THE NORDIC SERIES, DAY 9
ICELAND
Waking up in a winter wonderland. We arrived at our hotel during the dark hours last night so we were in for a treat when we opened the curtains and everything was covered in snow.
Today was the first real day we learned about Icelands mini climates. The sun could be shining in one place and only a few hundred metres further there could be 6inches of fresh snow, it is unbelievable!
ELDHRAUN LAVA FIELDS
The snow certainly adds a bit of magic to the landscape but in the case of the Eldhraun Lava fields they were completely covered. Without the snow the formations and colour of the lava fields offer something completely unique in Iceland but it wasn’t to be our day.
Lava fields with and without snow. Apollo 11 came here to practice their moon walk
FJAÐRÁRGLJÚFUR CANYON
From here we headed to Fjaðrárgljúfur to visit a canyon thought to be over 2 million years old! Unlike the Lava Fields the snow would prove to work in our favour here. Although the canyon is stunning regardless it certainly added a little more to it! Tip – In the snow it isn’t possible to reach the car park without a 4×4 but it’s only a short walk from the sign which reads “4×4 only.”
If you walk away from the viewing platform you are able to get to the bottom of the canyon to experience a different perspective, it almost looks out of place as canyons are known to be so much longer.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – 100m deep, 2km long
ICELANDIC HORSES
Self driving around Iceland is the only way to go and there are surprises on every corner. First a stunning vista and river right next to the road and then shortly after we met the famous Icelandic horses which are incredibly friendly and happy to receive some fresh grass from the other side of the fence.
FOSSHOTEL
Now driving further east we stopped at a little quaint church with its turfed roof. These are all normal buildings for the locals but will continue to grab my attention every time we drive past. We are staying at Fosshotel tonight and tomorrow which is a welcome change to always changing hotels. It’s a great hotel on the main road, ideal place to stay in this part of the island.
FJALLSARLON LAGOON
As there was still a few hours until sunset we decided to head to Fjallsarlon and Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoons and then Diamond Beach for sunset. Now due to the relentless snow the previous night there was 8inches of untouched snow around Fjallsarlon and not 1 other person, so you could imagine the look on the chaps face when we told him we were here to walk the trail – you couldn’t even see the trail!
JOKULSARLON LAGOON
Fjallsarlon is just a baby compared to Joksarlon and we done it the right way around. The glacier lagoon here is pretty impressive and the colours are magnificent. Although we didn’t get the best weather, the clouds and low lying fog again gave us something unique.
DIAMOND BEACH
If you want to avoid the tourists at sunset on Diamond Beach then go there when it’s completely overcast and thus no sunset! Yes hardly ideal but we knew Iceland’s weather is temperamental in the summer let alone November! We were able to enjoy it for what it was as Dad had brought Gin and Tonic, not all heros wear capes!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I suppose each and every day in Iceland gets better.
NEXT UP
The most insane view of a Glacier and a long drive to Stokksness! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
138/229
This post is part of The Nordic Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
