ACTIVITY: WE WILL HIKE ON A GLACIER!
On this day you will be heading to the South of Iceland - home to glaciers.
DESTINATION #4
Today we will start the day with Seljalandsfoss - a stunningly beautiful waterfall located in the south of Iceland. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, and it is easy to see why. Seljalandsfoss is unique in that it is possible to walk behind the waterfall, which creates a truly magical experience.The waterfall is located in the Seljalands River, which is a tributary of the mighty glacial river, the Markarfljot. Seljalandsfoss is about 60 meters (197 feet) high and is part of the Seljalandsfoss-Gljufrabui area, which is a protected nature reserve. The area has been protected since 1987 and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Seljalandsfoss is a must-see for anyone visiting Iceland. Its breathtaking beauty and unique features make it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Whether visitors are looking for a peaceful escape or an adventure, Seljalandsfoss is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
DESTINATION #5
Moving on more east, we will find yet another waterfall - Skógafoss. It is a powerful waterfall, with a width of 25 metres and a height of 60 metres. It is said to be the largest waterfall in the country and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Iceland.
Skógafoss is also one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and is a must-see for any traveler. The area around the waterfall is very photogenic, with lush green fields and a stunning view of the nearby mountains. There is a well-marked hiking trail that leads to the top of the waterfall, where visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the area. In addition to its natural beauty, Skógafoss also has a rich history. The area has been inhabited since the 9th century, and the waterfall is said to have been a sacred site for the Vikings. The waterfall is also said to be the hiding place of a chest filled with gold and other treasures.
DESTINATION #6
We will drive towards the glaciers. Glaciers are an important part of Iceland's landscape, covering 11% of the country. They are also one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, with tourists coming from all over the world to experience the beauty of these massive ice formations. Iceland is home to many glaciers, with the largest being Vatnajökull, which covers 8% of the country. This glacier is the largest in Europe and is home to many of Iceland's most popular attractions, such as the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the Svínafellsjökull glacier.
Glaciers form when snow accumulates over time and compresses into large masses of ice. This process can take thousands of years, and the glaciers in Iceland are some of the oldest in the world. As the glaciers move, they carve out deep valleys and create stunning landscapes. Glaciers are also important for Iceland's environment. They provide a source of fresh water for the country, and their presence helps to regulate the climate. Glaciers also act as a buffer against the effects of global warming, as they absorb some of the heat from the sun.
Iceland's glaciers are an important part of the country's landscape, and they are an important part of its culture and history. They are a source of adventure, research, and inspiration, and they are a reminder of the beauty of nature.
ACTIVITY OF THE DAY #2
Get ready to experience something a few have experienced - a Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull! We will meet a certified glacier guide who will give us all glacier equipment, provide all safety equipment and take us to the top of a glacier!
Before going a glacier hike in Iceland, it is important to be prepared. The weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to dress appropriately for the conditions. Layering is key, as temperatures can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the location of the glacier. It is also important to wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the terrain can be slippery and uneven. Safety is also a key factor when glacier hiking, as it is home to crevasses, avalanches, and falling ice. However our glacier guide will provide valuable insight into the terrain and help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
(Please note that a glacier hike might happen on Day 3 on Vatnajökull glacier, depending on the availability of the glacier guide).
DESTINATION #7 - Next we are going to the famous Reynisfjara. Reynisfjara is a black sand beach located along the southern coast of Iceland. It is the most popular beach in the country, and has been featured in several films and television shows. The black sand beach in Reynisfjara is black because of the volcanic activity in the area. The black sand is created by lava that has cooled and hardened. The beach is also known for its dramatic basalt columns, which were formed by the erosion of the nearby Reynisfjall mountain.
The basalt columns were also formed by a volcanic eruption that took place over a million years ago. The molten lava cooled and contracted, forming vertical cracks in the rock. The lava then continued to cool and contract, creating polygonal columns. The columns have been eroded over time by the sea, creating the unique and beautiful landscape that is seen today.
This beautiful place is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and even the occasional whale. With its stunning scenery and wide variety of activities, Reynisfjara is an unforgettable destination.
DESTINATION #8
The final stop of the day will be Vík í Mýrdal - small village located on the south coast of Iceland. It is the southernmost village in Iceland and is renowned for its black sand beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs. The village is home to a few hundred people and is a popular stop for tourists as it is located in one of the most volcanic areas in Iceland - only 26 km away from Katla Volcano - an active volcano which has been active since the early 9th century and has had several major eruptions throughout its history. The most recent major eruption occurred in 1918, when the volcano erupted for three weeks, sending ash and lava up to 10 km (6 miles) into the air.
In the event of a volcanic eruption in the area, all people are asked to go to Vík's church, which is located on the top of the hill. Before leaving their homes, everyone is asked to fill out a form and indicate on a window facing the street how many people live in the house and how many have already evacuated. This will help the police ensure that everyone is out of the houses.
We will spend our night in Vík.
Meals: Breakfast