Iceland has a stunning, rugged beauty.
It’s not sexy in a California, PCH, palm trees kind of way. But it’s sexy in a northern, middle of the Atlantic Ocean, hugging the Arctic circle, chilly wind, if-you-can’t-take-the-adventure-then-get-of-the-kitchen, kind of way.
Driving through South Iceland is driving though a small piece of rocky, jagged, icy heaven.
On a recent trip to the Land of Fire and Ice, I ventured along Iceland’s infamous Route 1. At just over 1,300 km (800 miles) long, it goes full circle around this amazing country. Hence why it’s called the Ring Road. If you were to drive this straight, it would take you about 16 hours. But to do it properly, stopping along the way and taking in the sights will take you about two weeks.
I didn’t have that long but there’s no way I was going to miss seeing the mountains, ocean, waterfalls and glaciers for myself. The route I took was along the southern coast.
Reykjavik to Vik. This is what I saw.
Mt. Eyjafjallajokull (above and below)
On the road to Vik, the southernmost point of the country. The terrain here became even rockier, towering, more jagged and out of this world.
Black beach and basalt stacks in Vik (above and below)
One of two friendship statues (the other one is in Hull, UK). The statue commemorates the bond between the two countries, the fishermen who ventured out and died at sea
Been to South Iceland? Share your experiences and share the love.
Jim Bamboulis has held several posts over the past 12 years, including National Sportscaster, Food Host and Writer, Talk Show Host, Olympic Researcher and Travel Film-maker.
Born and raised in Toronto, Jim learned early on that the combination of travel and food meant ultimate living. Combining his insatiable creative spirit and desire to document his travels, Jim took his unshakable travel bug and set off to explore. Add the fact that Jim also grew up in a Greek household and he learned that not only does Mom always make the best meals, but as importantly learned the importance of understanding and appreciating the countless beautiful cultures and the integral role food plays in every corner of the World.
In August 2009, Jim founded Travel Mammal, a site that brings together his travels and experiences (both good and terrifying) with the hope that others are inspired to share their own. We are all storytellers, especially when it comes to travel and food. He urges everyone to be inspired, explore and love the world and the people that share it with us. Or in other words, Live to Travel and travel to live!
