Passer Domesticus: Iceland

Showing posts with label Iceland. Show all posts

22 October 2017

28.08.2017

We were determined to make the most of our last day by visiting an area not far from the airport, which we could never fully appreciate during our previous trips.

At this point we were already feeling a bit nostalgic about leaving Iceland, but still we managed to see the two lighthouses of Akranes — my first time inside a lighthouse! — and ended up driving the scenic road around Kleifarvatn lake. I even took a photo of our van that I thought would be nice to share with you!

Leaving Iceland always makes me a little sad, though this time around I feel even more connected to this incredible place and I know that there will be a fourth trip and many more to come. I hope you have enjoyed the photographs!

20 October 2017

27.08.2017

When in Mývatn we decided to spend one night only without our van: the reason was the lovely North Aurora Guesthouse in Laugar, which we remembered from our previous trip in 2015. Even though I have loved cooking on our portable gas stove and eating outdoors, it was nice to be able to cook something a little more elaborate for once and to enjoy the delicious breakfast of the guesthouse!

The morning after it was pouring rain when we hiked to the Krafla power plant: it was not very pleasant, but the dramatic weather made for some very good photos! Sadly enough — despite being it the end of the season — there were still quite many tourists around Mývatn. We were already missing the solitude of the Westfjords!

17 October 2017

25-26.08.2017

After having seen the north west of the Westfjords I am almost sure I can call it my favourite region of Iceland! The landscape was so overwhelmingly beautiful that I remember sitting on a rock and staring at it for the longest time without taking any photograph. The roads in this region were though, but driving there was totally worth it!

When the weather turned for the worst, we decided to leave the Westfjords to move towards Mývatn. Not exactly on our way, but yet we decided to stop by Ánastaðastapi as we wanted to see our favourite lighthouse — which we remembered since 2013. It was very photogenic with all that cottongrass in bloom!

Passing through Akureyri, we had the chance to meet with Ingeborg, whom I have been online friends with for years — we met through this blog in fact. It was lovely to finally get to talk to her in real life at Kaffi Ilmur! The countryside just outside Akureyri was also the perfect spot to take some portraits of Icelandic horses.

08 October 2017

23-24.08.2017

Having more time to spend in the Westfjords, we managed to visit the north west area which we had never seen before: the little town of Djúpavík has now become a favourite place of mine. Sadly we had to skip the Hornstrandir nature reserve, but we are planning to dedicate our next trip to Iceland entirely to it!

On the road from Isafjordur to Reykjanes, just after Heydalur, we had the chance to relax in what must have been my favourite pool of the entire trip: a little gem by the side of the road with a magnificent view of the fjord.

After spending the night nearby, the morning after we had the chance to revisit several favourite spots: one for all, the abandoned castle that had fascinated us so much two years ago. The garden was full of wild flowers, which made it even more beautiful!

30 September 2017

21-22.08.2017

We both agreed to spend the most of our trip in the Westfjords: since 2015 they have held a special place in our hearts!

It was great to be able to see Patreksfjörður again and enjoy the delicious pizza of the local grocery shop: I had not forgotten that one! Also stopping at Simbahöllin at Þingeyri for their incredible waffles was a must!

This time around we also had the chance to enjoy the natural hot pools and swimming pools: the Birkimelot ones were particularly nice, as we were able to have them all for ourselves in the early morning.

Last but not least, we arrived at Látrabjarg cliff in the evening but did not expect to see any puffins as the nesting season had already ended: you can imagine how delighted we were to be able to see a few instead! I am so happy with the photos I took of them!
That evening we slept at the Breiðavík camp ground, which was particularly lovely.

22 September 2017

19-20.08.2017

Not many people visit Iceland more than once in a life time, but we have already come back three times. As they say, third time's a charm. It was almost like coming to a home away from home! For this third trip we decided to concentrate only on our favourite locations and spend more quality time there, rather than rushing from a place to another. Our home for twelve days was a van, that gave us the freedom to move more efficiently: we both loved it and we are looking into a similar solution for our future trips.

As for photography, this time around I have shot less and very different images: instead of using a wide angle and taking the typical landscape photos, I have used my 135 mm. I am looking forward to hearing what you think!

The first two days of our trip were spent in the Snæfellsnes peninsula: even though it was our third time there, for the first time we managed to get a closer look at the seals at Ytri Tunga and enjoy a beautiful sunrise by Kirkjufell.

30 August 2015

iceland - southern peninsula.

our last day in Iceland it rained for the entire time and the miserable weather seemed to mirror our mood: it was hard to accept that such an intense journey was over. with heavy hearts we drove back to where we started: the Southern Peninsula. after encountering the solitary lighthouse of Selvogur we reached the lake Kleifarvatn covered by fog. I am not good with words when it comes to conclusions though I must say I loved our second journey around Iceland even more than the first: I am very thankful for such an unforgettable experience and I hope you have enjoyed my posts and photographs!

song of the journey Crystals - Of Monsters and Men

27 August 2015

iceland - highlands.

one of the highlights of our journey was definitely the hike in Landmannalaugar. I am not very happy with the photographs I took there but how could I fully capture the essence of such an incredible place? the hiking path we chose was not long though it will forever remain among the most fascinating hikes I have ever done!