Iceland: Stunning landscapes and captivating charm
Roger Simmons,
My wife and I visited Iceland back in September, and I was dazzled by its European charm and incredible landscape.
Iceland is a small country in population, with less than 400,000 residents. We were told that most live within sight of the towering Hallgrimskirkja church in the capital of Reykjavik. When we got outside the city, we could drive miles and miles before seeing any signs of homes or farms.
In this land of fire and ice, volcanos and glaciers played a big part in its evolution. Evidence from past volcanic eruptions can be found just about everywhere, with black sand and sediment on beaches, mountains and even the glaciers.
There are many stunning waterfalls all over the island, including one we visited that allowed us to walk behind its curtain of water.
Iceland is an amazing place, and I hope to visit it again someday. Please enjoy some photos from our trip:
Hallgrimskirkja church with statue of Norse explorer Leif Erikson, Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Statue of Ingólfur Arnarson, first settler of Iceland, Reykjavik, September 2025.Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Harpa concert hall, Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Harpa concert hall, Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Store in Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Mural in Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Kerid Crater volcanic crater lake, Iceland, September 2025.Kerid Crater volcanic crater lake, Iceland, September 2025.Kerid Crater volcanic crater lake, Iceland, September 2025.Bruarfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Bruarfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Bruarfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Iceland, September 2025.Grounds of Skalholt church, Iceland, September 2025.Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks, Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland, September 2025.Black sand beach and Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks, Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland, September 2025.Black sand beach and Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks, Vík í Mýrdal, Iceland, September 2025.Sólheimajökull glacier, Iceland, September 2025.Sólheimajökull glacier, Iceland, September 2025.Sólheimajökull glacier, Iceland, September 2025.Sólheimajökull glacier, Iceland, September 2025.Sólheimajökull glacier, Iceland, September 2025.Sólheimajökull glacier, Iceland, September 2025.Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley, Iceland, September 2025.Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley, Iceland, September 2025.Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley, Iceland, September 2025.Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley, Iceland, September 2025.Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley, Iceland, September 2025.Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur Valley, Iceland, September 2025.European and North American tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, September 2025.European and North American tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, September 2025.Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, September 2025.Sky Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.Sky Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland, September 2025.
While the Chiefs and 49ers were getting ready, I was busy photographing four species of raptors at the Wetlands: American Kestrel, Osprey, Bald Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawk.
