When I first moved to Florida, people asked if I would give away my winter clothes. Traveling was something I knew I wanted to do. On my bucket list were many wintry destinations and so I have not only kept my winter clothes, but I have added special items, such as snow pants and long johns, to my wardrobe. This adventure took place in mid-May. I left Florida with beautiful summer weather. Once in Iceland, I used every bit of my winter clothes as I explored this country in the month of May.

I have always liked winter and playing in the snow. It is everyday living in snow and all that it requires that I avoid. But visiting the snow and playing in it is very enjoyable. One of my first wintry adventures was to Norway in February 2023 on the Hurtigruten cruise line. I wrote about this adventure in my blog titled: Hurtigruten – Norway Coastal Express

On my bucket list are several other Nordic countries to include Iceland. As a solo traveler, I decided that the best way to visit Iceland would be a cruise with Hurtigruten around the country. This nine-day adventure started and ended in Reykjavik. I arrived in Reykjavik on May 14 and spent two days exploring Iceland’s capital before boarding the Hurtigruten ship – MS Fridtjof Nansen.

After settling in my hotel, I began exploring the city. I found the port where the Hurtigruten ship would be docked. There were only a few sites on my list that I wanted to see. However, I had GPS capabilities on my phone that allowed me to “get lost” and not worry about finding my hotel or a good place to eat.

The architecture throughout the city was stunning. One of the first structures noted was the Harpa Concert Hall. This glass honeycomb concert hall and conference center is home to the National Opera & Symphony.

The Sun Voyager sculpture was located within walking distance of the Harpa Concert Hall.

This steel sculpture was created by ***Jon Gunnar Arnason*** and resembles a Viking long ship. However, the intention of the artist was that the structure represent the promise of undiscovered territory and provide a dream of hope, progress, and freedom.

The iconic landmark in Reykjavik is the ***Hallgrimskirkja Church.*** The name of the church in English is ***Hallgrim’s Church.***

This beautiful church is a national shrine and is part of the Evangelical-Lutheran National Church of Iceland. The Hallgrim’s Church is the largest church in Iceland and was consecrated in 1986. Its tower is 73 meters or 240 feet high. The views of the city and the surrounding areas from the top of this church were stunning.

After enjoying the sights from above, I entered the church. To my pleasant surprise, the beautiful organ was playing. I couldn’t resist a video!

Other fun sights in Reykjavik were Rainbow Street with lots of shopping and restaurants.

Another great find was the Icelandic Punk Museum featuring Icelandic Punk Music. This museum was important to me only because it was located right next to an amazing bakery and café. Although I did not go to the museum, I did enjoy a ham and cheese croissant at this wonderful bakery.

As I traveled through Norway in February 2023, I learned of the history of the churches in Norway and its patron saint – Saint Olav. Click here to read about Saint Olav in my blog.

Before coming to Iceland, I found the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Reykjavik. Christ the King Cathedral was consecrated in 1929 and located within walking distance from my hotel.

Here is a video of the inside of this beautiful cathedral that I took while visiting in May. I am learning video production. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

While exploring the beauty of this amazing cathedral, I learned of the Patron Saint of Iceland – Saint Thorlac.

Saint Thorlac was born in 1133. From a young age, he was deeply committed to serving God. He became a priest at the age of 18 and served the Icelandic people throughout several regions in Iceland. After a short illness, he died on December 23, 1193. Five years later, Thorlac was declared a saint by his successor, Bishop Pall Jonsson. Saint John Paul II confirmed in 1984 the canonization of Saint Thorlac. In doing so, Saint John Pual II also declared Saint Thorlac the Patron Saint of Iceland.

Here are some more beautiful photos of Reykjavik. It was May and the flowers were starting to bloom. However, it was also cold, and the sky was gray. I wondered as I traveled further north on this cruise if I would see snow.

Stay tuned as I share my ***nine-day Hurtigruten Expedition***.

Order your copy of my latest book at the link below. This book features the life story of Father Pedro Camilo Simoes, SAC. I had so much fun writing this book with Father Camilo. I know you will enjoy reading about his adventures.

Divine Threads: My Journey of Faith and Blessings

By Simoes SAC, Pedro Camilo, Mercado, Denise

Buy on Amazon