ahoyne9After enduring a marathon 36 hours of travel without sleep, we finally arrived at Harpa Holiday Home, conveniently just a 10-minute drive from our first stop in the morning, July 23, 2022: Barnafoss, or “Children’s Falls.” This captivating waterfall is famous for its turbulent waters flowing through a narrow, rocky canyon. Named after a local legend of two children who tragically fell into the river, Barnafoss offers a dramatic and poignant experience.
Next, we headed to Bifröst, about a 45-minute drive away, where we explored the picturesque Glanni Waterfall. Known for its rugged beauty and the lush landscape surrounding it, Glanni cascades over volcanic rock formations. While this waterfall was beautiful, it didn’t quite stand out compared to some of the other magnificent waterfalls we encountered. However, it was a worthwhile stop as it set the stage for our hike up Grábrók Crater.
This volcanic crater, part of the Grábrók volcanic system, features a relatively easy 1-kilometer round-trip hike, taking about 20-30 minutes. The entrance fee is around 400 ISK, and the summit rewards visitors with panoramic views of colorful lava fields and the surrounding landscape.
Our journey continued to Hvítserkur, a 15-meter sea stack that resembles a dragon or dinosaur. Located on the shores of Húnafjörður in northern Iceland, this unique rock formation was shaped by centuries of coastal erosion. Getting there involves navigating a bumpy road, and visiting at low tide allows for a closer view, which I’d recommend for future trips as I did not experience that, however it was fun to fly the drone through the rock.
We then drove through the Vaðlaheiði Tunnel, a 7-kilometer engineering feat that connects Akureyri and Húsavík. Opened in December 2018, the tunnel cost around ISK 14.7 billion (USD 100 million) to build and saves 15-20 minutes of travel time. The toll is approximately ISK 1,500 (USD 10). If I could redo this trip, I’d definitely spend a night in Akureyri—it’s a charming town that we barely had time to explore.
Our final destination for the day was Goðafoss, or the “Waterfall of the Gods,” renowned for its historical significance and stunning cascade. The waterfall, 30 meters wide, plunges into a deep, horseshoe-shaped gorge, creating a dramatic display of water and mist.
We capped off our six-hour driving day at the Vogar campsite in northeastern Iceland. Booking ahead is essential, as it fills up quickly. At 500 ISK per night, it’s a great value and offers a serene setting near the water. The campsite also features a pizzeria, which was a delightful bonus. We enjoyed a restful night after a long day of adventure and will be staying here for two nights to explore more of this beautiful region.
Exploring Myvatn and Northeastern Region tomorrow, Cheers!
