CRUISE DAY 4 - Seyðisfjörður, Iceland

Today we again awoke to cruising through a fjord, this time toward the town of Seyðisfjörður in Iceland. 

As we approached land from out at sea, this was my first glimpse of Iceland.

As we sat upstairs eating breakfast, this was our view as we entered the fjord. The view is again majestic with slowly eroding mountains reaching from water up to the sky.

We eventually reached the end of the fjord, where we dropped anchor in the harbour, with our ship too large to tie up at the wharf. We did however have a lovely view of the town.

Here we noticed that we learned are avalance protection for the town. These are incredibly high.

When we were ready to go ashore, we had to do so using tenders (small boats) which I actually find quite fun to do despite taking longer.

Helen and I had different shore excursions booked, so this is my version of today's events.

I was booked on a visit to Skálanes Nature Reserve. This was a trip taken on a "road to nowhere", in a specialised 4WD bus.

Our route was actually back the way we had come, along the fjord and out to open sea. The road was rocky, not sealed, and technically very challenging. Our driver did an amazing job but the ride was very slow and bumpy.

Our first stop was ruins from 11th century vikings. Not much left to see, but it was in a harsh and dramatic landscape.

We then continued along our private road, past a locked gate for which the drive had the key. The road only got rougher as we continued, and we had to cross some small bridges and even some rivers where the fords were deep and challenging. Photo opportunities were few.

We eventually reached the field research station which is remote but with amazing views back up the fjord. This photo was taken from a point of view where our ship is further up the fjord, around the next bend.

From here we went on foot, about 20 minutes to a viewing platform on a cliff, looking out to see. Here the cliff was covered in birds nesting. Fascinating to see and hear. It was bitterly cold with a strong sea breeze

Although was not a puffin colony, we were lucky enough to see a puffin nesting here. 

Eventually it was time for the return walk. By now the weather was getting a big drizzly and even colder.

We then retraced our route back to our ship. Once dropped off, I went for a walk into town. It was freezing cold, and very windy, which made the walk less enjoyable.

The local fire service had their vehicle out on display to attract donations. It was like no fire appliance I've seen before.

I also found the iconic town church.

Soon enough I walked back to the ship, returning via tender, before grabbing some pizza for a late lunch.