Fire & Ice: a pandemic escape to Iceland - part 6 - the East Fjords

The East Fjords

 

Initially we headed for Seyðisfjörður, featured in the recent Walter Mitty film, with a long winding descent into the fjord. This is where the ferry from mainland Europe arrives and so is frequented by visitors heading into Iceland, or on their way home again. The campsite was full, however we set up at the edge of the access road, which was reasonably close to the ablutions. We dined at the good restaurant in the Hotel Aldan. The following day we walked around the town after coffee and croissants at Aldan. On our exploration we found that it was a National Holiday, however we were able to visit the Skaftell Art Gallery. 

 


We then headed for Stuðlagil Canyon, which has amazing columnar basalt as the walls of the canyon. We spent a short time, in the rain, on the west bank, and then found our way to the car  park on the east bank, from which we walked to the canyon and back, fortunately in good weather. From here we took F910 over the mountain to Hafrajvammagljúfur/Kárajnjúkastifla dam, then north again to Hengifoss campsite, which proved to be quiet, tranquil, and set in a grassy area among trees below the cliffs We enjoyed beers at the Guesthouse, and chatted with the very friendly lady running the site. This was one of the most welcoming and enjoyable camp sites in the trip. 

 


 

The following day we visited the Hengifoss Visitor centre and then headed back into the highlands to the Snæfellski Hut; we had thought to head further into the highlands from here however rain had swollen the river we had to cross to the point where it seemed hazardous to push the car and so we strolled around the area, with glaciers hanging above us on the mountain, then returned to the Hengifoss Valley and walked up to the waterfall. 

 


 


 

We stopped for a late lunch at the Kol Restaurant in Hótel Hallormsstaður,  which is set in what is described as the largest remaining forest in Iceland. From there we headed back to the coast to camp at Reyðarfjörður. The following day took us to a walk at Hólmanes point, to a bried exploration of Neskaupstaður, and then a walk to Páskahellir (Easter Cave), after which we visited Klifbrekku waterfall, Mjóifjörður, and then headed to Egilsstaðir, where stayed at the Edda Hotel so that we could take advantage of a good internet connection.

 

Leaving Egilsstaðir we enjoyed Vök Hot Springs, one of the more “upmarket” thermal springs, did some groceray shopping, and then took the Öxi road to Berufjörður, then Fossardafoss, Djupivogur (to see the Eggs), and finally to Höfn campsite




Alan & Marce, 2021 July/August

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