SMALL BUT FASCINATING ICELAND - PART 3

The road was long and our trip was far from the end. We drove over 3000 km around Iceland during the whole journey. And I would say that it was definitely challenging. Why? I will tell you later or even better, I will show you.

Broad, wholesome views of landscapes cannot be acquired by living in one little corner of the earth so we were trevelling to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach which is very popular among tourists because of its beautiful cliffs placed in ascending way. Of paramount importance you try to get there, to touch if they are real. These basalt columns resembling a rocky step pyramid and it is called Hálsanef. The view is amazing and moreover, you can find there small Icelandic birds – puffins. They were sitting and flying all around the rock.

​Further there are rocks out in the sea. The back sand and pebble combined with white waves was fascinating and I had that desire to wallow in all that beauty. Many people were there and it would be better to come as early as you can. It was so nice and unusual so we spent there some time.

Also it’s vitally important to know that the waves at Reynisfjara are especially strong and unpredictable. I didn’t know that when we were there, but still people are advised to take extra care when visiting this area. Unfortunately, some fatal accidents have occurred at this beach even this year. ​

We stayed several days in camping in Vik. The area of camping is huge and picturesque, but the village is really small, but still you can find local supermarket Kjarval there and even alko market Vinbudin. The population of this village is around 300 people who can enjoy this breathtaking view and black sand beach the whole year. Here you can see the view from the hill with a church.

​During our trip from time to time we just had to stop and make a photo. Landscape was changing so dramatically while we were driving. So, obvious conclusion to be drawn – you cannot miss it. Lava fields. No way.

​The sheeps in Iceland are everywhere, especially near the road. That is the main reason why it is so hard to drive. Be careful while driving because you are a guest and they are the citizens here. They do not scare of you. But you should, because none of the insurance will cover your loss.
If you recognize the old song you do understand what I mean: 

​There is nothing better to behold
Than for friends to roam around the world
And close friends the hardship do not fear
All the road they are sure to find dear.
"The Bremen Town Musicians" [Бременские музыканты] - USSR, 1969

We often stopped to see some beautiful waterfalls near the road. Or we turned our car in sign direction just to see something more. And you always can find something unique especially when there is some red sign (for example, two days ago we found Urridafoss) but you need to have unlimited time and energy to visit all the places. You have to prioritize, even when you don’t want to. 

​Sometimes there is no sign, so you can just enjoy the waterfall and make a picture without even knowing its name.

You know, it would be highly beneficial to have self-driving car and take pleasure in observing the surroundings. The road is spectacular and I would better have a drink and relax rather than drive.

Then we travelled to Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park. It’s nice huge park if you have a desire to hike. There are different roads and you will see formidable views. We walked a lot there around 10-15 km I think.

One of the most popular sightseeing in the park is Svartifoss waterfall. It is surrounded by dark lava columns, which gave rise to its name. It’s my favorite waterfall in Iceland!

​When we got further, the view has changed so you can see some new heights to achieve.

​On the road we found some food – bilberry. And I was very glad to gather it and eat.

And finally we reached Skaftefel - a huge glaciers include Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull. Where you also can discover the wonderful glacier tongue and its amazing landscape. There are some tours for example in Activity Iceland, where you can find guides to explore a wonderful glacier through amazing hike.

​The scope is huge and you are so little in front of the nature.

​And you know, it’s only the fifth day :)
​
Iceland is like a great book. When you turning each page, you don’t know what to expect, but that is the reason why you are so engaged in reading.

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​Related articles:​

• 8 REASONS TO VISIT ICELAND AND FELL IN LOVE WITH HER

• SMALL BUT FASCINATING ICELAND - PART 1
• SMALL BUT FASCINATING ICELAND - PART 2