Family Adventure in Skaftafell National Park

Serpentine Canyons and Majestic Views

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland. We set out to explore canyons carved by ancient glaciers and rivers, and I can honestly say, the experience left me speechless. It's days like these that remind me why I love sharing these adventures with my family and with you all.

Our first stop was Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. The name itself is a mouthful, even for someone who's been attempting to learn Icelandic for the past few months! But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. The canyon winds and twists like a serpent, with steep walls plunging down to the Fjaðrá river below. Luka was especially fascinated by the canyon's shape, imagining it as a giant dragon's footprint on the landscape.


Explore the breathtaking beauty of Fjaðrárgljúfur, an iconic canyon in Iceland known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque hiking trails.

The drive there from Skaftafell was quite scenic. As we got closer, the landscape transformed into a rugged, almost lunar-like terrain. The parking area was a short distance from the canyon's edge, and as we walked towards the viewpoint, the anticipation grew. And then, bam! The view just explodes in front of you. It's like stepping into a painting. The canyon is about 100 meters deep and two kilometers long, with the Fjaðrá river snaking its way through the bottom. I could see why it's become such a popular spot for photographers – the contrasts between the dark rocks, the white water, and the green moss are simply stunning.

I learned that Fjaðrárgljúfur was actually carved out during the Ice Age by the progressive erosion of glaciers. It's hard to fathom the forces of nature at play over millions of years that created such a dramatic landscape. It's also gained popularity after being featured in Justin Bieber's music video. I remember Ana mentioning something about this, but I honestly hadn't made the connection until I saw other tourists referencing it. It's funny how pop culture can draw attention to such incredible natural wonders.

We spent a good hour or so just walking along the edge of the canyon, taking in the views from different vantage points. Luka, of course, was more interested in throwing rocks into the river (much to Ana's dismay, who is always concerned about disturbing the delicate ecosystem). But even she had to admit that the sound of the rocks echoing through the canyon was pretty cool. I took a ton of photos, trying to capture the scale and grandeur of the place. I hope they do it justice!

Sometimes, the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take.

After our canyon exploration, we were all pretty hungry. Thankfully, our itinerary included a stop at Glacier Goodies for breakfast. Now, I'm not usually one for fast food, but I have to admit, this place was a pleasant surprise. They focus on using local ingredients, and you can tell. Luka devoured a burger, while Ana and I opted for some sandwiches. It was the perfect fuel for our next adventure.


Experience quick and delicious fast food at Glacier Goodies in Skaftafell – perfect for adventurers exploring Iceland's stunning landscapes.

Next on the list was Mulagljufur Canyon. This one was a bit more off the beaten path, which is exactly what I love. It's still relatively untouched by mass tourism, and you really feel like you're discovering a hidden gem. Getting there involved a bit of a drive on a gravel road, which my trusty Land Cruiser handled with ease. The hike to the canyon viewpoint was moderately challenging, with some uphill sections and narrow paths. But the effort was more than worth it.


Discover the stunning beauty of Mulagljufur Canyon, a top destination in Iceland featuring breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.

As we reached the viewpoint, the vista opened up before us, revealing a breathtaking panorama. Mulagljufur is narrower and more intimate than Fjaðrárgljúfur, with lush green moss covering the canyon walls. The highlight was definitely the Hangandifoss waterfall cascading down the cliff face. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Luka was convinced that trolls and elves were hiding behind the rocks, and I have to admit, the place had a certain magical quality to it.

I read that Mulagljufur translates to Mule canyon. The canyon features narrow paths, overgrown bushes, and loose rocks scattered throughout. Múlagljúfur is nestled close to the Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoons. It's an ideal location for hiking and spending quality time with friends and family during the summer season. However, the autumn and spring seasons can be muddy and slippery, making it less favorable for hiking. In the winter, it's best to avoid hiking without proper equipment and sturdy boots for ice-covered terrain.

We spent a long time at Mulagljufur, just soaking in the views and enjoying the tranquility. It was the perfect place to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and each other. As the afternoon wore on, we started to make our way back down, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

For lunch, we stopped at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli). This place was a real find! Apparently, Saatvik Restaurant is a family-run business located in Skaftafelli, offering authentic vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside Italian-style cuisine. Given Ana's preference for vegetarian options, this was a great choice. We enjoyed some comforting soups and flavorful dishes. I tried the Chicken Soup, which was reminiscent of homemade cooking, with a rich and well-seasoned broth filled with tender chicken and vegetables. It was perfect for a chilly day like today. Ana was happy with her Broccoli Soup.


Discover delicious local cuisine at Saatvik Restaurant while exploring the breathtaking Skaftafell area in Iceland.

In the evening, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn. The restaurant is located in a charming old house built in 1932 and is overlooking the beautiful harbor and the life around it. I had read about their langoustine, and since Höfn is known as the langoustine capital of Iceland, I knew I had to try it. It did not disappoint! The langoustine was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the presentation was top-notch. Ana opted for the fish soup, which she raved about. Luka, of course, went for the pizza. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.


Experience exquisite Icelandic cuisine at Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn - where fresh seafood meets stunning coastal views.

After dinner, we stopped by Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon for a drink at the bar. It was a nice way to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. We chatted with some other travelers, sharing stories and tips. It's always interesting to hear about other people's experiences and perspectives.


Discover luxury and nature at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, your gateway to Iceland's stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience such incredible places with my family. Iceland continues to surprise and amaze me with its natural beauty. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center and Svartifoss. I'm excited to see what adventures await us. Until then, takk fyrir (thank you) for following along!