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 more special highlights await us. We 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 time, we had no idea that our journey home would turn out completely differently than planned.
All Our Journeys at a Glance
On our interactive travel map, you'll find campsites, attractions, and highlights of our camper van trips through Europe.
Table of Contents
- Stuðlagil Canyon – Basalt Columns as Far as the Eye Can See
- Stuðlafoss – The Wild Waterfall in East 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 sightseeing stop in Iceland is the impressive Stuðlagil Canyon.
This place had been on our wish list for a long time. 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 volcanic rock and the turquoise water of the river.
From the parking lot, we set off for the viewpoint. Initially, we were a bit skeptical whether the longer walk would really be worth it. But the closer we got to the canyon, the more breathtaking the landscape became.
Finally, we stood directly in front of the enormous 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 East Iceland
Not far from the canyon is the Stuðlafoss waterfall.
The drive there is typically Icelandic. The road becomes narrow, sometimes bumpy, and requires full attention. But it's precisely these kinds of routes that are part of an Icelandic adventure for us.
From the parking lot, it's just a few steps to the waterfall. Stuðlafoss plunges down between the dark basalt columns, creating an impressive backdrop with the rock formations.
Many visitors drive directly to Stuðlagil Canyon and overlook this waterfall. However, a short detour is definitely worth it.
Northern Lights over Egilsstaðir
In the evening, we reach our campsite in Egilsstaðir.
The sky initially looks 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.
These surprises are exactly what make Iceland so unique for us.
Farewell in Seyðisfjörður
The next day, our final leg takes us to Seyðisfjörður.
This small town in East Iceland is considered one of the most beautiful in the country by many visitors. 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 indeed 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 a bit strange.
On one hand, we're looking forward to being home. On the other hand, we'd love to stay longer.
While we wait for boarding, we gaze at the surrounding mountains one last time and enjoy our final hours on the island of fire and ice.
Unexpected News on the Return Journey
Shortly before departure, we receive news that completely disrupts 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, 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 get higher and higher.
At times, they reach up to seven meters in height.
The ship visibly works with the waves, and you quickly realize the forces that can act on the open sea.
For us, this crossing becomes an experience we will never forget.
Not because of fear, but because of respect for nature.
Iceland bids us farewell in the way we got to know it: wild, impressive, and unpredictable.
Our Conclusion on the Iceland Trip
This video concludes our grand Iceland Camper Road Trip.
We experienced volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, northern lights, and incredible landscapes.
We saw whales, spotted an arctic fox, covered countless kilometers, and collected memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
Most of all, 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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