Solo Adventure in Vatnajokull National Park

Skaftafell's Embrace: A Day of Glaciers and Basalt Beauty

Today was a day of immersing myself in the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland's Vatnajokull National Park. From the shimmering blue ice of Skaftafell Glacier to the dramatic basalt columns framing Svartifoss waterfall, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard. The crisp air, the vast landscapes, and the sheer power of nature left me breathless and invigorated.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Skaftafell Glacier, a mesmerizing nature preserve in Iceland with stunning trails and unique geological wonders.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Glacier Goodies. Fuelled up, I set off towards Skaftafell Glacier. The drive itself was stunning, with panoramic views of the park's rugged terrain. I couldn't resist pulling over a few times to capture the scenery with my camera; the light here is just magical, especially with the autumn colors starting to paint the landscape. I must admit, forgetting my portable phone charger is starting to become a problem, as I am constantly draining the battery on my phone with all the photos I am taking.

Arriving at Skaftafell, I decided to join a guided glacier hike. As someone who is passionate about wildlife conservation, I wanted to learn more about these incredible ice formations and the impact of climate change on them. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, explaining how glaciers are formed and how they constantly change. Kitted out with crampons, a harness, and an ice axe, I felt like a true explorer. The experience of walking on the glacier was surreal. The ice shimmered in shades of blue and white, and deep crevasses stretched out before us like hidden canyons. It was a humbling reminder of the power and fragility of nature. I even got to taste glacier water! It was the purest, freshest water I have ever tasted.

The beauty of Iceland lies not just in its landscapes, but in the profound connection it fosters between us and the natural world.

After the glacier hike, I was eager to experience another of Skaftafell's gems: the Svartifoss Trail. The trail wound through a lush forest, the air filled with the scent of damp earth and pine. Along the way, I passed other smaller, but equally charming waterfalls, like Hundafoss and Þjófafoss. The anticipation built with each step as I approached Svartifoss, known as the Black Falls.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Svartifoss Trail in Skaftafell National Park, where stunning landscapes meet unique geological wonders.

And then, there it was. Svartifoss is framed by striking, dark basalt columns. The waterfall itself isn't very tall, but the unique geological formations make it incredibly dramatic and picturesque. The hexagonal columns resemble the pipes of a giant organ, which is where the waterfall gets its name. I spent a long time simply admiring the view, feeling a sense of awe and tranquility wash over me. I learned that these basalt columns were formed about 300,000 years ago when lava flowed down the Skaftafellsheiði plain and cooled slowly, contracting and splitting into the columns. It's incredible to think about the geological processes that have shaped this landscape over millennia.

For lunch, I stopped at Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas. It was a casual spot, perfect for refueling after a morning of hiking. Back on the road, I made my way to Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant for dinner. As I drove, I thought about Hans and Sofia back in Berlin. I miss them terribly, but I know this solo journey is something I needed to do for myself. I imagined telling Sofia all about the glaciers and waterfalls, and I knew her eyes would light up with excitement. I smiled at the thought of sharing my travel journal with her when I return, filling her imagination with the wonders of Iceland.


Discover authentic Icelandic hospitality at Hali Country Hotel & Restaurant - your gateway to stunning landscapes and local cuisine.

Hali Country Hotel was a delightful experience. The restaurant is known for using locally sourced ingredients, and I decided to try the Arctic Char. It was delicious! The hotel also has a historical exhibit dedicated to the writer Þórbergur Þórðarson, which I found fascinating. After dinner, I decided to check out Jon Riki, a local bar. I enjoyed a quiet drink, reflecting on the day's adventures. I overheard some other travelers talking about their plans to visit Stokksnes and Vestrahorn tomorrow, which are also on my itinerary. I am looking forward to that, especially photographing Vestrahorn mountain reflecting in the wet sand.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Jon Riki in Höfn, where fresh local ingredients meet traditional flavors in a cozy setting.

As I sit here writing this, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences of today. Skaftafell is a place that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul. Tomorrow, I'll be heading towards Stokksnes and Vestrahorn, eager to explore more of Iceland's coastal landscapes. But for now, I'll drift off to sleep, dreaming of glaciers and basalt columns, and perhaps researching the best way to replace my forgotten portable phone charger. My camera and I have so much more to capture in this beautiful country. I am also looking forward to visiting The Vatnajokull Region shop [The Vatnajokull Region] tomorrow and finding some things to take home to Hans and Sofia.

Even though I am traveling solo, I am never truly alone. I carry the love and support of my family with me, and I am constantly meeting new people and sharing stories along the way. It is these connections that make travel so enriching and meaningful. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible country and to share my experiences with you all. Good night from Iceland! Perhaps I will even pick up some salsa moves at a local dance club when I return to Berlin, inspired by the energy of this amazing place. I can already imagine the stories I'll have to tell at the next farmers market in Berlin, sharing the magic of Iceland with the local community.