When travelling in June you can't not love all those long daylight hours which gain you so much time for discovering more places.
Road Hoefn - Dettifoss
If you did not notice already when planning your time on the road in Iceland you will never get it right? Not because Google Maps is not accurate, but because the landscape is so incredibly pretty that you will fall in love with it and would like to stop every second minute.
The road led us to a shortcut which offered stunning views and a little bit of off-road (road 939)
and then we went up
Our google maps were not working as internet was off so we used maps.me (which is excellent don't get me wrong, I'll always recommend them), but it guided us on Road 864 which brings you on the right hand side of the waterfall if you look into the direction of the water flow
Road 864 is an experience and it is totally ground and if you try to go faster than 60 you won't see a thing as all the dust is rising. Overtaking is nearly impossible in some parts. The advantage of this road is that most of the tourists would be on the other side so you have more space for yourself.
The other alternative is as google maps presents is Road 862 (in blue on the map on the right), which we read it should be better. I would not be able to give you details of the view as we decided not to go also for the view on the other end. |
Dettifoss
not very tall "only" 44 m and with 100 m width Dettifoss impresses through the volume discharge, having an average water flow of 193 m3/s."
the video gives a good overview of its power. Below a picture of the formed canyon.
the funny thing was that close to the parking you still had snow around while next to the waterfall it was quite warm.
Namafjall Geothermal
Namafjall is a high-temperature geothermal area with fumaroles and mud pots. At a depth of 1000 m, the temperature is above 200 degrees Celsius. Along with the steam comes fumarole gas, such as hydrogen sulfide which is responsible for the characteristic hot spring smell in these areas. The hot springs produces considerable sulfur deposits. In previous centuries sulfur was mined in Iceland to produce gun powder.
There are singes around stating: Unsafe soil and high temperatures (80-100 degrees Celsius)! Please only walk on the paths and marked trails.
There are singes around stating: Unsafe soil and high temperatures (80-100 degrees Celsius)! Please only walk on the paths and marked trails.
you can spot on the picture below an egg next to the stones of the fumarol which can also give an idea about the temperatures.
Myvatn Nature Baths
with far cheaper rates than the Blue Lagoon, the Myvatn natural baths are a great place for a break.
you can find the prices HERE. Don't forget your student card (if you are a student)!
Things to know
- you have to take a shower before entering the pool. the tricky part is that you have to take it naked. They don't use any chemicals in the water so in order to keep the water clean you can't go in without showering.
- hairdryers are available in the changing rooms.
- You have inside also a hot steam room
- The food at the local "restaurant" is regular quality and not cheap.
- Prices: http://www.myvatnnaturebaths.is/en/prices-hour
- don't leave your student card at home
Get some extra details on the dedicated post
Grjotagja, Game of Thrones Cave
Leaving the Baths, turn left and keep an eye on the left hand side of the sign to follow.
I did not watch the series but 2 of my friends are huge fans so we had to stop.
Hverfjall Cone
a hiking option is Hverfjall Cone which you can actually reach & sea from the cave. We did not do the hike as it was getting late and we still had a while to drive.
Lake Myvatn
You will driver quite a while along the lake, which is wonderful as you have some amazing images.
Godafoss
for sure my favorite, Godafoss is 12m high and 30m wide
Road to Akureyri
it was getting late but hey it is still light outside so off we go towards our hostel. the views were magical with the sunset following us all the way.
Accommodation
Akureyri H.I. Hostel
Storholt 1
603 Akureyri
Iceland
+354 894 4299
good quality price
Storholt 1
603 Akureyri
Iceland
+354 894 4299
good quality price