A short nights sleep with an early rise at 1.30am and a taxi to the airport at 2am. It was to be a long day flying with 3 flights. We left Longyearbyen at 4am and 1.5 hours to Tromso and another 2 hours to Oslo. Passport control going into Tromso. Oslo International Airport was quite chaotic. We were fortunate that our luggage was checked right through to Reykjavik and although we had 1 hour it was a little rushed even without bags. We were nicely settled at the departure gate and then it was changed without announcement. Finally we were on the flight to Iceland.
Nearly 3 hours later and we were flying over an icy "moonscape". Quite barren, icy areas with a volcano in the distance. Really a contrast compared to where we have been in Norway. The starkness of the landscape, with volcanic rock strewn around, was surprisingly quite stunning.
Keflavik is the international airport, 70 kilometers from Reykjavik and 40 minutes by bus. No passport control which is disappointing as it means no stamp in our passport.
The drive into Reykjavik city of 160,000 people was remarkable for its barrenness but natural beauty at the same time.
We checked into the Radisson Blue Saga Hotel and then booked our tours for the next four days.
We decided to have "A taste of Iceland " 4 course meal tonight in the hotel restaurant - Lobster soup, Herring on Rye Bread, Lamb (yes - succulent Icelandic lamb) and skro berry soufflé. We are not fans of the herring but the other 3 courses were delicious. Total cost 11,800 Icelandic Kroner - just wait until you see this converted into Australian Dollars on the Amex account!
It has been a long day, but we are here and it is exciting to think of the distances we have travelled and the things we have seen and done.
The photo is of the snow covered volcanic rock strewn area around Reykjavik.