Exploring the Mystical Myvatn Region in Iceland

Whispers of the Past and Echoes of Waterfalls

Today was a day of diving deep into Iceland's history and marveling at its raw natural beauty. It’s days like these that remind me why Liam and I chose to settle in Banff, surrounded by nature's grandeur. Just like the landscapes back home, Iceland offers a unique blend of serenity and adventure, and I couldn't wait to capture it all through my lens.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Vogafjós Farm Resort. Waking up to the gentle sounds of the countryside is always a treat, and knowing that we'd be enjoying fresh, local produce made it even better. The Vogafjós Café is nestled right beside their cowshed, and I couldn’t resist watching the morning milking through the glass window. It was such a unique experience, seeing where our food came from just moments before it reached our plates. I opted for the traditional Icelandic breakfast, complete with Skyr, homemade bread, and of course, some of their own cheese. Liam, ever the adventurous one, tried the smoked trout and declared it a new favorite. Fuelled up and ready to go, we set off for our first destination: the majestic Selfoss waterfall.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Selfoss Waterfall in Iceland, a natural wonder that captivates with its stunning views and serene surroundings.
The drive to Selfoss was scenic, with the vast, open landscapes of the Myvatn region stretching out before us. As we approached the waterfall, the roar of the water grew louder, and I could feel the anticipation building. Selfoss is part of the Diamond Circle, and it certainly lived up to the hype. Though not as tall as some of Iceland's other waterfalls, its sheer width and power were awe-inspiring. We hiked along the well-maintained paths, getting different vantage points of the cascading water. The spray created a fine mist in the air, and the sun, when it peeked through the clouds, painted rainbows across the canyon. I spent a good hour snapping photos, trying to capture the essence of this natural wonder. Liam, meanwhile, was busy experimenting with slow shutter speeds, attempting to blur the water into a silky smooth texture. He has been getting more and more into photography since we started travelling together, which I absolutely adore.

To truly appreciate the present, one must understand the whispers of the past.

Next on our itinerary was Grenjaðarstaður, the Old Turfhouse. This historic settlement offered a fascinating glimpse into Iceland's past. As we drove up to the turf house, I was immediately struck by its unique architecture. The structure blended seamlessly into the landscape, its walls and roof covered in thick layers of grass. It felt as though it had grown organically from the earth itself. Grenjaðarstaður is one of Iceland's largest turf houses, and it once served as a prosperous vicarage. The oldest parts of the house date back to 1865, and it was inhabited until 1949. Stepping inside was like stepping back in time. The interior was surprisingly cozy, with rooms furnished in a traditional style. We wandered through the various chambers, imagining what life must have been like for the families who once called this place home. The walls were lined with artifacts, offering a tangible connection to the past. I was particularly drawn to the old kitchen, with its array of cooking utensils and implements. It made me think of my own grandmother, who taught me how to bake traditional Norwegian treats.


Explore Grenjaðarstaður in Húsavík – a historical museum showcasing traditional Icelandic turf houses and rich cultural heritage.
After exploring the turf house, we stopped for lunch at Kaffi Sel and Mývatn öl brewery. This charming spot is known for its delicious lamb soup and local beer. The lamb soup was hearty and flavorful, perfect for warming us up after our time exploring Grenjaðarstaður. Liam, of course, had to try the Mývatn öl, a local brew that he thoroughly enjoyed. The café itself had a cozy atmosphere, with friendly staff and a relaxed vibe. It was the perfect place to recharge before our next adventure.


Discover the flavors of Iceland at Kaffi Sel, a charming café and brewery in the breathtaking Mývatn region offering craft beers and local delicacies.
Our final stop of the day was Stóragjá, a hidden gem that I had been particularly excited about. Stóragjá is a small lava cave with a thermal spring inside. It gained some fame after being used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, and I couldn't wait to see it for myself. Finding the cave was a bit of an adventure in itself. We followed a narrow path through a rocky landscape, eventually arriving at a small opening in the ground. Climbing down into the cave required some careful maneuvering, but it was well worth the effort. The thermal spring inside was a stunning sight. The water was crystal clear and a vibrant blue, and the air was filled with a warm, humid mist. Although swimming is no longer allowed due to the presence of dangerous algae, the beauty of the cave was enough to make it a memorable experience. I snapped some photos, trying to capture the otherworldly atmosphere of this hidden oasis. Liam, ever the Game of Thrones fan, couldn't resist recreating some of the iconic scenes from the show.


Experience the serene beauty of Stóragjá, Iceland's hidden hot spring, amidst breathtaking landscapes and geological wonders.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Mylla Restaurant for dinner. This restaurant is known for its modern Icelandic cuisine, and I was eager to try it out. The menu featured a variety of dishes made with local ingredients, and we opted for the Arctic char and the hot spring lamb. Both were cooked to perfection, and the flavors were incredible. The service was also impeccable, with attentive staff who made us feel right at home. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery.


Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Mylla Restaurant in stunning Myvatn—where local ingredients meet breathtaking views.
Before heading back to our accommodation, we decided to make a detour to Húsavík, a charming fishing village known for its whale watching tours. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, but unfortunately, the sky was too cloudy. Instead, we stumbled upon Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík, a quirky bar inspired by the Eurovision movie. We couldn't resist stopping in for a quick drink. The bar was decorated with Eurovision memorabilia, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. We even joined in on a singalong to the iconic Jaja Ding Dong song. It was a lighthearted end to a day filled with history, nature, and adventure.


Discover the vibrant spirit of Iceland at Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík, where music and culture unite in a lively bar and event venue.
As I reflect on today's experiences, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this incredible region of Iceland. From the majestic Selfoss waterfall to the historic Grenjaðarstaður turf house and the otherworldly Stóragjá lava cave, every moment was a feast for the senses. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings, as we plan to explore Kalfastrond, The Fly Lands, and Hofdi. It is going to be another day filled with natural beauty and unique experiences, and I am eager to share it all with you.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the shores of Kalfastrond, hoping to spot some of the unique birdlife that inhabits the area. Then, it's off to The Fly Lands, a bizarre and fascinating landscape that I've heard so much about. Finally, we'll end the day at Hofdi, a beautiful park with stunning views of Lake Myvatn. I'm also looking forward to trying some local delicacies at Kvika Kaffi for breakfast, Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn for lunch, and Daddi's Pizza for dinner. And perhaps, we will stop by Kaffi Sel and Mývatn öl brewery again, but this time for some shopping!

“The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.”