We'll never forget this trip – Stuðlagil, Northern Lights & 7 Meter Waves on the Norröna
We'll Never Forget This Trip – Stuðlagil, Northern Lights & 7 Meter Waves on the Norröna
After many unforgettable days filled with waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and stunning landscapes, the final part of our Iceland camper road trip has arrived.
But before we leave Iceland for good, a few special highlights await us. We'll visit the famous Stuðlagil Canyon, discover the Stuðlafoss waterfall, experience the Northern Lights over our campsite, and say goodbye to this fascinating country in Seyðisfjörður.
At that point, we couldn't have known that our journey home would turn out completely differently than planned.
All our trips at a glance
On our interactive travel map, you'll find pitches, sights, and highlights of our motorhome trips through Europe.
Table of Contents
- Stuðlagil Canyon – Basalt columns as far as the eye can see
- Stuðlafoss – The wild waterfall in eastern Iceland
- Northern Lights over Egilsstaðir
- Farewell in Seyðisfjörður
- Boarding the Norröna
- Unexpected news on the return journey
- Storm on the North Atlantic – 7 meter waves
- Our conclusion on the Iceland trip
- Click here for the corresponding YouTube video
Stuðlagil Canyon – Basalt columns as far as the eye can see
Our last major sight in Iceland is the impressive Stuðlagil Canyon.
This place has long been on our wish list. The massive basalt columns surrounding the canyon are among Iceland's most impressive geological formations. What makes this place special is the combination of dark lava rock and the turquoise waters of the river.
From the parking lot, we set off towards the viewpoint. Initially, we were a little skeptical whether the long walk would really be worth it. But the closer we got to the canyon, the more impressive the landscape became.
Finally, we stood directly in front of the colossal basalt columns and could hardly believe how spectacular this place looked. For us, Stuðlagil Canyon is definitely one of the most beautiful natural wonders in East Iceland.
Stuðlafoss – The wild waterfall in eastern Iceland
Not far from the canyon is the Stuðlafoss waterfall.
The drive there is typically Icelandic. The road becomes narrow, sometimes bumpy, and demands full attention. But for us, such routes are part of an Icelandic adventure.
From the parking lot, it's just a few steps to the waterfall. Stuðlafoss plunges between the dark basalt columns, creating an impressive backdrop together with the rock formations.
Many visitors drive directly to Stuðlagil Canyon and overlook this waterfall. However, a short detour is definitely worthwhile.
Northern Lights over Egilsstaðir
In the evening, we reach our campsite in Egilsstaðir.
Initially, the sky looks rather unpromising. Clouds drift across the landscape, and we don't really expect any special natural spectacle.
But Iceland surprises us again.
Suddenly, green Northern Lights appear between the clouds. Not as intense as on some clear nights, but beautiful nonetheless. Once again, we experience one of those special moments that cannot be planned.
It's precisely these surprises that make Iceland so unique for us.
Farewell in Seyðisfjörður
The next day, our final leg takes us to Seyðisfjörður.
This small town in eastern Iceland is considered by many visitors to be one of the most beautiful towns in the country. It is particularly known for its colorful rainbow street, which leads directly to the church.
We use the remaining time to stroll through the streets once more and soak in the special atmosphere.
Slowly, it dawns on us that our Iceland trip is truly coming to an end.
After many kilometers, countless impressions, and numerous adventures, it's time to say goodbye.
Boarding the Norröna
The Norröna is already waiting for us in the harbor.
The ferry will take us back towards Europe. After many weeks in Iceland, this moment feels somewhat strange.
On the one hand, we are looking forward to being home. On the other hand, we would love to stay longer.
While waiting to board, we look back at the surrounding mountains and enjoy our last hours on the island of fire and ice.
Unexpected news on the return journey
Shortly before departure, we receive news that completely upsets our plans.
A severe storm is brewing over the North Atlantic.
For safety reasons, the Norröna will spend an extra day in the Faroe Islands. For us, this means: The return journey is delayed, and we have to inform our employers that we won't be back as planned.
Suddenly, what was supposed to be an ordinary travel day turns into an unplanned extension of our adventure.
Storm on the North Atlantic – 7 meter waves
When the ferry finally sets sail, the North Atlantic shows its rough side.
The wind picks up. The waves grow higher and higher.
At times, they reach up to seven meters in height.
The ship visibly strains in the waves, and you quickly realize the forces that can be at play on the open sea.
For us, this crossing becomes an unforgettable experience.
Not because of fear, but because of respect for nature.
Iceland bids us farewell as we got to know it: wild, impressive, and unpredictable.
Our conclusion on the Iceland trip
With this video, our grand Iceland Camper Road Trip comes to an end.
We have experienced volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, northern lights, and incredible landscapes.
We have seen whales, discovered an arctic fox, covered countless kilometers, and collected memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
Most of all, however, we want to thank you.
Thank you for your comments, your likes, and your support throughout this entire series.
But as you know:
After the journey is before the journey.
Our next adventure is already waiting for us.
Soon we'll be heading to Northern Spain – and this time, Dayo, our new travel buddy and Golden Retriever, will be joining us.
We look forward to taking you along on this adventure too.
See you soon on the next trip!
Kirsten & Robin
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