Solo Adventure in Vatnajokull National Park

Finding Paradise in Stokksnes and Vestrahorn

Today was a day of pure, unadulterated Icelandic magic. Leaving behind the cozy comforts of Fosshotel Vatnajökull after a hearty breakfast, I set out to explore the iconic landscapes of Stokksnes and Vestrahorn. These locations have been on my photography bucket list for ages, and I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype. Let me tell you, they exceeded all expectations.


Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Stokksnes, where black sand beaches meet majestic mountains in stunning Icelandic scenery.
The drive itself was stunning. The landscape transformed into a mesmerizing tapestry of black sand beaches, rugged coastlines, and imposing mountains. The weather in Iceland is known to be unpredictable, and today was no exception. Patches of fog rolled in and out, creating an ethereal atmosphere that only added to the drama of the scenery.
My first stop was Stokksnes. After purchasing a ticket at the Viking Cafe, I drove down the gravel road towards the radar station, with Vestrahorn looming in the distance. The anticipation was palpable. I parked the car and stepped out onto the black sand dunes, and I was immediately struck by the sheer beauty of the place. The dunes were covered in vibrant green sea grass, a stark contrast to the dark sand, and the waves crashed against the shore with a rhythmic roar. Vestrahorn, with its jagged peaks, stood tall and proud, dominating the horizon.
I spent hours wandering around, camera in hand, trying to capture the perfect shot. The light was constantly changing, creating endless opportunities for unique compositions. I experimented with different angles, using the dunes and the sea grass as foreground elements to lead the eye towards the mountain. I even tried a few long exposures to capture the movement of the clouds and the waves.

The beauty of landscape photography lies in planning your vision through potential, not by limitation.

One of the highlights of the day was discovering the reflections of Vestrahorn in the shallow tidal flats. The water was perfectly still, creating a mirror-like surface that mirrored the mountain's peaks. It was a truly breathtaking sight, and I felt incredibly grateful to be witnessing such natural beauty. I can see why so many photographers recommend visiting during the golden hour to capture these reflections. Even though the wind can sometimes ruin the reflections, I was lucky to have a calm day.
After a morning of photography, my stomach started to rumble. It was time for lunch, and I had just the place in mind: Mia's Country Van - Local Fish & Chips in Skógar. I had heard so many good things about this food truck, and I was eager to try their famous fish and chips.

Experience the best fish & chips at Mia's Country Van in Hvolsvöllur - fresh, delicious, and uniquely Icelandic.
The drive to Skógar was scenic, and I arrived at Mia's Country Van with a healthy appetite. The food truck was easy to spot, with its bright red color and cheerful atmosphere. I ordered the fish and chips, and it was prepared fresh. While waiting, I chatted with the owners, Mia and Stephán, who were incredibly friendly and welcoming. They told me that they use only the freshest local fish, and you can really taste the difference.
When my order was ready, I grabbed a seat at one of the picnic tables and dug in. The fish was perfectly cooked, with a light and crispy batter, and the chips were thick and crunchy. I tried a few of the homemade salts, including the lava salt and the seaweed salt, which added a unique Icelandic twist to the meal. I can confidently say that Mia's Country Van lives up to the hype – it was some of the best fish and chips I've ever had! I can see why so many people rave about it.
With a full stomach and a happy heart, I continued my journey back towards Vestrahorn. I wanted to capture the mountain in the late afternoon light. I decided to hike one of the trails around Vestrahorn. According to the information I found, there are three trails, with the red one being the easiest. I chose the red trail, hoping to spot some of the local wildlife.
The hike was invigorating, and the views were simply stunning. I saw several different species of birds, and I even spotted a few seals basking in the sun. The fresh air and the exercise did wonders for my soul, and I felt a deep connection to the Icelandic landscape. I thought about Hans and Sofia back in Berlin, and I wished they could be here to share this experience with me. I made a mental note to plan a family trip to Iceland in the future.
As the sun began to set, I found a secluded spot overlooking Vestrahorn and set up my camera. The sky exploded with color, painting the mountain in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a truly magical moment, and I felt incredibly lucky to be there to witness it. I took a series of photos, trying to capture the beauty of the scene. I wanted to preserve this memory forever.
After the sun had set, I packed up my gear and started the drive back towards my accommodation for the night: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. I was looking forward to a warm shower and a delicious meal. I had heard great things about the hotel's restaurant, and I was eager to try their Icelandic fusion cuisine.

Experience luxury at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon—your ideal base for exploring Iceland's stunning glaciers and natural wonders.
Upon arrival, I checked in and headed straight to the restaurant. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. I ordered a traditional Icelandic dish, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were complex and satisfying, and I savored every bite. After dinner, I enjoyed a glass of local dark beer at the bar before retiring to my room for the night.
As I lay in bed, reflecting on the day's adventures, I couldn't help but smile. Stokksnes and Vestrahorn had exceeded all my expectations, and I had experienced the magic of Iceland in all its glory. I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of glaciers, mountains, and the Northern Lights. Tomorrow, I plan to explore Svínafellsjökull glacier and hopefully do some ice hiking with Ice Guardians Iceland [laughs]. I can't wait to see what adventures await me tomorrow.
Iceland's landscapes offer a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, inviting you to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with the extraordinary.
I'm so grateful for the experiences of today. It was a reminder of why I love to travel and why I love to share my stories with you all. I hope you enjoyed reading about my adventures in Stokksnes and Vestrahorn. Stay tuned for more tales from Vatnajökull National Park!