Summer 2011: Iceland in a nutshell

Until 2011, we had only done holidays that were somewhat close by and doable by car. Usually to a campsite in France, great with kids. But there comes a time when you want to show your daughter the rest of the world as well. We thought thirteen was a good age, also because you can still remember it later.

The choice fell on Iceland, a beautiful and mysterious country with many powerful waterfalls. In 10 days time we did a counter-clockwise tour along (almost) all highlights of Iceland. Of course we start in Reykjavik, a nice and cosy little town, but soon we head off to visit the “golden circle”: Thingvellir National Park (Oxarfoss)- Strokkur Geysir-Gulfoss-Vatnleysufoss-etc…

After this we continued to the south-west to see more waterfalls, too many and too beautiful to mention them all but Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss are two waterfalls from the top category.

Skaftafell national park and Jokulsarlon should not be missed and then further north to Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, Dettifoss. But don’t forget to take a trip to the 118-metre-high Hengifoss, always beautiful!

The north has less beautiful waterfalls but you can do some whale watching or visit Namaskard, a beautiful geothermal environment with wonderful smells (sulphur).

Via Akureyri we drive east again to one of the most photogenic waterfalls of Iceland, Hraunfossar. We end our trip in Reykjavik and a visit to the famous “Blue Lagoon” should not be missed. Nothing special, but it is part of the experience.

Iceland is definitely a must, but expensive.