We set off at a very leisurely 11:30am on a dry but overcast Tuesday. Rain was in the air, and by the time we got to Goðafoss it was a wet windy day. The initial road taken was part of Icelands Route 1 that goes right around the island so it was a good standard. First you have to cross to the other side of the fjord over the causeway then north along the other coastline where you get a good view back over to Akereyri and the cruise ships in port.
At this stage, let me say that all the photos on this coach trip were taken with my iPhone X. Due to the final destination being a bath in the Myvatn Natural Baths. I didn’t know what facilities were available to keep things safe and so didn’t want to take a chance. The phone did an ok job considering the poor lighting.
One of the things that stand out from this trip was the lush green fields of grass. I hadn’t expected that but, as it was highlighted to us by the tour guide, Iceland has near 24 hours of daylight in summer. This means the grass grows strongly giving up to 3 cuttings per season, even given such a short growing season. The grass is baled and used as winter feed for the livestock and horses.
On starting north up the righthand side of the Eyjafjörður you have a choice to take the new Vaðlaheiðargong Tunnel on Route 1 or taking the longer scenic Vikurskarð Mountain Pass. The tunnel is much shorter, quicker and a good bit safer in icy conditions. Being nearly summer we took the scenic route up the mountains.
Low clouds brought a sense of drama to the view but beneath the visibility was still good.
Heading down the other side of Vikurskarð alongside the Fnjóská river.
Our first look at the Icelandic Horses in a meadow of yellow buttercups or dandelions?
About one and a half hours from setting out we reach the bridge over the river Skjálfandaflóti where there is a visitors centre and parking for the Goðafoss falls. You have parking and footpaths down both sides of the river but in the time we had it is probably best to choose just one side. In our case that was the east side.
The paths are good with little elevation to worry about.
Coming from England where we don’t have spectacular falls, the Goðafoss falls are impressive. The glacial meltwater is still strong in late June, and give that thunderous roar when you get near the falls.
Whilst visiting the falls, the river and its geological forms are well worth observing. This landscape is all volcanically formed with some unusual features including potholes, if you are into that sort of thing.
After a quick coffee and a look around the gift shop we then move onto the Mývatn Nature Baths.
