*Note: This is the second part of a two-part series covering Iceland’s Ring Road. Part 1 can be found here.
Day 5: Akureyri to Vagnsstaðir
After spending two nights on Hrisey, a remote island off the coast of northern Iceland, I was reluctant to leave. The peace and quiet of the island combined with breathtaking scenery was addictive. However, the road was waiting. After all, I had three days left in Iceland and I hadn’t even gotten to the half way point of my journey!
Though Iceland is only the size of the U.S. state of Kentucky, distances can be deceiving. It was a whole eleven, yes ELEVEN, hours of driving before I reached the hostel at Vagnsstaðir, my next stop in southern Iceland. More than ever, I felt that one week was not remotely enough time to devote to seeing this expansive and diverse country.
Day 6: Vagnsstaðir and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
After five days of beautiful weather, Iceland’s climate finally caught up with me on Day 6. I was unable to leave the hostel after noon due to rain and wind. However, I wasn’t complaining; the view from the hostel was in itself unbelievable!
My lone venture of the day was to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The lagoon sits on the edge of the largest glacier in the world outside of the Arctic, Vatnajokull. This really IS the “land of fire and ice,” as many people call Iceland.
Day 7: Vagnsstaðir to Reykjavik
The final stretch of the Ring Road on Iceland’s southern coast heading west towards Reykjavik encompasses some of the most amazing scenery and sights of the entire country (and that’s saying something!) Glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, and mountains….OH MY!
On the way, I was blessed with good weather and got great views of Vatnajokull Glacier, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and the infamous black sand beaches of Vik. As I neared Reykjavik, I reflected on all of the places I had left behind. I already wanted to go back!
October 4, 2012 at 12:35 am
Iceland looks like a photographers wet dream. with such varying landscapes it looks like an amazing place.
October 4, 2012 at 11:45 am
I don’t think you could go wrong taking pictures in Iceland, even if you are an amateur. Just point the camera anywhere and click and you’re guaranteed to have a beautiful photo!
October 11, 2012 at 1:13 pm
I agree. You just can’t go wrong in Iceland. The photos would be great even when taken with a bad quality camera. Great adventure Hannah!
October 14, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Jealous!!! We were supposed to start there but now I think we will be ending there
October 16, 2012 at 4:08 am
I’m jealous of you guys and your trip as well! Latin America is always in my heart and mind…
December 10, 2012 at 3:16 am
Hi Hannah,
I am very interested in traveling to Iceland in June 2013 with my husband and our 4 children (ages at time of travel 9, 7, 5, 3). We initially are thinking about renting an apartment in Reykjavik and making day trips to the Golden Circle etc. However, I don’t want to miss the beauty of Northern Iceland. Is it very difficult to find accommodations in your Ring Road travel?
Thanks, Alice
December 11, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Alice,
I am curious to know, how long you will be spending in Iceland? Depending on how long you have, it might be worth it to try to see other parts of Iceland. However, if you will only be there for a few days, it might be a lot less stressful to just stay in and around Reykjavik and make day trips.
Finding accommodations shouldn’t be a problem at all, as Iceland has a thriving tourist industry. Since I travel on a budget, I stayed in hostels and with local people through CouchSurfing on my trip. Because you are traveling with kids, I’m assuming you will be looking to book at hotels, which shouldn’t be hard to find at all. You might want to book ahead though, since you are traveling in the high tourist season (summer).
Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions! I know you and your family are going to love Iceland.
By the way, props to you for traveling with 4 young children! I don’t know if I’d be able to do it
April 8, 2013 at 6:53 am
Iceland looks so amazing, definitely on my list of places to go! Which waterfall is it in your pictures?
April 9, 2013 at 5:16 am
There are two waterfalls in the pictures – Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Iceland is absolutely a one-of-a-kind place!