As you maybe remember, last year my wife, Marta, and I cycled along the southern coast of Iceland from Keflavik to Hofn. However, we had to return home without any more time to spend there and without any further freedom from the daily routine. But…how could we leave our bike trip halfway? Therefore we are here again, this time with Virginia, the younger of our two daughters.
In 2023 the plan is to cycle forward from Hofn to Reykjavik , counterclockwise, along Ring Road with a station wagon as support. The wagon will be driven half a day alternative by Marta and Virginia, primarily to save money on accomodation. As you can see below, the Austurland region, to which Hofn belongs, also offers us the chance to leave the bikes and embark on a short trek through deserted valleys.
Close to Skjoldolfsstadir, the Jokulsa torrent has carved a spectacular canyon into the basalt rock, named Studlagil. The canyon’s sides consist of a colonnade of rock pillars with a pentagonal section formed from the rapid cooling of the lava. The diameter of the columns decreases as the rapid cooling process occurs more swiftly.
Somewhere in the Northeast, between Djupivogur and Egilsstadhir, lava cords are clearly visible on the ground, reminding us that Iceland is the youngest land on Earth.
Upon turning North and leaving the extensive lava fields behind, we come across Reykjahlid village and Myvatn lake. Unfortunately there are numerous mosquitos in the area, so wearing a net hat is recomended…Not far from there you have the opportunity to climb to the edge of a small, extinct and collapsed volcano. Otherwise, you can opt to take a walk to visit the nearby solfatara, where sulphurous water vapors rise from a depth of one thousand meters underground, with the water reaching temperature around 200 degrees Celsius.
En route to Akureyri , the second-largest city in Iceland, we encounter Godafoss , one of the most beautiful waterfalls. Truth be told, even in the North, there are numerous equally stunning waterfalls scattered throughout the region.
The jaw-dropping Kirkjufell mountain, together with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, is located on the Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. It’s known as Arrowhead Mountain in Game of Thrones – one of the landmarks beyond The Wall. It is also the birthplace of the Night King, and you can spot Kirkjufell in Season 6 when Bran meets the Night King and his army.
Meeting Icelanders isn’t an easy feat due to the country’s population , around three hundred thousand people, with most residing in Reykjavik. In the countryside there are isolated farms and remote oil stations close to market and bars. These stations offer a resting place for people of all ages to take a break, hoping for the rain and wind to calm down.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs, located in Southern Iceland are not so far from the capital and Keflavik international airport. Like last year, to celebrate the successful conclusion of our cycling trip we treat ourselves to a bath in the warm open waters of Reykjadalur river. “Arrivederci” Niceland!!!
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