a spring.
The historical reason that makes Þingvellir so famous is that it was the original site of the Alþing, the Icelandic parliament founded in 930 AD. This parliament continues to exist in Reykjavík but for nine centuries flourished here.
Icelanders would meet annually to pass laws, settle disputes, and share news. It was both incredibly progressive, giving a voice to all people and granting women divorces long before many other nations were considering it, and barbaric, hosting many battles and the prosecution of dozens of witches.
It is thus featured in many sagas, and though not always mentioned in them, Öxarárfoss was a witness to this long history.
One notable piece of folklore about the waterfall was that it was said to have prophetic powers for the year ahead. At midnight on New Years Eve, it would run red with either wine or blood, with the former promising prosperity ahead, and the latter warning of war.Haukadalur,
Haukadalur is a geothermal valley in South Iceland on the popular Golden Circle route.
Lying to the north of Lake Laugarvatn, it is home to hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots and geysers, including the famous Great Geysir and the active Strokkur. The area is noted for the vivid colouration of its surrounding hills, caused by elements deep in the earth being brought to the surface by the geothermal activity.
History of Haukadalur
Haukadalur has been mentioned in historic writings as far back as 1294, in which its geysers were described following an earthquake that activated them. Since the 18th Century, it has been drawing visitors to the island including two different Kings of Denmark in 1907 and 1922.
Throughout the 20th Century, images of the Great Geysir erupting at Haukadular began to symbolise Iceland. It's activity, however, was unreliable, so unnatural efforts were made to stimulate it more regularly, such as lowering the water table in 1935 and pumping soap into it 1981.
These, however, limited the geyser's long-term activity, so that it rarely goes off today, although, in the early 2000s, it did have a period where it was spouting water over 140 metres (459 ft) high. Even so, the geyser Strokkur is still very active, erupting to heights of 30 metres (98 ft) every five to ten minutes.
Today, most of the near-two million visitors to Iceland will see Haukadalur Valley on their travels.
Surroundings of Haukadalur
Haukadalur Valley is located about an hour and a half's drive inland from Reykjavík, thus making many sites of the South and West easily accessible. The most notable of these are the other points on the Golden Circle: Gullfoss Waterfall (about five minutes away) and Þingvellir National Park (about forty minutes away).
It is also, however, within an easy driving distance of Flúðir, home of the Secret Lagoon, the Kjölur Highland Road, which leads into Iceland's interior, Sólheimar eco-village, and Faxi Waterfall.Obszar metropolitalny,
The Capital Region refers to Reykjavík and its bordering towns. It holds well over half of the country's population, in spite of taking up less than 1% of the country's landmass.
The towns surrounding the capital are Kópavogur, Hafnafjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, Seltjarnarnes and Kjósarhreppur. Combined with Reykjavík city itself, these municipalities account for around 220,000 people, with the capital itself containing around 124,000 people.
Although each area is its own municipality, they cooperate on issues like transport, and by doing so, keep the region well connected. Buses, for example, run between them several times a day.
Each area has its own appeal. Hafnafjörður, for example, is a hotbed of folklore and superstition, with a beautiful harbour; Seltjarnarnes, meanwhile, is best known for its abundant birdlife and lighthouse, and Mosfellsbær has beautiful nature and a fascinating literary history.
All have excellent services, places for leisure such as swimming pools and museums, and a wealth of accommodation options.Południowe wybrzeże
The South Coast of Iceland is the country's most visited sightseeing route, along with the Golden Circle.
This incredible shoreline stretches from the greater Reykjavík area in the west to the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in the east and is lined with countless natural wonders such as cascading waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches and glaciers.
Geography, Nature & Wildlife
The South Coast is the most easily accessible part of the country's southern region, found along the Route 1 highway (the Ring Road), which encircles Iceland. The area consists of a diverse lowland that transitions between, marshlands, bays, cultivated pastures, estuaries and black sand deserts.
Underneath the soil rests a vast lava field, known as Þjórsárhraun. Its edges reach several hundred metres offshore where the ocean waves crash upon them, thereby protecting the lowland from the invasion of the sea. This results in the South Coast being unusually lacking in the deep fjords that so distinctly characterise the rest of Iceland's shoreline.
The region boasts vibrant bird life during all seasons. Freshwater birds nest in the marshlands and around the estuaries, while seabirds flock around the cliffs of Reynisdrangar and Dyrhólaey, including the North Atlantic puffin between May and August. Some species stay throughout the harsh Icelandic winter, including the northern diver, the loom and various species of gulls and ducks.
Seals are often found along the shore, particularly around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. As with everywhere in Iceland, you should always keep an eye out to sea, as whales and dolphins reside all along its coastline.
Highlights of the South Coast
The South Coast offers an unprecedented array of natural wonders that draw thousands of visitors each day.
When driving the route from Reykjavík city, the first major features are the two great waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which sit beneath the notorious subglacial volcano, Eyjafjallajökull. On clear days from these beautiful cascades, the Westman Islands can be seen across the ocean.
A little further down the route is the glacier Mýrdalsjökull, which covers one of Iceland's most explosive volcanoes, Katla. Many glacier hikes are taken here upon the outlet of Sólheimajökull.
The aforementioned Dyrhólaey cliffs are next, home to many seabirds. Even if you come outside of puffin season, they are well worth a visit; jutting out to sea is an enormous rock arch of the same name, which you can marvel at from many angles.
Adjacent to the village of Vík is the famous black-sand beach, Reynisfjara, home to the rock pillars of Reynisdrangar, said to be two trolls frozen by the light of the sun. Though beautiful, this area is gaining notoriety for its dangerous sneaker waves, so visitors should be sure to stay well away from the edge of the water, even on a calm, still day.
There are no landmasses between Reynisfjara beach and the continent of Antarctica, so you can imagine how the waves can build momentum.
After passing through Vík, you will cross the glacial sand plain of Skeiðarársandur, before entering Vatnajökull National Park, home to the largest ice cap in Europe, Vatnajökull itself, dozens of glacial outlets and the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
While almost all of these sites can be seen from Route 1, they make up a fraction of what the South Coast has to offer. The vast sand plains of Sólheimasandur are home to a crashed DC-3 Plane Wreck, and within the Vatnajökull National Park is the dramatic Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
Less than a kilometre from Seljalandsfoss is the hidden gem of Gljúfrabúi waterfall, and short distances from Jökulsárlón you will find the Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash on the black-sand shore, and another glacier lagoon, Fjallsárlón.
Start : Elastyczny.
Otrzymasz voucher na swoją podróż z lotniska do Reykjaviku. Później rozpocznie się Twoja przygoda!
Transport lotniskowy w obie strony
3 noclegi w Reykjaviku (dostępne są różne poziomy, śniadanie dostępne w opcji Comfort i Quality - więcej informacji poniżej)
Wstęp do Blue Lagoon w opcji Comfort (zmiana na Premium jest możliwa) oraz transfer powrotny
Wycieczka w małej grupie przez Złoty Krąg, minibusem (zmiana jest możliwa przy innych aktywnościach)
Wycieczka w małej grupie przez południowe wybrzeże, minibusem (możliwa zmiana przy innych aktywnościach)
Polowanie na zorzę polarną
Szczegółowy plan podróży zawierający praktyczne informacje na temat islandzkiej natury, historii i kultury
Pomoc agenta w przygotowaniu planu podróży
Co zabrać:
Aparat fotograficzny
Strój kąpielowy i ręcznik
Ciepłe ubrania
Buty górskie
Dobre wodoodporne ubrania
Dobrze wiedzieć:
Zorza polarna jest naturalnym zjawiskiem i nie można zagwarantować jej obecności. Ten plan podróży jest jednak tak zaprojektowany, aby zwiększyć Twoje szanse na jej zobaczenie, o ile będzie odpowiednia pogoda. Może się zdarzyć, że z powodu ekstremalnej pogody wycieczka zostanie odwołana. W takim wypadku pomożemy Ci w przearanżowaniu wycieczki lub wyborze nowej - różnica w cenie zostanie zwrócona. Islandzkie drogi i ścieżki mogą być oblodzone w trakcie zimy. Polecamy zabranie ze sobą butów z powłoką antypoślizgową lub nakładek z kolcami. Nakładki kupisz w większości supermarketów i stacji benzynowych na wyspie.
Rozłożenie płatności na 2 części jest możliwe. Jeżeli interesuje Cię takie rozwiązanie, wyślij do nas wiadomość.
Dzień 1 - Przylot na Islandię
Witamy w krainie "lodu i ognia"! Zaraz po przylocie na międzynarodowe lotnisko w Keflaviku i odebraniu bagaży pojedziesz przez rozległe pola lawy na półwyspie Reykjanes do Reykjaviku. Stolica Islandii słynie z nordyckiej atmosfery, jest wyjątkowo kolorowa oraz oferuje niezliczone możliwości eksplorowania. Jeżeli będziesz mieć ochotę możesz spędzić resztę dnia na jej odkrywaniu - wybierz się do słynnej rzeźby ustawionej nad morzem, zobacz nagradzaną salę koncertową Harpa, albo spróbuj lokalnej kuchni w jednej z najlepszych i kreatywnych restauracji w mieście.
Wieczorem skorzystaj z bezpłatnej wycieczki polowania na zorzę polarną - autokarem lub łodzią. Do Ciebie należy decyzja, który środek transportu wybierzesz.
Noc spędzisz w Reykjaviku.
Dzień 2 - Słynny Złoty Krąg
Dzisiejsza wycieczka rozpocznie się wcześnie rano - wybierzesz się w trasę nazywaną Złotym Kręgiem, która składa się z trzech najpopularniejszych atrakcji w kraju. Pierwszą z nich jest Park Narodowy Thingvellir, gdzie w 930 roku założono islandzki parlament. To miejsce fascynuje również pod kątem geologicznym - park leży na styku dwóch płyt kontynentalnych, które nieustannie się rozsuwają zmieniając tamtejszy krajobraz. Głębokie szczeliny wywołane trzęsieniami ziemi i erupcjami wulkanów, nadały Islandii unikalny wygląd i utworzyły między innymi kanion Almannagjá nad rzeką Öksara. Jeśli zdecydujesz się na jazdę konną, to wybierzesz się na wycieczkę przed udaniem się do Parku Narodowego Þingvellir. Wybierając snorkeling wycieczka zostanie zorganizowana w szczelinie Silfra nad jeziorem Þingvellir.
Drugą atrakcją Złotego Kręgu jest geotermalna dolina Haukadalur, słynąca z aktywnych gejzerów. Największy z nich - Strokkur co kilka minut wyrzuca z siebie ogromny słup gorącej wody.
Ostatnim przystankiem będzie wspaniały kanion polodowcowej rzeki Hvíta, która zasila potężny wodospad Gullfoss zwany "złotym". Dzięki zamontowanym nieopodal platformom widokowym, możesz podejść maksymalnie blisko i uchwycić jego piękno.
Opcją wycieczki startującej spod wodospadu Gullfoss jest jazda skuterem śnieżnym po lodowcu Langjökull.
W drodze powrotnej do miasta, po objechaniu Złotego Kręgu, zatrzymasz się w słynnym na całym świecie spa Błękitna Laguna, by zrelaksować się w mleczno-błękitnych, geotermalnie podgrzewanych wodach. Uwolnij całe swoje napięcie, pozwalając lazurowej wodzie ukoić zmęczone mięśnie i stawy.
Pamiętaj, że jeśli wybierzesz dodatkowe atrakcje podczas wycieczki przez Złoty Krąg, takie jak snorkeling, jazda konno lub skutery śnieżne, wizyta w Blue Lagoon zostanie zaplanowana w dniu przyjazdu lub wyjazdu, więc będziesz mieć czas w pełni skorzystać z mocy regeneracyjnej tego spa. Laguna znana jest na całym świecie z uzdrawiających, bogatych w minerały wód - to nie jest miejsce, w którym należy się spieszyć.
Noc spędzisz w Reykjaviku.
Dzień 3 - Surowe południowe wybrzeże
Ten dzień będzie wyjątkowy dla wszystkich, którzy uwielbiają nietuzinkowe krajobrazy i fascynującą przyrodę. Ruszysz południowym wybrzeżem mijając lodowiec Eyjafjallajökull, który zyskał rozgłos podczas erupcji wulkanu znajdującego się pod jego czapą lodową. W wyniku tego zdarzenia został wstrzymany ruch lotniczy nad Europą, a tysiące turystów utknęło na lotniskach.
Niedaleko leży również inny znany lodowiec - Mýrdalsjökull oraz dwa przepiękne wodospady Seljalandsfoss i Skógafoss. Ten pierwszy znany jest z tego, że możesz go obejść dookoła i podziwiać krajobrazy zza kurtyny wody. Następnie czeka Cię wizyta przy lodowcu Sólheimajökull, którego kilkusetletni lód dociera do czarnych piasków leżących poniżej.
Jeżeli masz ochotę na wyjątkową aktywność spróbuj trekkingu po Sólheimajökull. Tamtejsze surowe krajobrazy intrygują i sprawiają, że człowiek prawdziwie doświadcza potęgi natury.
Po wizycie w jednym z najpiękniejszych regionów Islandii wrócisz do Reykjaviku, gdzie spędzisz noc.
Dzień 4 - Powrót do domu
Niestety, to już koniec Twojego urlopu na Islandii. Jeżeli lot powrotny masz zaplanowany na popołudnie lub wieczór możesz wykorzystać ostatnie godziny na eksplorowanie Reykjaviku czy wybranie się do spa Blue Lagoon, o ile nie masz tej przyjemności za sobą. Zjawisz się na międzynarodowym lotnisku w Keflaviku o odpowiednim czasie, po drodze mijając bezkresne pola lawowe półwyspu Reykjanes.
Szczęśliwego lotu i do zobaczenia ponownie na Islandii!
Poniżej znajdziesz poziomy zakwaterowania oraz naszych preferowanych partnerów oferujących noclegi w trakcie Twojej podróży po Islandii. Zakwaterowanie w opcji Super Budget zostanie zorganizowane w hostelach - pokojach wieloosobowych. Noclegi w opcji Budget i Comfort dla jednej osoby zostaną zorganizowane w pokoju pojedynczym, a rezerwacje dla dwóch lub więcej osób w pokoju dwu-trzyosobowym. W opcji Quality nieparzyste rezerwacje zostaną zrealizowane w pokojach pojedynczych. Jeżeli podróżujesz w grupie, ale chcesz otrzymać pokój pojedynczy, zrób osobną rezerwację. Nastolatki i dzieci zostaną umieszczone w pokoju z rodzicami. Jeżeli potrzebujesz więcej pokoi, wystąpią dodatkowe koszty. Guide to Iceland zapewni Państwu najlepsze zakwaterowanie w momencie dokonywania rezerwacji u naszych preferowanych partnerów. Jeżeli u naszych preferowanych partnerów nie będzie wolnych miejsc, znajdziemy dla Ciebie inne zakwaterowanie o podobnym standardzie. Zawsze staramy się realizować życzenia specjalne (mogą powodować dodatkowe koszty). Wybierz datę, aby sprawdzić dostępność.
Super Budget
Łóżka w pokoju wieloosobowym ze wspólną łazienką w pensjonacie lub hostelu takim jak HI Hostel. Znajdują się w obrębie stolicy. Śniadanie nie jest wliczone.
Pokoje z prywatną łazienką w hotelach trzygwiazdkowych, takich jak Hótel Klettur lub w dobrych pensjonatach. Znajdują się w centrum miasta lub w pobliżu. Śniadanie jest wliczone.
Możesz dodać posiłki do swojej rezerwacji. Wybierz kolację jako dodatkową opcję do zrealizowania każdego wieczora, a my dostarczymy ci vouchery jako część potwierdzenia rezerwacji. Wybierzemy spośród najwyżej ocenianych restauracji, które pasują do Twojego planu podróży i dokonamy za Ciebie rezerwacji.
W restauracji będzie dostępne gotowe menu - możesz wybierać spośród dań mięsnych, ryb lub wegetariańskich. Jeśli wolisz coś innego, voucher będzie działał jak kredyt, który możesz wymienić w restauracji na pozycje menu, które nie są częścią oferowanego zestawu.
Po przyjeździe powiadom restaurację o wszelkich wymaganiach dietetycznych.
Vouchery nie podlegają zwrotowi.
Prywatny transfer
Transfer pomiędzy hotelem w Reykjaviku a międzynarodowym lotniskiem w Keflaviku trwa około 45 minut.
Dedykowany kierowca odbierze Cię z hali przylotów na lotnisku - będzie trzymał tabliczkę z powitaniem. Nie ma dodatkowego czasu oczekiwania. Wejdziesz do prywatnego pojazdu i natychmiast udasz się do miasta lub do Błękitnej Laguny.
Jeśli zdecydujesz się wybrać do Błękitnej Laguny, a Twój lot jest zaplanowany odpowiednio wcześnie, kierowca zabierze Cię najpierw do spa. Podróż potrwa od 15 do 20 minut. Będziesz mieć 2 godziny na relaks w Blue Lagoon.
Kierowca poczeka na Ciebie w holu, a następnie odwiezie bezpośrednio do miejsca zakwaterowania w Reykjaviku, co zajmie 30 - 35 minut.
W ramach podróży powrotnej kierowca odbierze Cię z miejsca zakwaterowania i odwiezie bezpośrednio na lotnisko. Całkowity czas podróży wyniesie około 45 minut.
Pamiętaj, że jeśli Twoja Błękitna Laguna nie będzie pasować do dnia przyjazdu / wyjazdu, skorzystasz z transferu między Błękitną Laguną a Reykjavikiem innego dnia.
Ubezpieczenie na wypadek odwołania rezerwacji
To ubezpieczenie gwarantuje, że w przypadku odwołania rezerwacji pakietu otrzymasz pełny zwrot pieniędzy, minus koszty ubezpieczenia 5.000 ISK za osobę. Odwołanie rezerwacji musi być zrobione na więcej niż 48 godzin przed planowanym startem pakietu. Aby odwołać rezerwację i otrzymać pełny zwrot skontaktuj się z naszym biurem obsługi pisząc na adres firstname.lastname@example.com i deklarując odwołanie całej rezerwacji. Pamiętaj, że to ubezpieczenie pokrywa jedynie pełne odwołanie całego pakietu, a więc nie pokrywa odwołania pojedynczych aktywności i serwisów w ramach pakietu. Pojedyncze aktywności i serwis, w przypadku pełnego odwołania, zostaną w pełni zrefundowane.
Recenzje klientów
Brak recenzji / oceny w tym języku,


text:
In a recent bizarre trip down the rabbit hole, in Twist Architecture v. Board of Architect Examiners, 361 Or. 507 (2017), the Oregon Supreme Court upheld a fine against architects, duly licensed in Washington, for daring to call themselves "architects" on their correspondence and website read by Oregon clients who hired them to prepare master plans for possible commercial development in the state of Oregon.
Even though the drawings the architects here were hired to … Read more

subset: commoncrawl


text:
On the right track??!
I have been very busy lately.. Very busy with myself. Since all those questions in my head didn't seem to find a logical end, I decided to pray. I asked God to use me, form me and mold me into the person meant to be. I came across some readings to help one to become most effective to God's kingdom.
I want to be effective to His kingdom. But how?!
I definitely let God take control over my life, but with every step that I take, I feel insecure. Is this really His will? Am I going the right way? Or am I being tempted by the devil? ... Actually, I came to the conclusion that I was on the right track and the devil just tried to keep me from going by making me feel insecure. Still, a couple of things are going on that I just don't know how to deal with.
You know, the guy I've been dating recently, but stayed my friend since we broke up? He lives at my place these days. He needed a place to stay and asked me if it was ok with me. I am a helping nature and whenever someone needs me, I help. I am very selfless in helping.
So he moved in and really tries to keep my place clean the way I like it. He is very considerate of my daily routine and I appreciate that. But still it is super super super exhausting..
I have a small apartment, so he has to sleep in my bed with me. Although we are not, it often makes me feel like we were in a relationship and I can't help to fall for that thought. He's not very talkative and most of the time we don't talk at all. It makes me feel like he's mad with me and when I ask him if he was he would say "why would I?".. Yes, I know that, but we do live together and to me that means to spend time together as well. I know he has never lived with a woman like that before, but I can't just be the one to accept and compromise on anything, but he won't.
I told him many times that this ignoring and not talking thing bothers me, but he wouldn't listen. It is not only the talking but also his answers. When I ask him something, he wouldn't answer but react with a comment that sounds totally pissed. I really feel disrespected. I got super mad and lost my temper, but I didn't tell him to leave.This is what I am worrying about.. How much do I need to accept in order to behave godly? Do I have to keep up with his shit? Am I allowed to tell him to leave? Should I treat him the way he treats me?
I don't want to be mean and I don't like the "I treat you how you treat me" game. But it makes me unhappy and I really don't know what to do.
God, I need your help.
to be continued...Until then: stay blessed, xoxo Jaky
trying to be a man is a waste of a woman
We stayed in touch but he kept accusing me of not being a woman with good and godly qualities. We fought and I ended the contact. I thought that after all I have learned I definitely didn't need that kind of shit.
I still believed and hoped for a man that would be able to love me for who I am and not someone he could make out of me. But his words stayed in my head. I kept thinking about it even more. I read some books about real love and healing oneself.. I figured out that I if I wanted a man that truly loved me, that truly accepted me and gave his everything to me, I needed to become all that first. I couldn't expect a guy to be all that, but I wasn't. I truly had to love myself unconditionally first in order to love someone unconditionally. I had to serve God in the right way and become a godly woman in order to meet a godly man.
I understood that and was willing to work on myself. That guy and I decided to stay friends. After our break up, he apologized and said that he needed me in his life, since I gave him a positive view and fun. But we both felt that being friends was better at the moment. Since then, we really got good friends.
I thought about being a godly woman. What does it mean? What kind of commitments do I have to make? Where and how can I better myself? I realized that I was everything, but not a typical woman.. I grew up in a world dominated by men. I always had to stand tall against men. To not be used, abused or seen of less worth. That actually made the strong, confident and independent woman out of myself. I am very proud of whom I have become. I hate being compared to other women, because I am me and that is unique. For nothing in this world would I want to be someone else. But I want t be godly and get better. I still am currently working on that. I am still trying to find the right way.
Today I actually asked myself a couple of questions. Will I ever be able to commit myself to a man without losing my independence? Will I one day want to be a mother without thinking my freedom is gone? Will I be able to live for my husband and kids and feel fulfilled without feeling the urge of making career? I do not possess those qualities of a woman. I love being independent, I hate the feeling of not being able to do what I want and I have dreams that I want to reach for.
So is it even possible to be a godly woman and still remaining true to myself? Because right now it feels that I have to give myself up in order to be the right woman. I know that I want a husband and kids one day, but I don't feel that I could really commit myself.
Well, I am a work in progress. I sense that I try to keep up with the man's world and think that trying to be a man is a waste of the woman that I am. Currently, I try to figure out how to keep my uniqueness without wasting the woman that I am. I need to let go of the feeling that I have to keep up with the men and live a life like a man.
to be continued.. Until then: Stay blessed. xoxo, Jaky
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Green meteor shower thrills stargazers in Australia
(SYDNEY) -- A celestial show both bright and green dazzled skygazers in Kiama, New South Wales, over the weekend.
Watch This Exploding Eta Aquarid Meteor Caught On Film
Shot by Justin Ng at 4:16 am an exploding Eta Aquarid meteor was captured streaking across the Indonesian skies of Mount Bromo.
Meteorites & asteroids: Dashcam video shows meteor fireball
Meteorites & asteroids: Dashcam video shows meteor fireball; Artificial meteor shower - Compilation. Trending story found 14 minutes ago on ...
Death by asteroid may come in unexpected ways
Science News for Students (blog)
Large asteroid impacts are rare. Here, a 20-meter- (66-foot-) wide meteor left behind a smoky trail across the sky above Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013.
1. The Radiant Of A Meteor Shower Is A. The Appare...
The radiant of a meteor shower is. a. the apparent vanishing point of the parallel orbital paths of meteoroids. b. the location at which a meteor explodes ...
2017 The FOURTH Year of "CERTAIN Uncertainty" ™ / Meteors, Asteroids, Comets, and MORE!!


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Sunset in Fredericksburg TX/
I love the Texas hill country - it's beautiful!
Ok, I know Texas isn't considered a mountainous or even hilly state, but we do have some of both, believe it or not. And the Hill Country is a very beautiful area. It lies about an hour west of Austin, and generally speaking the main town out there in Fredericksburg.
As the name implies, it's an old German town and as such has a lot of Germanic influence, which is great by me. I love Germany, so it really feels like a getaway from normal life when you are there.
Anyways, we spent a weekend up there recently celebrating my wife's birthday, and one evening we noticed that a beautiful sunset was coming together. So being a super supportive woman, my wife said "let's hurry up and find a spot to shoot". OK!
We drove for a bit and found a little park, and when I saw the water I knew that I was going to be firing quite a few shots here - and I did. I loved this tree standing there alone, and the beautiful sunset behind it.


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Title: House's Hour Characters: House, WilsonRating: PG Genre: Angst Word Count: 850 Summary: House reflects on the lessons taught him by influential men in his life. The previous vignettes, in order, are: Visiting Hour, Happy Hour, Midnight Hour, Fifty-Minute Hour, Random Hour, Painful Hour, Dark Hour , Desperate Hour, Witching Hour , Lonely Hour, Dinner Hour, Legal Hour , and Honorable Hour .
Despite the increased pain in his right thigh, House has to admit that he's enjoying the ride back to Princeton. The weather is good, the traffic is light, the bike is running well.
And none of those things even remotely explain the smile on your face, you moron, House says to himself. Can't even be honest enough to tell yourself the truth; that's just... pathetic. Admit it; you're happy. You're actually... happy. May not last long, but it's here now. Enjoy it.
House thinks about the long week he's just been through, and about everything that's still coming up, some of which will be difficult, even painful. But for right now, what matters—all that matters to House—is that there's an end in sight, a conclusion to Wilson's nightmare.
Gotta tell Cuddy, give her time to find somewhere else to put the guy who's in Wilson's office. What's his name? Oh well, doesn't matter now. Only been there four months anyway; that's not long enough to learn his name.
House wonders what Wilson's thinking about right now, wonders how long it'll be before he's ready to come back to work. Me, I'd wanna come back right away. But Wilson… he might want to take some time, ease into it. Cuddy'll just have to understand; Wilson's always been the cautious type. Shouldn't be a problem, though; Cuddy's told me often enough that I could learn a thing or two from 'the careful approach'.
House laughs aloud; Cuddy can think what she wants, but it sure isn't the careful approach that's getting Wilson out of jail. Sometimes, doing the right thing means taking risks—no one knows that better than House. And when it pays off, it pays off big.
As House pulls up to his building and gets off the bike, he can't deny the physical pain any longer. The few steps to his door are agony, and by the time he collapses on the couch, each breath is a labored gasp. But he's still smiling. He allows two bitter Vicodin tablets to melt on his tongue; relief will come faster that way.
He leans his head against the back of the couch, rubs at his leg, and he remembers.
House had been eleven years old that summer, a skinny misfit, a loner. His dad had been determined that they'd run together in the annual Father-Son Marathon. To that end, his father had shouted him awake each morning at 5:30, and they'd run. When House would be ready to collapse with pain and fatigue, when each breath was fire in his throat, his dad would laugh at him, egg him on, shouting, "No pain, no gain, you wimp!" And House would force himself to go on, tears making hot, steady tracks down his thin face.
Until one day he'd collapsed. He'd spent the next three weeks in bed, muscles bunched in a hard, tight knot in his thigh. In all that time, his dad had entered his bedroom only three times. The first time, he'd told him to "suck it up and get back out there."
The second time, the young House, hope in his eyes, had said to the man looking disdainfully down on him, "Hurts so bad I must've made a lotta gains, huh, dad?"
"Baby!" his father had growled, and had slammed the door on his way out. The last time, the day of the race, he'd looked at the boy writhing in pain—no doctor was ever called—and whispered, "I raised a sissy." During these bedside visits, there was no mistaking the look of disgust on his father's face. And all three times, on his way out, he'd turn in the doorway and hiss, "No pain, no gain."
All these years, House has felt the expression was macho garbage. He didn't know what lesson his dad had intended to impart, but what he'd taught his son was that pain was to be hated, because it diminished him, made him less of a man. And—over three decades later—House was still living his life with that belief. After all, the only gifts pain's ever given him are a dark way to view the world, and a dependence on narcotics—not exactly advantages.
But this pain—this is different. This pain is his friend; it's tangible proof that he did something good today, something right. Wilson's gonna get his life back. And House? A couple days of hurting like hell is a negligible price to pay for regaining his friend. "You were right, dad," he whispers aloud into the dark room as he massages the thigh.
"Whaddaya know, you old bastard; you finally called one. But this time, I had a different teacher. Didn't force the words down my throat. Didn't call me names even though he had every right to. What he did was showed me how to handle it. Never said a word; just gave a damned good demonstration."
House thinks of Wilson's quiet grace, his acceptance, all these months, in the face of a pain House's father couldn't begin to imagine. He'd shown House that pain didn't have to diminish him. In fact, House thinks, it's the opposite. Embrace the growth that pain can bring, accept it for what it can accomplish, and the man doesn't diminish—but the pain does.Now, it's Wilson's turn: Wilson's Hour