Reykjavik, Iceland

We awoke docked in Reykjavik the morning of Wednesday, July 19th for disembarkation. Viking provided a bus shuttle to the International Airport where we picked up our rental car that we would be using for the next 12 days. Our plan was to drive the entire 800-mile Ring Road from the airport in Keflavik in a clockwise direction. On our way to the airport, we could see the smoke rising from the Fagradalsfjall volcano which started erupting in early July. The below picture is not one we took, but a recent photo of the active volcano.

After picking up our car, we checked into the Grandi Hotel, Reykjavik. We originally had booked an air BnB for two nights in Reykjavik, but at the last minute the host had to cancel, so we settled for a hotel in the heart of the tourist district. It was adequate and overpriced. Reykjavik's population is about 125,000, but about 250,000 live in the area which is the majority of the country's population.

After checking into our hotel, we discovered parking was in very short supply, so we walked to and around the harbor area, stopping for a $40 pizza for dinner.

We did a FlyOver Iceland. Just blocks from our hotel we took a thrilling virtual flight over stunning Icelandic scenery. We were strapped into a flight simulator, then lifted off our feet to watch a nine-minute IMAX style 4D movie on a wrap-around screen.

The next morning, we took a self-guided walking tour around Reykjavik.

Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church

This Lutheran church completed in 1980 dominates the skyline of Reykjavik. The name comes from Hallgrimur Petursson, a 17th century Icelander, who wrote over 50 well-known hymns retelling the Passion of Christ.

The inside of the church is stark and sleek.

The massive organ was completed in 1991.

We took the elevator ride up to the 250-foot bell tower.

Bell Tower

While we were up in the Bell Tower, the bells loudly struck the quarter hour. We made sure to get down before the full hour struck.

Leif Erikson statue greets those entering the church plaza.

Elnar Jonsson Gardens

The Sculpture Garden is adjacent to the Hallgrimskirkja.

This "Spring" sculpture by Elnar Jonsson is one of the many sculptures displayed in the garden.

Walking the streets of Reykjavik.

Sun Voyager Sculpture

This outdoor stainless-steel sculpture that sits along the waterfront, is shaped like an old Viking boat, pointing northwest in the direction of the setting sun in the summer.

Harpa Concert Hall

This very new, modern and elaborate Concert Hall was completed on the waterfront in 2011.

In the summer the honeycombed windowpanes reflect the light in patterns.

Grotta Island Lighthouse was actually on a spit, covered at high tide.

Arctic Terns were nesting.

We noticed quite a few murals in Reykjavik, this one seemed to fit well here.