Travel - Snapshot Chronicles

Susan and the Volcano: Hiking Fagradalsfjall

05.05.2023 by Susan Getgood //

A highlight of our last trip in late June/early July 2021 was the hike up to see the (then) erupting volcano Fagradalsfjall (ll sounds like tl). By the time we were in Iceland, there was only one good path up to hike — the other ways had all been covered over by the lava field.

The eruption site was not far from the Blue Lagoon, so we stopped and wandered a bit around the edge of the lava field the first time we visited the site. It was late in the day and we weren’t equipped to hike that day. We almost didn’t go back to do the hike but decided it was a better choice than driving north to Snaefellsnes after seeing some photos from folks on our food tour. So glad we did.

The volcano erupted again in August 2022, just east of the March 2021 site. The 2022 eruption is still considered active although there is no visible activity. The lava fields are still well worth the trip; there are a range of hikes to choose from, depending on your interest and desired activity level. Some good resources to plan your trip to the site.

We were fairly prepared for the hike — good hiking shoes, plenty of water, layered clothing, windbreaker. The only thing I really wished for, especially on the way down, was a pair of Walking Sticks” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>walking sticks. The rocks were quite loose and it was fairly steep and slippy in places.

Up next: My favorite museums in Reykjavik plus some shopping and dining recommendations.

Reykjavik Summer Light – Top 5 Suggestions for Summer Days

04.24.2023 by Susan Getgood //

Whatever time of year you go to Iceland, you’ll want to visit the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Here are a few more things to do during your summer trip to Reykjavik.

1. Take a boat tour to see the Puffins. You can only see the puffins in the summer months, and luckily there’s an island in Reykjavik Harbor where they nest. We had a blast on the Special Tours cruise.

I do not however recommend a whale watching cruise. We spent 3 hours and didn’t even see a fin. The fast chase boats might have better luck, but they didn’t appeal to me. However, if you have to kill an hour before your Puffin Tour, Whales of Iceland is in the same general vicinity (as is a supermarket and a big box store should you have the need). It’s not worth going out of your way to see it, and it is very pricey for what you get, but it definitely gives you perspective.

2. If you do your Puffin tour on a weekend morning, you can visit Kolaportið, the Reykjavik flea market. It is mostly jewelry, food and what you’d expect at a flea market, but worth an hour or so. I got a lovely silver ring and necklace, handmade by silversmith Sigal Harmeshi (@sigalhm on Instagram.) Weekends only.

3. A food tour. I recommend The Reykjavik Food Walk. Go hungry. So much food. There are 5 stops including the Icelandic Hot Dog Stand made famous by Bill Clinton.

4. Hallgrimskirkja The church itself is lovely, and it is well worth going up the tower for the views. We were lucky to stumble onto an organ concert the day we went. Check the website to see if there are any scheduled during your visit. Hungry? Just across the street — a delightful farm to table bistro called Rok and if you fancy more traditional Icelandic fare, Cafe Loki. Try the Rye Bread Ice Cream. Really.

5. Punk Museum of Iceland. Located in a former public restroom in downtown Reykjavik, the Punk Museum is worth a stop whether you like punk or not. The museum takes full advantage of its venue — the stalls actually become part of the story. We spent about an hour, and if you were a true punk fan you could spend far longer as the staff is very knowledgable and happy to share.

Iceland: Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights from Reykjavik

04.19.2023 by Susan Getgood //

Northern Lights -- blue / green — Northern Lights – Reykjavik February 2016

Unless you are obsessed with getting the best photo ever and can afford a private photography tour, I’d recommend the bus tour from Reykjavik Excursions over a private or semi-private Jeep tour. The guides are knowledgable about the Lights and how to get the best out of your camera. If a tour goes out, and you don’t see the Lights, they will honor your ticket on another night. Reykjavik Excursions was the tour on which I saw the Lights for the 1st time (Feb 2016) and it was a better experience in the end than the private jeep tour we did on my second winter trip to Iceland (Nov 2016).

Definitely do NOT do the boat cruise for the Lights. Too crowded, hard to set up for pictures.

Final word about the Aurora: You may have to go out every night to catch them, depending on the weather, and if it is very cloudy or rainy, the tours might not go out. If seeing them is the reason for your trip, don’t wait til the last night. Start going out right away, and enjoy the chase. It’s a bit wild. Your driver will be heading out in one direction and then get a report that it looks good somewhere else, and off you go.

If you want to photograph the Lights, I’ve found two articles with good equipment lists and tips. In addition to the recommended wide angle lens, tripod and flashlight, you’ll want a remote shutter release and fingerless gloves. I like the kind with the mitten covers so your fingers stay warm when you are waiting around for things to happen.

Dress in layers: thermal underwear and good ski pants on the bottom, and thermals, a turtleneck, fleece and a good ski jacket on top. Warm hat. If you want a scarf, I recommend an infinity scarf so it doesn’t get in the way or get lost.

More Iceland travel tips: Iceland in Winter vs Iceland in Summer