Iceland
Iceland is an unmissable destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. With breathtaking landscapes, active geysers, massive glaciers, and majestic waterfalls, Iceland offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
This article will focus on the southern part of Iceland, a region that houses some of the island's most spectacular landscapes. I will take you on my 10-day journey from Reykjavik to Stokksnes, visiting must-see sites such as Vatnajökull National Park, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, as well as the black sand beach in Vik.
I will also take you to the famous Hallgrimskirkja church located in the heart of Reykjavik, as well as the ice caves and glacier hikes available in Vatnajökull National Park.
All the photos featuring me were taken by my friend and photographer, Gérard Trang, who invited me on this trip and organized our stay himself. Merci Gégé !
Are you ready to be amazed by the natural beauty of Iceland?!
On the first day, we headed to Thingvellir National Park - a fascinating and must-visit destination for any traveler to Iceland. Located about 40 km east of Reykjavik, it is one of the country's most important historical sites as well as a place of exceptional natural beauty.
Thingvellir has a rich history, being the place where the world's first parliaments were established in 930 and where Icelandic clan leaders gathered to make important decisions for the country. This tradition lasted for over 800 years until the late 18th century when Iceland became a Danish colony.
Today, Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can explore the remnants of this fascinating history and the park's natural beauty. The steep lava cliffs, rock formations, hot springs, and crystal-clear rivers offer breathtaking scenery.
One of the most popular natural wonders of Iceland is the Oxararfoss waterfall, located in Thingvellir National Park, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Measuring approximately 20 meters high, the waterfall is fed by the Olfusa River and surrounded by lava cliffs, lush greenery, and moss, creating a fairytale-like landscape.
Easily accessible on foot from the park's parking lot, visitors can follow a well-marked trail that takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Kerið crater is an exceptional geological wonder situated near the town of Selfoss. This spectacular volcanic formation is one of the most well-known in Iceland.
With a diameter of around 270 meters and a depth of 55 meters, the Kerið crater is filled with a vivid blue water. The crater's edge is lined with red earth cliffs and volcanic rocks, creating a remarkable contrast with the crystal-clear blue water.
It was formed about 3,000 years ago when a volcano collapsed upon itself. As time went by, the crater filled with rainwater and snowmelt, giving birth to the turquoise blue pond that we can see today.
Visitors can stroll along the edge of the crater, admire stunning views of the blue water and the surrounding landscapes, and explore the hiking trails that meander around the area.
It's also possible to descend to the water's edge.
We start this second day with a sunrise at Faxi! A beautiful waterfall located in the Sudurland region. This picturesque waterfall is about 12 km from the town of Reykholt and easily accessible from the Icelandic Ring Road.
Measuring about 80 meters wide and 7 meters high, Faxi waterfall ("mane of a horse" in Icelandic) features a horseshoe-shaped waterfall that offers an impressive sight. Faxi is also a popular destination for salmon fishermen. The Tungufljót River, on which the waterfall is located, is known to be one of the best places for salmon fishing in Iceland.
A must-visit place for nature lovers traveling to Iceland!
Let's go to the Geysir, an amazing natural phenomenon located near the town of Selfoss. The name Geysir comes from the Icelandic word "geysa", which means to gush. It is one of the world's most famous geysers, with eruptions reaching up to 70 meters high.
It’s located in the Haukadalur valley, a geothermal area that also houses several other hot springs, geysers, and boiling mud pools. It is a highly active geological area where the underground forces of nature are constantly evolving.
We can admire the Geysir's eruptions at irregular intervals, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes. The spectacle is truly amazing, with a column of boiling water shooting up into the air at an impressive height.
Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, is a major tourist attraction in the Sudurland region. Located in the Hvítá River valley, about 100 km from Reykjavik, the waterfall is easily accessible from the Icelandic Ring Road.
Gullfoss means "golden waterfall" in Icelandic, and it lives up to its name. With two tiers of waterfall measuring 11 and 21 meters respectively, it provides a stunning display of water shooting and falling into a narrow, deep canyon.
When the sun shines, the waterfall's water sparkles and looks like a shower of gold. But even in the rain, the waterfall remains an incredible sight to see.
Visitors can walk along the paved paths and admire the waterfall from various viewpoints.
It is truly one of the most impressive waterfalls I have ever seen in my life !
We end the day at Seljalandsfoss, an iconic waterfall located about 120 km from Reykjavik. It stands about 60 meters tall and offers an impressive sight as the water falls onto a black basalt cliff.
One of the most notable features of Seljalandsfoss is that we can walk behind the waterfall, providing a unique and unforgettable experience, although getting wet is almost guaranteed!
We start the third day by chasing waterfalls just like the previous one! Our destination is Skogafoss, which is located approximately 150 km from Reykjavik. With a height of around 60 meters and a width of 25 meters, it is one of Iceland's largest waterfalls and offers an impressive sight. As we approach the foot of the waterfall, we feel very small.
According to a local legend, a treasure is hidden behind the waterfall, which has led to many searches over the years, but without success. Skogafoss has also been used as a filming location in several movies and TV shows, including Thor: Ragnarok and Game of Thrones!
The abandoned plane at Myrdal Shreppur is often mentioned as a tourist attraction in Iceland, but in reality, in my opinion it is not really worth visiting. It's just an American military plane that crashed in 1973 and has been left there since. While some travelers may be intrigued by the accident's history and the dilapidated appearance of the plane, there really isn't much to see. The site is quite remote, and there are other more interesting attractions to visit in Iceland. If you're looking for memorable experiences on your trip, it's better to skip it and focus on the spectacular natural sites that abound in the country.
We end the day in Vik i Myrdal, a small coastal village located about 180 km from Reykjavik. With its black sand beach, steep cliffs, and views of the Atlantic Ocean, Vik is considered one of the most picturesque places in Iceland.
Vik's black sand beach is highly popular, lined with black basalt cliffs and often pounded by powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can walk along the beach, observe strange rock formations, basalt columns, and admire spectacular views of the mountains and ocean.
Upon arrival, the weather was bad, so we decided to come back the next morning, and it was magical! We were incredibly lucky to witness such a beautiful sunrise for this 4th day!
The Reynisdrangar rock formations, rising up to 66 meters high out of the ocean, are also a notable attraction. According to Icelandic legend, these formations are actually trolls that were petrified by the sun!
In addition to this, Vik also houses a small white church dating back to the 19th century, perched on a hill overlooking the town. It offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and is a must-see stop!
We hit the road again, heading towards Skaftafell National Park. And gradually, the scenery starts to change.
The Skaftafell National Park covers an area of approximately 4800 km² and is characterized by majestic landscapes, imposing glaciers, mountains, and tumultuous rivers.
The most popular waterfall in the park is Svartifoss, with its black basalt columns framing the waterfall. These columns, resembling organ pipes, were formed by cooled lava that solidified into vertical columns.
Svartifoss falls from a height of about 20 meters into a small pool surrounded by these basalt formations.
There is a hiking trail of about 1.5 km long to reach the waterfall, which winds through the woods and hills of the Skaftafell National Park. The trail is considered moderate and can be quite steep in places, but it also offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and natural landscapes of the region.
On this fifth day, we embarked on a journey to Jokulsárlón, a glacial lagoon situated near Skaftafell National Park, which offered an even more dramatic change of scenery.
Jokulsárlón is considered a natural wonder of Iceland and is renowned for its blue and white icebergs that drift on the tranquil waters of the lagoon. The lake was formed due to the retreat of the Breidamerkurjökull glacier, leaving behind a meltwater lake filled with icebergs that have broken off from the glacier.
One can take a walk along the adjacent Diamond Beach, a black sand beach, where the stranded icebergs on the shore create a stunning view. It is truly an exceptional and unique destination to visit while exploring southern Iceland.
With its floating blue icebergs, it's probably the place that impressed me the most during my stay... with what follows right after!
Staying in the glacial landscapes, we explore the ice caves in Vatnajökull National Park! These ice caves form every year inside glaciers due to the melting and freezing of ice in summer and winter.
Local specialized companies organize guided tours to discover these ice caves. Experienced guides can safely lead you through the ice tunnels, explaining the history and formation of the caves.
The caves offer an impressive spectacle of translucent walls and stunning colors ranging from light blue to deep dark blue.
It is important to note that ice caves are extremely fragile and can collapse at any time, so guided tours are essential to ensure the safety of visitors. Additionally, ice caves are only accessible during the winter months, typically from November to March, when the glaciers are frozen and stable.
We begin the 6th day with a sunrise at Stokksnes, a peninsula located in southeast Iceland near the town of Höfn. This area is famous for its picturesque black sand beach, which provides stunning views of the Vestrahorn mountains.
The beach is one of Iceland's most famous black sand beaches, offering spectacular views of the iconic Vestrahorn mountains reflected in the calm waters of the sea. Photographers love to come here to capture incredible images of the mountains, black sand, and changing sky.
Stokksnes is such an awe-inspiring and magnificent place that it was worth making a brief drone video to capture its beauty!
Let's move on to a hiking adventure on the Vatnajökull glacier! This unique and exciting experience is not to be missed. Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier, covering an area of over 8,000 km². Hikers can explore the beauty and majesty of the glacier by taking part in guided tours.
It is important to note that glacier hiking is a risky activity that requires adequate preparation. Visitors should book a guided tour with a specialized company that will provide them with safety equipment and instructions on how to hike safely on the glacier.
During the hike, you will discover the incredible icy landscapes of Iceland, including ice ridges, crevasses, and icefalls. Ending the day here, with an amazing sunset was priceless !
On the seventh day, it's time to hit the road again and head back towards Reykjavik. We take our time on the road to admire the different landscapes, Icelandic horses, and experience the sensation of living through four seasons in one day! We are amazed by the beauty of it all, and we take advantage of it because our journey is coming to an end.
After a week-long adventure in Iceland, we arrived in Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in Iceland. Known for its unique landscapes, cultural festivals, lively nightlife, and delicious cuisine, Reykjavik is the northernmost city in the world.
Although I didn't take many photos (chill mode activated after a week of adventures !), I did manage to take some snapshots from the famous Hallgrímskirkja Church.
This Lutheran church is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most iconic buildings in Iceland. Designed by Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson in the 1930s, construction began in 1945 and was completed in 1986, taking over 40 years due to financial difficulties and design issues.
The church tower's distinctive shape, rising 73 meters, is inspired by the basalt columns frequently found in the country. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Reykjavik, providing a 360-degree panorama of the city and the surrounding nature.
After a week of adventure, we ended with a relaxing whale-watching boat tour. Unfortunately, we didn't have any luck, but it was still a lovely experience. We did manage to see some distant dolphins and numerous birds, and the stunning sunset provided a picturesque end to our Icelandic journey.
Hallgrimskirkja at blue hour !
After a few hours of rest, it's time to go to the airport !
I hope you had a great time exploring the south of Iceland. Personally, I absolutely loved my trip there. It's an amazing destination that provides a range of one-of-a-kind experiences. You're guaranteed to be awed by the region's natural beauty and to make unforgettable memories! It's a nature and adventure enthusiast's paradise, with awe-inspiring scenery that includes majestic waterfalls, active geysers, black sand beaches, immense glaciers, and ice caves - what more could you ask for?!
Iceland Tips
The local currency in Iceland is the Icelandic krona (ISK). Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's always useful to have some cash on hand.
The international dialing code for Iceland is +354. Make sure to activate international roaming if you wish to use your mobile phone.
Tap water in Iceland is drinkable and of very good quality. You can refill your water bottle from the natural sources you encounter.
Weather conditions in Iceland can be unpredictable and change quickly. It's advisable to check local weather forecasts before setting out.
Icelanders are known to be warm and welcoming people. Don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with them and ask for advice on discovering the best places to visit.
