6/22/24

We finished our Smithsonian Iceland Cruise on June 22, 2024, and then started a land adventure to explore more of Iceland’s incredible landscapes.

We rented a car in Reykjavik and headed to
Selfoss to grab some supplies and snacks for the road. After lunch, we set off on our journey to the Berjaya Höfn Hotel in Höfn, which is this cozy eco-certified hotel with stunning views of the sea and harbor.

Our first stop was
Seljalandsfoss, a beautiful waterfall on the South Coast. What’s really cool about it is that you can walk behind the falling water, which offers an amazing view from both sides. The waterfall drops about 60 meters, creating a misty veil that often forms rainbows in the sunlight, though we didn’t get to see any rainbows that day due to the cloudy sky.

Next, we visited
Skógafoss, another iconic waterfall in South Iceland. It’s known for its powerful flow and stunning scenery. You can walk right up to the base or climb a staircase to the top for panoramic views. The area is rich in history and folklore, which adds to its charm.

We also stopped at
Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue extending from the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier. It offers breathtaking views and opportunities for glacier hiking or ice climbing. The glacier’s surface is dotted with crevasses and seracs, making it fascinating for anyone interested in glaciology.

Finally, we made our way to
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders. It’s a large lake filled with floating icebergs that have broken off from the Vatnajökull Glacier. We could have taken a boat tour among the icebergs, but we decided to save that for another day. The nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore, was stunning.

We ended the day at the Berjaya Höfn Hotel, which was perfect for us. The hotel has modern amenities like eco-friendly toiletries and rainfall showers, and its commitment to sustainability really added to its charm. Plus, it’s close to natural gems like Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón, making it an ideal base for exploration.

Stay tuned for Day Three, when we’ll share more adventures and breathtaking landscapes from our Icelandic journey!