Eiriksstadir, Búðardalur, Iceland - 08/21/17

We are already in our 12th stop in Iceland yet we keep discovering interesting things about it.
It seems our surprises are far from over, and we underestimated what the country had to offer.

At the hands of destiny, our will has taken us to Eiriksstadir, a city of great historical value, named after a generation of explorers; Erik Thorvaldsson (Erik the Red), and his son Laif Eriksson.

By popular culture (but disputed by the Icelandic Sagas), Erik the Red was the first to discover the land in Vinland (Wineland) which today includes Greenland, in 982, during a 3 year exile from his homestead Eiriksstadir for avenging the death of his slaves.

 Upon returning from his exile, Erik spread stories of a "Greenland", (a name more appealing than 'Iceland')luring potential settlers to the area. His salesmanship proved successful and in 985 he headed back to Greenland with a huge number of colonists, out of 25 ships 14 survived the trip.
 Later, his son Leif Eriksson dicovered Vinland and part of North America before Colombus, after being blown off course on his way to Greenland in 999.

Interesting fact:

• This saga is recognized in North America and the day 9 of October was made Leif Eriksson's day.

• In the center of the village is a recreation of Erik's house, which serves as a heritage museum.

Strokkur Geyser(video) - (aerial)

On our way here we went by Haukadalur, following along Haukadalsvegur route, capturing many memorable sights.

Haukadalur is a prominent geothermal site, and place to ancient geyser 'Geysir' and Strokkur Geyser, which erupts reliably every 10-15 minutes. As well as other smaller geysers, mineral springs and mud pots.
Geysir hasn't been erupting recently, but it's eruption in 2000, of over 400ft/122m holds the record for the highest geyser blast in known history.

The westernmost settlement in Europe, and setting for the novel "Journey to the center of the Earth" by Jules Verne.