Iceland - Land of Fire and Ice

Part 3 - Travelling north - Eastfjords to Akureyri

"Maybe the decision about what's best for everyone should be left to....well everyone" Samwell Tardy

Day 3 - A long travel day covering over 200 miles. We left our hotel and continued north on the east coast of Iceland. Austurland, as it is known in Icelandic, is characterized by small villages, dramatic coastlines, narrow fjords, waterfalls and mountains. This jagged coastline was carved out during the ice age. Nature is always close at hand and the scenery is breathtaking. The region is also known for its patchwork of lava caves, black sand beaches, traditional fishing villages, and herds of wild reindeer and flocks of chatty puffins.

Day 4 - After a wonderful night stay in the middle of nowhere, it was time to hit the road along the northern coast. It was cold and rainy as we approved our first stop at the Studlagil Canyon. Studlagil Canyon is located in the glacier valley called Jokuldalur. and is known for the large number of basalt rock columns and the stunning blue-green glacial river running through them. I wish I had a better photo, but it was so cold, windy and rainy that all I wanted to do is get back to the van.

The rain started to let up as we approached out next stop, Namaskard. This geothermal area of steamy mud puddles, sulfur scented steam and barren landscape was otherworldly. No vegetation grows on its slopes due to the heat beneath the earth and the acidity in the soil. This area comes alive with streaks of red, orange and yellow from underground elements.

One of the highlights of the north coast is a visit to the Lake Myvatn region, with its volcanic landscapes, craters, lava pillars, field and the warm geothermal waters of the Myvatn nature baths. Created as a result of a massive basaltic eruption and home to incredible geological features. The Nature Baths are heated by subterranean activity.

Godafoss waterfall, at 39 feet (12 meters) high and 98 feet (30 meters) wide, is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls. It has a half-circular shape of multiple streams of water falling into the fourth largest river in Iceland. This waterfall has a special place in Icelandic history which lives on in its name. This is the place where, after Iceland's conversion to Christianity, the last Pagan Chieftain known as Godi is said to have thrown his pagan idols of the Norse gods into this beautiful waterfall, which gave it its name, "Waterfall of Gods."

We finally arrived in the Akureyri, the Capital of the North in time for dinner at a local brewpub and a walk around town.