Iceland Day 3: South Iceland

On day 3, we started our road trip around the country in earnest. We first drove the 2.5 hours from Reykjavik to Seljalandsfoss. This is the only waterfall that we visited that allowed us to go behind it, which was a incredible (albeit drenching) experience. On the left of Seljalandsfoss was a smaller waterfall, Gljufrabui, hidden inside a cave. If I had to choose one favorite part of my trip to Iceland, this waterfall would be it. To get to the waterfall, you must make your way into the cave that is its home, stepping on rocks in the small creek leading to the waterfall. There is no manmade path, and the adventure of the shaky stepping stones leads you into a small enclosure where it is just you, the waterfall, and the light streaming down from above. It is a magical, peaceful, powerful, indescribable experience. It's spiritual, in a way, if nature makes you feel as at peace with yourself as it does for me.

Next we go to Skogafoss. What I loved about Skogafoss was its location. We were able to admire the waterfall from below, but you also were able to take the stairs to hike to the top of it (about 200 feet). Situated on the Skoga river, you could see the river it turns into, and follow its winding path across meadows and farmland all the way to the beach. It was breathtaking.

Finally we make our way to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. I wasn't able to take a picture of the drive there (since I was driving and as pretty as Iceland is, it wasn't worth dying for,) but the scenic drive was amazing. We went up and down through mountains, and you could see the landscape transform from green hills dotted with sheep to flat plains, interrupted with winding rivers from waterfalls, all ending in a black stripe of sand beach that ultimately lead to the blue ocean. I can honestly say that some of the best times I spent in Iceland was just driving, watching the landscape transform around me, being enveloped physically and mentally by the land and sea, and where I was. I literally would feel anxiety about not being able to capture well enough the gorgeousness of the scenery. I wanted every moment to never end, because it was just so damn beautiful.

Seljalandsfoss

Gljufrabui waterfall from outside the cave. You can see the rocks and creek you must brave to get into the cave.

One of my favorite pictures from the trip. My sister in the cave, staring up at the falls and the sky with wonder. It captures perfectly the magic you feel, the connection with nature.

We also climbed a cliff to view the falls better, but it was a treacherous and clearly terrifying ordeal.

This was the best meal from my entire trip. Lunch at Hotel Anna, a tiny, nondescript farmhouse restaurant that served 3 dishes only. This was the lamb with potato cake. The lamb was the most tender and flavorful lamb I have ever had. It was warm, the salty gravy perfectly accentuated the gamey taste, and the skin was crisp. The potato cake it came with was hearty and tasty. The restaurant itself was very representative of the average Icelandic farm: quaint, small, cozy, humble, and welcoming.

Skogafoss, welcoming us with a rainbow and many tourists.

Reynisfjara black sand beach.

On the beach were these very unique basalt rock columns, that resulted in this formation after the rock was interrupted by molten lava. A fascinating and beautiful pattern that Iceland is known for.