Grundarfjordur, Iceland, 7/17/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Iceland
This morning was spent cruising the northern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on our way to the beautiful village of Grundarfjordur. It’s situated in a spectacular mountain range that includes Mount Kirkjufell, a steep and treacherous-looking peak 1519’ high. We spent the afternoon here, enjoying a hike in a lava field and to a beautiful waterfall, as well as being treated to a musical performance in a local church by one of Iceland’s most popular singers, Hafdis Huld.
John’s passion is lifelong learning and sharing what he learns about the natural world with explorers young and old. He grew up in rural Ohio and graduated from Marietta College with a BA in Recreation Management. Wanderlust hit when John decided t...
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After a comfortable morning with a fascinating presentation by National Geographic Photo Expert Paolo Verzone, we arrived at Grundarfjörður. This small town is perhaps best known for the iconic mountain sitting on its doorstep. Kirkjufell, or Church Mountain, was famously featured on Game of Thrones as Arrowhead Mountain. After lunch, we disembarked National Geographic Explorer to visit either the Berserkjahraun lava field or Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. Berserkjahraun is an old lava field that is still covered by the mosses that settled it 4000 years ago. On our hike, we were treated to some delicious and healthy blueberries and crowberries. The second group was treated to the lovely sight of Kirkjufellsfoss, or the waterfall of Kirkjufell. As the name implies, it is situated very close to the roots of Kirkjufell Mountain, which certainly made for an impressive backdrop to the waterfall. In the afternoon, both groups were reunited in the beautiful church, Grundarfjarðarkirkja, where we were treated to an amazing concert by one of Iceland’s best-known musicians, Hafdís Huld. After the concert we all returned to the ship where we were expected by Captain Peik Aalto, who gave us a warm farewell before our last dinner aboard National Geographic Explorer for this expedition.
Our morning adventure was exploring the village of Isafjordur on the peninsula of Vestfiroir. The guests were greeted with the backdrop of the mountains through the misty rain, making this small fishing community of 2,600 feel like it is being hugged. Like most towns in Iceland, its main industry continues to be fishing. The guests enjoyed a walking tour, flower garden tour, or a biking adventure. The afternoon provided an amazing encounter of humpback whales. More than 30 different individuals were sighted as the ship made its way to the small island of Vigur. The tour of the island told of the history and importance of protecting the eider ducks that nest on the island. It was an amazing day full of adventure, wildlife, cool Icelandic air and rain. Dinner was followed by an educational talk by Naturalist Andreas about the history, myths, and folklore of Iceland.
Guests aboard National Geographic Explorer were welcomed to Drangey Island in Skagafjordur with an ethereal fog blanketing the entire island. Although it was a lovely and magical scene, all aboard had their fingers crossed that the fog would lift, and our patience was rewarded with a bit of sunshine to bathe us in a bit of warmth just before starting the morning operations. Some hearty guests opted to scale the rugged island itself by foot, in hopes of getting up close and personal to the plethora of sea birds nesting on the Drangey. Others opted to circumnavigate the island by Zodiac and were rewarded with breathtaking views, thousands of sea birds flitting here and there, several gray seals peering up from the dark waters, and even a couple of whales graced the Zodiacs with their majestic presence. Over a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Ivan and his galley team, the ship relocated to the port of Saudarkrokur, our landing pad for the afternoon adventures ahead. Some guests went on a historical tour at Glaumbaer Farm and Turf Museum as well as Lýtingsstaðir Farm, learning about the sheep and horses as well. A bit more adventurous, others opted for river rafting and cliff jumping in Iceland! What a hoot! The gang had a blast and tomorrow is sure to bring just as many smiles and adventures!
