July 28, 2023
We headed out from Reykjavik by bus to the Golden Circle in South West Iceland. First stop was at the Thingvellir National Park. It was here that the first parliament was established in 930 AD. It is the world's oldest existing parliament. We had to walk from the visitors center to the overlook of the site, which ended up being almost a mile. I was amazed at how many people visit each of Iceland's tourist sites. Part of the walk went past a small pond where the Icelanders of old used to drown witch women in cages. Yuck. Women hold a much better position today in Iceland.
Next we stopped at the Strokkur Geysers. This is an active geyser that burst forth every 8 minutes in a tall plume of steam. It is surrounded by bubbling hot springs and small hot rivulets. Again, you have to walk quite a ways to get there, and then you stand around the area waiting for the eruption. It was quite impressive.
Our last stop for the day was at the AMAZING Gullfoss water falls. Another long hike with a huge crowd of people, but well worth it! These falls cascade down in a couple of levels, splashing into a big crevasse, complete with rainbow. What a site. The amount of water, the smell, and the sound were wonderful.
Back at the hotel in Reykjavik, we had drinks with the group, then were on our own for dinner. We found a great restaurant on the marina, ate outside, then walked along the harbor. Nice way to end our 2nd day.
Day 2 photos:
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Thingvellir Natl Park-oldest Parliament location
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| Thingvellir Natl Park |
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| Pond to drown witches |
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| Thingvellir Natl Park |
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| Strokkur geysers, SW Iceland |
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| Strokkur geyser |
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| Erupting Strokkur geyser -every 8 minutes |
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| Gullfoss waterfalls, SW Iceland |
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| Gullfoss, complete with rainbow |
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| Long walk to the Gullfoss waterfalls |
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| Gullfoss crevasse |
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| Us, thoroughly enjoying Gullfoss waterfalls |
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| Reykjavik harbor & marina |
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