Iceland Part XVII: Putting the Fire in Ice and Fire.
My Journey: Shopping, Volcanoes, and Hotel Problems.
5/3/2024, Friday, Last Night in Iceland.
I had an early evening helicopter flight over the actively erupting volcano. Once we arrived to Reykjavik, we had some time to kill. First we tried to stop and shop for glass and knives, but the glass studio was closed, then the knife maker was not home.
Next, we headed to downtown for more hotdogs and some souvenir shopping with the idea of spending our remaining Icelandic Krona. I picked up some volcanic rock beads, postcards, patches, and t-shirts.
Next was the helicopter tours, which leave from Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV). We flew with Ace Pro.
We waited with the other passengers until the safety briefing, then they divided us up over two helicopters and we headed off to boarding.
Ace Pro
My helicopter was very sporty looking with a pilot and 5 passengers. I chose to sit in the front right next to the pilot.
Helicopter
This was my first time in a helicopter. I was very nervous about the flight, but once in the air, I felt better. The view was spectacular. I had the ability to hear our pilot, the other two helicopters in the air, and the air traffic control in my headset. Everyone was very professional and I never felt unsafe, even with two other helicopters in the same airspace.
I was definitely very worried about getting in the way of the pilot with my camera, but the windows were very big and the pilot worked to make sure everyone had a view.
Lykania
We approached the site of the active 2024 volcano. First, we took multiple passes. Each helicopter worked with the other to give time to all and to stay out of each other’s way.
The volcano was almost closed up. There was only a tiny vent in the crater and some small streams of lava flowing out, but you could see it produce small fountains every now and then.
Sundhnúkagígar
We then headed over to the site of a previous eruption of Litli-Hrútur 2023. The 3rd helicopter headed down to land. I am not sure which company they were with, but they paid a lot more for that. We flew around the site for awhile.
Then, all the helicopters lined up and headed back to the airport. Giving us a wonderful view of the city as we approached.
Lykania with the Helicopter
From the airport, we went looking for a Krónan Hamraborg discount chain to shop for chocolate to take home. I took some pictures of the dog, burger, and fire sauce I liked so much so that I could research them.
Chocolate Bars
Then, we drove around looking for a hamburger stand. Ultimately, we settled on Burger Inn, which is an American themed burger restaurant. And damn, it was yet another good burger.
Burger Inn
Burger Inn was full of 1950’s nostalgia and Coca Cola memorabilia. The burgers and fries are great! You do have to remember that the sodas are served without ice, which I actually think is better.
After dinner, we headed to Fisherman’s Village, our hotel for the final night.
Long Night
After an unpleasent dealing with the Fisherman’s Village and Viking Hotel staff, we ended up booking a different hotel. We stayed the night at the Hotel Leifur Eiriksson in downtown Reykjavik, right across from the the church.
We were so busy with the hotel stuff, we did not notice the Northern Lights above our heads until I was looking at the picture later.
Hallgrimskirkja
Our experience at the Hotel Leifur Eiriksson was great. The hotel staff was helpful, the check in process was smooth, and it was very well appointed room.
Lessons Learned and Tips:
Hotel Leifur Eiriksson is a Yes
Fisherman’s Village is a NO!