Iceland's Finest Nature

We spent the majority of our two days in Iceland exploring the coastline and countryside in the Southwestern portion of Iceland. It felt like we drove 80% of the time but it was the best way to cover the most ground, stopping only to eat some "lunch" (pretzels and peanut butter) and to see the sites.

It was colder than we expected, especially on the coast and in the countryside when the clouds covered the sun, but we were happy for the chance to wear our home made matching sweaters both days :)

Iceland is definitely a travel destination for earth science nerds and nature lovers. We rose at 4am local time in Iceland to board our flight to Denmark, feeling exhausted but thankful for the wonderful stopover experience via Icelandair!

Thingvellir National Park from above

Thingvellir National Park

old church in Thingvellir National Park built in 1859

countryside on our way to our hostel just outside of Selfoss. Horses everywhere and every field filled with lush green grass and colorful wildflowers. 

Making his sweater debut, walking to Uridafoss. 

Taking in the views of Uridafoss. It was an impressive waterfall, the most voluminous in Iceland! The owner of the hostel we stayed in told us the people are Iceland are fighting to protect this waterfall from a dam being built for power plants. 

Fresh Langostine at Fjordubordid on the coast south of Selfoss.

Jacob checking out some maps with the owner of Guesthouse Gaulverjaskoli who used to be a tour guide of Iceland. 

Enjoying the moss fields on our way to Reykjanes Peninsula. 

Jakob modeling his sweater on some spongy moss near Seltun hot springs.

Seltun/Krysuvik hot sulfur springs

Jacob holding up some earth crust :) 

View of the Reykjanes Peninsula from a cliff. 

The coast of Reykjanes Peninsula. We got lucky with great weather! It was sometimes sprinkling while we drove from place to place but when we got to our destination it cleared up and was beautiful!

Bridge between two tectonic plates. The highlight of the trip for Jacob :)