Last Updated on 18.08.2023 by Iliyan
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Day 2: From Seljalandsfoss to Reynisfjara
Setting aside the amazing emotions and impression from our first day, we kept going looking for new ones. Our idea was to see as many landmarks as possible during our trip. We took camp and spend the night right across the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where there is a parking.
Seljalandsfoss
One of the most famous and photographed waterfalls in Iceland is Seljalandsfoss. It is located in the south part of the country and is part of the Seljalandsá River, originating from the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This is the only waterfall in the whole country, which you can walk behind and feel the graciously falling water cascade. Keep in mind that it can be slippery and very wet. The water falls at about 60 metres, which ranks it amongst the highest in the country. The view from behind the waterfall to the whole area is picturesque and charming.
Very near Seljalandsfoss hides another picturesque waterfall which I recommend you visiting.
Gljúfrafoss
Gljúfrafoss is hidden in a cave, located in a cracked cliff, which gives it a mystical aura. The cave is almost entirely covered in thin green moss, thanks to the constant humidity. Initially it was hard to figure out how to enter exactly, but I finally figured out that you are supposed to go between the cliffs by stepping on the tiny rocks in the water. The view was definitely worth it, even though I managed to get wet.
After visiting these two waterfalls we headed for the next one. On the way we made a few stops to admire Iceland’s breathtaking nature. The views were mind-boggling and at times we did not want to leave at all.
Skogafoss
Skogafoss is the next fantastic waterfall, which is located 40 minutes away by car from the previous two. When you reach it you will see the perfectly proportional powerful 60-meter water curtain that is about 25 metres wide. You can almost walk right to it, but you need to be careful because you risk getting wet.
We did not skip going to the top of the waterfall and walking along the river bank. Unfortunately, we had to finish the walk quickly, because it suddenly started snowing and a very strong wind appeared. We headed to the next places we wanted to visit while the weather still allowed it.
The Sólheimarsandur airplane wreck
In 1973 a Douglas DC-3 C 117 plane, belonging to the navy fleet crashed at the black beach in Sólheimarsandur on the southern shore of Iceland. Thankfully everyone on the plane survived. With time the fallen plane became one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. To get there you would need to walk around 45 minutes in that direction.
If you have more time you can even walk to the ocean.
Kirkjufjara beach
This beach is charming and beautiful, but also very dangerous. At the moment access there is restricted because of the dangerous waves, strong wind and danger of earth masses collapsing. Despite this the view from the top of the cliff is really beautiful and worth a visit.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a naturally formed arch, located only at the coast of the sea. The place is famous for its 120-metre coastal area and the wonderful view to the south coastline of Iceland. Here you can enjoy the extraordinary rock formations and the endless black beach sands.
Reynishverfi Basalt Column
After a short trip you would get to Reynisfjara. When you get to the beach the first thing you would see are the mind-blowing hexagonal basalt columns. They were formed as a result of the cooling of the lava from the volcano erruption.
This beach is considered the most beautiful example of a black sand beach in Iceland. In 1991 National Geographic named Reynisfjara one of the must visit top 10 non-tropical beaches on the planet.
This was the last place which we visited during this extraordinary day. We chose a random place on the way to spend the night, to recharge our batteries and get ready for the next day.
2 Comments
hi, where do you stay in the south iceland?
i have difficulty finding affordable accomodation here
Hi Thomas,
Unfortunately I can’t help you. We rented a motorhome and slept in it.