Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area, Iceland

It is hard to miss the plumes of steam as they rise off the scalding hot waters of Deildartunguhver Geothermal pools. This is the most powerful hot springs in all of Europe.

The access road is gravel and I drive slowly not wanting to kick up any lava rocks. “Oh, look at that,” Mary says, “Hot dogs.” I find a spot to park midway between the path to the viewing area and the canteen with the large greenhouse behind it. Unclasping my seatbelt, I turn in my seat to look at the ladies. Monique is stowing the Wi-Fi hot-spot device safety away. I can see Tracy holding her hands up pulling her mittens on when I say, “Shall we go see the pools first then take our time eating lunch?” I put the idea out for debate. I get a “Sounds good,” an “OK,” and a “Sure” in reply. Now that our game plan is set, we get out of the car and walk the short distant to the viewing area.

Each of us splinters off in different direction seeking our own experience. I stand in the warmth of the steam mesmerized by the reactive waters. A yellow and black sign shaped like a thermometer cautions visitors about the boiling waters that gurgle spurt and burst unpredictably just behind the guardrail. After breaking my gaze away I walk the length of the stream. There is a walkway up to an industrial looking building, that seems to be a power generating station. I read there is a place here to soak like we did at The Blue Lagoon but nothing indicates it is at this location. I turn back to look for the others. I find Mary staring up at the steam and Monique sauntering about with her hands in her coat pockets. Tracy doesn’t see us yet, she is busy trying to capture a video. When she does see us grouped together she walks towards us. “Everyone got their fill?” I pause for answers then I hear, “Let’s eat.”

“I can’t wait to try these famous Iceland hot dogs,” Tracy says and Mary agrees. We walk towards the canteen, onto a wooden deck. There are two very unique styled chairs created from bits and bobs of twisted tree parts. We each take turns sitting in them taking selfies. One by one we get our orders and head inside the greenhouse out of the cold.

“Oh my goodness, this is amazing,” I say aloud, stepping into the huge warm greenhouse. I place my grilled cheese sandwich down, then prop my camera on the picnic table beside ours. With a five second timer counting down I plunk down beside the girls for the photo. “This is such fun,” I say, and Tracy agrees. “Isn’t it great?” She has this happy grin on her face, She takes pictures of her hot dog. “OK, time to eat while the meal is hot.” We gab about our experiences so far. while we dine. “Iceland is so impressive,” I add, looking around, trying to take it all in. Towards the back of the greenhouse are tomato plants, herbs and other garden vegetables and a few potted plants All I can think of is, I wish greenhouses like this were in more widespread use in Canada. What a pleasant experience eating in here all warm and comfortable out of the cold.

We relax for about thirty minutes. “Are we ready to go?” Everyone nods. “I just want to order a coffee to go.” We still have one more stop today. Please join me and the girls as we hike up to Geometric basalt columns at the Natural Heritage site of The Geruberg Cliffs.

Happy travels from Maritime Mac.

No money was received for this post it is my own experience.