THE NORDIC SERIES, DAY 13
ICELAND
So the storm is still here, the temperature is around 2C and the wind chill puts us into the minus so naturally we are going snorkelling and as per usual the other 3 are complaining and asking if I am mad, fair point.
THE WATER WAS CLEARER THAN THE MALDIVES!
There aren’t many places you can dive in super clear water as you get in this fissure (don’t google fissure). Add that to the fact you are diving between 2 tectonic plates (Eurasian and Americas) and you can see why I’ve signed us all up.
COLD
In terms of the heat, the worst part wasn’t the swimming but the standing around waiting for our turn. It wasn’t well organised in that respect but rather than the company’s fault it’s the park warden who decides who goes next. We were in our drysuits for almost 2 hours before we were allowed to jump in.
CRYSTAL CLEAR
But once in, it was epic. The water is incredibly clear for being outside of the tropics and the channel is lined with 2 walls either side, really giving you a sensation that you are actually diving between two tectonic plates. It’s not often that the images I see are as close to the real thing!
Yes the water was cold but your buzzing too much to think about it apart from your lips, your lips will freeze but it’s a small price to pay. We spent a total of 30minutes in the water which was a perfect amount and gave us enough time to relax and enjoy it without feeling rushed.
WARM WATER
At the end of our swim I couldn’t feel my toes but it was soon out with the drysuits and in with the hot chocolate and digestives where we all had a chat about how epic our experience was! If you like new experiences and something slightly different and most likely out of your comfort zone then I couldn’t recommend it enough!
RAUFARHÓLSHELLIR LAVA TUNNEL
While the other 3 enjoyed their nap we made our way to the Lava Tunnel, have you realised how much there is to do in Iceland yet?? The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel – link is a 1hour tour through the 4th longest lava cave in Iceland. It was formed during the Leitahraun eruption which occured over 5000 years old.
5000 YEARS OLD
You are guided about 50metres from the meeting point to the entrance of the cave where the lava flowed out and made its way overland to the sea. Since then the caves developed hundreds of stalactites but from the 1950s the caves was discovered by the public and as a result almost none are left.
In 2016 the tunnel was closed to the public and a clean up process began to rid the cave of tons of waste from years of mistreatment. Lights and platforms were then installed before the tours began shortly after.
BACK TO REYKJAVIK
Arriving in Reykjavik signalled the beginning of the end of our road trip as we planned to stay here for a few days before flying home on Monday. We made a trip to Hallgrimskirkja church but as the viewing platform was closed we checked into our hotel, Radisson 1919.
We ate at Sumac tonight, a middle eastern tapas style restaurant. If you are going get the flatbread and dips
FINAL THOUGHTS
It was cold and at times I questioned if it was worth it but once in the water you knew it was worth all the pain!
NEXT UP
The financial crisis in 2008 all started here in Iceland so we have signed up to the tour, Walk The Crash. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
138/229
This post is part of The Nordic Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
