It is day 5 and the first week is coming to an end. Only today and tomorrow are left in the south. On Sunday we will break off our quarters and make us on the way to our second vacation home in the west.
But today we will first leave Iceland and cross to the Westman Island (Vestmannaeyjar).
On the way we discussed who had included the island in the tour planning. In the end it didn't matter, it was a fantastic day with the best possible outside conditions - one of those days where you as a photographer would like to show all the pictures.
So we had to go to the harbor of Landeyjahöfn, and took the ferry to the Westman Islands.
The first leaves at 8:15, that was too early for us, therefore we took the second at 10:45.
But today we will first leave Iceland and cross to the Westman Island (Vestmannaeyjar).
On the way we discussed who had included the island in the tour planning. In the end it didn't matter, it was a fantastic day with the best possible outside conditions - one of those days where you as a photographer would like to show all the pictures.
So we had to go to the harbor of Landeyjahöfn, and took the ferry to the Westman Islands.
The first leaves at 8:15, that was too early for us, therefore we took the second at 10:45.
So there was enough time for a relaxed breakfast and a short detour to Keldur á Rangárvöllum - a church and peat houses that were located about halfway.
Unfortunately, we could not take a guided tour, but there is always enough time for a few photos.
Unfortunately, we could not take a guided tour, but there is always enough time for a few photos.
Arrived at the harbor we left our car, because we had planned a hike of about 12km on the Westman Island including the volcano Eldfell, which had last erupted in 1973.
The destruction of that time is still visible today and even if the volcano rests, at the crater rim you can still feel warm air in a hole.
Originally, we were quite optimistically, and planned also the second volcano Helgafell on our tour.
Originally, we were quite optimistically, and planned also the second volcano Helgafell on our tour.
When we stood at the foot of Eidfell, we quickly discarded the plan - two volcanoes in one day was a bit overambitious.
Shortly after the ferry docked, we started directly with the hike, this led us to first through a lava field from the eruption at that time, directly on the outskirts.
The climb to the crater rim was challenging, but also a unique experience - in the peak (if you can believe Komoot) it went up with up to 20% slope on rather loose ground high up.
The view over the Westman Island, the two volcanoes and in addition the colors, red, blue, green and white will remain long in our memory. At this point, I prefer to let the photos speak.
Shortly after the ferry docked, we started directly with the hike, this led us to first through a lava field from the eruption at that time, directly on the outskirts.
The climb to the crater rim was challenging, but also a unique experience - in the peak (if you can believe Komoot) it went up with up to 20% slope on rather loose ground high up.
The view over the Westman Island, the two volcanoes and in addition the colors, red, blue, green and white will remain long in our memory. At this point, I prefer to let the photos speak.
Finally, we started our descent to the west coast. Here, rugged rock formations on the cliffs awaited us, along with a wide view of the sea to the offshore smaller islands. Looking back, the Eyjafjallajökull built up on the mainland, above the roofs of the houses - imposing!
Although the coastal strech is know for its Puffins, unfortunately we couldn't see a single one - only one showed up at the harbor at the end of the excursion.
But the disappointment was quickly overcome and we hiked along the cliff path, with a view of the Elephant Rock (Halldórsskora) and a great view of the valley basin Herjólfsdalur.
This was named after the first settler Herjólfur Bárðarson.
This was named after the first settler Herjólfur Bárðarson.
And what else could you expect in such a picturesque landscape than a golf course.
If we were playing golf, of course, it would be a spectacular setting.
If we were playing golf, of course, it would be a spectacular setting.
We made a short stop at the two historic stone houses.
Before we then started our way back, we only made one last short detour to the church.
Before we then started our way back, we only made one last short detour to the church.
Typical for Icelandic places, the houses painted with bright colors - and the only Puffin far and wide!
We did not have much time left and had to leave the Westman Island with the ferry at 17:00 clock, and the sun was shinning as a last greeting from the Island. A day that will remain in our memories for a long time.
And if you have the opportunity, you do not make a trip in Iceland without a waterfall - today it should be the Íráfoss. Actually well and easily accessible, but still secluded from the crowds of visitors.
On the way back we were allowed to marvel at a spectacular sunset, the Hekla was colored by it in a red tone.
