Family Adventure in Skaftafell National Park

Chasing Glacial Dreams and Waterfalls

Today was a day of epic proportions, filled with the kind of natural beauty that makes you feel utterly insignificant and completely awestruck all at once. Iceland, you continue to surprise and delight!
After a hearty breakfast at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli), we set out to explore the wonders around Skaftafell National Park.

The day started with a visit to Svínafellsjökull Glacier, an outlet glacier of the massive Vatnajökull ice cap. I’d seen pictures, of course, but nothing prepares you for the sheer scale and otherworldly beauty of this place. The glacier is easily accessible, a short drive from the main road, followed by a brief, somewhat bumpy, drive. As we approached, the landscape transformed into a surreal panorama of ice formations, sharp ridges, and deep crevasses.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Svínafellsjökull Glacier in Iceland's Vatnajökull National Park, an adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

Luka, my son, was particularly thrilled. He peppered me with questions about how glaciers are formed and whether we’d see any polar bears. Ana, ever the pragmatist, was more concerned about the safety of hiking so close to the ice. We reassured her that we would stick to the marked paths and keep a safe distance from any precarious edges. It’s amazing to think that this glacier, while stunning, is also shrinking due to global warming. It's a stark reminder of the impact we're having on our planet, a topic I often discuss on my blog, advocating for sustainable travel practices.

We spent a couple of hours simply wandering around, taking in the views and snapping photos. The light was incredible, casting long shadows across the ice and creating a magical atmosphere. I even managed to capture a few shots that I think will look great on my Evendo blog. I'm always looking for ways to inspire others to explore the world, and Svínafellsjökull is definitely a place that deserves to be seen.

The beauty of Iceland lies not just in its grand landscapes, but in the intimate moments of connection we experience within them.

After our glacial adventure, we hopped back in the car and headed towards Foss á Síðu, a charming waterfall cascading down moss-covered cliffs. The drive itself was scenic, with rolling green hills and dramatic mountain backdrops. As we approached the waterfall, it was easy to see why it’s such a popular spot. The water tumbled gracefully down the cliff face, creating a serene and picturesque scene. It's located just off the Ring Road, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring the south coast.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Foss á Síðu, a serene waterfall surrounded by Iceland's stunning landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

What made Foss á Síðu particularly special was the sense of tranquility that enveloped the area. There were a few other tourists around, but it didn’t feel crowded or overwhelming. We took our time, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Luka, of course, was fascinated by the waterfall, throwing pebbles into the pool at its base and trying to catch the spray in his hands. Ana and I simply sat on a nearby rock, soaking in the beauty of the moment. I couldn’t help but think about my parents and how much they would have loved this place. They instilled in me a love for nature and a sense of adventure, and I often find myself missing them on these trips.

For lunch, we had planned on trying Pakkhús Restaurant in Höfn, known for its langoustine, but given our location we decided to try our luck at Saatvik Restaurant (Kaffiterían Skaftafelli). I had read mixed reviews, but we were pleasantly surprised. It's a casual spot with a cafeteria-style setup, but the food was tasty and satisfying. Luka devoured a plate of fish and chips, while Ana and I opted for the soup and samosa. I even tried their vegan cheesecake, which was surprisingly good, though Luka thought it tasted a bit too much like frosting.

After lunch, we decided to visit Tröll Expeditions Skaftafell, hoping to find some unique souvenirs. While the shop had a decent selection of outdoor gear and Icelandic trinkets, I was more interested in learning about the glacier tours they offered. It turns out they organize guided hikes and ice climbing expeditions on Falljökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull. I made a mental note to consider this for a future trip, perhaps with a group of friends who are a bit more adventurous than my family. I think Ana would kill me if I suggested ice climbing with Luka!


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Iceland's glaciers with Tröll Expeditions Skaftafell, your gateway to unforgettable adventures in nature.

Dinner tonight was at Veitingasala Restaurant, Shop, And Gas, which was an experience in itself. It's a combination restaurant, shop, and gas station, catering to tourists and locals alike. I wasn't expecting much, but the food was surprisingly decent. We ordered some burgers and fries, and they hit the spot after a long day of exploring. The atmosphere was bustling and lively, with a mix of people grabbing a quick bite and stocking up on snacks for their travels. It was a far cry from the Michelin-starred restaurants I sometimes frequent in Zurich, but it had its own unique charm.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Veitingasala Restaurant in Svínafell – where local flavors meet stunning landscapes.

As the day draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we’ve had. From the majestic glaciers to the serene waterfalls, Iceland continues to captivate and inspire. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with my family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. And as I look ahead to tomorrow, I'm excited to explore more of this beautiful country. We're planning to visit Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon and Mulagljufur Canyon, two more natural wonders that I've been eager to see. I've heard that Fjaðrárgljúfur can get quite crowded, so we'll try to get there early to avoid the crowds. And after a day of hiking, we might just treat ourselves to a drink at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. I think I deserve it!

One thing I did forget to pack was a portable phone charger, so I'm hoping the car charger holds up tomorrow, especially with all the pictures I plan to take. Sunglasses would have also been great, the sun reflecting off the glacier was quite intense.

Good night from Skaftafell! I will keep you posted on my adventures.

Until tomorrow!