Solo Expedition to Vatnajökull: An Icelandic Adventure

South Coast Serenity: Waterfalls, Brews, and Icelandic Charm

Today was all about embracing the serene beauty of Iceland's South Coast, punctuated by the thrill of discovering local flavors. After a week of intense glacier exploration, it was a welcome change of pace to slow down and soak in the smaller wonders this region has to offer. It's amazing how quickly you adapt to the vastness of Iceland; a smaller scale adventure felt like a completely different world.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Lambhus Glacier View Cabins by Vatnajökull National Park. I fueled up with some skyr and homemade bread, gazing out at the majestic Vatnajökull one last time. I definitely made the right choice not booking a hotel in advance, as the flexibility allowed me to discover this gem with its stunning views. It's a self-catering place, but the breakfast was a welcome treat, setting me up perfectly for a day of exploring.


Discover tranquility at Lambhus Glacier View Cabins near Vatnajökull National Park – your gateway to Iceland's stunning landscapes.

Our first stop was Systrafoss, a beautiful waterfall near the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The drive there was easy, and the falls are conveniently located right off Route 1. The weather was mild, around 7°C, with a slight chance of rain – typical Icelandic summer weather! I put on my hiking boots and layered up, ready to explore. I was on my own today, as I wanted some time to myself to reflect on the trip so far.

The walk up to Systrafoss was gentle, and the surrounding landscape was incredibly peaceful. The waterfall itself is stunning, cascading down the cliffs in two distinct streams. The area is steeped in folklore, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the experience. I spent a good hour wandering around, taking photos, and simply enjoying the tranquility. This place is a hidden gem, and I was so glad I made the detour. It wasn't very crowded, which made it even more special. I imagine Olivia would have loved this place; she always appreciates a good dose of natural beauty.


Explore the stunning Systrafoss Waterfall, a hidden gem in Iceland offering breathtaking views and hiking adventures in nature's embrace.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quiet corners of the world.

Next on the agenda was Stjórnarfoss, another waterfall located just a short drive from Systrafoss. Stjórnarfoss is a bit different, with a unique dome-shaped cliff that the water tumbles over. It's not as tall as some of the other waterfalls I've seen, but its picturesque setting makes up for it. I took a little hike around the area, enjoying the views from different vantage points. I even saw a few people dipping their toes in the pool at the base of the falls – tempting, but I decided against it! I'm sure Ethan would have loved to take a swim, no matter how cold the water was.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Stjórnarfoss, an iconic waterfall near Kirkjubæjarklaustur that showcases Iceland's stunning natural landscapes.

After a morning of waterfall chasing, it was time for lunch. I stopped at Matarlist in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a restaurant recommended by a local I met at Systrafoss. This place turned out to be a real find! The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the food was absolutely delicious. I had the seafood soup, which was packed with fresh flavors and local ingredients. It was the perfect way to warm up after a morning in the cool Icelandic air. I overheard another patron raving about the lamb shank, so I'll have to try that next time I'm in the area. I made a mental note to bring Olivia here; she's a big fan of seafood.


Discover authentic Icelandic flavors at Matarlist in Hellissandur – where fresh ingredients meet warm hospitality.

In the afternoon, I decided to explore the local beer scene. I knew there wouldn't be a brewery right next to Vatnajökull, but I was determined to find some local brews. I did some research and discovered Kaffi Sel and Mývatn Öl brewery, a café and souvenir shop that also brews its own beer. It was a bit of a drive, but I figured it would be worth it. The drive itself was stunning, winding through the Icelandic countryside. The weather in Mývatn was noticeably different from the South Coast, with temperatures around 3°C and a chance of snow. Fortunately, the roads were clear, and I made it to Kaffi Sel without any problems.


Discover the flavors of Iceland at Kaffi Sel and Mývatn Öl Brewery, where local cuisine meets craft brewing in a stunning lakeside setting.

For dinner, I headed to Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant, located near the Þórbergssetur cultural center. The hotel is known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients. I decided to try the grilled lamb, which was cooked to perfection and served with potatoes, gravy, and rhubarb jam. It was a hearty and satisfying meal, the perfect way to end a day of exploring. The hotel itself looked lovely, and I made a mental note to consider staying there on my next visit.


Discover comfort and authentic cuisine at Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant, your perfect base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Höfn, Iceland.

The Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, such as pork schnitzel, meatballs, lemon chicken, Icelandic fish stew, and mango char. For vegetarians, they have options like green salad and vegetable patties. I was impressed by the quality of the food and the friendly service. It's clear that they take pride in showcasing the best of Icelandic cuisine.

As I drove back to my cabin, I reflected on the day's adventures. It had been a day of contrasts, from the serene beauty of the waterfalls to the bustling atmosphere of the local brewery and the comforting flavors of Icelandic cuisine. It was a reminder that Iceland has so much to offer beyond its glaciers and ice caves. I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience this incredible country and to share my adventures with you.

Tomorrow marks the final day of my solo expedition to Vatnajökull. I plan to visit Hoffellsjökull and explore the Katla Ice Cave. I'm also looking forward to trying a local bar called Bravó. It's been an incredible journey, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I am planning on having breakfast at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli) and lunch at Glacier World Guesthouse. I am also excited to reflect on my trip over dinner at Þórbergssetur - Cultural Center & Restaurant.

I am excited to see what my last day brings, and will share my final blog post tomorrow.