We made it into Reykjavik around lunchtime, while having the traditional Austrian-Bavarian Frühschoppen in one of the ship’s lounges.

The ship was now sitting in Reykjavik’s central harbor – just in front of the Harpa opera building. This meant, we had a very central position in town with the center and all its hustle and bustle just a short five minute walk away.

There were no further activities scheduled for the afternoon; so I went ashore as soon as the ship (including ourselves) was declared in and we were allowed to leave the ship.

I essentially made a big circle around the inner town, covering the harbor area, heading over to the city hall with its attached tourist office, to see, what was on offer. From here I made a big circle around the Tjörnin, the lake straight behind the city hall. I then turned uphill to make it to the Hallgrimskirkja with its impressive architecture – and its lift up to a viewing deck in the church tower, to get in some views of town.

It now was time to just aimlessly wander the streets of town – the biggest town (by a magnitude) of this trip so far.

Obviously we were not the only tourists in town. Due to the storms other ships had diverted their plans and gotten into Reykjavik ahead of schedule – including a massive American cruiseliner. The city was bursting of tourists (it probably was not – given we were now out of season … but after all those little towns in Greenland, it seemed like bursting) with a cacophony of discussions and remarks – so it all turned out a bit overwhelming.

It eventually was time to head back to the ship anyhow – with the big farewell dinner and the farewell cocktail (incl. a performance of the ship’s shanty choir) happening this evening. Especially the farewell cocktail felt odd – being in the harbor already … the shanty choir certainly is more fun to watch out at sea, when they are not only challenged to sing – but also to keep balance.