Solo Adventure to Askja Caldera: A Journey into Iceland's Wild Heart

Giants and Craters: A Day of Icelandic Exploration

The day began in the charming town near Lake Mývatn, where I fueled up at Cafe Munkar. The hearty breakfast of traditional Icelandic fare was exactly what I needed to prepare for the day's adventures. I savored every bite, knowing that the hours ahead would demand energy and focus.

My first destination was Hverfjall Volcano, a massive tephra cone that dominates the landscape. The trail leading to the summit was steep but manageable, and as I ascended, the panoramic views grew more and more breathtaking. The wind whipped around me, carrying the scent of sulfur and the distant sound of birds. Reaching the top, I was met with a vast, circular crater, a testament to the powerful forces that shaped this island. I walked along the rim, marveling at the sheer scale of the volcano and the surrounding lava fields that stretched out like a surreal, black ocean. The solitude was profound, broken only by the occasional gust of wind and the distant calls of nesting birds. I spent a long time simply taking it all in, feeling a sense of awe and respect for the natural world.

After descending Hverfjall, I drove a short distance to Dimmuborgir, a labyrinthine lava field known as the 'Dark Fortress'. This place is steeped in Icelandic folklore, said to be the home of elves and trolls. As I wandered through the towering rock formations, I could easily see how these legends took root. The landscape was otherworldly, with jagged pillars, hidden caves, and narrow passageways that seemed to lead to nowhere. The sunlight filtered through the gaps in the rocks, creating an ethereal glow that added to the mystical atmosphere.

I stopped for lunch at Restaurant Kanslarinn, a cozy spot that offered stunning views of Lake Mývatn. The fresh fish and locally sourced vegetables were a welcome treat after a morning of hiking and exploration. As I ate, I reflected on the incredible sights I had already seen and the adventures that still lay ahead. It's moments like these, when I'm surrounded by natural beauty and enjoying simple, wholesome food, that I feel most alive.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the most unexpected places.

In the late afternoon, I decided to indulge in a bit of shopping at The Heart of Reykjavik. While it felt a little out of place amidst the natural wonders I'd been exploring, I couldn't resist picking up a few souvenirs for friends and family back in Hamburg. I found some beautiful hand-knitted wool sweaters and a few jars of locally made jam – perfect reminders of my Icelandic adventure.

As evening approached, I made my way to Sauðá for dinner. This restaurant is known for its traditional Icelandic cuisine, and I was eager to try some of the local specialties. I ordered a hearty lamb stew, which was rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying after a long day outdoors. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I enjoyed chatting with the friendly staff about their favorite places in Iceland. They gave me some great tips for my upcoming adventures, which I gratefully noted in my travel journal.

Back at my campsite, as I settled in for the night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences of the day. The raw beauty of Hverfjall Volcano and the mythical allure of Dimmuborgir had left a lasting impression. I thought about the bees back in Hamburg, diligently working in their urban hives, and wondered what they would make of this stark, volcanic landscape. I imagined bringing back some unique pollen samples, a little taste of Iceland to add to their honey. Perhaps I could even start a new line of 'volcanic honey', infused with the essence of this extraordinary place.

As I drifted off to sleep, I dreamt of giants and elves, of fiery landscapes and hidden caves. Tomorrow promises even more adventure, with plans to explore Drekagil and Dyngjufjoll. I'm particularly excited about Drekagil, also known as Dragon's Gulch, which sounds like something straight out of a fantasy novel. And Dyngjufjoll, the mountain range that houses Askja Caldera, is sure to offer some incredible views. I'm also looking forward to trying out a couple of new restaurants: Systrakaffi for breakfast, Grána Bistro for lunch, and Drangar Restaurant for dinner. And if I have time, I might even check out the SKY Bar for a drink and some late-night conversation.

This solo journey is proving to be everything I hoped for and more. Each day brings new discoveries, new challenges, and new opportunities to connect with nature and myself. I'm learning to trust my instincts, to embrace the unexpected, and to appreciate the simple things in life. And as I continue my adventure into the wild heart of Iceland, I know that the memories I'm making will stay with me long after I return to the familiar streets of Hamburg.

One thing I did forget to pack, and I'm really regretting it now, is a portable water filter. The tap water here is perfectly safe to drink, but I've been doing a lot of hiking and it would be great to be able to fill up my water bottle from streams and rivers without worrying about contamination. I also wish I had brought more memory cards for my camera. I've been taking so many photos and videos that I'm already running low on storage space. Lesson learned: always pack extra memory!

Until tomorrow, Iceland. I'm ready for whatever you have in store.