Yesterday I recieved a heartwarming notification for completing 6 years journey with WordPress.com, wishing me a happy Anniversary & encouraging me to continue the “good blogging” in future too.I express my hearty gratitude to WordPress.com for the nice wishes & for providing us with such a great platform for expressing ourselves freely & sharing precious thoughts & informations which may be useful to our lovely readers & followers.I extend my sincere & wholehearted gratitude to my co-bloggers who have always stood my side in this period expressing their hearty wishes & blessings throughout this blogging journey & conveying their support & guidance through their meanigful comments.I too have reciprocated to their affection & kindness & believe that these hearty exchanges will continue in the future too.

As I am a traveller ,my readers are well aware that if I do not get an opportunity to travel in the near future,I may not be posting any blogs.Never the less, I will still be active enough on the site offering responses/comments on my co bloggers’ posts.Wishing my all readers a very happy, peaceful & healthy life ahead .Have a great day !

All-time stats:

Views=26,524 ,Visitors=10,471 ,Posts=130 ,Comments=2,733 ,Subscribers= 400

Yesterday I received the intimation of attaining 400 Subscribers of my site & felt a deep sense of encouragement & achievement in this marvellous WordPress journey. I am very very grateful to all my readers & Subscribers for extending the much-needed blessings & support making the blogging journey till date such a memorable one.I dont know where I would be without their support & encouragement.I will be hoping for the continued support in future too. I have been conveying my sincere gratitude & due credit to the great authors & the Wikipedia for quoting their words, phrases & any relevant information used by me in my blog posts.On a positive note, I wish all my readers & subscribers a very happy ,healthy & peaceful life ahead.Happy Reading.

When we give cheerfully & accept gratefully, everyone is blessed–Maya Angelon

BEING A TRAVELER, I BELIEVE IN FOLLOWING THOUGHTS ON LIFE & TRAVEL:

“Travel is an aspect of life like our journey through life. Traveling is like pursuing our goals in life. Exploring a new country is like a dream turning into a reality .To journey is to enjoy what is on the route: whatever our interests are: people, architecture, customs, history, weather, the local situation, their politics & the personal ups and downs of journeying. This is just like life. We expect life to run smoothly, often complain when it doesn’t, some of us even try to control life tightly in our fists so that we don’t face any unexpected situations. But if we let go and flow with life, we enjoy what is on route; it might not be exactly the way we thought it would turn out but it will be fuller & richer. My experience of life & travel is that it is much better than what I imagined it would be“

Happy reading & blogging my dear friends !

Going through my latest blogs, my lovely co-bloggers & readers must already be aware that we were on a 50-day tour of Eindhoven (Netherlands) from 9/05/24-27/6/25 to spend some quality time with son & family and to Celebrate birthday of grand daughter Tarinni in Iceland on 19/5/25(after traveling to Iceland from Eindhoven(Netherlands).During our stay at Eindhoven,apart from our amazing Iceland trip,we undertook some short local trips to make each moment memorable.In the process we made some memories of the place that will live on in our hearts, creating emotional connection which we will cherish for ever. We never know this may have been our last visit to the amazing place.We returned to India on 27/6/25 after a changeover/layover at Warsaw for 4 hours!In this period, I collected some information from Wikipaedia on this unique & beautiful capital city of Poland which I will share with my readers in my next blog ! Warsaw will be on my bucket list.

Here I will like to present some meaningful quotes on “Memories” for my valued readers (Due credit to the writers of the quotes alongwith my sincere gratitude)

“Memories are the timeless treasures of the heart.” – Unknown. By valuing and cultivating memories as treasures of the heart, we can keep the essence of cherished experiences alive within us.

“The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.” – Unknown.This quote encapsulates the essence of a rich and fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of relationships, experiences, and memories.

“Memories are the key to unlocking the future.” – Unknown. This quote suggests that memories shape and inform our decisions and actions as we move forward in life. By reflecting on past experiences, learning from them & using those lessons to guide our choices, we can create a future that aligns with our values & aspirations. Memories serve as keys that unlock the potential for personal growth and development.

“Our memories are the bridge between the past and present – they help us move forward while keeping the past alive.” – Unknown. This quote highlights the role that memories play in connecting our past experiences with our present lives. Memories act as a bridge, allowing us to carry the lessons and experiences of the past into the present, while still appreciating and honoring our personal history. By embracing and reflecting on our memories, we can remain connected to our past while remaining open to new experiences and opportunities in the present.

In conclusion, these quotes about making memories have reminded us of the importance of cherishing and capturing the precious moments that make up our lives. They have encouraged us to slow down, be present, and create lasting memories that will bring joy and warmth to our hearts for years to come. Life is too short to let these moments pass us by, so let these words of wisdom inspire you to embrace every opportunity to make memories that will be cherished forever. As you embark on your journey, remember to live life to the fullest and make every moment count.

Here I take this opportunity to replay some precious moments through a panaroma of images captured by us during our amazing Iceland adventure & Eindhoven stay.

OUR ICELAND TRIP(17/5 to 22/5/25);Panorama of a Spectacular Ice Adventure:

EINDHOVEN:EXCURSIONS TO AMAZING MUSEUMS, ORGANIC FARMS & PARKS:

VISIT TO NEUNEN VILLAGE: Place where great painter Vincent Van Gogh once lived: Van Gogh lived in Neune villa from 1883 to 1885 during his initial days of his painting carrier.On 22/6/25, We alongwith son, daughter in law & little Tarinni enjoyed the trip of Neunen so much visiting the Neune vila,Vincenter museum & the beautiful watermill.Incidentally it was my 68th Birthday which we celebrated near the watermill in all simplicity.We also visited the Twinkling cycle path inspired by the famous ” Starry Nights” painting of Van Gogh.It was an excellent day full of enjoyment.

On 23/6/25 ,I went on a very long walk in the Genneper Parken {located in the south of Eindhoven(Netherlands)} passing through many walkways,cycle tracks,small bridges over the river/water streams ,lush green fields & farms with beautiful scenery. One such farm is the Genneper Hoeve which is an organic farm rearing cows, pigs & hen as well as growing vegetables by organic processes!The feed for the cattle is also grown in these farms !Fresh products such as milk,cheese ,vegetables ,eggs are available especially to the health-concious who wait patiently for fresh milk & green vegetables grown organically!Walking in the meandering paths I came across the Eindhoven Museum & the Watermollen beside the Dommel!Finally after the long walk I rested on a stone bench under the shade of Chestnut trees near the watermollen on the Dommel !It was a very welcome refreshing break!

In the area ,Eindhoven muncipal authorities are engaged in Nature-inclusive farming with rich Biodiversity maintaining the ecological balance in nature.Muncipality is also committed to provide shelter to animals(like Bats,Bees, sparrows ducks & small insects) in the farms to boost the much needed animal diversity.

WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.Biodiversity maintains the ecological balance. It helps in the healthy existence of humans and other species in the ecosystem. It helps in high productivity and human wellness. Biodiversity provides humans with valuable genetic diversity

In the park, the Pre-historisch Dorp(Eindhoven Museum)is there exhibitting the life in the pre-historic era !An old Water-Mollen is still operating efficiently for milling wheat flour & many grains!It was constructed around 1249(which was once painted by the renowned Painter Vincent Van Gogh in 1884) .My readers are aware that I have already described these in my previous visits to Eindhoven.

After my 90 minutes walk through the expansive park in the sunshine ,I came to a place beside the Dommel river feeling quite tired searching for a place to sit under the shade of trees!Finally I found a stone bench & while I was about to sit on it ,I read some lines engraved on the bench surface. I was so curious & impressed by the “meaningful lines” that I googled to find out about the originator & found that it was taken from the collection of poems by a Scotish poet Thomas A Clark who was born in Greenock(Scotland) in 1944.These meaningful lines conveyed a message to anyone & everyone depending on his /her interpretation of the message.

As per me, the words engraved on the stone bench are hearty expressions of gratitude of walkers to the person who had planted an avenue of Chestnut trees a long ago to provide people with refreshing shade under the trees after their long walk in the afternoon sun!I too expressed my earnest gratitude for the same before departing from the lovely place.Also I percieved that planting of Chestnut trees was an act of kindness & compassion to make them comfortable in the summer heat! People who love nature deeply may be called a naturalists & are involved in activities as follows:

Please Note: My readers may please note that this may be my last blog on this 45-days Netherlands tour before our scheduled return to India on 26/6/25!Of course ,we will need open airspace to India to travel amidst the prevailing situation in middle east arising out of Israel-Iran war!My readers may assume that this blog is the recap of my earlier posts on “Genneper parken” of Eindhoven town. But this time I have taken up a new subject in the same premises for my dear readers! Happy Reading ,friends !

Sundhnúkur Volcanic Eruption of 1st April 2025: On 21/5/2025 ,We proceeded to visit the site of the Volcanic Eruptions & its lava that erupted on the 1st April 2025 in Iceland.After parking our car at the parking lot we checked the Instruction board about the directions & precautions to be taken throughout the 2.8kms climb to the Volcano site.There were some signboards on the way to the top.It was quite a thrilling climb & we were very excited on reaching the site of the erupted Volcano.We had a very nice view & captured the views in our cameras.I will be posting the photos at the end of this post before which I will like to share some technical aspects about Volcanic activities & the history of Volcano eruptions in Iceland.

Volcanic activities in Iceland :

Iceland experiences frequent volcanic activity, due to its location both on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, a divergent tectonic plate boundary, and being over a hotspot. Nearly thirty volcanoes are known to have erupted in the Holocene epoch; these include Eldgja, source of the largest lava eruption in human history.The island has around 30 active volcanic systems. Within each are volcano-tectonic fissure systems and many, but not all of them, also have at least one central volcano Some of the various eruptions of lava, gas and ash have been both destructive of property and deadly to life over the years, as well as disruptive to local and European air travel.

IMPORTANT VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS IN ICELAND’S HISTORY :

1)Hekla:

It has erupted more than 20 times in recorded history. It was known to medieval Europeans as the “Gate of Hell” & that reputation persisted into the 19th century.

2)Laki/Skaftáreldar 1783–1784:

The most deadly volcanic eruption of Iceland’s history was the so-called fires of Skafta. The eruption was in the craters of Laki. Roughly a fifth of the Icelandic population died because of the eruption.Most died not because of the lava flow or other direct effects of the eruption but from indirect effects, including changes in climate and illnesses in livestock in the following years caused by the ash and poisonous gases from the eruption. The eruption resulted in the second largest basaltic lava flow from a single eruption in historic times.

3)Eldfell 1973

The Eidfell eruption happened without warning, causing the island’s population of about 5,300 people to evacuate within a few hours. Importantly, the progress of lava into the harbour was slowed by manual spraying of seawater. One person died including destruction of homes and property on the island.

4)Eyjafjallajökull 2010

The eruption in April 2010 caused extreme disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe over a period of six days in April 2010. About 20 countries closed their airspace to commercial jet traffic and it affected approximately 10 million travellers.

The eruption in May 2011 at Grisvotn under the Vatnajokull glacier sent thousands of tonnes of ash into the sky in a few days, raising concerns of the potential for travel chaos across northern Europe although only about 900 flights were initially disrupted.

5)Holuhraun 2014–2015:

Bárðarbunga is a Stratovolcano and is roughly 2,000 metres above sea level in central Iceland, i.e. in the northern edge of Vatnajökull. This makes it the second highest mountain in Iceland.

Holuhraun is an older lavafield situated 50 km (31 mi) north-east of Bárðarbunga.Here the eruption started on August 17, 2014, and lasted for 180 days.The 2014–2015 eruption was Iceland’s largest in 230 years.Following a major earthquake swarm, multiple lava fountain eruptions began in Holuhraun.The primary concern with this eruption was the large plumes of Sulphur dioxide(SO₂) in the atmosphere which adversely affected breathing conditions across Iceland, depending on wind direction. The volcanic cloud was also transported toward Western Europe.

6)Fagradalsfjall 2021–2022:

Following a three-week period of increased seismic activity, an eruption fissure developed near Fagradalsfjall, a mountain on the Reykjance Peninsula. Lava flow from a 200-meter fissure was first discovered by a Coast Guard helicopter on March 19, 2021

Litli-Hrútur 2023

On 10 July 2023 , a fissure erupted adjacent to the summit of Litli-Hrutur.

Sundhnúkur 2023–2025:

On December 18, 2023, the volcano began a fissure eruption. In January, 2024 lava from this eruption destroyed 3 houses in the nearby town of Grindavik.

The second eruption occurred on 14 January 2024, lasting approximately two days. This event had a fissure opening nearly 100 m from a nearby town. The eruption breached anti-lava defences and destroyed three homes. Tragically, just before this eruption, one person was reported missing and presumed to have fallen into a crack caused by seismic activity, resulting his death. On 8 February 2024, the third eruption caused extensive damage, including the loss of hot water supply for several days. The fourth eruption started in March 2024 and became the longest in the series, spanning 54 days. The fifth eruption, which began in May 2024, continued for 24 days. This eruption caused damage to Power Lines.In August 2024, the sixth eruption commenced, lasting 14 days. It released 61 million m³ of lava, covering an area of 15.8 km² and resulting in 40 cm of land subsidence. Despite being the largest eruption in the series, it did not cause any infrastructure damage. The seventh eruption began in November 2024 and extended over 18 days. It quickly engulfed the parking lot of the BlueLagoon .The latest & the eighth Volcanic Eruption commenced on 1st April 2025 and concluded approximately seven hours later the same day, marking the shortest and least intense event in the eruptive series to date.(we visited this site on 21/5/25)

Structure of lava fields:

The smooth flowing basaltic lava pahoehoe is known in Icelandic as helluhraun .It forms smooth surfaces that are quite easy to cross. More viscous lava, known in Icelandic as apalhraun .The loose, broken, sharp, spiny surface makes hiling across it difficult, slow and dangerous, it is easy to stick a foot into a hole and break a leg.

Öræfajökull Volcano ( Oraefi glacier’ or ‘wasteland glacier’) is an ice-covered Volcano in south-east Iceland. The largest active volcano and the highest peak in Iceland at 2,110 metres, it lies within the Vatnajokull National Park and is covered by part of the glacier. Originally named Knappafellsjǫkull ,the current name Öræfajökull , was eventually adopted after the 1362 eruption.

Description :

It is located at the southern extremity of the Vatnajökull  glacier and overlooking the Ring road between Hofn and Vik.Öræfajökull is the largest active volcano in the country, and on the summit crater’s north-western rim is Hvannadalshnúkur , the highest peak in Iceland at 2,110 metres. Geographically, Öræfajökull as the glacier, is considered part of Vatnajökull, and the area covered by glacier is within the boundary of Vatnajökull National park . Öræfajökull has erupted twice in historical times, in 1362 and 1728. These were explosive silicic eruptions with bulk volumes of 0.1–10.0 km³ 

THE AVIATION COLOUR CODE MAP : This map is issued by the Icelandic Meteorological Office and it shows the current status of Icelandic volcanic systems. It is refreshed at 09:00 UTC daily and will timely reflect any signs of unrest.

Colour codes, which are in accordance with recommended International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)procedures,are intended to inform the aviation sector about a volcano’s status. Notifications are issued for both increasing and decreasing volcanic activity, and are accompanied by text with details (as known) about the nature of the unrest or eruption, especially in regard to ash-plume information and likely outcomes. The Colour code is given below the map.

GREY: Volcano appears quiet but is not monitored adequately. Absence of unrest unconfirmed.
GREEN: Volcano is in normal, non-eruptive state.
   or, after a change from a higher alert level:
Volcanic activity considered to have ceased, and volcano reverted to its normal, non-eruptive state.
YELLOW: Volcano is experiencing signs of elevated unrest above known background levels.
   or, after a change from higher alert level:
Volcanic activity has decreased significantly but continues to be closely monitored for possible renewed increase.
ORANGE: Volcano is exhibiting heightened unrest with increased likelihood of eruption.
   or,
Volcanic eruption is underway with no or minor ash emission.
RED: Eruption is forecasted to be imminent with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere likely.
  or,
Eruption is underway with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere.

World Organisation of Volcano Observatories: Further information can be obtained from the seismological group if necessary. Siesmological Overview from the last 48 hours is available alongwith an enlarged aviation coloour code map. 

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Sundhnúkur Volcanic Eruptions of 1st April’2025:Visited the site on 21/5/25by us.

I am very grateful to the Wikipaedia for infomation on the Volcanoes in iceland.

On 20/5/25 ,We all proceeded to visit the stunning glacial lagoon-the Jökulsárlón Lake,the sparkling Diamond black sand beach & the amazing Reynisfjara black stone beach in Iceland !We had a very enjoyable & enriching time of our lives.

Jökulsárlón Glacial Lake :

Nestled within Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón is a stunning glacial lagoon filled with icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Hop on a boat tour to get close to the icebergs—you’ll get the chance to taste the 1,000-year-old ice. Some of the ice chunks wash out onto the Diamond Beach, a hidden gem nearby, making the black sand sparkle—there are plenty of great photo opportunities here .We went for the Amphibian Boat ride which was a guided tour !The sight of the floating icebergs,blue tinted glacial ice was quite mesmerizing.During the boat ride the guide gave us a detailed account on how & when the lake was formed,the impact of global warming on the lake, etc etc.We also sighted some seals perched on the icebergs which was an amazing sight.It was an hour long exciting ride!For my valued readers I want to share some information on the history & formation of this mesmerizing lake .My curious readers may please go through,the information provided herein ,on the Vatnajokull National Park & its great variety of landscape features, created by the combined forces of rivers, glacial ice, volcanic and geothermal activity. Happy Reading !

Vatnajökull National Park is the largest one in Iceland which encompasses all of Vatnajokull glacier.The unique qualities of Vatnajökull National Park are primarily its great variety of landscape features, created by the combined forces of rivers, glacial ice, and volcanic and geothermal activity. The park is Europe’s second largest national park in terms of area after Yugyd Va in the Ural Mountains of Russia. The glacier itself is the largest in Europe at 7,700 square kilometres. Vatnajökull National Park was established on 7 June 2008 !It was inscribed as a World Heritage site on 5 July 2019.

Öræfajökull :

It is located at the southern extremity of the Vatnajökull  glacier and overlooking the Ring road between Hofn and Vik. It is the largest active volcano in the country, and on the summit crater’s north-western rim is Hvannadalshnúkur , the highest peak in Iceland at 2,110 metres.

Mt.Hvannadalshnúkur:

It is a pyramidal peak on the northwestern rim of the summit crater of the Öræfajökull volcano in Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland.Its summit is the highest point & the only Ultra-prominent peak in the country.There are several well known hiking paths up the Mt.Hvannadalshnúkur.The adjoining photo show the trails of the paths taken by hikers to the top.

Jökulsárlón Lake (Translates to “glacial river lagoon”) is a large glacial lake in southern part of Vatnajökull National Park,Iceland. Situated at the head of the Breoamerkurjokull glacier, it developed into a lake after the glacier started receding in the late 19th century. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of melting of the glaciers. The glacial front is now about 8 km away from the ocean’s edge and the lake covers an area of about 25 km². In 2009, it was reported to be the deepest lake in Iceland, at over 284 m, as glacial retreat extended its boundaries.The size of the lake has increased fourfold since the 1970s

DIAMOND BEACH (also known as Breiðamerkursandur), Iceland:

It is a black sand beach located along the south coast, famous for its stunning icebergs that wash ashore from the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. These icebergs, originating from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, often resemble diamonds due to their size, shape, and glistening appearance against the dark sand. It seems as if over a black sand cloak, these white pearls drifting from the glacier make an amazing spectacle. 

A detailed look at Diamond Beach its Location and Formation:

• 1)Southeast Iceland:Its located on the south coast of Iceland, near the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. 2)Black Sand Beach:The beach itself is composed of black volcanic sand, created by the breakdown of lava. 3)Icebergs:Icebergs from the lagoon, which is fed by glaciers, drift out to sea and eventually wash ashore on the beach. 

Why it’s called Diamond Beach:

• 1)Glistening Ice: The nickname “Diamond Beach” comes from the dazzling, almost diamond-like appearance of the icebergs against the dark sand.2)Photography and Wildlife:The unique scenery & wildlife viewing opportunities make Diamond Beach a popular spot for photographers and the nature lovers. 

REYNISFJARA BLACK SAND BEACH  is the most famous & dramatic black sand beach located on the south coast of Icelandnear the town of Vik i Myrdal. It’s known for its unique basalt columns, sea stacks (Reynisdrangar), and the powerful, unpredictable waves. The black sand itself is formed from cooled lava fragments broken down by the sea. The beach is popular with tourists and has also been used as a filming location for shows like Game of Thrones. Hálsanefshellir Cave with its basalt columns is located at the eastern end of the beach. Eyjafjallaokull volcano is visible from this beach.It is part of the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark. 

Key features of Reynisfjara:

• 1)Black Sand: The beach is famous for its dark, black sand, formed from volcanic activity. 2)Basalt Columns:Unique basalt columns line the cliffs,creating a dramatic backdrop.3)Sea Stacks: The Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise dramatically out of the ocean, adding to the beach’s unique character. 4)Power Waves: The Reynisfjara is known for its strong and unpredictable waves, making it a beautiful but potentially dangerous place to visit, especially during high tide. 5)Puffins: During the summer months, the cliffs are home to puffins, which nest on the cliffs and add to the wildlife experience. 6)Accessibility: Reynisfjara is easily accessible from Reykjavik and is a popular stop on the South Coast tour.

Safety concerns & Safety measures :

Conditions on the beach vary greatly and can change quickly. Reynisfjara beach attracts large numbers of visitors year-round due to its striking black sand and dramatic basalt sea stacks, but it is also the site of unpredictable sneaker waves that can surge far inland without warning. Because many tourists focus on photography and overlook hazard signage, these powerful waves—generated by the convergence of swell trains over a submerged offshore ledge—have led to at least twelve serious emergency rescues and five fatalities since 2007.

In response to the ongoing risk, Icelandic authorities and local stakeholders have proposed and begun implementing a series of interventions. The beach has a warning system with condition-dependent safety zones for cautioning visitors during hazardous conditions, such as sneaker waves.  This system was installed following fatal accidents.

Please note that some information I have collected from Wikkipaedia to which I am very grateful.

On 19/5/25, first of all, We Celebrated dear Tarinni’s Birthday as she turned one year old today! After the Birthday Ceremony & our breakfast ,we went to visit some spectacular waterfalls of Iceland & then to see the magical man-made Rutshellir Caves.

1)TARINNI’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS :

We had made all requisite preparations the previous evening for Tarinni’s birthday celebration like procuring a nice cake ,blowing baloons ,setting Candles on the table beside the cake,etc !Birthday Celebrations arranged in the open with cool refreshing breeze blowing!We kept the Celebration very simple with only 5 of us participants!Of course we connected with our relatives & few friends in India through Video Conferencing! Cake cutting ceremony was performed & the little cute Tarinni was showered with hearty wishes on the occasion !After the ceremony ,we started for the visit of Waterfalls.

2) WATERFALLS :

We visited the following three waterfalls :

A)SELJALANDSFOSS WATERFALLS: The beautiful waterfall drops down 60 mts and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajokull. Visitors can walk behind the falls into a small cave. We all relished the captivating views, the freshness of air & greenery of the surroundings.Except for little Tarinni ,we all (in pairs)went to enjoy a shower under the falling streams of the waterfall.It was great fun & so refreshing for the body & mind!We also enjoyed a welcome cup of hot coffee with biscuits after the shower.

B)SKOGAFOSS WATERFALLS: Its one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Iceland.There is a winding path leading to the top of the waterfall with a watchtower enabling a close look at the begining point of the waterfall.The scene below was quite mesmerising with surrounding areas full of panaromic views prompting us for a extended photo session.

C)URRIDAFOSS WATERFALLS : Urriðafoss is a waterfall in the Þjórsá River. Þjórsá is Iceland’s longest river, 230 km, and Urriðafoss is the most voluminous waterfall in the country. This mighty river drops down (360 m3/sec) by the edge of the Þjórsárhraun lava field in beautiful and serene surroundings. Þjórsárhraun lava field is the result of the greatest lava flow on earth since the Ice Age. It is located right off highway 1.

3)RUTSHELLIR CAVES : 

In South Iceland by the beautiful Eyjafjöll mountains several man-made caves can be found. One of them is just by ring-road one and thus easily accessible. The cave is located in a peculiar, big tuff pillar of rock. There are ancient habitations in the rock and a cave called Rútshellir cave or the Cave of Rútur. 

On 18/5/25 ,after having our breakfast, we went on a trip to the Whale-Watching tour, a visit to the amazing “Geysers”to the huge Crater “Kerid” & to a Lava Tunnel in Iceland. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip, the details of which I am sharing here :

1)WHALE WATCHING TOUR :

We embarked on a beautiful boat from the Reykjavik harbour.It was a guided tour of around 3 hours having a nice cafetaria serving some great coffee & snacks!The guide was a jolly man entertaining the children,grown ups & the old alike.It also had a cozy little Sovereign shop.Just around 15 min off the harbour ,we felt excited as we sighted a whale for a brief moment at it jumped out of the water.As my mobile camera was ready,I could just capture a glimpse of the whale.

After travelling for another 30 min ,we sighted many beautiful Dolphins in a group performing their “flip” movements as synchronous pairs.It was a treat to the eyes.They seemed to follow our boat for another half an hour.We thoroughly enjoyed the boat tour after which we proceeded for the visit to the amazing ‘Geysers’

2)GEYSERS :

We reached the site of the amazing Geysers & collected some information on their theory & formation.Also learnt about how water is converted into steam & this Geo-thermal energy is being utilized for domestic as well as commercial purposes.All small & big Geysers were amazing & awe inspiring at every eruption.It was quite a fabulous & educative visit.

These are sometimes called “The Great Geysers” located in south western Iceland.The Geological studies suggest that they started forming around 1150CE. They lie in the slopes of Laugarfjall lava dome which is also home to the Strokkur geyser nearby.Strokkur geyser is icelands most visited active geyser.One of the major attractions on the world famous Golden Circle sightseeing route. Eruption at Geyser can hurl water upto 60 mts in the air .Since the 1920s hot water directed from the geysers has been used to heat greenhouses and to grow food that otherwise could not have been cultivated in Iceland’s inhospitable climate .Steam & hot water from the geysers has also been used for heating homes since 1943 in Iceland.

3)CRATER – “KERID”

Visited the huge Crater dating back to its creation around 6500 years ago.We enjoyed the rare spectacle.Geologists or the Volcanologists may understand better on its cause of formation.We collected some information on its origin & formation which I am sharing with my readers:

4)RAUFARHOLSHELLIR LAVA TUNNEL :

Raufarhólshellir is the fourth-longest Lava tube in Iceland. The cave’s proximity to Reykjavik made it popular with visitors, who caused damage to the cave. In late 2016 the cave was closed to the public to clear accumulated garbage and install lighting and a walkway to part of the cave. The cave reopened for guided tours the following year.

DESCRIPTION :

Raufarhólshellir is the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland, at 1,360 metres (4,460 ft) long, with a typical height of at least 10 metres (33 ft) and width up to 30 metres (98 ft).^[1] The cave has multiple skylights, or holes in the ceiling, under which snow accumulates.Iceland Route 39 crosses over the cave at a point where it is about 15 meters in diameter.The cave hosts microbial mats containing a variety of microorganisms, including actinomycetota and acidobacteriota. The land containing the cave is owned by the Seventh day Adventist Church and rented to a company that operates the guided tours.

HISTORY :

Raufarhólshellir formed 5600 years ago, based on carbon dating.The source of the lava flow that created the tube is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) uphill from the cave and was part of the Leitahraun eruption. An expedition in 1971 by the Shepton MalletCaving Club was one of the first systematic explorations of caves in Iceland.

Given its proximity to Reykjavik, it is popular with visitors. Over 20,000 people visited the cave in 2015. The cave was also used as a filming location for the 2014 film Noah and the series Sense8. Prior to 2016, it was freely open to the public, but it closed late that year due to concerns with garbage accumulation, damage to the cave, and the cost of rescuing visitors. Nearly all of the fragile lava straws had been destroyed by visitors. The cave reopened in mid-2017 after a renovation in which walking decks and lighting was added to the part of the cave nearest the opening, and the removal of several metric tons of trash.The infrastructure improvements were constructed in a way so as not to damage the cave. After the renovation, the cave can only be visited by guided tour. In June 2017, two concerts were held in the cave as part of the Secret Solstice music festival, which included a performance by Helgi Bjornsson, for which only 50 tickets were available.

Finally we came out of the tunnel happy & amazed,it being a very rewarding experience.

On 17/5/25, we five (myself,wife,son,daughter in law & little Tarinni)set out on our 5-day ice-adventure to Iceland ,the land of amazing landscapes,massive glaciers ,breathtaking volcanoes,geysers,huge lava fields & waterfalls.Also we planned to celebrate the 1st birthday of our cute granddaughter Tarinni on 19/5/25 in Iceland.From Amsterdam we travelled at 10:30 am to Iceland via Copenhagen where we had a layover of 3 hours to reach Reyjavik airport at 5 pm.At the Reyjavik airport we had taken a pre-rented comfortable car for 5 days to go on local trips & airport transfers.

During the flights & during our drive to our rented accomodation at village Holaborg, we captured some mesmerizing photos of the amazing landscapes,hills,rivers & waterfalls.

On reaching our pre-booked homestay we refreshed ourselves after the long journey & had our ‘Ready-to-eat’ meals(of our choice & so very hygienic),thanks to the painstaking & meticulous planning of my son & daughter-in-law procuring well in advance for 5 days.

Finally we settled down in our rooms for a good night’s sleep dreaming about the beautiful landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls & beaches of amazing Iceland!I am posting some photos for my valued readers.Happy reading !

SAGA Museum:

It is a mustv isit museum as it promotes creativity & great entertainment to young & old

Here is some Tourist Information beneficial for the potential traveller to Iceland:-

My dear readers: In my last post dated #11/5/25 ,I had described about our trip from Delhi to Eindhoven(NLs) to reunite with our son & family and to celebrate birthday of our cute granddaughter ‘Tarinni’ on 19/5/25 for which we will be going on ‘Iceland trip’ from 17/5/25 to 22/5/25.As a preparation for the tour of Iceland I have collated some information on the country for convenience & planning the spots to be visited on this short trip(four days sightseeing+ two days traveling).Here I will like to share the information with my valued readers & co-bloggers who may kindly respond with their comments if the same was useful & worth it.I will be posting regarding our experiences on the Icelandic trip after return from Iceland on 22/5/25

ABOUT ICELAND :

Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. 

Iceland is island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Lying on the constantly active geologic border between North America and Europe, Iceland is a land of vivid contrasts of climate, geography & culture. Sparkling glaciers, such as Vatna Glacier (Vatnajokul), Europe’s largest, lie across its ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges; abundant hot geysers provide heat for many of the country’s homes and buildings and allow for hothouse agriculture year-round; and the offshore Gulf stream provides a surprisingly mild climate for what is one of the northernmost inhabited places on the planet.

Iceland was founded more than 1,000 years ago during the Viking age of exploration and settled by a mixed Norse and Celtic population. The early settlement, made up primarily of Norwegian seafarers and adventurers, fostered further excursions to Greenland and the coast of North America (which the Norse called Vinland). Despite its physical isolation some 500 miles (800 km) from Scotland—its nearest European neighbour—Iceland has remained throughout its history very much a part of European civilization. The Icelandic Sagas, most of which recount heroic episodes that took place at the time the island was settled, are regarded as among the finest literary achievements of the Middle Ages, reflecting a European outlook while commemorating the history and customs of a people far removed from continental centres of commerce and culture.

Flag of Iceland :

Blue with a red cross outlined in white. The colours are symbolic for Iceland: Red represents the volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and glaciers, and blue is for the skies above, the sea and the mountains.

Iceland has more hot springs and Solfataras—volcanic vents that emit hot gases and vapours—than any other country. Alkaline hot springs are found in some 250 areas throughout the country. The largest, Deildartunguhver, emits nearly 50 gallons (190 litres) of boiling water per second. The total power output of the Torfajökull (Torfa Glacier) area, the largest of the 19 high-temperature solfatara regions, is estimated to equal about 1,000 megawatts. Earthquakes are frequent in Iceland but rarely result in serious damage. Most of the buildings erected since the mid-20th century have been built of reinforced concrete and designed to withstand severe shocks from earthquakes.

Traditionally, Iceland has been divided according to the four points of the compass. The centre of the country is uninhabited. In the southwest several fine natural harbours have directed interest toward the sea, and good fishing grounds lie off the shores of this region. Because of its extensive lava fields and heaths, the southwest has little farmland. The middle west is divided between fishing and farming and has many places of great natural beauty. The western fjords have numerous well-sheltered harbours and good fishing grounds but little lowland suitable for agriculture. The north is divided into several smaller districts, each of which has relatively good farmland. The eastern fjords resemble the western fjords but have, in addition, an inner lowland. The southeast, locked between the glaciers and the sea, has a landscape of rugged splendour. The southern lowland comprises the main farming region. Soil and climatic conditions are favourable, and it is close to the country’s largest market, Reykjavík and its environs.

Climate of Iceland :

Temperatures do not vary much throughout the country. The mean annual temperature for Rekjavik is 40 °F. The mean January temperature is 31 °F, and the mean July temperature is 51 °F. Snow falls about 100 days per year in the northwest, about 40 days in the southeast. Annual precipitation ranges from 16 inches on some high northern plateaus to more than 160 inches on the southern slopes of some ice-capped mountains. In the south it averages about 80 inches. Gales are frequent, especially in winter, and occasionally heavy fog may occur, but thunderstorms are rare. Although winters are fairly dark, Reykjavík averages nearly 1,300 hours of bright sunshine a year. Often the aurora borilis is visible, especially in fall and early winter.

General facts & practical things to keep in mind while visiting Iceland.

The best month to visit Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland is between September & April to see the northern lights, or between May and August for summer activities. While travel to Iceland may depend on your desired itinerary.Generally, the best time to visit iceland is during the summer.

Arrival in Iceland:

Bus services are operated between Reykjavík and Keflavik International Airport in connection with all arriving and departing flights, and seats are guaranteed. Buses depart to and from Keflavík every 45-60 minutes. The drive between the airport and Reykjavík takes about 45 minutes. For departing flights, it is recommended that you take a bus leaving at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. It is possible to arrange hotel pickup. Taxi services are available to and from the airport. The car -ferry MS Norrona sails weekly between Denmark, and Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland giving visitors the option of bringing their own vehicle.

Language :

Icelandic is the national language. English is spoken widely and Danish is the third language taught in schools in Iceland.

Medical Attention :

Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours. Only a few are open at night. Medical Care can be obtained by visiting a Health Care Centre, called “Heilsugæslustöð” in Icelandic, during opening hours.

For information, call +354-585-1300 or visit the website about Health Care.

Medical help: There is a medical centre or hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. The emergency phone number (24 hours) in Iceland is 112.
Health insurance: Citizens of EEA countries must bring their EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card), otherwise they will be charged in full. Non-EEA citizens are not covered by the EEA regulations and will be charged in full. Special vaccinations are not required to enter Iceland.

Also view patients without Icelandic health insurance(pdf). For further information, contact the Icelandic Health Insurance: Tel.: +354-515-0100. Office hours: 10:00–15:00 & The Icelandic Health Insurance website.

Area of Iceland :103,000 Sq km

Population :387,758 (2023). Mean age: 38.5 years.

Capital City :Reykjavík.

Largest municipalities :Reykjavík (125,000),Kópavogur (37,000), Hafnarfjörður(30,000),Akureyri(18,000), Reykjanesbær(18,000).Cities in capital region.

Government :Parliamentary constitutional republic.

Currency :The Icelandic króna (plural krónur) –ISK.

Time :Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.

Highest point :Hvannadalshnjúkur peak at 2,110 m.

Natural resources :Fish, hydropower, geothermal energy.

Useful websites

1)Safetravel 2)Icelandic Met Office 3)Road Conditions & weather 4)Post Office.

Emergency phone numbers :

Emergency number: 112 , Police: 444 1000 , Medical assistance: 1770

Accomodations :In Iceland, accommodations are as diverse as the landscapes. Whether you want to camp under the midnight sun, unwind in a cozy bed & breakfast hot tub beneath the Northern Lights, or experience nature on a charming holiday farm, there’s something for everyone. From boutique hotels and secluded cottages to stylish downtown apartments and laid-back hostels, Iceland offers options to suit every taste and budget.

The Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise :Every day, there is an adventure waiting to happen in Iceland. With its abundance of mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, lakes, caves and otherwise rough terrain waiting to be tackled, Iceland is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. But, it is also a warm and welcoming place for all of us.

Hiking in Iceland.

Caving in Iceland

Iceland for Teens & kids:

Electrifying adventures whether they are a history buff interested in Viking battles, a thrill seeker who wants to come face to face with lava,a burgeoning Sci-Fi & fantasy fan.

Whale watching.

Geothermal Wellness in Iceland.

Camping in Iceland.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Iceland.

Helcopter tours.

Birdwatching .

Iceland is often refered to as a birdwatchers paradise ,as large colonies of seabirds & waterfowl are indigenous & easily visible around the coasts.

Motorized Adventure.

Unforgettable Horse Riding tours in Iceland.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding in Iceland.

Various Adventures & activities on snowfall for the beginners & professionals in Iceland:-

1) A leap out of a helicopter onto frozen slopes, 2)Skiing across frozen lakes & snowcapped landscapes,3)Sledge riding across the slopes,

Northern Lights between months of September & April:

Its a magnificient natural display of the phenomenon of Auora Borealis.

Ice Climbing in Iceland(4,500 Sq miles of Glacier) .

Stunning Ice Caves Exploration & Going inside a Glacier

(This activity may to be undertaken with expert guided tours)

Cycling in Iceland is both challenging & rewarding as the weather is unpredictable & distances you will need to cover can be long.

Places accessible only in summer :

Whether its the long August twilight or midnight sun of June ,summer is the only time when certain areas of Iceland like the highlands are accessible in June.

River rafting in Iceland :

River rafting tours are designed both for the beginners/ families as well as for the seasoned rafters as per the difficulty levels assigned for both the categories .

NOTE : I am very very grateful to the Wikipaedia & Official site of Visit Iceland http://www.visiticeland.com for the precious information on the subject.