The problem with life is that by the time one has the time and the money to go on a 4x4 trip in a foreign country, one should consider a gentle cruise instead. But age is just a number to this group of Viking off-spring. Oh yes, we all believe we have that special link to our Viking ancestors. The group of baby boomers, aptly called the Veteran Vikings, set off from sunny South Africa for an eight-day, seven-night tour of Iceland. Our tour operators from Ultimate Adventures, Simon and Desiree Steadman, promised it would be the adventure of a lifetime. And was it? Let’s start at the very beginning…
A day at leisure in Reykjavik
A day to acclimatise is recommended, especially in winter. The cold came as a shock to us, who departed typical summer weather in Johannesburg (with temperatures around 30°C). What to do in Reykjavik? Well, there’s quite a lot actually and we suggest you allow at least a full day or two to experience and explore.
The Hallgrímskirkja (Hallgrims Church) is a must. Find out beforehand when the organ – with its 5 275 pipes, standing 15m high and weighing about 25 tons – will be playing as it is an absolute treat. Also, book opera tickets in advance to experience a world class performance at the Islenska Operan.
Reykjavik boasts over 60 museums and displays, ranging from 3D interactive museums to historical and art museums and you will find anything and everything here – from the sublime (the Perlan) to the ridiculous (The Phallogical Museum, more commonly known as the Penis Museum). I kid
