By Ron Stern, Travel Photojournalist
Steeped in Nordic traditions and culture, Reykjavik, Iceland is one of those mysterious destinations that everyone seems to be talking about visiting and for good reasons. Iceland has the cleanest air in the world, water so pure you can drink it right from the tap, lava-covered landscapes along with roaring waterfalls, gushing geysers, and an eclectic cuisine to satisfy any appetite.
Typical Icelandic cuisine includes lamb and seafood and some rather odd choices such as fermented or rotten shark. But, there is no doubt that from hot dogs to fine dining, Icelanders love to eat. Sterna Travel offers a guided bus tour around Southern Iceland on this must-see all day adventure. The first highlight on this trip is Strokkur, a geothermal geyser shooting hot water up to 65 feet in the air every 4 – 8 minutes. The next stop is the stunning Gullfoss or Golden Falls, located on the Hvítá River. This is the #1 attraction for the area on TripAdvisor and is truly magnificent to watch as the water careens down the stair stepped rocks to the canyon below.
Your final stop will be the Secret Lagoon. This is the oldest geothermal swimming pool in the country located in the town of Fludir. The water in the pool stays at a constant year round temp of about 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit and is the perfect place to soak away your cares while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Located in Reykjavik Harbor, Whales of Iceland is the largest whale exhibition in Europe, featuring 23 species that can be found in local waters.
The country is also easily accessible from most major airports, and Iceland Air offers a free stopover here while en route to other locales.
Visit Reykjavik: www.visitreykjavik.com