The drive from Höfn to our hotel in Selfoss was another long one, but there were many sights to see along this stretch of Highway 1. We planned for a number of stop-offs on this day, and we weren’t disappointed with any of them.
- Jón Eiríksson monument
- Jökulsárlón
- Kvíárjökull
- Foss á Síðu
As we drove Highway 1, we passed by a series of glaciers that stretched in front of the massive snow-capped region just to the north.
The drive here along Highway 1 was very picturesque, and we saw glaciers creeping onto the land at various points. Later on we would learn that the glaciers were retreating at alarming rates, rather than creeping forward.
About an hour into our journey we arrived at Jökulsárlón. The glaciers here were a short walk from the road and the contrast between the shades of blue in the ice with the nearby black sand was striking.
The area was full of tourists, but it was easy to find quieter spots away from the crowds. This lagoon had been growing in size as the melting glaciers added more water to it.
Closer to the sea and a short walk from the bridge was a photographic exhibit showing many of the natural sights in Iceland.
This area had one of the black sand beaches that Iceland is known for. In this case, the fragments of clear ice that floated down the channel and washed ashore provided a contrast with the sand underneath. It was called Diamond Beach. There were fewer fragments than in other times of the year but it was still a sight to see.
After enjoying Jökulsárlón we returned to the car and drove west across the bridge. Just a short distance away was a spot to see the quieter, western side of the lagoon.
Only a short distance down the road was Kvíárjökull, a quiet detour off the main road that led to a quiet but easy trail over to a glacier and glacial lake.
A sign of the disappearing glaciers was the wreckage from a shipwrcked British fishing vessel, located a short walk from the parking area. Run aground in 1919, the wreckage was not far inland from where the ship originally ran aground.
After having lunch in the car, it was back on the highway. We made a quick stop at Foss á Síðu by the early afternoon. There was a small parking area next to the highway but the falls are on a private property so you can’t get any closer than the parking area. The people who live there have the best view!
We were only halfway through a long day of driving and sightseeing, with some spectacular falls and cliff views yet to come.
Random Notes:
-as we drove Highway 1 from Höfn towards the Golden Circle the traffic increased, ending the large stretch of relatively quiet driving since we were in Dettifoss. It gives us the impression that a longer stay in eastern Iceland would be a good idea next time
-there were two large parking lots at the Jökulsárlón glacier stop. Both were self-pay using machines using credit cards (cash not accepted at machines, which was common in Iceland). The first lot was closer to the glaciers and was on the inner side of the highway (away from the sea). It was completely full (most tour buses used it as well) so we went to the overflow lot that was located between the highway and the sea. It was busy but there were many spaces available
-the glacier stop off was located directly after a one-way bridge if you are coming from the west or just before it if you are coming from the east. It was a large bridge in a busy area but there is an automated traffic light next to the bridge so drivers just need to be alert to make sure they know when it’s their turn to cross!
-places we missed out on due to lack of time included Skaftafell and Múlagljúfur Canyon. We probably would have stayed an extra day in Höfn if we could but accommodations in that area seemed to sell out quickly (we booked at the beginning of March for the July trip)
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Humphreys Travel 