We began our day by backtracking the route we took home the previous day, leading us to the Skógar Museum. En route, we came remarkably close to the E15 volcano, passing within just a few miles.
I found it surprising to see individuals residing and working so near to such a prominent geographic feature. The volcano is the snow-covered mountain in the upper right.
Continuing down the road, we reached the Skógar Museum. This establishment provides a fascinating insight into Icelandic history and culture. With an extensive collection of artifacts, from religious relics to farming tools, the museum spans several buildings, among which are traditional turf houses.
“Turf houses” or “turf homes” in Iceland have a long history and are iconic representations of traditional Icelandic architecture. They were the primary form of housing in Iceland from the time of the island’s settlement in the 9th century until the 20th century.
In Icelandic folklore, there’s a chilling tale about Grýla, a daunting troll residing in the nation’s mountains. Legend has it that during the Christmas season, Grýla descends from her mountainous abode in pursuit of naughty children. Once captured, she carries them back to her hideout, where she prepares and devours them. However, recognizing the harrowing nature of such tales, in the 18th century, the Icelandic government issued a decree prohibiting parents from using the Grýla legend to intimidate their children. They believed the stories were too traumatizing and aimed to shield children from unnecessary fear and psychological distress.
A short walk from the museum leads to Kvernufoss, a 100-foot-tall waterfall on the Kverna River. As the water cascades down the towering cliff, it creates a striking visual amidst the serene landscape. This quiet spot showcases another side of Iceland’s natural beauty.
Just a short drive in the opposite direction from the museum is one of Iceland’s most renowned and iconic waterfalls, Skógafoss. Towering at an impressive 200 feet, this magnificent cascade is part of the Skógá River.
Next to the waterfall, stairs challenged visitors to climb. Being in decent shape, I readily accepted it.
The ascent offered breathtaking views that made every step worth it.
Dyrhólaey is a notable landform on the south coast of Iceland. Looking around, the surroundings, from the black sand beaches to the large arch extending into the ocean, reminded us of scenes from Game of Thrones. The area offers many breathtaking views, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Our next destination was Reynisfjara. Here, we took a leisurely walk on the black sand beach, starkly contrasting the familiar white sands of the Gulf of Mexico.
The dark hue of Reynisfjara’s sand results from volcanic activity; it’s essentially ground down lava rocks and minerals, making it distinctively different in appearance and texture.
We also spent some time observing the basalt columns, which form when lava cools and contracts, creating cracks that solidify into unique hexagonal patterns characteristic of the area. Witnessing such natural wonders is a reminder of nature’s beauty and marvels.
As our evening’s final adventure, we delved into tasting some Icelandic delicacies. We tried “Hákarl,” a traditional dish made from fermented Greenland or sleeper shark. After fermenting and drying for months, it offers a distinctly pungent ammonia-rich flavor. To complement the shark, we sipped on “Brennivín,” a caraway-flavored Icelandic schnapps. Its robust taste acted as a counterpoint to the hákarl.
Judging by my expression, it wasn’t the most delightful taste experience I’ve encountered. However, I did manage to eat two pieces of the Hákarl.
We reached Vík today, but the weather forecast for tomorrow is less than promising. It seems that on our fourth day in Iceland, we might have to change our itinerary. Regardless of what tomorrow brings, we’re eager to embrace the day’s adventures.