Fire, Ice, and “Mrs.”: A day that smells of sulfur and ends in a thermal bath

Anyone who thinks a road trip through Iceland is just cold, gray, and quiet has definitely never tried to snag a seat on the bus in “Mallorca style” in the morning. Between fjord views, mosquito legends, and international encounters, this day turned into a wild mix of natural wonders, including a teacher who is simply called “Mrs.”
Day 4: From Akureyri to Egilsstaðir
After a breakfast with a phenomenal view of the fjord, we started our day unusually relaxed – departure at 9 AM! Almost like sleeping in. We strategically used this rare calm phase: in tried-and-true “Mallorca style,” we first secured the best seats on the bus.
Our first stop took us to the impressive Goðafoss waterfall, where we unexpectedly met a student group from Kentucky that had also been staying at our hotel. The evening before, we had chatted with their German teacher from Bregenz – at the bar. So it happened that the D-A-CH region suddenly gathered in the middle of Iceland. Especially charming: The students simply call their teacher “Mrs.” So it might be said: “Go and talk to Mrs.”
Next, we headed to Mývatn, the so-called “Mosquito Lake.” With its 37 square kilometers, it is impressively large – today, however, mostly frozen. A clear advantage, because in summer there are said to be so many mosquitoes here that without a net, you hardly have a chance. Conveniently, the local supermarket sells just those nets.
The landscape then became increasingly surreal: In the lava labyrinth, we felt like we were on another planet before we arrived in Hverarönd – a geothermal area full of bubbling mud pits and steaming fumaroles, from which sulfur gas rises. The smell? Let’s say… it takes some getting used to. But right here, we also ran into Sandra from Kentucky again – phone numbers were exchanged; after all, Iceland connects people.
Around 5 PM, we finally reached our hotel. But resting was not an option yet: We quickly grabbed our bathing gear and headed to Vök Bath, a geothermal thermal bath right by the lake. Warm water, cold air, a drink at the bar – the perfect spot to bring body and mind back into balance.
Now we will let the evening wind down – with a three-course meal where cod takes center stage. Tired, full, and full of impressions, we will later fall into bed. And one thing is for sure: Iceland surprises us anew every day.

#stay tuned