Iceland-Southern Peninsula and South

• Day 1 : Arrive in Reykjavik
• Day 2 : Reykjavik to Vik
• Day 3 : Vik to Hofn

 

Our flight landed in the morning in Reykjavik. Most of the flights from US lands morning due to time difference.

Keflavik international airport. Airport was small and cozy. We used the wash room (haha… rest room to wash room) at the gate. Guess what, there were 2 stalls and long lines. Welcome to Iceland. Use wash room whenever available..:)

After a long walk along the corridor we finished immigration and went outside.

After doing research we rented car from Lotus car rentals with full coverage platinum insurance (https://www.lotuscarrental.is/insurance) with ‘0’ (Zero) deductible. Our research showed not to go with Expedia and go with local rental companies. Important to take full coverage as wind and unforeseen climate and road conditions.  Lotus car rental is recommended by many people on FB groups. Our friends rented car from another company.

Lotus car rental representative will meet in the arrivals and take you to the rental office. Unfortunately he can fit only the Rental car driver in the shared van. So we stayed in airport with luggage while my husband went to get the car. They mentioned that parking was free on Sundays at the airport parking lot.  My husband went with him and came back to airport to pick us up. While we were waiting we explored the store in the arrival, tour company brochures, exchanged some money, and waited waited….

Once we got in to car, before starting the day we had to do a quick stop for breakfast and snacks at Netto. First experience of shopping at Iceland.

Off to our first stop, which was Blue Lagoon. It was 20 mins drive to Blue lagoon. Booked 1PM appointment and 4PM Lave Cafe. We did check in for all of us.

Blue Lagoon, Mineral rich water where you can relax. We took comfort package, with that we got one silica mask and a drink. It was so confusing to me to get in to the lagoon. First you go to locker rooms, use your wrist band to close/open any locker. Take shower before entering in to blue lagoon. Entrance to the lagoon is located after the showers. It helps to make sure people take shower before entering. Also, They suggest to apply conditioner to the hair before entering. Don’t forget to remove any jewelry as they loose color in that chemical water.

It was very windy at the blue lagoon entrance outside and the surroundings, go fully prepared with jackets, head cap etc.,

 

We had a relaxing time in the lagoon and then Lava cafe. Not many choices for food in the menu at Lava cafe. We were still hungry after eating there 🙂

Lave Cafe

Stayed in Gardur for a night. After checkin to room, went for a walk in that area. There are people staying in camps (very light tents) near the light house in that cold.

 

Day 2: Drive towards Vik

• Breakfast
• Golden circle –
  • Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park,
  • The Geysir Geothermal Area
  • Gullfoss Waterfall
  • crater Kerid
• Lunch – fridheimar (Reservation required) https://www.fridheimar.is/
•  South coast
  • Ægissíðufoss Waterfalls
  • Seljalandsfoss (walking behind Seljalandsfoss)
  • Gljúfrabúi, Þórsmerkurvegur
  • Skógafoss
  • Kvernufoss (less crowded)
  • Seljavallalaug Hot Pool
• Dinner

Day started with breakfast and then checkout and drive towards to Vik. Golden circle is the first destination.

Driving from hotel in Reykjavik to South coast towards Vik

https://goo.gl/maps/TeTxTKCnCMXKi1Px6 without stops – 2 hr 31 min (191 km)

https://goo.gl/maps/FDFmN6QfWMuBDJcw9 With stops  – 4hrs 41 mins (335 km)

Golden circle

Must see places are The Þingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall

Stop 1 : Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park

Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history and geological significance. It is easily accessible. We went there very early to avoid crowd from tourist buses. When we started walking in the Thingvellir National Park, not many people were there and it was nice to take pictures as well. By the time we were returning, it is too crowded.

Silfra is a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park. There is a tour which you can take to dive in the Silfra.

Stop 2 : The Geysir Geothermal Area

Strokkur, Suðurland
It is a fountain-type geyser located in a geothermal area beside the Hvítá River in Iceland in the southwest part of the country. It typically erupts every 6–10 minutes. Its usual height is 15–20 metres (49–66 ft), although it can sometimes erupt up to 40 metres (130 ft) high.
Strokkur was first mentioned in 1789, after an earthquake helped to unblock the conduit of the geyser. Its activity fluctuated throughout the 19th century; in 1815 its height was estimated to have been as much as 60 metres (200 ft). It continued to erupt until the turn of the 20th century, when another earthquake blocked the conduit again. In 1963, upon the advice of the Geysir Committee, locals cleaned out the blocked conduit through the bottom of the basin, and the geyser has been regularly erupting ever since.

We waited for some time and saw the Geysir erupting. Do you see a shape in the 2nd picture below?

Stop 3 : Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss is a powerful waterfall in Iceland. Gullfoss means Golden falls. It is located in the Hvítá river canyon in Southwest Iceland. Gullfoss has two drops, one measuring 11 meters (36 feet) and the other 21 meters (69 feet), for a total height of 32 meters (105 feet).

This is a must visit for any one visiting Iceland. It is about 2 hours drive from Reykjavik. There is 2 parking lots near this waterfalls. One at the top where you can get the top view and other parking lot closer to the waterfall hike. The walkways and viewing platforms are not be missed. If you are walking closer to the water falls, you will get wet, no.. you will get drenched…:)

It’s fun though. Be prepared for becoming wet in Iceland.. Depending on the weather you will dry faster or freeze. Prepare for extra pack of cloths and towels etc., in the car.

Stop 4: Kerid Crater

We didn’t get chance to go to Kerid Crater. but many people recommend this place. It was supposed to be a nice walk around the crater and nice pictures as well.

Lunch at Fridheimar

Reservation required, if not wait is more than 2 hours and you can be seated outside if weather permits. They are famous for Tomato soup. We bought the soup at the bar and then we decide to wait for a table outside for lunch. To be frank, there are better tomato soup in other places. But it tasted natural and fresh. We spent time walking around and exploring horses etc., while waiting for table.  Bread was really tasty and desserts with tomato 🙂  Worth a visit.

Exploring Waterfalls during the drive towards Vik

1. Ægissíðufoss Waterfalls

Beautiful falls to start with. There was only one other visitor was there when we went. This is not a huge falls compared to the famous ones in Iceland. Road to this is not paved for some portion. So prepare to drive in bumpy dirt road.

The Ægissíðufoss waterfall in Ytri-Rangá is a few kilometers further down the river from Hella. The waterfall is a well-known fishing location on the river and has a salmon ladder. The waterfall is magnificent all year round, as the flow is quite steady throughout the year given that Ytri-Rangá is a spring-fed river.

 

2. Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a famous and beautiful waterfall in Iceland. This is the waterfalls which you can walk behind it (walking behind Seljalandsfoss). Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region in Iceland right by Route 1 and the road that leads to Þórsmörk Road 249. The waterfall drops 60m and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier.

One of the place where the Bollywood movie song Gerua from the movie Dilwale is shot.

3. Gljúfrabúi, Þórsmerkurvegur

Gljúfrabúi waterfall may be hidden behind the cliffs but it is less than a kilometer away from one of the most famous and popular Seljalandsfoss that makes it easy to get there.

We didn’t get chance to go to this waterfalls. I put the photos from the net.

4. Skógafoss

Skógafoss is a magnificent waterfall located near the town of Skógar. With a height of 60 meters (197 feet) and a width of 25 meters (82 feet), it is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. The waterfall is fed by the Skógá River, which has its source in the glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.
Skógafoss is not only impressive for its size but also for its beauty. The waterfall creates a mystical and magical atmosphere with its mist and rainbow, especially when the sun shines. It is also possible to climb a staircase of 527 steps to the top of the waterfall, where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
According to legend, the first settler in the area buried a treasure chest behind the waterfall, which has never been found. The Skógafoss waterfall is undoubtedly one of the must-visit attractions in Iceland, and its breathtaking beauty attracts thousands of visitors each year.

This is the beautiful waterfall and luckily when we went there, there were not many people around. We had entire area for us. It was after 7PM. Took full advantage of sun light. We spent lot of time there and then we walked to the top taking the stairs next to the falls. Amazing views once you reach the top,  view of the falls looking down, surroundings mountains and the river. You can continue walking along the river at the top. We were speechless to see this waterfalls from far, closer and from top.

Many films are shot here near this waterfalls like the famous Bollywood movie song Gerua from the Bollywood film Dilwale, and game of thrones.

5. Kvernufoss waterfall

The 98-feet Kvernufoss waterfall is partially hidden in the gorge and lies on the eastern end of the Skógafoss waterfall. It is very close to Skógafoss. After you come out of the parking lot take left and drive towards the end of the building. Pay for the parking and then you can walk towards the waterfalls. A 20-minutes hike beginning from the Skógasafn museum to Kvernufoss by the river also offers a view of gorge and gravel. Then, the trek leads towards the Kvernugil gorge and the Kvernuhólsá river. We went to this falls very late. Walk was really nice right next to the water flow. Enjoyed the walk and the goats and sheeps all around.

We liked this waterfall because of the sound it makes. With closed surroundings, the water fall sound was like beating the drums. Very surreal experience staying there. Again not many people were there so all the falls are for us only.

 

6. Seljavallalaug Hot Pool

We didn’t get chance to go to this hot pool. But there were lot of recommendations to visit this place.

 

Vik

Beautiful Vik.

 

Day 3: Drive from Vik to Hofn

• Breakfast
• Near Vik – All the below 4 are closer to Vik.
  • Reynisfjara Black Beach, enter reynisfjara cafe in maps for parking
  • Reyniskirkja Church
  • DC3 Sólheimasandur
  • Dyrhólaey – An iconic rock arch on the south coast
• Lunch
• On the way to Hofn
  • Eldhraun (Living Moss)/Eldhraun lava fields – Time to be spent : 15 mins
  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon  ( Any type of car can drive on this gravel road) – Time to be spent : 45 mins
  • Skaftafell /Vatnajökull National Park – Svatifoss falls – Time to be spent :  2 hours
  • Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon & Diamond Beach –  Time to be spent : 1 hour
  • Vestrahorn mountain  – Time to be spent :  25 mins
• Dinner

 

In front of the hotel…beautiful place. Owner was very nice and friendly.

 

Reynisfjara Black Beach

Tips: Go early to avoid tourist buses and crowd. It is not allowed to swim here. It can be very windy.

Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is another natural wonder with the arch bridge. Dyrhólaey is famous for its towering sea cliffs, which rise dramatically from the ocean below. These cliffs provide a nesting ground for seabirds such as puffins and guillemots, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. We had wonderful sighting of the Puffins. Many puffins come and stay in the cliffs.

Reyniskirkja Church

Beautiful iconic church in Vik is Reyniskirkja church.

 

DC3 Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

Heard as part of this plane wreck, captain has launched the plane safely. This is from the 1973 and it became one of the place to visit in Iceland. No one was injured in this plane wreck. There were 7 crew in this. The hike 4.6 miles total to this place and is long, straight flat road. There is no shade and feels boring. If you are short on time, definitely recommend taking a shuttle.

You can pre-book the shuttle or buy ticket at the entrance. Shuttle will drop you close to the plane site and every hour or so it comes back.

Plane Wreck Book a shuttle https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/dc-3-plane-wreck-shuttle?a=133265

 

Lunch

There are multiple options to choose from in Vik for lunch. We had best lamb chops here.

 

Eldhraun Lava fields

While driving towards Hofn from Vik we stopped for few mins near Eldhraun Lava fields.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Ready for a nice hike of 1.9 mile back and fourth with little bit of slope.  Views are amazing once you reach the viewing stations. Every viewing platform gives different perspective of the canyon. We spent about an hour here. Some places near the path are closed to avoid the destruction of the spring fields and protect nature. This canyon is 100 meters (328 feet) deep and two kilometers (1.24 miles) long.

Justin Bieber has shot a music video in this location. This location became very famous after that song and thousands of people started visiting this place.

Tip: There are some rest rooms at the beginning of the hike. Fill out your water bottles as well near the fresh water taps.

Skaftafell /Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is a protected wilderness area in south Iceland centered around Vatnajökull glacier. There are many massive glaciers, ice caves, snowy mountain peaks, active geothermal areas and rivers, the region includes Jökulsárlón – a glacial lagoon with icebergs, and the Svartifoss and Dettifoss waterfalls. Skaftafell is the gateway to the park with a visitor center, campground and hiking trails

Vatnajökull glacier is the Europe’s largest glacier, over 8100 km2. It covers 8% of the Iceland. It is a big area and there is so much to do.

• Glacier Hike from Skaftafell
• Ice cave (Depending on the season)
• Jökulsoo – The Glacier Path hike
• Svartifoss
• Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon
• Diamond Beach

We decided to go take the Glacier Path hike.

Visitor Trail: Glacier Path
An easy and short trail ideal for those interested in glaciers and geology.
Distance: 4.3 km round trip

Time permits definitely do the Svartifoss hike as well.

Svartifoss falls – 2 hours to spent

https://en.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en

Svartifoss is a unique water falls in South east Iceland. Waterfall hike is starting from Skaftafell. Svartifoss is 20m waterfall with black basalt formations. The hike is 1.5 km from the Visitor center, uphill, and on the way to Svartifoss, you come across other waterfalls in the gorge. The hike is uphill from the camping ground, but not too taxing. And it is so worth it.

The small river Stórilækur (Big creek) in which Svartifoss cascades, originates below Kristínartindar mountain peaks and runs through Bæjargil gorge.

The beautiful hexagonal basalt columns at Svartifoss are believed to have inspired our State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson when he designed the ceiling in Þjóðleikhúsið, our national theatre, and Hallgrímskirkja church, which is one of the landmarks of Reykjavík – Iceland’s capital city.

Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon is a grand spectacle. It is a glacier lagoon with floating ice and diamonds on the beach.  It appeared in James bond movie and also tomb raider and many more songs.

Breiðamerkurjökull glacier is an outlet of the vast and magnificent Vatnajokull Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, covering about 8% of Iceland’s land. Icebergs constantly break off the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier (a process known as ‘calving’), floating majestically in the lagoon before they find their way out to the Atlantic Ocean.

If you want to see the diamonds on the Diamond beach you need to time it. When we went there it was empty unfortunately.

Vestrahorn mountain

We didn’t get chance to go to Vestrahorn mountain . But this place seems to be giving a magic view of walking on water. Definitely try it.

Vestrahorn, on the Stokksnes peninsula in Southeast Iceland, is one of the country’s most breathtaking mountains. With peaks reaching up to 454 metres (1490 ft), steep cliffs rising from the sides of a stunning lagoon, and black sand beaches all around.

 

What would I do differently?

Will stay more time in Vik. Minimum you need 3 days here. so much to do and enjoy.  Some of the things we didn’t get chance to do.

• Reykjadalur Hot Springs – hike is 3 km long one way and will take about 45-60 minutes one way with plenty of photo stops. – time permits
• Kerid Crater
• Seljavallalaug hot pool
• Gljúfrabúi
• Zipline adventure in vik over the waterfalls and streams
• Katla ice cave

More hike in Vatnajökull National park and spend more time near glacier lagoon.

Bollywood  Song Geruva

 

Justin Bieber Music Video..

 

 

Travel time: June, 2023