Today was all about Iceland’s southeast — a land of lava, ice, and a surprising amount of duck sightings.
🌊 Dyrhólaey Viewpoint and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: No Puffins, Just Wind
Our first stop was Dyrhólaey, a 30-minute drive away. This cliffy peninsula is known for puffin sightings – but we were too late in the season. Puffins usually leave by mid-August, so we just got wind and wistfulness.
Parking cost 750 ISK. The viewpoint is split into two parts: the higher area with panoramic views and a castle-shaped lighthouse, and the lower area with a beach and the rock Arnardrangur (“Eagle Rock”). The views were decent, but not breathtaking. But you could see the famous Reynisfjara Black sand Beach.
🖤 Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach: Charcoal Chic, Horse Poop Not So Much
Next, we drove 30 minutes to Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach in Vik. The volcanic black sand is stunning, but the beach was littered with horse droppings from nearby tours. We didn’t stay long, at least parking we free.
🍕 Lunch in Vik: Black Crust Pizza
We grabbed lunch at Black Crust Pizza – a fun gimmick after visiting the black sand beach. The crust is made with activated charcoal (not actual beach sand, thankfully). It was tasty, with free bathrooms and self-serve water. We tried their Langoustine Pizza and Spicy Tuna Pizza.
🏞️ Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: Mossy Majesty
After a 1-hour drive, we arrived at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – a moss-covered marvel carved by glacial meltwater over thousands of years. It’s around 100 meters deep and 2 kilometers long, with palagonite walls shaped by volcanic activity.
We skipped the full 3.2 km hike and just did the short walk to the viewpoint. Parking was 1000 ISK. The views were dramatic and serene.
🌲 Skaftafell National Park: Waterfall Wander
Next, we drove 1 hour and 40 minutes to Skaftafell National Park, part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park. From the Visitor Centre, we hiked 1.5 km to Svartifoss Waterfall.
Svartifoss is framed by dramatic basalt columns, like nature’s cathedral pipes.
❄️ Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach: Ice, Ice, Baby
Just 1 hour away, we reached Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Parking was 1000 ISK, and you can choose from three lots, and move from one to the other.
The lagoon is filled with icebergs that break off from the Vatnajökull Glacier and drift out to sea. It’s Iceland’s deepest lake, formed in the 1930s and still growing. We didn’t do the amphibian boat tour, but watching the ice float was mesmerizing.
Across the road, Diamond Beach sparkled with ice chunks on black sand. Bucky tried to take one home, but it melted.
🦞 Dinner in Höfn: Langoustine Love
After a 1-hour drive, we arrived in Höfn, Iceland’s “lobster” capital. We ate at Hafnarbúðin, a tiny sandwich shop known for its langoustine. The sandwiches were absolutely delicious – we ordered double, but seating was limited.
🛏️ Brekka í Lóni Farm Stay: Ducks, Sheep & Ocean Views
We checked in to Brekka í Lóni Farm Stay between 4–10 PM. We had two twin rooms with private bathrooms and mini kitchens. Very clean, but check-in was a bit confusing – we wandered until a kind lady spotted us.
The property is charming, with ducks, sheep, and stunning ocean views.
Tomorrow, we head into the Eastfjords. Bucky’s fluff is glacier-chilled and ready for fjord frolicking.
Note: We’re not affiliated with any of the places or services mentioned. No króna, cookies, or cuddles were exchanged for these reviews — just our honest, slightly soggy thoughts. 🧊🦫