July 28 Waterfalls and canyons

This is a land of oohs and aahs!

We would have liked to spend more time around Myvatn but there were still places we wanted to see. So we travelled further south along the Jokulsargljufur Canyon which cradles the river Jokulsa. This is a glacial river originating in that massive icecap, Vatnajokull, in the south. It cuts through old lava fields and is quite breathtaking. The canyon has been shaped not only by water but by volcanic activity - about 8-9000 years ago two volcanic fissures erupted in this area. The craters and lava formations in the canyon have been further shaped by water - it is a powerful force. Iceland is on the junction of the Eurasian and Nth American tectonic plates so it’s a very dynamic region and most unstable (see post 'Iceland an alluring place' for maps 21 July 2022). 

Extensive alluvial plains split be a great fissure 

Panoramic view of Hagragilsfoss 

Approaching Dettifoss. The mist from the Falls is just visible.

Flowers tucked in among the rocks: Bladder campions

Along the canyon, we stopped firstly at Hagragilsfoss and then at Dettifoss; the latter is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It was a long day of walking, we covered over 11km. A number of the areas we have visited, mostly on the tourist route areas, seem to be in the process of being developed for tourism. The walks to view these falls were long and very rough: Dettifoss was about 2 km each way from the car park, but the view was worth the walk. We watched as great clouds of spray and mist from the thundering falls created shimmer perfect rainbows in the sun. 

Hostile rocky terrain surrounds this beauty.  

In places a second rainbow could be seen.

Absolutely stunning! Which end was the pot of gold?

Magnificent, spell binding in its magnitude and power, the canyon through which this river rushes is huge and the deep. At times the river floods out over the lava plains creating a lake many kilometres wide; the water is all snow and ice melt. It is most impressive. 

Crossing the roaring Jokulsa River

Iceland wraps you around with beauty!

Striking patches of Arctic lupins lined the road

We continued eastward and made it to Egilsstadir that evening; we've been fascinated by the names of the places we've visited; this one simply means the place of Egill who was the first known farmer to farm this place. The town is located on a long lake and is locally known as the ‘reindeer town’ because these lovely animals are often seen around here.  After living quite frugally for a week we dined out that night on local fish - Cod and Ling. Both were delicious. We would have loved to try the reindeer but at around $100 per serve we opted against that experience!  

Crossing the long lake into Egilsstadir

L: Ling with spring onions, cauliflower, lime, coconut veloute. R: Cod with broccilini, lemon., grapes, smoked beurre blanc and pickled apple.