As we only had a few days in Iceland, we wanted to show our friends a piece of Route No 1. Luckily we were blessed with a sunny day, even though the sun this time of the year only is up between 11 a.m and 4 p.m.
We started off around 10 a.m to be on the road for the sunrise.
And soon, the sky turned yellow and orange, revealing the hot springs steaming.
On our right side, the sun was awakening, and I waited for the first rays to hit the mountains on our left side. A creamy lilac across the snowy white.
Soon Hekla, the most famous volcano – and one of the most active ones (last eruption 2000) – crowned the wheaten landscape in all her glory. The farms still there below her snowcapped face.
Faraway at sea – a glimpse of Västmannaeyar with Heimey. We wanted to go there with our friends, but unfortunately the ferries took a longer route this time of the year. And I can still, vividly, remember how heavy the sea was last time we went. And, how sick I got from it…
These islands are otherwise well worth visiting. Maybe best in summer though. Puffins and other birds nesting, and you can still see the lava stream from the latest eruption burying houses and almost the harbour as well.
Along the south coast, the road is straight and easy to drive. The beautiful low, golden light followed us throughout the journey.
For today, we finish at Eyafjallajökull. Further along the road we will visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss – and of course Vik, with its black beach and roaring waves.
Leya 
Heaven
It is.
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Jag har aldrig varit där men skulle gärna vilja åka dit! Så vackra bilder du har här! 🙂
Åk dit! Du blir inte besviken! Men vi hade en väldig tur att få så fint väder vintertid. Sommaren är lättare att ta sig runt.
Fantastic photo post, Ann-Christine! The colours in the sky are so very different at certain times of the day in Iceland, arent’ they? Your photos gave me an idea of what the countryside looks like when it is not covered in snow! So enjoing your posts on Iceland!
I’m glad you enjoy the posts, Amanda! Only a couple more though – we did not stay for more than four days. Some hot springs and Gullfoss and Thingvellir left. I love this country! (Even in winter…)
I can well understand and agree with that. I thought it was unbelievable in winter, and yet seeing some summer shots of others with green moutains, I have to admit it would be fascinating in any season! Enjoy the rest of your time, Ann- Christine!
Thank you! Back here now it is even colder!
Sweden colder than Iceland? Now that is something!!!
It is in general during winter. Their average is 1+ and Sweden’s is 1-!
Andy and I were discussing recently how the Baltic being freshwater is a reason the surrounding land is colder. Iceland is surrounded by salty ocean water but it makes a small difference it seems.
The Gulf Stream is the main reason to why Iceland is not as cold as it should be. I have never thought about the differences concerning freshwater/saltwater – interesting.
Ah yes. The gulf stream would help too. Apparently the salt in the air above sea water is warmer than the air above and around fresh water.
Magnificent photos of a magnificent landscape.
Thank you so much! I do love this land of ice and fire.
What an amazing light, turning everything to gold.
Yes – golden it was, that day. Thank you! There is something about being close to the sea.
Quite calming.
Amazing photos.
Amazing landscape!
Que c’est beau!
Merci beaucoup!
It looks stunning through your wonderful lens Tina….what a magical looking place….I really would love to go for a visit and your images tempt me even more!
I’m glad they are tempting…
Very tempting✨
Coming from the tropics, I find it so amazing to read that the sun comes up between 11am and 4pm during winter, and seeing your photo of the sky still dark at 10am – incredulous! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, so interesting…
That is one of the marvellous things with blogging, isn’t it? Getting to know the world and its people.
Absolutely 🙂
Loved this post, Ann-Christine….I shall have to think seriously about Iceland next year (this year is quite full already!)
OK…the whole year full! Sounds interesting!
Oh, only the first 6 months!
😀
Iceland is beautiful! I lived one year in Vestmannaeyjar when I was 17 🙂
You did! How come – and why did you leave?
Iceland is beautiful! I lived one year in Vestmannaeyjar when I was 17 🙂
You did? And why did you leave?
Loved all the photos!!! Also enjoyed reading the comments … very interesting.
I’m glad you liked it! I de believe you should just stop over for more than Keflavik next time!
Definitely!
Whoa! what wonderful photos! YOu’ve captured stark beauty…
Thank you! ”stark beauty” – a good description of the landscape in Iceland!
yeah, really!!
Wonderful photos, Ann Christine! Iceland really looks like a place we ought to visit. I enjoyed your amazing descriptive narrative too. 😃
Well, I suggest you go during summer – then you can go around the whole island, and visit Västmannaeyar as well!
I just looked on Google images for Västmannaeyar , and all the images that came up, were yours. Beautiful. 🙂
What! How strange! Fun – thank you for telling me!
Gorgeous!
Thank you, Cindy!
We have also read all of the Viking Sagas, as well.
You must be very interested! If you go to Iceland, be sure to go south and walk in the landscape of Njals saga. It’s breathtaking to think of what once happened here. At least many scientists believe the sagas to have some truth in them.
I think there is a lot of truth in the Sagas, it’s just that people didn’t record history like we do today, so a lot of people like to think there is not much truth the Sagas and other folklore. But while the old tales are told from one-sided perspectives, I think something similar really happened to make people want to pass on the stories and tell the tales.
I believe so too. In those days news travelled from mouth to mouth by travellers and story tellers. It’s just that scientists always want solid proof and evidence…don’t they. Unfortunately those who knew are since long dead.
True. We just had Icelandic fish and potato mash made with fresh cod for dinner. It’s kind of like clam chowder. We put it on spaghetti squash which turned out to be a really good mix of fish and potato mash and vegetable..
Sounds great!
Beautiful photos, Leya! Laurie has been studying Old Norse and modern Icelandic and is working on papers about the evolution of Old Norse into Icelandic. I have read all the books in Arnaldur Indridason’s ”Inspector Erander” series, so Iceland is high on our list of places to visit.
It is worth every visit. Interesting studies, then! I haven’t read those books, but some old Icelandic literature. Some of the Sagas and also from Eddan. I took some exams at university in Icelandic, but I have forgotten most of it – you have to keep it alive!
Åhhhh! Lovely photos! This is my first choice for travelling if I get the oppertunity one day.
You will love it!