We left early this morning for an all day tour of southern Iceland. When I visited Iceland with my sister and nieces, we rented a car and I drove the route in southern Iceland. I was so impressed, I wanted to bring Bob here and knew our cruise was going westward and then visiting northern Iceland. My previous visit was in late August and it was definitely colder plus, there were no lupines in bloom.

Iceland is roughly the size of Kentucky and is Europe’s westernmost nation. It’s one of the wildest places on earth but also considered one of the cleanest and most civilized. Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Population of approximately 140,000. It’s very walkable and perfectly safe.

As we drove away from Reykjavik, we could definitely see why it was called ‘Smoky Bay’. We were quickly outside the city limits and again saw miles of lupines.

As we drove, we started to see more and more areas of steam rising. Our guide explained we were seeing Power Plants. Iceland is a pioneer in geothermal energy, using it for direct heat for their homes, electricity generation and even power for greenhouses for food production. We saw many greenhouses growing their fresh vegetables. They use it under their sidewalks, so no shoveling snow. It’s used under their soccer field so they play year round. I was surprised to see so many electric cars but understand it’s because they can easily generate electricity.

Pipelines are designed with a zig-zag to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature change and to allow for movement during their many earthquakes.

As we continued our journey, you could see multiple volcano’s in the background and lava fields in the foreground. The lava has been covered by green lichen. It takes years to grow and can be easily damaged. The landscape is so diverse. Flat, green fields of beautiful farms with horses and sheep. Lava fields with huge boulders that had been spit into the air and landed miles away. Ocean on one side with beautiful, black stone beaches. Snow capped mountains on the other side with glaciers. Tall, green cliffs with stunning waterfalls everywhere. I loved seeing the farms with giant waterfalls right behind them.

We visited the stunning waterfall called Seljalandsfoss. Known for allowing visitors to walk behind the cascading water. The trail leads along this field with wild flowers and a tall, green slope with water falling, as if it was coming from the sky.

Next we went to Reynisfjara beach that features dramatic basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. The columns are stunning. Formed by rapid cooling and contraction of lava flow once it hits the ocean. We climbed on the columns and then went into a cave where you could see the same formations in the ceiling.

I’ve never seen a beach like this. They describe it as black sand beach but it’s really a mile of perfectly smooth, black stones. As you walk, they make this cool sound as your feet sink into them. The sea stacks are these massive, black rocks that shoot out of the ocean floor. Inspiring! Maybe why this area has been a film location for Rogue One, Star Trek, Noah and Game of Thrones. The beach also has warning indicators for ‘sneaker’ waves. We were warned about walking the beach and not paying attention because the sneaker waves are very dangerous and have killed many people.

We stopped at the LAVA Center. What an interesting tour. It’s an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition dedicated to Iceland’s volcanic activity, history and formation of the Icelandic landscape. We learned about different kinds of volcanic activity (lava or molten rock and gases). I think of Mount St Helen being a good example of the explosive rock and gases. We saw real-time earthquake data happening while we watched. Simulations allow visitors to experience the sensations of volcanic eruption and earthquakes.

We stopped to see the site of Eyjafjallajokull. It’s the famous volcano that erupted in April 2010 and caused so many flights to be cancelled in Europe (95,000 flights cancelled in a 5 day period). There were no deaths in Iceland. Below is the famous picture of this farm and the explosion happening behind them in 2010. The farm is still there. Our guide said we would watch the news and “laugh our ass off at reporters trying to pronounce Eyjafjallajokull”. Locals would tell us that Hollywood makes people terrified of volcano’s. One young lady said it’s exciting to see eruptions and she was disappointed the last one only lasted 6 hours.

NOTE: we saw the news this morning (July 16, 2025) and there was an eruption that caused the evacuation of the Blue Lagoon and the city of Reykjavik. Not a volcano, but a 3,000 ft fissure that opened up and started shooting colorful lava into the air. Disappointed that we only missed it by 4 weeks.

Next we visited Skogafoss waterfall (197’ tall). It’s a powerful waterfall with a walking path to the top for panoramic views. We sat and soaked in the beauty of this place. The high, steep slopes and sheep grazing here and there.

We had a quiet ride back to the port. Enjoyed the views of small villages with pretty churches and steam coming from the earth. So many little farms that offered places to stay. A great way to see their country, for sure.

We had a long day and ready for dinner. Bob enjoyed some more seafood. We reminisced about everything we saw and learned today. Off to the Explorers Lounge so we could enjoy sail-away. Farewell Reykjavik!

By the way, today’s sunrise was 2:57 am and sunset 11:59 pm. It will not get dark but look like dusk.