Whale-Watching Adventure in Husavik

Iceland's Untamed Beauty: A Day of Waterfalls and Heights

Today was a day of epic proportions, filled with the kind of raw, untamed beauty that makes Iceland so unforgettable. From the thundering cascades of a hidden waterfall to the panoramic vistas atop a mountain, every moment was a feast for the senses. This is the kind of day that etches itself into your memory, a reminder of nature's power and the simple joy of exploration.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Fosshotel Húsavík. The hotel's restaurant offered a delightful spread, perfect for fueling up before a day of adventure. I savored the moment, thinking about Isabela and Mateus back home in Kingston, wondering if they were having croissants like these. After breakfast, we made a quick stop at Krambúðin, a local shop, to pick up a few essentials – mostly snacks, if I'm being honest. A little bit of chocolate can go a long way when you are exploring the great outdoors.


Experience exceptional dining and cozy accommodations at Fosshotel Húsavík amidst breathtaking Icelandic scenery.

Our first major stop was Hafragilsfoss, a waterfall that I had only seen in pictures but was eager to witness in person. The drive there was an adventure in itself, with the landscape transforming into a rugged, almost lunar terrain. As we approached the viewpoint, the roar of the water grew louder, building anticipation.

And then, there it was.


Explore the breathtaking Hafragilsfoss Waterfall in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, where nature's beauty meets adventure in Iceland.

Hafragilsfoss was more than just a waterfall; it was a force of nature. The sheer volume of water cascading down was mesmerizing, and the mist rising from the falls created an ethereal atmosphere. The surrounding Jökulsárgljúfur canyon added to the drama, its deep gorges a testament to the power of the river over millennia. I spent a long time simply standing there, taking it all in, feeling dwarfed by the scale of the landscape. The wind was biting, but I barely noticed. It was one of those moments where you feel utterly connected to the earth, a tiny part of something immense and ancient. I tried to capture the scene with my camera, but some things just can't be adequately translated into pixels.

The earth has music for those who listen.

After Hafragilsfoss, we drove back towards Húsavík, our sights set on Húsavík Mountain. I had heard that the views from the top were incredible, and I was eager to see for myself. The drive up the mountain was steep and winding, but the car handled it well. I could feel my heart rate increasing as we drove higher and higher.


Discover the breathtaking panoramic views from Húsavík Mountain, an essential destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Iceland.

We parked at the base of the summit and started to hike. The trail was challenging in places, but the views kept us motivated. As we climbed, the landscape unfolded beneath us, revealing the town of Húsavík, the vast Skjálfandi Bay, and the distant mountains. The air was crisp and clean, and the silence was broken only by the occasional call of a bird. It was a world away from the hustle and bustle of Kingston.

Reaching the summit was exhilarating. The panoramic views were even more spectacular than I had imagined. I could see for miles in every direction, the landscape stretching out like a giant tapestry. I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment, of having conquered something, even if it was just a small mountain. I took a few minutes to sit and absorb the scenery, etching it into my memory. It's moments like these that make all the travel worthwhile.

As the day drew to a close, we headed back down the mountain, our bodies tired but our spirits soaring. We stopped for lunch at Hérna, a local restaurant that came highly recommended. The food was delicious, hearty Icelandic fare that warmed us from the inside out. Over lunch, we reminisced about the day's adventures, laughing and sharing stories. It's these shared experiences that make traveling with friends so special.


Experience cozy dining at Hérna Café in Húsavík – where great food meets breathtaking views.

In the evening, we treated ourselves to dinner at Röff bistro, a cozy spot with a relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the fish of the day, which was cooked to perfection. As I savored each bite, I reflected on the day. From the thundering waterfalls to the panoramic mountain views, it had been a day of incredible contrasts, of raw power and serene beauty. It was a day that reminded me why I love to travel, to explore, to discover.


Experience authentic Icelandic flavors with breathtaking views at Röff Bistro in Húsavík - a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, our last day in Húsavík, I'm already feeling a tinge of sadness. But we still have a few more sights to see, including the iconic Lava Church and the Húsavík viewing point. And of course, we can't leave without a visit to Jaja Ding Dong Húsavík, the bar made famous by the Eurovision movie. I might even try to learn a few Icelandic phrases to impress the locals.

As I settle into bed tonight, I'm filled with gratitude for this incredible journey. Iceland has a way of getting under your skin, of captivating your senses and stirring your soul. It's a place that I know I'll return to someday, to explore its hidden corners and rediscover its untamed beauty. And who knows, maybe next time Isabela and Mateus will be able to join me.

Until then, I'll carry the memories of this trip with me, a reminder of the power of nature and the simple joy of exploration. And perhaps, I will start learning some Icelandic recipes, to bring a little bit of Iceland into our kitchen back in Kingston.