Fai Quan
formerly known as "Prosaic Traveller"
Iceland (13) – Harpa
Harpa is a concert hall/conference centre in Reykjavik. Located along the marina, it was only a few short blocks from our hotel. It was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects and artist Olafur Eliasson. The evening of our visit, a concert had just ended and we were able to view the centre in full operation. Unfortunately, I was not able to gain access to the theatre. It would have been nice to see what it would have looked like.
View from Tryggvagata street
Interior view of Harpa
A combination of a staircase and sitting area
Eating area located on the main floor
Delicious cuisine available
The setting sun reflected off the window frames
Iceland (12) – Drangshlioll and Rutshellir
Upwards of 200 man-made caves can be found on 90 farms in South Iceland, and 41 of them have been declared protected sites. They are virtually unknown elsewhere in the country. These two sets of caves are located within minutes of each other on Highway #1.
Drangshlioll
We thought the structure of the mountain was shaped like a “dragon”.
Drangshlioll is a Vacation Farm. This year farm has great accommodations for the whole family.
The man-made caves by the Eyjafjoll mountains
This Rutshellir cave is located a few kilometres down the road from Drangshlioll.
Iceland (11) – Metal Art in Residence
Next door to the Sigurjon Olafsson Museum is a home of either a collector of metal art or the artist himself. You would be mistaken to think this use to be the home of Olafsson. The resident of eclectic art is the abode of Icelandic film director Hrafn Gunnlaugsson, who is indeed a collector.
Iceland (10) – Jokulsarlon, Floating Icebergs
Jokulsarlon is about a three hour drive east on the #1 Highway from Reykjavik. However, our drive took longer as we kept stopping to look at all the spectacular scenery on the way. The distance may be long for some but it was well worth it.
A haunting experience. You can’t help but become mesmerized by the scenery.
There will be no captions here. The pictures speak for themselves.
Iceland (9) – Skogafoss Falls
Skogafoss Falls is the start of a 25.7 km hike along Skogar River to Thorsmork. On this hike, you can explore 23 falls of varying heights. The river’s gorges are diverse and beautiful. Unfortunately, we didn’t give ourselves enough time in Iceland to make this trek.
Along the #1 Highway, about 100 KMS south of Reykjavik, you will find the Skogafoss Falls.
The great thing about these falls is that you can get right up close to the bottom and the top.
The long climb up
Along the climb
A rainbow treat at the top
Iceland (8) – Icelandair Marina Hotel
We stayed at this hotel during our visit to Iceland. I found it to be the most charming and tastefully decorated hotel I have ever stayed in.
I love the shipyard next to the hotel. Our room window looked directly at the beige and blue ship that was being repaired.
The Lobby
Another shot of the lobby that turns into a lounge during the evening.
The Library
Library sitting area
Slipbarrin Lounge and Restaurant
Slipbarrin Restaurant
Tourist Information Centre
Iceland (7) – Gulfoss
Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is a waterfall located in the canyon of the Hvita river. Part of the Golden Circle loop that includes the Geysir (my previous post).
The origin of this beautiful waterfall starts 40 KM north at Langjokull glacier in Lake Hvitavatan
Some brownish parts of the water is the sediments that the glacial ice has carved off the earth
The water plunges into a 32M deep crevice which 2.5 KM in length
Flowing into the crevice
A view of the expanse and depth of Gulfoss. Above right is where you would start your journey to see the falls, which is located to the left.
Looking down from the top of the falls
Iceland (6) – Geysir
Geysir is located about 105 Kms east of Reykjavik on Highway 36. Unfortunately, the activity of the “Great Geyser” averages about 3 times a day and is unpredictable. The following are photos of “Stokkur”, a smaller geysir located nearby, which erupts every few minutes.
The surrounding area is covered with little pockets of steam.
The Litli Geysir located nearby
Spectators waiting for the eruption
Watching the water gurgle and boil
The power of an eruption
Inside the restaurant of the Visitor Centre
Iceland (5) – Hallgrimskirkja
The landmark church can be seen from anywhere in the city. This Lutheran parish church stands at 73 metres tall and is the largest church in Iceland.
There is an observation tower that provides beautiful views of the surrounding area. Unfortunately, it was closed during the time we were there.
The 15 metre tall pipe organ was built by Johannes Klais of Bonn.
Pristine and gleaming
The simple lines of the exterior is reflected in the interior.
An elaborate candlestick holder
Interesting art in the lobby
Explorer Leif Eriksson
Iceland (4) – The Eurasian Plate
After leaving Reykjanes, we embarked on a search for the Eurasian Plate. The North American plate is drifting to the west away from the Eurasian plate, widening the Atlantic Ocean in the process. This spot marks a meeting point of these two plates. A larger and more spectacular spot would have been in Thingvellir.
The bridge that crosses the plates. North America to the right and Europe to the left.
A faded sign on the bridge
Locks on the bridge
Fai Quan 