The Kumm-Hanson's visit Iceland part 8: glacier lagoon and Jokulsarlon

We left the city to explore the countryside at the suggestion of our taxi driver, she mentioned Jokulsarlon, which means "diamond beach".

We stayed at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, a brand new four star hotel near the lagoon. 

The glacier lagoon was just beyond the hotel and it was incredible. 

Glaciers calve into this lagoon and flow out to sea. It's possible to take boat tours of the lagoon, although that's not something we did. There's a small cafe and coffee shop also. 

The beach has chunks of ice on black sand which look like diamonds. 

The Kumm-Hanson's visit Iceland part 6: Harpa

Harpa is the positively stunning concert hall/performance space on the waterfront in Reykjavik. There are multiple performance spaces inside. We caught a humorous (and historical) play called Icelandic Sagas, which told the story of the mythology of Iceland. 

The Kumm-Hansons visit Iceland part 5: more Reykjavik

We spent a fair amount of time hanging out around Reykjavik. We enjoyed coffee at Babalu (Skolarvordustigur 22). 

And gluten free crepes at Eldur and Is (Skolarvordustigur 2).  

We had a late lunch at The Laundromat cafe, (Austurstraeti 9) I had carrot parsnip soup that I still dream about. 

The Kumm-Hanson's go to Iceland Part 4: Adventuring

We went on a trail ride with Laxness horse farm, located only a short drive from Reykjavik, which also arranges transportation. This is a family run operation, and they clearly love their horses and love the people who come to hang out with them. I highly recommend this company! 

Earlier in the day we went caving in Laederandi, a lava flow cave just outside Reykjavik. It was about a two hour trip, with excellent guides. 

On our way back to the city we stopped to view the fish drying racks, an ancient way of preparing a favorite snack in Iceland. 

The Kumm-Hanson's visit Iceland Part 3: Around Reykjavik

Our first stop of the day was Reykjavik Roasters, Karastigur 1, in downtown. It was fairly crowded, as it was a drizzly day. 

The most recognizable part of the Reykjavik skyline is the Domkirjan, which is said to be the tallest building in the city. 

We had dinner at Hofnin, a seafood restaurant near the harbor. They were extraordinary accommodating of my need to be gluten free. Katrina had Haddock & I had scallop & langoustine chowder. Highly recommended!