ahoyne9Today is July 26th, 2022, our last full day of road-tripping took us through some of Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes before wrapping up our journey. Tomorrow, we’ll return to downtown Reykjavik to drop off the cooler and car, then stay at a hotel near the airport before my brother and I head to Ireland and Trace returns to the States.
We began the day at Diamond Beach, a mesmerizing black sand beach located near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The beach gets its name from the large, sparkling ice chunks that wash ashore, resembling diamonds against the dark volcanic sand. These ice pieces, with their varied sizes and shapes, create a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape. After soaking in the beach’s unique beauty, we walked over to Jökulsárlón, where floating icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier create a captivating display against the lagoon’s deep blue waters.
We then embarked on a glacier tour with Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours for 10,100 ISK per person, which was a more affordable option compared to Jökulsárlón. The tour provided an unforgettable experience of collecting and tasting ice from the lagoon.
Our next stop was Svartifoss, renowned for its dramatic cascade over dark basalt columns. The hike to the falls is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) one way, taking approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The unique black basalt formations, a result of volcanic activity and glacial erosion, create a stunning visual contrast with the surrounding landscape.
Fjaðrárgljúfur was the highlight of the day, with its ancient, dramatic gorge stretching 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) and reaching depths of up to 100 meters (328 feet). Formed during the last Ice Age, the gorge offers spectacular views from a well-maintained walking path that follows its edge. Although we considered extending our trip to Fagrifoss, we decided to continue driving to maximize our time at other highlights.
We initially planned to stop at Þakgil but decided to press on. Our first major stop of the day was Skógafoss, a majestic waterfall 60 meters (197 feet) high and 25 meters (82 feet) wide. Visitors can walk right up to the base of the falls, feeling the mist and splash. A staircase with 527 steps leads to a viewing platform at the top, offering panoramic views of the plains, coastline, and glaciers. The platform also provides access to several hiking trails, including the Fimmvörðuháls trail. Depending which way you are traveling the famous Black Sand Beach is nearby, we skipped this since we did Diamond Beach already and that seemed more appealing with the large pieces of ice washed up to shore.
Our final stop was Seljalandsfoss, another stunning waterfall where you can walk behind the cascade for a unique perspective. The experience is enhanced by waterproof gear to handle the heavy spray. Nearby, don’t miss Gljúfrabúi, a hidden gem just a short walk away. Reaching this waterfall involves wading through a shallow river and navigating a narrow gorge, rewarding you with a serene and enchanting view.
We ended up staying Hellishólar Campsite, the cost was 2.600 ISK per night per person. Booking in advanced online provides a discount of 100 ISK per night per person.
On Day 6, July 27th, 2022, not much happened in our itinerary. Trace and my brother managed to visit Hallgrimskirkja Church, which was open by the time we arrived, though they decided not to climb the tower. Afterward, we headed to our hotel near the airport to drop off our bags before returning the rental car.
I’m excited about the prospect of returning someday to explore the Westfjords and more of central Iceland. Cheers!
