On Day 6, we continued around the Ring Road from Mývatn to Hvammstangi and stopped at Goðafoss (which I will touch on at the end of this post), Hvítserkur in Vatnsnes (a peninsula in Northern Iceland) and lastly Kolugljúfur Canyon.
We drove through Vatnsnes, popped out of the car to take a peek at Hvítserkur which is this incredible sea stack and rock formation sticking out of the water and then head to Hvammstangi and explored Kolugljúfur Canyon. Initially, Kolugljúfur Canyon wasn't part of the itinerary but after realizing the infamous Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in South East Iceland was closed for restoration, we decided to check out Kolugljúfur. And we are so glad we did! The Kolugljúfur waterfall rushes down into a deep canyon, it was so beautiful and majestic. The best part was that we had the entire place to ourselves! And to be honest, I was a little bit nervous standing on that cliff in the middle of the canyon (the first/main photo in this post). I wasn't too close to the edge or anything (I knew better) and I am a rock climber so I am used to being high up on a cliff but it was windy and just being up high and wide open I just felt vulnerable (but incredible)! The sun began to set and we headed back to Hvammstangi Cottages and rested for the night...
Iceland Day 6: Hvammstangi (Kolugljúfur Canyon and Waterfall), Vatnsnes (Hvítserkur), and Goðafoss
September 12, 2019
On Day 6, we continued around the Ring Road from Mývatn to Hvammstangi and stopped at Goðafoss (which I will touch on at the end of this post), Hvítserkur in Vatnsnes (a peninsula in Northern Iceland) and lastly Kolugljúfur Canyon.
We drove through Vatnsnes, popped out of the car to take a peek at Hvítserkur which is this incredible sea stack and rock formation sticking out of the water and then head to Hvammstangi and explored Kolugljúfur Canyon. Initially, Kolugljúfur Canyon wasn't part of the itinerary but after realizing the infamous Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in South East Iceland was closed for restoration, we decided to check out Kolugljúfur. And we are so glad we did! The Kolugljúfur waterfall rushes down into a deep canyon, it was so beautiful and majestic. The best part was that we had the entire place to ourselves! And to be honest, I was a little bit nervous standing on that cliff in the middle of the canyon (the first/main photo in this post). I wasn't too close to the edge or anything (I knew better) and I am a rock climber so I am used to being high up on a cliff but it was windy and just being up high and wide open I just felt vulnerable (but incredible)! The sun began to set and we headed back to Hvammstangi Cottages and rested for the night...
One of the things I anticipated most during my travel in Iceland was staying at Hvammstangi Cottages. A tiny house in the middle of nowhere with knotty pine, vaulted ceiling, and cozy vibes, When we pulled up, it was exactly as described. Yes, these cottages are tiny but each one has everything you need. A kitchenette equipped with a stove, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, and toaster. Coffee and tea were also included! It was just the two of us but the cottage could fit up to 4 people. There was also a private bathroom and shower inside the cottage.We enjoyed sipping tea on the porch until it got cold, and then we would watch the sunset through the window. It was simple but you know, sometimes the simpler things are the finer things. Thank you Hvammstangi Cottages for hosting us! I would love to come back in the wintertime and experience this in the snow, I can just imagine how beautiful and magical that must be!
Hvammstangi Cottage, Hvammstangi, Iceland
September 10, 2019
One of the things I anticipated most during my travel in Iceland was staying at Hvammstangi Cottages. A tiny house in the middle of nowhere with knotty pine, vaulted ceiling, and cozy vibes, When we pulled up, it was exactly as described. Yes, these cottages are tiny but each one has everything you need. A kitchenette equipped with a stove, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, and toaster. Coffee and tea were also included! It was just the two of us but the cottage could fit up to 4 people. There was also a private bathroom and shower inside the cottage.We enjoyed sipping tea on the porch until it got cold, and then we would watch the sunset through the window. It was simple but you know, sometimes the simpler things are the finer things. Thank you Hvammstangi Cottages for hosting us! I would love to come back in the wintertime and experience this in the snow, I can just imagine how beautiful and magical that must be!
On Day 5, we left Egilsstaðir and continued north to Mývatn. We stopped by the massive Dettifoss on the way there but I will talk about that at the end of this post instead of the beginning. First thing first... Mývatn! When we drove into Mývatn, the terrain suddenly became Mars like or what I imagine Mars would look like, and the air was filled with sulfur. That is because this is a highly volcanic and geothermal area. We spent the day exploring Hverir, Hverfjall, Grjótagjá, and Dimmuborgir before ending the day at Mývatn Nature Baths.
Iceland Day 5: Mývatn (Hverir, Hverfjall, Grjótagjá, Dimmuborgir and Mývatn Nature Baths) and Dettifoss
August 28, 2019
On Day 5, we left Egilsstaðir and continued north to Mývatn. We stopped by the massive Dettifoss on the way there but I will talk about that at the end of this post instead of the beginning. First thing first... Mývatn! When we drove into Mývatn, the terrain suddenly became Mars like or what I imagine Mars would look like, and the air was filled with sulfur. That is because this is a highly volcanic and geothermal area. We spent the day exploring Hverir, Hverfjall, Grjótagjá, and Dimmuborgir before ending the day at Mývatn Nature Baths.
Wow I didn't realize how much we did (and saw) on Day 4 until I started going through all the photos. So, if you are reading this, be prepared for a real long blog post with tons of photos! After a restful night in Hoffell, we embarked on our journey to Seyðisfjörður. Our first stop along the way was Hvalnes. Hvalnes is a small peninsula where you will find a black pebble beach, an old yet picturesque orange lighthouse, and the infamous "horny mountains" (Vestrahorn, Eystrahorn and Brunnhorn) in the background. The great thing about Iceland is that once you are outside of Reykjavík and Golden Circle, you rarely see anyone around, and even less as you head east. We had Hvalnes all to ourselves and it was so beautiful. One thing to note though is once you spot the lighthouse, be on the look out for the pull off area to the right where you can safely park because once you pass it, it's hard to turn around. We missed it and there was nowhere to turn around, we tried making a u-turn on the narrow road and drove off onto the black pebbles and almost got stuck! So be careful!
We drove another hour and a half or so and arrived at Egilsstaðir where we were staying for the night. We grabbed a bite to eat, had some coffee, and checked into our hotel before driving through Fjarðarheiði mountain pass over to Seyðisfjörður. Fjarðarheiði has an elevation of over 2,000 ft above sea level, therefore it was very cold and snowy up there. We stopped and took some photos in the snow and in the middle of the road.
Iceland Day 4: Hvalnes, Egilsstaðir, and Seyðisfjörður (Gufufoss and Tvísöngur)
August 16, 2019
Wow I didn't realize how much we did (and saw) on Day 4 until I started going through all the photos. So, if you are reading this, be prepared for a real long blog post with tons of photos! After a restful night in Hoffell, we embarked on our journey to Seyðisfjörður. Our first stop along the way was Hvalnes. Hvalnes is a small peninsula where you will find a black pebble beach, an old yet picturesque orange lighthouse, and the infamous "horny mountains" (Vestrahorn, Eystrahorn and Brunnhorn) in the background. The great thing about Iceland is that once you are outside of Reykjavík and Golden Circle, you rarely see anyone around, and even less as you head east. We had Hvalnes all to ourselves and it was so beautiful. One thing to note though is once you spot the lighthouse, be on the look out for the pull off area to the right where you can safely park because once you pass it, it's hard to turn around. We missed it and there was nowhere to turn around, we tried making a u-turn on the narrow road and drove off onto the black pebbles and almost got stuck! So be careful!
We drove another hour and a half or so and arrived at Egilsstaðir where we were staying for the night. We grabbed a bite to eat, had some coffee, and checked into our hotel before driving through Fjarðarheiði mountain pass over to Seyðisfjörður. Fjarðarheiði has an elevation of over 2,000 ft above sea level, therefore it was very cold and snowy up there. We stopped and took some photos in the snow and in the middle of the road.
After traveling from Vík, stopping at multiples place and had dinner over in Höfn, it was nearly 10pm when we arrived at Glacier World Guesthouse in Hoffell. We walked to the entrance and OMG IT'S LOCKED! Before I could even think about what to do next, a car approached. A nice man came up to us and opened the door. Apparently he was looking out his window occasionally waiting for our arrival! How nice! It was late so we checked in and went to sleep. The next morning WE WOKE UP TO SNOW! ON A FARM! WITH HORSES! I grew up in California so snow is a rare sight and quite magical for me. On top of that I've been looking for horses since arriving in Iceland (you will see more horses as you go north). So yeah, needless to say I was pretty darn excited! We watched the snow fall over a delicious breakfast (talk about farm to table!) and then had the pleasure to tour the property with Fríða (daughter of this family-run guesthouse). She shared with us her family history and the story of Hoffell (we found out the kind man who opened the door for us was her father!) Before checking out and continuing our journey northeast, we stopped by the geothermal hot tubs down the road (these are free if you are a guest at Glacier World Guesthouse) and checked out the horses. They were so friendly and came right up to us! Overall, we love this minimal yet cozy little guesthouse in the middle of nowhere and thank you Fríða and your family for such hospitality!
Glacier World Guesthouse, Hoffell, Iceland
August 6, 2019
After traveling from Vík, stopping at multiples place and had dinner over in Höfn, it was nearly 10pm when we arrived at Glacier World Guesthouse in Hoffell. We walked to the entrance and OMG IT'S LOCKED! Before I could even think about what to do next, a car approached. A nice man came up to us and opened the door. Apparently he was looking out his window occasionally waiting for our arrival! How nice! It was late so we checked in and went to sleep. The next morning WE WOKE UP TO SNOW! ON A FARM! WITH HORSES! I grew up in California so snow is a rare sight and quite magical for me. On top of that I've been looking for horses since arriving in Iceland (you will see more horses as you go north). So yeah, needless to say I was pretty darn excited! We watched the snow fall over a delicious breakfast (talk about farm to table!) and then had the pleasure to tour the property with Fríða (daughter of this family-run guesthouse). She shared with us her family history and the story of Hoffell (we found out the kind man who opened the door for us was her father!) Before checking out and continuing our journey northeast, we stopped by the geothermal hot tubs down the road (these are free if you are a guest at Glacier World Guesthouse) and checked out the horses. They were so friendly and came right up to us! Overall, we love this minimal yet cozy little guesthouse in the middle of nowhere and thank you Fríða and your family for such hospitality!
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