Жарияланды: 23.07.2023
Today is the Day of Waterfalls. The journey starts at +8°C on the coast in the far north, the morning is young and the clouds are still sitting on the land. This makes the lava fields appear even more mystical, I can sense the trolls and elves.
Further inland, the clouds clear and the drive goes well. I refuel daily, just so I don't have to think about it anymore. There are mostly fuel stations with card payment systems. Sometimes there is a larger kiosk, good for warm coffee.
Selfoss and Dettifoss are the first two waterfalls I visit today. I approach them on the country road and can already see the spray swirling above the basalt field.
The two waterfalls are in an area where gray basalt determines the color scheme. Everywhere there are angular gray large and small stones. No, they are not lying. They are the foundation, the ground, from which this area consists.
Selfoss drops about 10 m of water, Dettifoss is higher and the water masses fall here 44 m deep. I am very impressed.
The path to both waterfalls is a 4 km circular route. I complete it in full winter gear - about 8kg more than usual. Without a helmet and gloves. I noticed that 😉
Afterwards, I let Hildegard do the work and she takes me to a puffin cliff. The view of a bay with beautiful turquoise water of the North Atlantic seems to have brought her to a stop after all the basalt gray. I enjoy the flock of birds, some of them flew close by. They are curious too...
In Húsavik, apart from the opportunity to go whale watching, there is also lunch. I leave the whales alone.
Now I am rested and strengthened again. The end of today's stage in the Eyjadalur Valley is getting closer. But before that, I will visit the Goðafoss. Unlike in the morning, the water here flows through a green landscape. Beautiful. The sound of the water is powerful and constant. The banks of the river show magnificent basalt figures.
Now comes the final stretch, towards the Eyjadalur Valley. There, after about 20 km of driving on a good solid road, my accommodation for today is located. The road reminds me of the ones in Siberia (only here on Iceland the potholes are tiny), or as they can be seen in movies elsewhere in the far north. But the real off-road stuff is not for us 😅
A good room awaits me at Kiðagil Gistiheimili (Guesthouse), as everywhere until now. This time even with an attached restaurant.