Second séjour en Islande

HVÍTSERKUR ROCK - THE TROLL OF NORTHWEST ICELANDLocation:65.60370, -20.63968 Parking
65.60587, -20.63732 Viewpoint 1
65.60589, -20.63663 Viewpoint 2
65.59740, -20.62890 SealsThis rock is located in Húnaflói Bay in northern Iceland. Standing 15 meters tall, it rises near the shore of a beautiful long beach.Erosion has shaped the rock into a strange form. In fact, legend has it that it’s a troll that was paralyzed and turned to stone by the rays of the rising sun as it was about to attack the Thingeyrar monastery.The Icelandic name for this rock means "white shirt" because of the many droppings left by nesting birds.Near the parking area, there’s a small trail leading to an observation point at the top of the cliff. There are also several paths leading to the beach. Be careful, as the slope can be steep and slippery in some spots.Heading to the right, you might spot seals lounging by the water’s edge. However, we didn’t see any during our visit, unlike our first trip to Iceland when we were able to observe them in this very spot.

GISLAHELLIR (GISLI'S CAVE)Location: 65.5502, -23.1354 A short trail leads to the small cave of Gíslahellir west of Fossá, where the Öskjudalur valley begins. Legend has it that the outlaw Gísli Súrsson lived here for some time.It’s actually an underground rocky cave with an entrance through a sort of hole. So, anyone wanting to go in has to slide in feet first.The cave seems to be very dark, but the opening lets in a glimmer of light. We didn’t try the experience ourselves.

DYNJANDI (FJALLFOSS) - ONE OF ICELAND'S MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS65.73660, -23.20970 ParkingThe last 30 kilometers to reach this series of waterfalls are unpaved. However, the road is easily accessible. Just check the weather before heading there.It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in Iceland.Dynjandi is a waterfall that, at first, flows down the rocky cliff like a bridal veil. It then spills into a small lagoon before splitting into several other equally stunning falls (Bæjarfoss, Hundafoss, Kvíslarfoss, Hrísvaðsfoss, Göngumannafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss, and Hæstahjallafoss).

HELLULAUG (NATURAL HOT WATER POOL)Location:65.57744, -23.15950 Parking
65.57716, -23.15956 Pool (free)Hellulaug hot spring is a small, secluded geothermal pool located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. It’s about 60 cm deep.It’s not visible from the road, but you can spot the parking area right by the roadside.The pool is open year-round and there’s no entry fee. However, there’s a donation box in the parking lot, and small contributions are encouraged to help with maintenance costs.The pool’s water is naturally heated by geothermal activity and stays around 38°C all year. There are no changing rooms or showers.Its location at the mouth of Vatnsfjordur fjord offers a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean.

STYKKISHÓLMUR - PORT OF STYKKISHÓLMSHÖFNLocation:5.079670, -22.72437 Parking
65.07997, -22.72323 Viewpoint 1
65.08026, -22.72331 Lighthouse
65.08078, -22.72181 Viewpoint 2Stykkishólmur is the largest town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. There’s a small islet that protects the harbor from bad weather. A 650-meter loop trail runs past the little orange lighthouse that stands at the very top of this islet.The colorful houses brighten up the landscape, which is often darkened by gray skies. In the distance, you can spot a building with a futuristic look—it’s the Stykkishólmur church.

KIRKJUFELL & KIRKJUFELLSFOSSLocation:64.92770, -23.31310 Parking
64.92615, -23.31234 Kirkjufellsfoss
64.93980, -23.30750 KirkjufellGrundarfjörður is a small town located in the northern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland.It has two major tourist attractions: a stunning waterfall (Kirkjufellsfoss) and a mountain (Kirkjufell) whose shape resembles that of a church.

ÓLAFSVÍK - BUGFOSSLocation: 64.8844, -23.6442Bugsfoss is a long and beautiful waterfall located near the town of Ólafsvík on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland.You can also see another waterfall to the right of Bugsfoss.They’re visible from the main road. However, it’s possible to get closer to Bugsfoss.Just drive about 300 m down the side road and park by the side of the path. From there, a short hike takes you to the base of the waterfall.

BASALT COLUMNS OF LÓNDRANGARLocation:64.73755, -23.77592 Parking
64.73510, -23.77430 Viewpoint 1
64.73470, -23.77760 Viewpoint 2We follow a walkway that takes us to a promontory by the sea.Lóndrangar consists of two basalt rocks named Kristnidrangur (Christian pillar) and Heiðnidrangur (Pagan pillar). These rocks are the remains of an ancient volcanic cone eroded by the ocean.The waves constantly cover the base of the cliffs with a perpetual back-and-forth motion. When the waves retreat, small waterfalls emerge here and there through the rocks. It’s truly spectacular!

ARNARSTAPILocation:64.76635, -23.62791 Parking
64.76563, -23.62713 Bárður Snæfellsás (statue)
64.76550, -23.62189 Gatklettur (arch)
64.76733, -23.61691 Natural bridge
64.77039, -23.62122 HarborBack in 2015, we hiked the trail from Hellnar to Arnarstapi. Here’s a glimpse in this video:The trail follows the coast through strange rock formations, and you can spot several basalt arches and sinkholes along the way.However, during our second visit, the weather was absolutely awful. The wind was incredibly strong, and the rain was pouring down.So, we decided to drive straight to Arnarstapi and take a short hike to see the main attractions nearby: its picturesque harbor, Gatklettur (basalt arch), Bárður Snæfellsás (stone statue), and a natural bridge right by the ocean.

YTRI-TUNGA FARM - SEAL WATCHINGLocation:64.80376, -23.08104 Parking
64.80270, -23.08000 Seal watching on the beach (low tide)We stopped at Ytri-Tunga farm. This place is really well-known for seal watching.

HOT SPRING OF DEILDARTUNGUHVERLocation:64.66362, -21.41057 Deildartunguhver
64.66451, -21.41135 Krauma SpaThis is a hot spring (100°C) and the most powerful in Europe. The Icelanders built an aqueduct system to bring this water to nearby towns and use it as a heating system (geothermal energy).The site isn’t very large, but it’s pretty impressive. The water escapes through the rocks and flows into a small stream. It’s so hot that it bubbles and spurts like a fountain.The steam that rises from it, however, carries a strong rotten-egg smell—that’s just the sulfur.You’ll also find Krauma Spa, where the hot water comes directly from Deildartunguhver. This place has six baths in total (five hot and one cold) and also offers dining services.

HRAUNFOSSAR & BARNAFOSSLocation:64.70164, -20.97867 Parking
64.70220, -20.97800 Viewpoint 1
64.70225, -20.97523 Viewpoint 2
64.70228, -20.97405 Viewpoint 3
64.70165, -20.97398 Viewpoint 4
64.70151, -20.97384 Viewpoint 5
64.70118, -20.97703 Hraunfossar Restaurant–CaféThe Hraunfossar waterfall is made up of countless small cascades that flow beneath a lava field and emerge to empty into the Hvítá River. It’s absolutely stunning!The Barnafoss waterfall stands out for its power. Its waters are tumultuous as they wind through a narrow passage created by erosion.Barnafoss means "Children’s Waterfall." The name is said to come from the deaths of two children who tried to cross an arch over the river.There’s a trail on each side of the river, as well as several promontories that let you see the site from different angles.

Hi Géraldine,Thanks for your comment. I hope you have an amazing trip to Iceland.Anne

VISITING REYKJAVIKReykjavik is a small city that’s easy to explore on foot. There are lovely trails around Tjörnin Lake.The streets are lined with charming, colorful little houses. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars.There’s also a long promenade along the sea. That’s where you can admire the Sun Voyager, an art piece representing a Viking ship.

REYKJAVIK - WHALE SAFARI - WHALE WATCHINGLocation: 64.15150, -21.94418We went on an excursion with Whale Safari to observe whales. The departure is from the old harbor in downtown Reykjavik.Their RIB boats are designed to get closer to whales, dolphins, and puffins in Faxaflói Bay. They can accommodate 12 passengers per boat, and each boat has an expert whale-watching guide and a captain on board.During this sea tour with perfect conditions (sunny skies and no waves), we spotted the following species: humpback whale, minke whale, white-beaked dolphin, harbor porpoise, and several bird species.Thanks to Captain Öddi and guide Pedro for this amazing adventure!

RAUFARHOLSHELLIR LAVA TUNNELLocation: 63.93966, -21.39595Raufarhólshellir is one of Iceland’s longest lava tunnels. Located just 30 minutes from Reykjavík, it’s easily accessible year-round. Plus, tours leave every hour during the day.Equipped with a helmet and headlamp, we set off with a guide who shows us some of the tunnel’s most interesting features.Raufarhólshellir is a lava tunnel formed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5,200 years ago.The tunnel’s total length is 1,360 meters, with the main tunnel stretching 900 meters.Near the tunnel’s entrance, the ceiling has collapsed, creating three beautiful columns of light inside.The inside of the tunnel is stunning and very colorful.

LAC GÍGVATNSVATN (GREEN LAKE/GRAENEVATN)63.88276, -22.05691 ParkingThis lake is located very close to the Seltún geothermal site. An explosion is said to have formed a crater that then filled with water. The water is a beautiful turquoise color.There’s a trail that lets you walk around the lake.

GEOTHERMAL SITE OF SELTÚN (KRÝSUVÍK)Location:63.89585, -22.05274 Parking
63.89300, -22.06720 Hverafjall SummitOn the information sign at the entrance to the site, it states that this geothermal area has boiling mud pools and steam vents. The Earth's heat exceeds 200°C at a depth of 1,000 meters.Wooden walkways have been installed to explore the site, and there are observation points on several levels. It's crucial not to stray from the marked path due to the risk of burns.The ground displays intense colors that make the site so beautiful. You can observe hot springs and mud pots, all accompanied by a strong sulfur smell.There’s also a trail leading to the top of the mountain. The slope is quite steep, but the effort is rewarded when you reach the summit. The view is stunning.On one side, you can see, among other things, the emerald-green Lake Gígvatnsvatn, and on the other, you get a panoramic view of the geothermal site with the ocean in the background.

LAC KLEIFARVATN63.92992, -21.99464 ParkingLake Kleifarvatn is one of Iceland’s largest and deepest lakes. The lake is surrounded by beautiful black sand beaches.

BLUE LAGOON THERMAL STATIONLocation:63.88184, -22.45329 Parking
63.88190, -22.45318 Start of the 900 m loop trail
63.88135, -22.44797 Small bridge
63.88045, -22.44918 Toward the parking lotFree outside the site. There’s a lagoon right in the middle of a lava field near the thermal station.