Solo Expedition to Vatnajökull: An Icelandic Adventure

Chasing Glacial Dreams

Another day, another adventure in Iceland! Today was all about getting up close and personal with the icy heart of Vatnajökull National Park and experiencing the stark beauty of the Icelandic coast. With my camera in hand, I set out to capture the raw essence of this land of fire and ice.

My day began, as it has for the past few mornings, with a hearty breakfast at Fosshotel Vatnajökull. Fuelled up and ready to go, I made my way towards the glacier for an ice cave tour with Glacier Travel Ice cave tours. Now, I've done my fair share of brewery tours back in Kelowna, but nothing quite prepares you for the otherworldly experience of stepping inside a glacier. It's like entering a cathedral made of blue ice, the light filtering through in the most magical way. It's a good thing I remembered to bring my camera, because Olivia would never have believed the sights I saw today otherwise.


Explore Iceland's stunning ice caves with Glacier Travel, where adventure meets breathtaking natural beauty in a unique glacial experience.

The glacier guide was great, equipping us with all the necessary gear: crampons, harnesses, and helmets. Safety first, of course! We trekked across the ice, the crampons biting into the surface with each step. The landscape was stunning, a vast expanse of white and blue stretching as far as the eye could see. The guide explained how these ice caves are formed by meltwater during the summer months, carving out unique and ever-changing pathways through the ice.

The ice cave itself was a revelation. The light filtering through the glacial ice created an ethereal blue glow, illuminating the intricate patterns and formations within. It felt like being inside a giant sapphire. I spent a good hour snapping photos, trying to capture the beauty and majesty of this natural wonder. It's hard to describe the feeling of being surrounded by so much ancient ice, knowing that it has been there for centuries, silently witnessing the passage of time.

The beauty of Iceland lies in its ability to surprise you at every turn, from the depths of its ice caves to the vastness of its black sand beaches.

After the ice cave tour, I grabbed a quick lunch at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. A decent meal, but I was already itching to get to my next destination: Stokksnes. I'd heard so much about this place, with its dramatic black sand beach and the towering Vestrahorn mountain range. I wasn't disappointed.


Discover the stunning beauty of Stokksnes, Iceland, where dramatic mountains meet serene beaches, creating a photographer's paradise.

The drive to Stokksnes was scenic, the landscape unfolding in a series of sweeping vistas. As I approached the peninsula, the Vestrahorn mountains came into view, their jagged peaks rising majestically from the black sand. It was a sight to behold. I paid the small entrance fee and drove down to the beach. The wind was howling, and the waves were crashing against the shore, creating a symphony of sound and motion.

I spent the next few hours wandering along the beach, taking photos and simply soaking in the atmosphere. The black sand was like nothing I'd ever seen before, stretching out to the horizon in a seemingly endless expanse. The Vestrahorn mountains provided a stunning backdrop, their dark silhouettes contrasting sharply with the white foam of the waves. It was a photographer's dream, and I made the most of it, capturing as many images as I could.

I even saw a few seals basking in the sun near the shoreline. They seemed unperturbed by my presence, lazily watching me as I snapped their photos. It's moments like these that make travelling so rewarding, those unexpected encounters with nature that remind you of the beauty and fragility of our planet.

As the day drew to a close, I made my way to Höfn for dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant. This place came highly recommended, and I was eager to try some local cuisine. The restaurant is located right on the harbor, with great views of the fishing boats coming and going. I started with the langoustine soup, a local specialty, and then had the grilled cod. Both dishes were excellent, fresh and flavorful, a true taste of Iceland. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, the perfect way to end a long day of exploring.


Discover exquisite seafood and local flavors at Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn – where culinary artistry meets breathtaking views.

I also popped into VERSLUM Supermarket to grab a few snacks for the road. Can't resist trying some of the local treats they have. I'm always on the lookout for interesting beers too, but I'll save those for when I'm back at the guesthouse.


Discover Icelandic flavors at VERSLUM Supermarket in Reykjahlíð, the perfect place for tourists to stock up on local and international groceries.

Tomorrow, I'm planning to explore the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and visit Ice Guardians Iceland. From what I've read, it's another day of breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. I might even stop by Dillon Whiskey Bar for a nightcap. Until then, goodnight from Vatnajökull!

This trip has been an incredible experience so far, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to explore this amazing country. It's a reminder that there's so much to see and discover in the world, and that even a solo journey can be a deeply enriching experience. I'm already looking forward to the next adventure, wherever it may take me.

I'm glad I packed layers, as the weather can change in a heartbeat here. June in Iceland is proving to be quite the experience, with long daylight hours perfect for exploring, even if the temperature hovers around 10°C (50°F).

I am looking forward to breakfast at Glacier Goodies tomorrow. I hope they have some good coffee to get me started for another day of adventures!