Exploring South Iceland

Stjornafoss, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland, South
Today was my first day back to work. It was-- well-- let's just say I've had a few strong alcoholic beverages since I got home. No worries though, having a bummer of a shift gave me the best reason so dive back into my Iceland pictures. I realized that I didn't take nearly as many photos as I thought but that goes to show how much fun I was having. Here are the few snapshots I have from the rest of our time in Iceland. 

On the way to our house (tucked away somewhere between Vík and Kirkjubaejarklaustur) we had to stop and admire this view. (And to pee into a Pringles can on the side of the road.) Driving in Iceland is a bit challenging, especially in a tiny little Ford hatchback. One of the more terrifying moments in my life definitely happened on this drive. We were just past Reykjavík and I started noticing more and more snow accumulation on the ground. Slowly, snow started appearing on the windshield until a torrent was unleashed all at once. Zero visibility for 5 or 6 kilometers. The worst part was looking back at the others in the car and realizing they were all asleep! I told them about it when they woke up but I don't think any of them really believed me. Not even my own husband.

Vik, Iceland, Church
One of the best parts about exploring Iceland by car is that the long drives don't seem long at all because there's SO MUCH to see. The terrain is constantly changing and beautiful places are not far from the road. Oh, and it's incredibly easy to navigate since there's really one main road. I snapped these photos from a petrol station in Vík. Yes, a PETROL STATION. A petrol station has a better view than you, me, and almost everybody else in the world.

Jökulsárlón, Iceland, South,
It's hard to pick just one favorite thing but if I had to, I'd absolutely give the honor to Jökulsárlón. I only have this one photo but there's a good reason for that-- this is where Brenden and I did our first look! (I seriously cannot wait to see those pictures.) Like everything else I've shared, the photos do it no justice. Those little bits of glacier are HUGE. The glacial lagoon is a part of Vatnajökull National Park and the bits of glacier you see here are from a glacier called Breiðamerkurjökull. 

On the way to Jökulsárlón, we passed Skaftafell, the gateway to that beautiful ole glacier. This national park is actually the largest in Europe. Going back to Iceland and hiking the glacier is definitely on my to-do list. B is kind of a big baby when it comes to cold weather though, so it might be a solo trip. 

The only other photos I took were from my wedding day. I know airplane wreckage is an "interesting" choice for wedding portraits but don't worry: everybody survived the crash landing back in the 70's. It was a must-visit on our trip since my family now has two generations of pilots. (My dad and my brother, who both loved it.) It was not only freezing at the site but also SO windy. My parents looked adorable bundled up in my blanket scarf. Cutest mom and dad award?

Thanks for letting me share a little bit of my time in Iceland with you. Stay tuned for honeymoon pictures now! 

xo,
e.m.

14 comments

  1. Peeing into a Pringles can while the tourist watched. A highlight for sure. ;) I won't ever forget that! Bahaha!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Replies
    1. I seriously could not believe it. Trust me, it's (at least!) a million times better in real life!

      Delete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amazing pictures!

    Liebste Grüße ♥
    Mai von Sparkle & Sand

    ReplyDelete
  5. These are entirely warranted of the use of the word "epic." And then some. What kind of breathtaking world do we live in? This was just incredible. Also: " A petrol station has a better view than you, me, and almost everybody else in the world." Um, yes. Can't wait to see more shots! ^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right? I had to keep pinching myself because it just looked like some kind of dream world, almost completely untouched by man. I want... no... NEED to go back!

      Delete
  6. I forgot to say in the last post that you got to see the northern lights!! Aren't they beautiful!? And these photos are perfect. There almost like bits of Iceland you don't get to see. Blue lagoon and Reykjavik are of course beautiful to look at (and if you look at my pinterest it is obvious I am partial to them) but these seem more spontaneous. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They took my breath away. And thank you! I think these photos definitely sum up the spirit of the trip.

      Delete
  7. I came here from GOMI (gasp!) and I loved your response to the ugly snark there. Loved that mocked photo, too, such lovely work! Can't wait to see more of your wedding photos. Also this post was such a wonderful trip for me... If there is one place in the world that I would like to visit, it's Iceland (and it's always been, ever since I saw that weird Icelandic movie as a kid) so I'm happy to take in any amount of pictures taken there. Thanks for sharing! I'll definitely be coming back for more :).

    ReplyDelete