MDATS Day 9: Back In Iceland
My Journey: Picking Up Missed Things
11/13/2023 Iceland
Today was essentially my free day in Iceland. Given everything that happened over the last year, it was nice to be back here and to do Iceland on my own terms. I woke up at a reasonable time, yet it was still dark out. I headed down the street to look for breakfast.
Hallgrimskirkja
I ended up having breakfast at Baka Baka were I enjoyed som Icelandic bacon and some eggs.
I then headed back to the hotel and was on the road. My goal was to hit up at least two missed waterfalls and to take a dip at a missed hot spring. Much of the day would be driving the same golden circle route I used last time.
Þingvellir tjaldsvæði
This brought me through Thingvellir National Park and Þingvallavatn (Rift Valley Lake.) The sun was pretending to rise and set at the same time all day long. It was confusing. This was the sunrise, but it stayed like this all day, so…
I enjoyed the drive despite the parks restrictions on speed.
Gjabakkavegur Rest Stop
I stopped at Gjabakkavegur Rest Stop for pictures of the sunrise. There was a nice couple who took my picture.
There were three waterfalls nearby, but I was only able to visit Brúarfoss. It is not the largest of falls, but it is absolutely dynamic.
Brúarfoss
There a little bridge that crosses the falls and gives you a good view. Again, I found a nice mother and child here who were kind and took my picture as well.
My route took me right by the Geysir Center; I had decided to head back to Kualaug hot spring for a private dip.
Geysir Hot Springs
The parking spot for Kualaug hot spring is Haukadalskirkja Church which is just a short walk from the spring. It also a great place for a pictures.
Me at Haukadalskirkja Church
So of course I took pictures of my car, which I was really enjoying.
Despite being close to the geyser center, it was once again very quiet here, and I was able to carry out my plans to skinny dip.
Lykania at Kualaug hot spring
After my time in the water, I was back on the road again. My next destination was the other missed waterfall.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall is on the Hvítá river. The waterfall is a step-eater fall that empties into a gorge. The waterfall is one of the largest and easiest to access from the city. I had skipped it last time in favor of the other falls. I am glad I went back for it, though it is definitely worth seeing,
Sigríður Tómasdóttir has a statue to her at one of the viewing platforms; she is often credited with saving the falls from becoming a hydroelectric plant and is seen as the mother of Icelandic Environmentalism.
Gullfoss Waterfall
With the waterfalls tackled I was off to Hrunalaug Hot Spring.
The last time the hot spring had a low water level, we chose not to partake. This time, the water level was fine, and I paid my fee and headed down the trail to the changing rooms.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
People were leaving when I got there, so I took advantage of being alone and enjoyed myself topless.
Of all the pay to use hot springs I have been to in Iceland this one is the most internet and it the most inexpensive.
Me at Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Now to head back to the city.
Ölfusárbrú
The return trip put me back on the Ring Road and through the town of Selfoss, where I stopped for some ice cream.
The sun rise had turned into a sunset.
Back in the city, I headed to the Geothermal Beach for my end-of-day soak. There are two options for cold dips: the ocean and an artificial tidal pool. There were many locals swimming in the sea.
While I did get in the ocean, I spent most of my time in the large hot tub and in the steam room. This place does not offer as many pools as last night's bath house, but the setting is great, and it was another inexpensive dip.
For dinner, I ate at Café Loki, where I had Lapsaloup and Salmon on Rye Bread. If local food is your thing, Café Loki is a great place to go for traditional Icelandic cuisine.
Disert was at Koo.Koa.Mae, for some donuts and cream that are not made with animal products, it's not my thing, but for what it was, it was good.
I finished up the day window shopping before going to bed.
Tips and Lessons Learned:
Café Loki is a Winner
Hrunalaug Hot Spring is a Winner
Have some gas station Ice Cream
