Things to see and do in the area.
There are endless of things to see and do in the area. Here below are few suggestions for day tours from my Ranch.
Glacier Day
Today you will head farther east, checking out Vatnajökull Glacier the largest glacier in Europe, you will see Icebergs, waterfalls and black sand beaches.
Here is a link to google maps route:
maps.app.goo.gl/9i9PGbozw9gnrtVo8
Here is a link to google maps route:
maps.app.goo.gl/9i9PGbozw9gnrtVo8
Highlights of the day
Dverghamrar.
Dverghamrar (Dwarf Rocks), just east of Foss, is a peculiar and beautiful columnar basalt formation. On top of the columns, there is cube-jointed basalt. The landscape is thought to have been molded at the end of the Ice Age. The sea level was higher at that time, and it is believed that the waves caused the peculiar look of the rocks. Dverghamrar is a protected natural monument. |
Skaftafell, Part of the area around Skaftafell was formally declared a national park in 1967, and since 2008 has been part of Vatnajökull National Park. Natural beauty, favorable weather conditions, and a selection of hiking trails make Skaftafell an ideal destination for those who like to enjoy outdoor activities in Icelandic nature. There's a trail for everyone at every skill level. On the national parks website you can see different hiking paths available. My personal favorite path to take is to walk up to the beautiful waterfall Svartifoss.
See more information here: www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en/areas/skaftafell |
Possible add on activityOne great activity available in Skaftafell is to do a Glacier walk. I recommend doing the blue-ice experience with Icelandic Mountain guides. See more here:
www.mountainguides.is/tour/blue-ice-glacier-walk |
Food optionsThere are not a lot of options when it comes to food in this area, you have food trucks both in Skaftafell national park and also by the Glacier Lagoon. Also simple buffet style restaurant at Fjallsárlón glacier Lagoon. My personal favorite is the lobster roll in the Local Langoustine food truck by the Glacier Lagoon.
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Glacier Lagoon / Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon by the ring road and was recently designated as a part of Vatnajökull National Park. It's still blue waters are a sight not to be missed, as it is dotted with icebergs from the edge of Breiðamerkurjökull, a part of the Vatnajökull glacier. The lagoon flows through a narrow gateway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving the spectacular sight of the large chunks of ice on the black sandy beach. In wintertime, the fish-filled lagoon hosts a number of seals, which visit the lagoon for an easy meal.
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Diamond beach, Next to Jökulsárlón is a less-known attraction within Vatnajökull National Park named -Fellsfjara (Eystri-Fellsfjara on the eastern side of the river and Vestri-Fellsfjara on the western side), which are fields of sand that get strewn with chunks of glacial ice, carried along the river Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi, towards the sea and then sent back upon the sands by the tides. The diamond-like pieces of glaciers create a mesmerizing atmosphere in the close mist that often visits the beach.
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Possible add on activityI recommend taking a zodiac boat tour on a neighbouring glacier lagoon called Fjallsárlón.
See more here: fjallsarlon.is/iceberg-boat-tours/classic-boat-tour/ |
Back to the Ranch
Head back to the Ranch after a long memorable day, you might want to break up the drive by stopping for dinner in the town Kirkjubæjarklaustur.