Family Adventure at Vatnajokull National Park

Glacial Heights and Hidden Waterfalls

Today was a day of epic proportions, a true testament to the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland. I felt an incredible surge of energy as I woke up, knowing we were going to explore Skaftafell Glacier and hopefully catch a glimpse of Morsárfoss, Iceland's tallest waterfall. The family was just as excited, and after a quick breakfast, we were ready to embrace the adventure.


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

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Vatnajökull. It's a cozy little spot, and just what we needed to fuel up before tackling the glacier. The coffee was strong, the pastries were fresh, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. It's amazing how a simple cafe can feel like an oasis in such a vast, rugged landscape. I even managed to snag a local tour brochure, always on the lookout for more hidden gems to explore. I made a mental note to try their sandwiches next time, they looked delicious.


Discover the unique blend of art and flavor at Cafe Vatnajökull – an inviting cafe nestled in Iceland's stunning Öræfi region.

Fueled and ready, we headed towards Skaftafell Glacier. I had booked a guided glacier hike in advance, knowing that venturing onto a glacier without proper equipment and expertise is incredibly dangerous. Safety first, always! We met our guide at the Skaftafell Base Camp, a bustling hub for adventure seekers. After a thorough safety briefing and getting fitted with crampons, harnesses, and ice axes, we were ready to step onto the ice.

The experience was surreal. Walking on the glacier felt like stepping onto another planet. The ice was a mesmerizing shade of blue, sculpted by wind and time into otherworldly formations. The crampons crunched satisfyingly with each step, providing a secure grip on the slippery surface. Jasmine was in her element, her adventurous spirit shining brighter than ever. David, ever the cautious one, took his time, but soon found his rhythm, his face alight with wonder. I felt a sense of profound gratitude, being able to share this incredible experience with my family.

Our guide was fantastic, sharing fascinating insights about the glacier's formation, movement, and the impact of climate change. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of these icy giants and the importance of environmental conservation. As someone deeply involved in sustainability back in Toronto, it reinforced my commitment to making a difference, no matter how small.

The beauty of Iceland lies not just in its landscapes, but in the powerful reminder of nature's constant change and the importance of preserving its delicate balance.

We spent a good couple of hours exploring the glacier, marveling at ice caves, deep crevasses, and stunning ice sculptures. The views were breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and ice fields. The scale of everything was immense, dwarfing us and making us feel incredibly small yet connected to something much larger than ourselves.

After our glacier adventure, we were hungry, and headed over to Fosshotel Vatnajökull for lunch. The restaurant offered stunning views of the glacier, and the food was delicious. I opted for a traditional Icelandic lamb soup, while David went for the Arctic char. Jasmine, of course, chose the burger. It was a satisfying meal, and the perfect way to refuel after our icy escapade.


Discover breathtaking glacier views and authentic Icelandic hospitality at Fosshotel Vatnajökull in Höfn.

With renewed energy, we set our sights on Morsárfoss. I knew that getting an up-close view of the waterfall would be challenging, as it requires a difficult hike over a glacier with an experienced guide. Considering we had already spent a good amount of time on the ice, and with Jasmine's safety in mind, we decided to try and spot it from a distance. We drove along Route 1, hoping to catch a glimpse of the majestic waterfall from the Skeidarársandur plains area.

Unfortunately, Morsárfoss remained elusive, hidden behind the vast expanse of the glacier and the misty weather. While I was a little disappointed, I knew that sometimes the best experiences are the ones that require a bit of patience and persistence. Besides, the drive itself was stunning, with dramatic landscapes unfolding around every bend. We promised ourselves that we would return one day, better prepared and with a seasoned guide, to conquer the glacier and witness Morsárfoss in all its glory.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Morsárfoss Waterfall, a hidden gem in Iceland surrounded by stunning glaciers and majestic mountains.

Instead, we decided to enjoy a relaxing evening at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon. We stopped by their bar, a cozy and inviting space, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. I enjoyed a glass of Icelandic beer, while David opted for a whisky. Jasmine, of course, had a soda. We shared stories and laughter, reliving the highlights of the day and savoring the precious moments of family time.


Experience the stunning landscapes of Iceland at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon with modern comforts and exceptional dining in a serene setting.

For dinner, we decided to try Bjargarsteinn Mathús. It was a bit of a drive, but the reviews were raving about it, and I was intrigued. The restaurant is located in Grundarfjördur, and has a charming, rustic ambiance. We were lucky to get a table, as it's a popular spot, and the view of Kirkjufell mountain was simply stunning. The food was exceptional, with fresh, local ingredients prepared with creativity and passion. I had the fish of the day, which was cooked to perfection, while David went for the lamb. Jasmine, surprisingly, opted for the vegan platter, and she loved it! It was a truly memorable meal, and a perfect ending to an incredible day.


Experience authentic Icelandic cuisine at Bjargarsteinn Mathús with stunning views and exceptional service in Grundarfjörður.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Today was a reminder of the power and beauty of nature, and the importance of cherishing our planet and the people we share it with. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with you, my readers, and hopefully inspire you to embark on your own adventures.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Fjallsárlón Iceberg Boat Tours [See Day 5 Itinerary]. I'm incredibly excited to see the icebergs up close and learn more about these glacial wonders. I also plan to do some shopping at the Skaftafell Terminal - Tour Center, hopefully finding some unique souvenirs to take back home [See Day 5 Itinerary].

But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of exploration and discovery in this magical land of fire and ice. Good night from Vatnajökull National Park!