Iceland’s one and only city

So we left sunny Leeds and a balmy 21ºC for Reykjavik. A wonderful 145 minute flight courtesy of the very friendly and in some ways quirky and quintessential Icelandic airline (look at the photos). When we landed it was as predicted – grey, wet and cold at a massive 4ºC. Having checked the weather conditions first and dressing appropriately for our destination we were somewhat bemused to see people on our flight in shorts and t-shirts. When we landed they seemed somewhat surprised and reticent to brave the elements. The rest of us weren’t for waiting – they were hurried off the plane and as we didn’t have a bridge connection to the terminal, they had to run across the tarmac in the rain to the bus. I admit, I’m bad, I sniggered.

We managed to pick up the car and drive to our hotel and park the car without getting lost. It was so straightforward. No queues at the hire car desk and no cars on the road – well just enough to remind us which side of the road to drive on and which way to go around the roundabouts!

Monday we went to the really superb Perlan Museum. If you are ever here you must allow 2.5 to 3 hours. This is exactly how a museum should be – it used all our senses, touching in the glacial cave and the numerous interactive exhibits and the “aroma of a volcanic eruption, minus the sulphur”. Sight and sound is obvious but the taste was a cute square of chocolate at the exit with a QR code for us to re-look at all the films from the museum. The glacial cave was made with real glacial ice showing the levels of ash from the volcanic eruptions over the centuries. That’s how they could work out the volcanic history of Iceland. As the glaciers recede and disappear so does Iceland’s history.

After the museum we walked around the city for a few hours. Wherever you drive or walk around Reykjavik the scenery is dominated by the Cathedral and the mountains. Reykjavik feels very Nordic, very modern in places and very clean. I suspect that is the abundant fresh sea air blowing through it. Unfortunately the weather would not play nicely for the photos. Sadly the weather was not the only thing not playing nicely for my photos. Some tourists weren’t playing nicely at Rainbow Street. Standing in the middle of the rainbow in their endless ridiculous poses for instagram. I can accept that as we all have a right to get the shot we want, although some are quicker than others. However move away when you want to look at your phone to check your thousands of snaps, don’t just stay there scrolling. That is nothing but thoughtless and selfish. Fortunately as it doesn’t get dark till late we took advantage and went back later in the evening.

This evening we had a date at the Sky Lagoon, the not quite as famous cousin of the Blue Lagoon. Yes the lagoon is manmade unlike the blue lagoon but the water in both is geothermically heated. The water in the blue lagoon is blue, surprise surprise, due to the minerals. The water in the Sky lagoon is crystal clear so that it matches the water in the Atlantic Ocean that you look out onto from the infinity pool. Whilst the Sky lagoon is smaller there are less people so you get much more space. I think the Sky lagoon is probably more relaxing as it’s less crowded and you can dip your hair and head in the water, which you can’t in the Blue Lagoon. Wandering around in the warm water with your drinks from the Lagoon Bar, staring at the ocean – what is not to like? The view from the sauna was incredible. We absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it. We went at 17: 30 and are doing the same on our last full day when we go to the Blue Lagoon. If the weather is good the light is starting to soften and glow. Very magical.

See a video of the Sky Lagoon here

Tomorrow we start our road trip proper. We leave the city of Reykjavik behind and head for Iceland’s towns and villages. The huge map has been unfolded, route planned and refolded. And we have both vowed to be on our best behaviour no matter how many times we get lost!