Papey & Vatnajokull, Iceland
Despite its name, Iceland is surprisingly green. However today, we venture overland to see and experience Vatnajokull, or “Lake Glacier,” Iceland’s largest glacier.
From the dock at Djupivogur or “Deep Harbor,” we get an early start in a fleet of motorized transport vehicles (a.k.a. buses). Iceland’s southern coastline is extremely spectacular with layered volcanic mountains rising sharply from the sea. We can see Oreafajokull, Iceland’s highest mountain, and the vast expanse of the icecap, as the weather is clear and warm—indeed, unusual conditions in this part of the world. Some of us head directly up to the icecap where we board ice-machines of varying styles (snow cats and snow mobiles) for a thrilling ride up the glacier between lofty peaks. Meanwhile, others hit the water in amphibious ducks and cruise among sculpted icebergs calved into the lake on their way to the sea.
While most of us head inland to the icecap, others take the short boat trip to Papey Island. This small island not far from the mainland is home to puffins and the site of Iceland’s oldest wooden church, believed to date from 1807. A relaxing time is had by all enjoying the birds, and on this warm, sunny day.
Despite its name, Iceland is surprisingly green. However today, we venture overland to see and experience Vatnajokull, or “Lake Glacier,” Iceland’s largest glacier.
From the dock at Djupivogur or “Deep Harbor,” we get an early start in a fleet of motorized transport vehicles (a.k.a. buses). Iceland’s southern coastline is extremely spectacular with layered volcanic mountains rising sharply from the sea. We can see Oreafajokull, Iceland’s highest mountain, and the vast expanse of the icecap, as the weather is clear and warm—indeed, unusual conditions in this part of the world. Some of us head directly up to the icecap where we board ice-machines of varying styles (snow cats and snow mobiles) for a thrilling ride up the glacier between lofty peaks. Meanwhile, others hit the water in amphibious ducks and cruise among sculpted icebergs calved into the lake on their way to the sea.
While most of us head inland to the icecap, others take the short boat trip to Papey Island. This small island not far from the mainland is home to puffins and the site of Iceland’s oldest wooden church, believed to date from 1807. A relaxing time is had by all enjoying the birds, and on this warm, sunny day.
