In September I made plans to go to Iceland. It is a beautiful country that to me epitomizes an oxymoron. Iceland’s barren, untouched natural landscapes, created by centuries of harsh, molten, and ever changing conditions, has created a wondrous spectacle of lonely vast mountains, rivers, canyons, and fields of moss.
The Icelandic Adventure
To start I would highly recommend renting a car, as Keflavik International Airport is approximately a 40 minute drive away from Reykajvik. The rental company that we went with was CarsIceland. We rented the Kia Picanto, for about 8 days for approximately $300.00 USD, the price was great and it came with the three necessary insurances included in the price. One thing that I would recommend is to get is the full liability insurance, as they will charge a $750.00 payable for any damages, be it minor/small. The full liability insurance costs approximately $140.00 USD for the Kia Picanto, we decided not to get it as it felt like they were selling us on fear. However, do be warned ahead of time, Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, and often include extremely harsh winds, a door ding is a very common occurrence.
A look inside of Iceland’s restaurant in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, Icelandic Street Food. Definitely always will be our first stop.
It is important to note that food in Iceland is extremely expensive, if you are visiting from North America. Once you reach Reykjavik be sure to check out a restaurant called Icelandic Street Food, and order the “Fisherman’s Favorite”, the restaurant has unlimited refills on their soups, and certain dishes, as long as you order the Fisherman’s Favorite, you can refill on different cheaper soups at no extra cost.
It is important to note, that if you are going to visit the main tourist attractions all along Route 1, Iceland’s national road, make sure to pack some food and drinks, as towns are small and shops close very early. Also do try to avoid driving at night, there are no street lights, and visibility is extremely low.
Just finished proposing to the girl of my dreams behind Seljalandsfoss. Just off of Route 1, which goes all around Iceland. Seljalandsfoss is about an hour and a half drive from Reykjavik.
Most major tourist attractions along Route 1 are often very busy with tourists, try looking for some hidden gems on the side roads, that are just as breathtaking and less busy. Those sights often require a bit of a hike though. If you are not an adventurous soul, not to worry! Just make sure you get there nice and early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Seljalandsfoss as a more popular tourist destination, has quite a bit of people almost at all times. I went during the early morning just at sunrise. There is a pathway that leads to the back of the waterfall into a small cave, where you can see the sun set from behind the waterfall.
There are a few hidden gems that require some research, but are well worth it. within a few minutes walk of Seljalandsfoss is the Gljufrabui hidden cave waterfall. A definite must see, we were taken there by our fantastic photographer Leif Wilberg, and was stunned by it’s natural beauty.
Gljufrabui is a waterfall inside of a small cave crevice, along the path, a 3 minute walk from Seljalandsfoss. There is no path leading inside the cave, as the path diverges from Seljalandsfoss, look for an opening on a small river run, and follow the rock path into the cave.
Stunning look inside of the Gljufrabui.
Be sure to mind your step, and not be afraid to get wet! If you are carrying a camera be sure to have a rain coat for it!
For those of you adventurous souls, about a 15 minute drive north of Seljalandsfoss on a gravel road, there is a ravine waterfall called Nauthúsgil, me and my fiancee were not ready to brave a hike through the river ravine to see it. We drove to it only to find we were not prepared, and thus turned around and headed to Skógafoss, along Route 1.
Break time in front of Skogafoss, in it’s expansive parking area.
If you are driving along Route 1, there is absolutely no way to miss Skogafoss. It is considered one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. However, be warned it is a very busy place, and finding parking can be a little frustrating. But it is a fantastic place to stop by have breakfast or lunch, in one of the Skógar restaurants conveniently beside the waterfall.
It is very wet where we are standing!
Once you get a little closer to the waterfall you will see a walkway that takes you to the top of Skogafoss waterfall, and into Iceland’s Highlands. Do be warned, the highlands hike can take up to 3 days to complete.
Wet, and cold but have never been happier.
Trying to get a good picture on the path to Kvernufoss, were scared of falling into the water.
If you are visiting Skogafoss, be sure to stop by Kvernufoss it is a hidden waterfall a 3 minute drive from one part of the Skogafoss parking lot to the other. Go to the Skogar museum, and take the trail around it, it is fenced off, but that is to prevent the sheep from roaming out. Check out the links for more details!
It is quite a bit of an up and down hike to get to Kvernufoss, but the hike itself is quite beautiful.
The view of Dyrholaey from the lighthouse.
Caught the sun setting over Reynisfjara black sand beach, from Dyrholaey lighthouse.
Before you take the drive up to Dyrholaey lighthouse, it is important to note that the wind is very strong up there, and the path is a winding gravel road, littered in pot holes.
Reynisfjara beach, the shot my girlfriend got of me was more interesting than the shot of the small cave that I got.
Just about a 10 minute drive out from the town of Vik is Reynisfjara beach, or better known as the black sands beach. If you are a photographer, or want to get some unobstructed pictures of the beach, I would suggest resting at Vik, waking up early and heading here. Much like any other major Icelandic attraction, you can expect loads of tourists.
Most of Iceland’s churches look very similar, you know you have arrived at the town of Vik when you see this church at the top of the town.
When stopping by Vik, we tried a few restaurants, but what really got made us feel like we were in Iceland was The Soup Company, although it is a bit pricey, the soups are refillable. The ambiance is warm and inviting contrasting the often frigid winds outside, and the food is wonderfully Icelandic.
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon has a panoramic view from the top.
Just off of Route 1 east of Vik, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, it is about a 12 minute drive on a gravel road past a few farmsteads. Depending on the time that you arrive at finding parking may prove to be a little bit of a challenge. But the struggles will most definitely be forgotten as the panoramic view from the top of the canyon is breathtaking. You can also trek through the canyon from the base, although we did not have enough time for that. I am more than certain it would be just as magnificent if not more.
Looking down into the canyon, and thinking, just, wow.
Bjarnarfoss located on the southern end of Snæfellsjökull National Park, it is only about a 20 minute drive from Kirkjufell.
When visiting Iceland, do take note that Icelandic weather is more than often very fickle, and ever changing, but in my opinion that adds to the wonder that is Iceland.
The catch of the day at Hraun an Icelandic family owned restaurant in Olafsvik.
If you are planning to visit Snæfellsjökull National Park in the western region, you will most likely driving through a small fishing village called Olafsvik, give a stop by for a quick rest and some local delicacies sourced right by the harbor.
Look at the super cute room in Glymur Hotel
The common area in Glymur Hotel
The dining area in Glymur Hotel
One of the hotels you must visit during your stay in Iceland is Glymur Hotel located in Hvalfjardarsveit. It has an overlook of the Fjords is right by the water, and a wonderful place to catch the aurora. The hotel even has a wake up service for when the Northern Lights are visible.
Icelandic sheep grazing at Kvernufoss
As it is a country that heavily depends on tourism as a source of income, your visit here can be quite pricey, despite this, Iceland and it’s alien terrain is a must see for the adventurous soul, and just about anyone who holds a deep admiration for the incomprehensible intricacy of mother nature. It is a country that makes you wonder, pause, and marvel.