Day 1 (9th June)
Day 2 (10th June)
Day 3 (11th June)
Patreksfjörður (St Patrick's Fjord)
Westernmost point of Iceland (and Europe)
Hnjótur Museum
Day 4 (12th June)
Day 5 (13th June)
History of Goðafoss
The name Goðafoss means either waterfall of the gods or waterfall of the 'goði' (i.e. priest/ chieftain). The reason for this is its fascinating history.
When Iceland was first settled in the 9th and 10th Centuries, the vast majority (those who were not slaves, at least) were Norwegians who followed the Old Norse religion, worshipping deities like Thor, Odin, Loki, and Freya. However, after the Commonwealth was established in 930 AD, pressure to convert began to push from Christianising Europe.
By 1000 AD, it seemed that Norway would almost certainly invade if the country were to stand by its pagan beliefs. The issue was thus discussed at Þingvellir, where the parliament met once a year. The lawspeaker at the time, the Ásatrú priest (or goði) Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, was given the responsibility to make the decision.
It is said he lay under a fur blanket for a day and a night in silence, praying to his Old Gods for the right decision. Eventually, he emerged and said, for the good of the people, Christianity would be the official religion, but pagans could practice in private.
To symbolize his decision, he returned to his home in north Iceland and threw idols of the Old Gods into a beautiful waterfall. Since then, it would be known as Goðafoss.
Day 6 (14th June)
Grímsey (pop 61) is the northernmost inhabited Icelandic territory;
The Arctic Circle currently runs through the island, a feature of interest to many visitors, while the entirety of mainland Iceland lies south of the Arctic Circle. Due to long-term oscillations in the Earth's axis, the Arctic Circle currently shifts northward by about 14.5 metres (48 ft) per year. The island has a community center, a shop, a library, a public indoor swimming pool and a school from kindergarten to Grade 8. Beyond this age, students travel to Akureyri for further education. The church was formerly a parsonage. Grímsey has two small hotels and a campsite.
. . . and puffins
Whales (but I missed them!)
Day 7 (15th June)
Bakkagerði (population appx 100) has a primary school with a kindergarten and a public library, a health care center, a bank, a post office, a gas station and a village shop. There is also accommodation for tourists, a hotel, a restaurant, a café, a golf course and a camping site. Various tour operators offer day trips and guided tours.
The Hidden Folk's Castle of the Queen
Sea fog
Day 8 16th June
Heimaey, literally Home Island, is the largest and most populated island off the Icelandic coast. It has a population of 4,500.
In January 1973, lava flow from nearby Eldfell destroyed half the town and threatened to close its harbour, its main income source. An operation to cool the advancing lava with sea water saved the harbour.
Stave Church gifted by Norway to mark 1000 years of Christianity in Iceland
Supper!!
From the onboard photographer's photos
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