Best Of

Day 3
Today we pulled into the fishing village of Grundarfjordur (don’t ask me how to pronounce it!) on the Snarfellish peninsula. Like all of Iceland, the topography was volcanic and the economy based on fishing and raising sheep (wool) and the small Icelandic horses for the tourist industry. The small horses are purebred and not to be confused with ponies or miniatures.

Our choice of excursions took us along the coastal areas just below the volcanic mountains outside Grundarfjodur and towards the Snaefellish Glacier. We were only able to catch brief glimpses of the glacier due to fog and mist. During the bus ride we passed a small coastal peak (Church Mountain) which was a filming location for Game of Thrones. Waterfalls appeared everywhere and the area was dotted with sheep farms and grazing sheep.

The big attraction was a visit to the Vatnshellir lava tube. It was a bit strenuous to descend two very tall narrow spiral metal stairs (are climb back up- no elevators!). The floor of the lava tube was very irregular, and though wet, not slippery due to coarse lava rock, but the random lava rock still made it difficult to traverse. We were given flashlights and helmets due to the low ceiling in one small section. The temp in the lava chambers was just above freezing.