Reykjavik area

 From Reykjavik we took excursions on two consecutive days. They were very similar to each other, so I will combine the two in one post.

The population of Iceland is 390,000.

Reykjavik was the first permanent settlement on Iceland, dating from 874. In 60 years, if I understood the guide properly, the population mushroomed to 30,000.  Norwegian Vikings settled Iceland, driven by the urge to find land for themselves. Only the firstborn inherited from the parents in Norway.

For a long time people of both old Norse and Christian religions dwelt in peace. Then there came a time to choose the national religion. The majority followed the old ways, but the king of Norway was wanting Norway to become Christian— and Iceland as well.  The Icelandic parliament debated the question, but finally left the decision up to the most powerful leader of the traditional persuasion. He secluded himself for three days and ultimately decided the island should become Christian. That was year 1000AD.

In the 19th century Iceland began to struggle for independence. In 1918 they declared full independence from Norway.

Reykjavik is the largest city on the Island.  I was very disappointed with their port authority. Granted, there were five ships there at the same time. But even the docks lacked pizazz. Our ship was relegated to anchorage pretty far from the harbor, and so we had to tender in. The tender dock was tiny and difficult for the boats to get in and out of.

Now, on to our excursions outside the city!

Gullfoss — waterfall

Then we went to one of many areas of geothermal vents and geysers.

Thingvellir is one of four national parks in Iceland. It is an historically and geographically significant location. This is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and are being pulled apart. Part of the space contains broken rocks, while another part has sunk down and created a huge lake.  It is in a central region and early settlers found it a good meeting place. The very first parliament was held here in 930. It was continuously used until 1798 when the parliament was moved to Reykjavik.

On the left you can see a church. The original church was built in 1000 when the decision was made for Iceland to become Christian. This is a more recent construction on the same site.

A valley in the rift zone where the parliament may have been held.

At Thingvellir legal cases were decided and punishments administered.

Bread baking over steam vents