Day 3 on our epic road trip around Iceland was another favorite. Mostly cloudy, but with slivers of sun and at least a little warmer, as we made our way from the town of Selfoss to Vik. This will be the shortest day but least action packed?! NO WAY!
Stops
Seljalandsfoss: parking was $6.50/ car
Famously known as the waterfall you can walk behind, this one is definitely worth the stop. It cost $6.50 for parking but there are facilities and a small coffee shop (which we made use of) so that made up for it.
Tip: If you plan on making the trek 360 around the base of the falls, DEFINITELY wear a rain coat and rain pants if you have them, if not a longer coat. The mist off that foss will SOAK you.
Seljalandsfoss may not be the tallest but it sure is unique! It stands at 60 m (197 ft) tall and the origin of the water flow for the river that feeds this foss is the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. (which is famous for it's most recent eruption in 2010)
The 8th wonder of the world, the backside of WATTERRRRRR!
After you circle the main event, Seljalandsfoss, there’s a pleasant walking trail down to view the 3-4 other small falls. I did a quick jaunt down there to see them but after the main fall, they weren’t quite as incredible. The walk to the end of the path is maybe 15 minutes easy walking each way and if you don't do it for the other small falls, walk a little ways this way to see how this waterfall fits in with the majestic mountain it is running off of.
Seljavallalaug Pool
This one will be your trickiest to find but it is right in the middle of Seljalandfoss and Skógafoss. It also requires a bit of a trek but DONT MISS OUT! Even if you don't want to swim, this beauty is not to be missed. Where else can you dip your toes in luke-warm water of a swimming pool surrounded by waterfalls and by a river?
NO WHERE
The first thing to know about this pool is that you do have to HIKE in a bit to it. It's 20-30 minutes depending on how fast you are, you could potentially go faster... Considering the time it takes me to fully oggle and photograph places... I was at least 20 minutes. haha Also even though it was showing up JUST FINE on Google maps before our trip.... it wouldn't pull up while we were there. So here's some driving instructions:
- Basic instructions are that you turn of the ring road onto road 242 about 10 km before Skogafoss.
BUT if you need better directions than that also try: - Search for Guesthouse Edinborg and if it will find THAT, then go to it, and continue on down the dirt road it is off of, Seljavellir, to the end where you will park and then proceed to hike
- If it wont find that guesthouse either, it WILL pull up the Eyjafjallajökull Erupts exhibit (what we used). The left turn will be appox. 1.8 km past this exhibition on your left. At the pull off there will be a blue map sign with Seljavallalaug somewhat marked off. Basically you will continue straight onto a dirt road, drive to the end of that, park, and stretch your legs on a beautiful walk.
The trail is pretty clear to follow as it heads back into the mountains. Note you will face a few shallow stream crossings. Waterproof shoes aren't necessarily needed, but general hiking boots with a good sole would be recommended if not. This isn't a walk to do in flip flops.
As you come around the corner you will start seeing some piping and the top of the white house. The house is technically a changing room but honestly... looked sketchy in there so you may just want to wear your bathing suit under your clothes to be ready to go when you get there.
Short interesting historical tidbit:
Seljavallalaug pool is a protected outdoor pool as it is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland; built in 1923.
When the pool was first built, courses in the pool were initiated as part of a compulsory education in 1927. The pool is 25 metres long and 10 metres wide and was the largest pool in Iceland until 1936.
To Swim or not to swim... that is the question
Regardless if you plan to swim or not, the area surrounding this incredible pool is stunning and worth a trek out to see.
Practical Information:
The pool is unmanned, and minorly maintained but is free to use.
SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK
As you continue your drive along the southern coast of Iceland you'll pass SO many dramatic cliffs and more amazing waterfalls. One of my favorites was this small fall that was falling "up" as it was being blown so strongly by the wind, that it wasn't allow to fall.
*and yes I did take many of these random photos from the window of a moving car...
Skógafoss
Southern Iceland's largest (by volume) and most famous for its rainbows, Skógafoss is yet another epic waterfall! Parking is free here so take all the time you need. (and again wear rain clothes just so you can get closer to the falls!) Skógafoss is 15 metres (49 feet) wide with a drop of 60 m (200 ft)
Tip: Plan a little extra time to climb to the top of the falls and continue hiking on. There's BEAUTIFUL cascades and trails that will make you feel like you landed right in the hills of Westeros.
A double rainbow at the top of the falls!
Sólheimasandur Plane Crash
OK So I have to admit, this is the one thing on my itinerary we didn't get to do. We had plenty of time but I kid you not the parking lot to walk out to this plane was the BUSIEST parking lot of our entire trip. After all of the incredible solitude we found hiking around falls (somewhat) this seemed crazy!
Just so you're informed, it is an 8 km RT walk so you'd need to plan at least 2 hours to do this.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is an amazing volcanic peninsula that stands out along the Southern coast of Iceland. Not only are the views of the surrounding black sand beaches incredible, but there's a lighthouse and a giant sea arch to add to the drama!
The name Dyrhólaey covers the entire peninsula but came from this arch which literally means: "The Hill island with the door hole." There are 2 stops once you turn off the ring road, the first is to head up the switch backs to the lighthouse... That's where you'll be able to see this beauty and if you happen to visit in the summer time, you'll be rewarded with the sight of many a puffin!
The wind was SO intense up on the hill that it was hard to even enjoy the view that long... though we certainly tried.
The view looking inland at the volcanic region of Iceland. The views on a clear day will let you gaze clear down the coast to Selfoss, to the west the black basalt region of Vik, and inland... a giant GLACIER.
The 2nd stop is the end of the line for this road and where facilities if you need them can be found. It's a very cool small building that is typically 200 isk for toilet use but was FREE the day we were there! At this stopping point you'll get an even greater view of the black sand...
And this crazy beauty. Which I didn't even know about beforehand! I legit had never seen a photo of this or known it was on Dyrhólaey. WHY DOES NO ONE TALK ABOUT THIS AMAZING THING?! Granted I know I'm a tiny bit obsessed with basalt... as you'll soon find out but the twisted basalt that makes up this BLACK arch with the waves intermittently splashing up through it is just the coolest thing ever. Definitely check this spot out. End rant.
Vik town
We had basically completed all of our mission by 2PM and had a few hours to spare before we could check in to our guesthouse so into Vik we went. We drove up to the cute little church for this view looking back south west. The Dyrhólaey peninsula is just on the other side of those cliffs.
We toured around town for a bit, picked up some more groceries, and then headed over to check in to Giljur Guesthouse which was just outside Vik but in an awesome spot! We cleaned up and relaxed for a bit before remembering... oh ya we do have 1 more COOL stop for the day.
Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisdrangar is the name actually given to the basalt columns but the incredible beach around is beautiful as well. So beautiful, that this beach was named one of the top 10 non-exotic beaches in the world!
Unfortunately the sun was setting and the rain was on and off again coming down so we didn't explore long. We even attempted to take shelter under that incredible cave though with Iceland's famous side ways rain coming at us... it didn't help much.
*Note: The water and waves at Reynisfjara beach are VERY dangerous. There are several signs posted around the beach about SNEAKER waves. Where the waves lure you into a false sense of security, and then pounce! There have been people who were VERY far up on the beach but unaware of their surroundings and fell victim to Mother Nature here. Always read the safety information plagues and be aware of your surroundings. In this case, keep you eye on the water line and don't stray close to the water's edge.
There are some facilities at the beach including a cafe which we had read some poor reviews about. So back into Vik we headed for dinner at one of the very few restaurants. From our research, Suður-Vík was the best option for good reviews as well as cost. When we got there we realized what everyone had been telling us... MAKE A RESERVATION. People have few places to go to eat, so make a reservation or prepare to wait. We waited appox: 30 minutes (not bad) and the food was amazing! I'm sure it didn't help it was like 8:30 at night but Braden and I split their bread sticks and pizza for an affordable and delicious dinner!
Tips:
1.Again the earlier you start the better. You're still within tour bus range so to beat the hordes of people, I'd try to get out early.
2.Seljavallaug Pool is still a VERY cool visit even if you don't plan on swimming.
3.Skógafoss is worth exploring at the top. Plan on more than an hour here so you have time to hike around and explore the upper cascades without the tourists. It is beautiful up there.
4.The plane crash.... if you REALLY want to see it, go for it. It had literally the most full parking lot of our trip, meaning the chances of getting actual good photos of it were slim to none... so we skipped it, maybe try first thing in the morning!
5.Reynisfjara Beach... WATCH OUT FOR SNEAKER WAVES
6.Make reservations for dinner in Vik or plan on a lengthy wait.
Budget
Seljalandsfoss: parking was $6.50/ car
All other stops are FREEEEEEEE
Lodging
Giljur Guesthouse: $177/ room
As far as reviews go, the guesthouse was another great stay! We had smaller comfortable rooms and shared 2 bathrooms with a few rooms. Again there was a nice shared living space and kitchen that was open to any of the guests. This place would be our most expensive stop of the night so prepare yourself, Vik isn't cheap... but it's definitely a good stopping point in your drive from Selfoss and on up to the Eastern Fjords. Link to where we stayed: Giljur Guesthouse
Food
Breakfast and lunch were again taken care of by previous groceries
Groceries from Vik Kronan: $20.50
Dinner at Sudur Vik: $34
