Solo Expedition to Vatnajökull: An Icelandic Adventure

Glacial Waters and Golden Hues

Today was a day of contrasts, from the serene stillness of a glacier lagoon to the vibrant colors of a hidden valley. It's amazing how quickly the landscape can shift here, each turn revealing a completely different facet of Iceland's raw beauty. I’m finding that the unexpected is quickly becoming the expected, and I’m all the more richer for it.

My day began, as it has for the past few mornings, with breakfast at the Glacier World Guesthouse. I have to say, they really put on a great spread. The staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating, even offering to start breakfast early when they learned I had an early kayaking tour. Reviews I'd seen mentioned the fantastic views, and they weren't wrong. It's a great way to start the day, looking out over the landscape while enjoying the simple things.


Discover tranquility at Glacier World Guesthouse, your gateway to Iceland's majestic glaciers and breathtaking landscapes.
With a hearty breakfast under my belt, I set off for Heinabergslón, a glacier lagoon that promised a kayaking experience unlike any other. The drive itself was stunning, the rugged terrain unfolding before me as I approached the lagoon. Heinabergslón is a bit off the beaten path, a fact that immediately appealed to me. Jökulsárlón is stunning, yes, but I’m always drawn to the quieter, less crowded spots where you can truly soak in the atmosphere.

Arriving at the lagoon, I was greeted by the sight of icebergs scattered across the water, each one a unique sculpture carved by nature. The weather was, well, Icelandic – a mix of mist and a light drizzle, but it only added to the drama of the scene. I met up with the team from Ice Guide Kayaking Heinabergslón, and after a quick safety briefing and suiting up in the provided gear, we were ready to launch.


Experience the serene beauty of Heinabergslón with Ice Guide Kayaking, where adventure meets the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland.
Paddling through Heinabergslón was an almost surreal experience. The silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of water against the kayak and the occasional call of a bird, was profound. Being surrounded by these massive icebergs, some a brilliant blue, others a stark white, was humbling. Our guide, Bjarni, was fantastic – knowledgeable, funny, and passionate about the glaciers. He navigated us expertly through the lagoon, sharing insights about the glacier's formation and the surrounding landscape.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

We even had the chance to get out of our kayaks and walk on top of one of the icebergs, a truly unique experience. It was a bit surreal standing on this floating island of ice, surrounded by the vastness of the lagoon. Bjarni joked about finding dinosaur bones inside one of the icebergs, which gave us all a good laugh.

After a thoroughly enjoyable morning on the water, it was time to head inland towards Hvannagil - The Golden Valley. The drive took me through more of Iceland's dramatic landscapes, the scenery constantly shifting from glacial plains to rugged mountains. The weather forecast predicted chilly temperatures, strong winds, and rain, so I made sure I had all the necessary gear.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Hvannagil - The Golden Valley, a must-visit destination for nature lovers in Iceland.
Hvannagil is a hidden gem, a canyon carved from volcanic rhyolite, boasting vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange. The hike itself was moderately challenging, with some steep sections and loose gravel, but the views were more than worth the effort. I took the main Hvannagil hiking loop, which took about two to three hours to complete. As I climbed higher, the valley unfolded before me, a tapestry of colors and textures that was simply breathtaking.

The wind was whipping through the canyon, adding a sense of wildness to the scene. I could see why it’s called the Golden Valley – the sunlight, even filtered through the clouds, seemed to illuminate the rocks, giving them a warm, golden glow. I took my time exploring the valley, stopping frequently to take photos and simply soak in the atmosphere. It was a welcome change from the crowds at some of the more popular tourist spots; here, it was just me and the raw beauty of Iceland.

For lunch, I stopped at Þórbergssetur - Cultural Center & Restaurant. The restaurant is located in the cultural heritage center. I tried the lamb soup, a local favourite. It was the perfect way to warm up after the hike in Hvannagil. The cultural center was a nice add on, and I enjoyed learning more about the writer Þórbergur Þórðarson.


Explore Þórbergssetur: A unique blend of Icelandic culture and cuisine nestled in breathtaking Suðursveit.
Before heading back to my accommodation, I made a quick stop at Kjarval Klaustur, a shop in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It seems to be a bit of a general store, offering a variety of goods. I picked up a few snacks for the road and browsed the local crafts.


Discover Kjarval Klaustur: A well-stocked supermarket offering local flavors and essentials for your Icelandic adventure in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Dinner was at Jon Riki in Höfn, a restaurant that came highly recommended. It's known for its fresh, local ingredients and unique beers brewed on-site. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, walking me through the beer list and offering recommendations from the menu. I opted for the Arctic char, and it was absolutely delicious. They even had vegan options, which is always a plus. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, the perfect way to end a day of exploring.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Jon Riki in Höfn - where fresh local ingredients meet cozy ambiance.
Fishermen's Day is coming up tomorrow, and I read that there are maritime festivals across Iceland and that Reykjavík celebrates the Festival of the Sea all weekend. It sounds like it could be a fun experience, but I’m not planning to head that way.

Tomorrow, I’m planning to visit Ingólfshöfði for a puffin tour and then check out Tjarnargígur Crater. And hopefully, I’ll get a chance to sample some local brews at Ægir Bar - Taproom in the evening. It's hard to believe I’m already almost halfway through my trip. Time really does fly when you’re surrounded by such incredible scenery. I'm making a point to savour every moment, every vista, every new experience. Iceland, you're truly something special.