Today we left Akureyri to travel to Reykholt. It’s a three and a half hour drive, twisting and turning between valleys and mountains. Huge river beds and snow capped mountains.
Our first stop was at Reykjfoss waterfall. The road took a bit of finding but after driving over a bit of what looked like a bridge hiding trolls we found the car park. We walked for about 15 minutes before the waterfall came into view. Full of white water crashing over a decent drop. We walked a bit further to a hot natural pool but decided against taking a dip.
We made a quick coffee and cake stop before heading on to Grabrok crater. This is the largest of 3 craters in a row and you can walk up and around the edge. The initial climb is a bit steep but there are wooden stairs right up to the top. The view into the crater is amazing and you can see where the lava flow went. You could also see for miles in all directions from the rim.
A short drive and we reached our final waterfall of the day. Glanni. Another beautiful full white fall. What we have noticed at every waterfall we have been to is that trying to take selfies is hard due to the sun being in our eyes, but better that than it raining.
Our hotel for the next 2 nights is Fosshotel Reykholt, the 3rd Fosshotel of the trip. After the disappointment of the last one we were a bit nervous however from stepping into reception it was amazing. The staff were very friendly, explained about the charge to use the spa (a one off fee for the whole stay), then wished us a happy anniversary. They told us we were in room no 008 which was on floor -1. Our room is beautiful, we have a patio, a view of the mountains and the hotel has left us a lovely hand written card and some delicious petit fours.
We quickly got our cases, paid for the spa access and headed to the outdoor hot tub. 40 degrees with a stunning view. 30 minutes was enough and I was brave enough to have a quick dip in the very cold tub. Then we went in the sauna and steam room. Lovely but only for 5 minutes. A quick shower then we chilled in the egg chairs. Could have quite easily fallen asleep.
Dinner was booked for 6.45 so we had a drink at the bar first. Beer for Michael, Northern Lights cocktail for me. The menu for a bit high brow again but we both found something to eat. Foccacia bread between us then Michael had baked brie followed by beef tenderloin, I had tomato soup followed by salmon with vegetables and a coconut curry. It was lovely but may need to look for somewhere else for tomorrow night. After our meal we had a lovely walk around Reykholt. They have boards scattered around telling you bits of history about the village.
Dale's Destinations 