We began our day with a cozy self-serve breakfast at Eyjólfsstaðir Guesthouse from 9 to 10 AM. Then we hit the road for Northern Iceland’s geothermal gems and volcanic wonders.
📸 Stuðlagil Canyon: Hidden Columns of Glory
Our first stop was Stuðlagil Canyon, a 1 hour and 10 minute drive away. This stunning canyon was hidden for centuries beneath the glacial waters of the Jökla River – only revealed in 2009 after a hydroelectric plant lowered the water level. Now, it’s a photographer’s dream, with towering basalt columns and a bright blue river winding through the gorge.
We visited the west bank viewpoint, which involved 240 steps down from the parking lot. It’s a decent view, but the east bank offers the best experience — though it requires a 2.5 km hike each way. Bucky wanted to go east, but his legs said no.
There’s a paid toilet at the west lot, and the descent is steep but manageable. The canyon’s dramatic geometry and glacial hues were worth the climb.
🌫️ Hverir Geothermal Park: Earth’s Steamy Secrets
From 3 to 4 PM, we explored Hverir, a surreal geothermal area near Lake Mývatn. The landscape is alive with fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and vibrant mineral deposits in fiery oranges, yellows, and reds.
The steam vents hissed like dragons, and the mud pools gurgled like cauldrons. Bucky tried to mimic the bubbling sounds and nearly fell into a puddle. The 2.7 km loop trail lets you see everything up close – just don’t wear white shoes!
This place is a living science experiment, showing off the Earth’s constant evolution. It smells like sulfur and adventure.
🕳️ Grjótagjá Lava Cave: Outlaw’s Bathtub
Just 10 minutes away, we visited Grjótagjá, a small lava cave with a geothermal spring inside. In the 18th century, it was home to Jón Markússon, an outlaw who lived in the cave and bathed in its warm waters.
Locals used it as a hot spring until the 1970s, when volcanic activity made the water dangerously hot. It’s cooled slightly since then, but temperatures are still unpredictable – so no soaking allowed!
The cave is beautiful but requires a bit of agility to climb down. Free parking, and a cool stop for history buffs and cave-loving beavers.
🌋 Hverfjall Volcano: Stadium of Stone
Next, we drove 15 minutes to Hverfjall, one of the largest tephra cones in the world. This crater was formed by a massive eruption 25,000 years ago and stands over 400 meters tall.
The loop trail around the crater is 4.2 km, with free parking and a toilet at the base. The crater is a kilometer wide and 140 meters deep – shaped like a giant stadium. A landslide during the eruption caused the southern side to collapse, giving it a dramatic asymmetry.
🛏️ Hotel Tjarnir: Dorm Vibes
We checked into Hotel Tjarnir around 9 PM:
- Two twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Check-in by passcode after 3 PM
- Free cancellation by Sept 11
The hotel was clean and functional, though it felt a bit like a dormitory. The kitchen was tiny – just a sink, no dishwasher – and some communal dishes weren’t very clean. They sell instant noodles and soft drinks.
Tomorrow, we head deeper into Northern Iceland’s wild wonders. Bucky’s tail is twitching, and his canyon selfies are already trending.
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 sulfur-scented thoughts. 🌫️🦫