Exploring the Geothermal Marvels of Kerlingarfjöll

A Day of Highlands and High Water

Today, Jean-Pierre and I ventured deeper into the heart of Iceland, a day promising breathtaking views and the raw, untamed beauty that this country is so famous for. Leaving our cozy campsite, we set out to explore Vatnajökull National Park and the legendary Haifoss waterfall. I was particularly excited, as I'd read so much about these natural wonders, and experiencing them firsthand felt like stepping into a postcard.


Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, where glaciers, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife await your exploration.

The morning started with a hearty breakfast at Ásgarður in Kerlingarfjöll. Fuelled up, we hit the road towards Vatnajökull National Park. The drive itself was stunning, with the landscape transforming into vast plains of volcanic rock and distant glaciers. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of everything around us. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love traveling; it's not just about seeing new places, but about feeling connected to something bigger than myself.

As we approached Vatnajökull, the weather started to shift. October in Iceland is a bit of a gamble, weather-wise. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're battling a fierce wind. Today was no exception. The temperature hovered around 3-6°C (37-43°F), and the wind added a significant chill. I was grateful for my layers of warm clothing, a lesson learned from previous trips where I underestimated Iceland's unpredictable climate.

Our first stop was Vatnajökull National Park, a place of immense beauty and geological significance. As the largest national park in Europe, it's home to vast ice caps, rugged mountains, and unique wildlife. We decided to take a short hike to get a better view of the glacier. The sheer scale of Vatnajökull is hard to comprehend; it stretches as far as the eye can see, a frozen wilderness that dominates the landscape. Though regular hiking trails are often closed in October, glacier hikes are available year-round, and I was tempted to book one.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

After soaking in the glacial views, we continued our journey towards Haifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls. The drive was challenging, to say the least. The road to Haifoss requires a 4x4 vehicle, and even then, it's a bumpy ride. But the stunning views made it worth the effort. The landscape was a mix of rocky terrain and vibrant autumn colors, a testament to Iceland's diverse beauty. The fall colors were definitely in full swing, adding extra drama to the already spectacular views.

Finally, we arrived at Haifoss. The waterfall is located in the Þjórsárdalur valley, and the view from the top of the canyon is simply breathtaking. Haifoss plunges 122 meters (400 feet) into the depths below, surrounded by steep cliffs and rugged terrain. The wind was intense, and the spray from the waterfall created a constant mist in the air. Jean-Pierre and I stood there for a long time, just taking it all in. The power and beauty of nature were on full display, and I felt a sense of peace and awe wash over me.


Discover Haifoss, Iceland's breathtaking waterfall, where nature's beauty meets adventure in the heart of Þjórsárdalur valley.

We decided to hike down into the canyon for a closer look. The path was rocky and steep, but the views from below were even more incredible. Being at the base of Haifoss is an experience I'll never forget. The sound of the water crashing down was deafening, and the sheer scale of the waterfall was overwhelming. I felt so small and insignificant in the face of such natural power.

After our hike, we were both starving. We headed back to Ásgarður for lunch, savoring every bite after our adventurous morning. The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant was a welcome contrast to the harsh weather outside. We spent the afternoon browsing Shopicelandic. I was looking for a warm Icelandic wool sweater to take back home as a souvenir. I ended up buying a beautiful hand-knitted sweater with traditional Icelandic patterns. Jean-Pierre found some Icelandic candy to bring back to our friends in Lyon. It's always fun to bring a little piece of our travels back home with us.


Explore Shopicelandic for an authentic Icelandic shopping experience, offering unique souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of Reykjavík.

Shopicelandic offers a wide selection of Icelandic products, from wool yarn to souvenirs, and seems to pride itself on authenticity and environmental awareness. While some reviews mention a mediocre trust score and hidden website owner identity, the general consensus seems positive regarding product selection and quality. I was happy with my purchase, and the sweater will definitely keep me warm during the cold Lyon winters.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to our campsite. The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape. We cooked dinner over our portable stove, enjoying the peace and quiet of the Icelandic wilderness. As I sat there, sipping my tea and watching the stars come out, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Iceland is a land of contrasts, where fire and ice collide to create a landscape of unparalleled beauty. And I'm so grateful to be able to share it with Jean-Pierre.

Before drifting off to sleep, we glanced at tomorrow's itinerary. Tomorrow, we are heading to Seljalandsfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls. I'm excited to see Seljalandsfoss, as you can actually walk behind the waterfall. I’ve seen so many pictures of it, and I can’t wait to experience it myself. And after a day of chasing waterfalls, we're planning to unwind at the Dillon Whiskey Bar. It will be a perfect way to end another day of adventure in Iceland. Good night from Kerlingarfjöll!

I'm also diligently keeping track of essentials we forgot to pack. Today's reminder: a portable phone charger. It would have been useful during our long day in Vatnajökull National Park and Haifoss. I’m adding it to the shopping list for our return to Lyon. I hope that my experience today inspires you to seek out your own adventures, to embrace the unexpected, and to appreciate the beauty of our planet. Until tomorrow!