Day 74 June 24 2018 South Iceland
After a night’s camping it was on the road again. First stop the Lava Centre. Excellent museum with a range of exhibits to give a better understanding of the geological forces that dominate Iceland.
Essentially as demonstrated by the exhibition Iceland sits on a huge magma plume right in the centre of the island. Aptly described as “The Fiery Heart of Iceland’ the plume sits under the surface over a 100km to 700km range. There are still thirty active volcanic systems present in Iceland. The centre does a good job of providing descriptions of the different types of lava and volcanic formations. It also featured interviews with Icelanders who had experienced eruptions and how it had impacted their lives bringing a strong personal, human element to the displays.
Back on the road we came to another recurring feature of the Icelandic landscape – the Foss (or waterfall). When the glaciers melt they form rivers that flow into the canyons that they themselves have created. Each Foss has different characteristics. The first ones we visited were quite near to Reykjavik, and close to the ring road. This means that they are easy to get to and also have large numbers of visitors.
Seljandsfoss was the first Foss of the day with the added attraction of having a cave behind it. Of course everybody treks behind the water curtain and photos galore from every angle are taken. The sheer power of these falls are impressive and of course this is increased given it is summer.
Taking a walk along the bottom of the cliffs we came to further falls hidden behind a narrow canyon with a queue waiting to enter. Later found out these are the Gljúfrabúi waterfall.
The camp ground seemed a lovely spot so stopped for lunch – our standard Icelandic fare – Cup-a-Soup, bread, ham/salami, eggs and maybe fish. Aided by the thermos Liz and Gerd had brought with them.
Not far down the road we came to Skogafoss which was one mighty curtain of water with a stair case next to it. Many people at the base of the falls but with 500 stairs to get to the top the number of tourists thinned out.The view of the falls at the top was actually overshadowed by the beauty of the canyon and the river that fed it. A lovely amble up a hill alongside the canyon and then back down to the car.
Back on the road to our overnight cabin at Kirkjubaejarklaustur (say that quickly!). A welcome respite from the rain and a chance to dry out the tents from the night before. A very organised campsite – we each received tokens that gave you a five minute shower. Our cabin was small with 2 sets of bunks but comfortable, warm and easy to share with the 4 of us.
