Exploring Reykjavik: A Family Adventure in Iceland

A Journey Through Time and Tectonic Plates

Today, Daniel and I embarked on a classic Icelandic adventure: a trip to Thingvellir National Park and the stunning Öxarárfoss waterfall. It wasn't just about seeing beautiful landscapes; it was about stepping into the heart of Iceland's history and witnessing the raw power of nature. With each step, I felt a deeper connection to this incredible island and its story.


Explore Thingvellir National Park, Iceland's stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in natural beauty, history, and unique geological wonders.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Laundromat Café. The quirky atmosphere and the promise of a good meal were exactly what we needed to fuel our explorations. I opted for the 'Clean Brunch,' a delightful spread of scrambled eggs, hummus, fresh fruit, and Greek yogurt. Daniel, ever the traditionalist, went for the 'Dirty Brunch,' a more indulgent mix of pancakes, bacon, and fried potatoes. It’s funny how even in a new country, our breakfast choices reflect our personalities perfectly. The Laundromat Café is known for being one of the best places for breakfast and brunch in Reykjavik, and I can certainly see why. The vibrant, cozy atmosphere, filled with shelves of books, made it a perfect spot to start our day.

After breakfast, we set off for Thingvellir National Park. The drive itself was stunning, with vast lava fields stretching out on either side of the road. As we approached the park, the landscape transformed into a dramatic expanse of cliffs, fissures, and the serene Lake Thingvallavatn. It’s hard to believe that such a place exists where you can witness the separation of tectonic plates with your own eyes. The park is easily accessible from Reykjavik, making it a must-see for any visitor.

Thingvellir is not just a geological marvel; it's also the heart of Icelandic history. This is where the Althing, Iceland's parliament, was established in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest parliamentary sites in the world. Walking through the park, I could almost hear the echoes of Viking chieftains meeting to discuss laws and settle disputes. It's a place where history and nature intertwine seamlessly.

To walk between the tectonic plates at Thingvellir is to stand at the crossroads of history and geology, a place where Iceland's past and present converge in a breathtaking display of nature's power.

Our first stop was the Hakið observation deck. From here, the panoramic views of the rift valley were simply breathtaking. Daniel, with his keen interest in geography, was in his element, pointing out the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates inching apart. I tried to capture the vastness of the landscape with my camera, but no photo could truly do it justice. It’s one of those places you have to experience to fully appreciate.

We then walked down into the Almannagjá gorge, the rift valley between the tectonic plates. The scale of the cliffs on either side was awe-inspiring. It felt surreal to walk on the ground between two continents, knowing that the earth beneath my feet was slowly shifting. The park offers several hiking trails, and we chose a path that allowed us to explore the main attractions at a leisurely pace. The weather in May is perfect for hiking, with pleasant temperatures and long daylight hours.

As we walked, we came across the Law Rock (Lögberg), where the laws of Iceland were recited to the assembled crowd centuries ago. I imagined the Viking settlers gathering here, their voices echoing through the gorge as they shaped their new nation. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of this place in Icelandic culture. Thingvellir is a symbol of Iceland's birth as a nation, and being there, I felt a profound connection to its history.

Next on our itinerary was Öxarárfoss waterfall. A short walk from the main path, this waterfall is nestled within the Almannagjá gorge. The water cascades down from the Öxará River over ancient lava formations, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Although the waterfall is not very high—only about 13 meters—it's set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, making it incredibly picturesque.


Discover the natural beauty and historical significance of Öxarárfoss, a stunning waterfall in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland.

What’s fascinating about Öxarárfoss is that it’s not entirely a natural formation. It's believed that the river Öxará was diverted centuries ago to provide water for the Althing. So, in a way, this waterfall is a human-made wonder, a testament to the ingenuity of the early Icelanders. Standing there, watching the water plunge into the gorge, I couldn't help but marvel at the resourcefulness of those early settlers.

We spent some time taking photos and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The sound of the waterfall was incredibly soothing, and the views of the surrounding landscape were stunning. Even though it's a popular spot, there was a sense of tranquility that made it feel like we had the place to ourselves. I made sure to capture plenty of photos, knowing that I’d want to relive this moment again and again.

Before leaving Thingvellir, we stopped by the visitor center to learn more about the park's history and geology. The interactive exhibits provided a wealth of information, and I left with a deeper understanding of the significance of this place. The visitor center also has a cafeteria and souvenir shop, but we decided to skip those and head back to Reykjavik.

On our way back, we made a quick stop at the Nordic Store. I was hoping to find an authentic Icelandic wool sweater to bring back home. The Nordic Store offers a wide selection of knitwear, souvenirs, and local crafts. I was particularly interested in the traditional Icelandic sweaters, known for their intricate patterns and high-quality wool. It’s the perfect souvenir to keep warm in the chilly weather, and a great way to remember our Icelandic adventure.


Discover the essence of Icelandic craftsmanship at the Nordic Store in Reykjavík, your go-to destination for clothing and unique souvenirs.

After browsing through the Nordic Store, we headed back to Reykjavik for dinner. We had reservations at Sjavargrillid, a seafood restaurant known for its innovative dishes and fresh Icelandic ingredients. The restaurant is located midway between the Hallgrimskirkja church and the Laugavegur shopping street, making it a convenient spot after a day of exploring.


Experience Iceland's culinary treasures at Sjávargrillið - where traditional flavors meet modern creativity in a cozy setting.

Sjavargrillid was a culinary delight. We started with the shellfish soup, a rich and flavorful broth filled with fennel and smoked haddock. For the main course, I opted for the grilled fish combo, a selection of the freshest catches of the day. Daniel chose the teriyaki salmon, which was cooked to perfection and served with tomato, wasabi, and quinoa. Each dish was a masterpiece, highlighting the rich flavors of the sea. The restaurant also offers wine pairings and handcrafted cocktails, adding to the overall dining experience.

The ambiance at Sjavargrillid was elegant yet informal, making it a perfect place to relax and reflect on our day. The restaurant is committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing, working closely with local fishermen and producers. Knowing that we were supporting local communities made the meal even more enjoyable.

As we walked back to our hotel, Grandi by Center Hotels, we talked about our plans for tomorrow. We're planning to explore Reykjavik's art scene, starting with the Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús, followed by a visit to the Sun Voyager sculpture. In the evening, we might check out Dillon Whiskey Bar. I’m excited to see what other hidden gems Reykjavik has to offer.


Experience the charm of Reykjavik at Grandi by Center Hotels, where modern comfort meets local flavor, just a step away from the city’s vibrant attractions.

Today was a day filled with history, natural beauty, and delicious food. Thingvellir National Park and Öxarárfoss are truly special places that capture the essence of Iceland. As I write this, I’m filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such incredible landscapes with Daniel by my side. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings, but for now, I'm content to savor the memories of this unforgettable day.

I feel so grateful to be able to share these experiences with you all! From the historical significance of Thingvellir to the culinary delights of Reykjavik, Iceland continues to surprise and inspire me. I hope you enjoyed reading about our day, and I look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you soon.