Exploring the Wild Beauty of Skaftafell, Iceland

A Day of Ice and Stone

Today was a day of stark contrasts, from the ethereal blue of glacial ice to the dark, geometric perfection of basalt columns. It’s amazing how much natural beauty can be packed into a single day, and Skaftafell continues to deliver on its promise of adventure. Liam and I set out early, eager to experience all that this corner of Iceland has to offer.

Our first stop was Cafe Munkar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur for breakfast. It was a cozy little place, and exactly what we needed before heading out for the day. I went with the Arctic char, while Liam had the casserole. I enjoyed a strong cup of coffee, which was exactly what I needed to kickstart the day. The cafe had a lovely, quiet atmosphere, perfect for gathering our thoughts before a day of exploration.


Experience authentic Icelandic flavors at Cafe Munkar in Kirkjubæjarklaustur – where culinary tradition meets modern comfort.

Fueled up and ready to go, we headed towards Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The drive itself was stunning, with the landscape unfolding before us in a tapestry of greens and browns, all under a sky that seemed to stretch on forever. Even in April, there was a touch of winter still lingering in the air, a crispness that invigorated the senses.

Arriving at Jökulsárlón was like stepping onto another planet. The lagoon was filled with icebergs of every imaginable shape and size, each one a unique sculpture carved by nature. The ice sparkled with an otherworldly blue, and the silence was broken only by the occasional crackle of the ice and the distant cries of seabirds. It was truly mesmerizing.


Discover the enchanting Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a stunning natural wonder in Iceland, famous for its drifting icebergs and breathtaking scenery.

The world is full of magic, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

We decided to take a boat tour to get a closer look. While some tours at Jökulsárlón don't operate in April, we were lucky enough to find Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours running nearby. Bundled up in warm layers, we boarded a small Zodiac boat and set off into the icy expanse. Our guide was fantastic, sharing insights about the lagoon's formation and the surrounding glaciers. Getting up close to those icebergs was an awe-inspiring experience, a reminder of the immense power of nature. Some of the icebergs towered over us, their surfaces etched with intricate patterns, while others were small and smooth, resembling polished gems.


Discover captivating iceberg boat tours at Fjallsárlón, where majestic glaciers and serene waters create an unforgettable Icelandic experience.

Next on our list was Svartifoss, the famous waterfall framed by basalt columns. The drive to the trailhead took us through more of Skaftafell's stunning landscapes. The hike to the waterfall was relatively easy, a gentle climb through varied terrain. Even though the trail was a bit muddy, it was well-maintained and offered beautiful views along the way. We passed Hundafoss waterfall, a picturesque cascade that was worth stopping to photograph.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Svartifoss, Iceland's iconic waterfall framed by unique basalt columns in Vatnajökull National Park.

Finally, we reached Svartifoss, and it was even more impressive in person than in photos. The dark basalt columns provided a dramatic contrast to the white water cascading down, creating a scene of stark beauty. It’s easy to see why these columns inspired the design of Reykjavík's Hallgrímskirkja church; they possess a natural symmetry and grandeur that is truly captivating.

After spending some time soaking in the views and taking photos, we headed back down the trail. By this point, we were both starting to feel a bit hungry, so we decided to grab lunch at Systrakaffi in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. This cozy restaurant is known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine, and it was the perfect place to warm up and refuel. I opted for the grilled lamb, while Liam chose a pizza. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.


Discover Systrakaffi: A cozy restaurant in Kirkjubæjarklaustur serving authentic Icelandic dishes with fresh local ingredients.

With our bellies full, we decided to make a stop at UNA Local Product / Sveitabúðin Una, a local shop. It was a treasure trove of Icelandic crafts and goods. I picked up a hand-knitted wool scarf, while Liam found a unique piece of jewelry made from lava stone. It was a great way to support local artisans and find a unique souvenir to remember our trip.


Explore the charm of Icelandic craftsmanship at UNA Local Product in Hvolsvöllur, where every purchase tells a story.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Höfn for dinner at Ishusid Pizzeria Restaurant. Located by the harbor, this trendy spot offered stunning views of the boats bobbing in the water. We decided to try their famous lobster pizza, and it did not disappoint. The combination of fresh lobster and perfectly baked crust was simply divine. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, making it a perfect end to a long day.


Discover the unique blend of pizza and fresh seafood at Ishusid Pizzeria in Höfn, where local flavors meet culinary creativity.

To cap off the evening, we stopped by Kaffibarinn for a nightcap. It was a cozy little bar with a friendly atmosphere, and we enjoyed chatting with some locals over a couple of beers. It was a great way to unwind and reflect on all the incredible sights we had seen throughout the day.


Experience the heart of Reykjavík's nightlife at Kaffibarinn, a cozy bar perfect for mingling and enjoying local drinks.

As I sit here now, writing this entry, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Skaftafell has a way of captivating the senses and reminding you of the power and beauty of nature. Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Skaftafell's hiking trails, including the Svartifoss Trail and Svínafellsjökull Glacier. I’m also looking forward to visiting Hnappavellir and discovering more hidden gems in this incredible corner of Iceland. I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings!