Iceland Camper Roadtrip | Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss & Geysir

Pure Island – Waterfalls, Geysers & Raw Nature

Skógafoss on the island – Camper Roadtrip with a view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls

Pure Iceland – Waterfalls, Geysers & Raw Nature

 

After a peaceful night at the campsite in Vík, we embark on a day of travel filled with natural wonders.

Today's agenda includes some of South Iceland's most famous sights. From impressive basalt columns on the coast to the mighty waterfalls Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Gljúfrabúi, right up to the famous Geysir, we experience Iceland at its most powerful.

A day full of water, spectacular landscapes, and unforgettable impressions that will stay with us for a long time.

Table of Contents

Hálsanefshellir Cave – Basalt Columns on the Black Beach

Our first stop of the day takes us to the famous Hálsanefshellir Cave on the south coast of Iceland. The drive itself already makes us eager for more. The landscape looks rugged and pristine. Dark mountains rise into the sky, and the Atlantic shows its wild side today.

To our surprise, the parking lot isn't very busy yet. We are, of course, pleased about this, as popular sights in Iceland can get very crowded later in the day. We grab our cameras and walk towards the beach.

Already at the entrance, we notice an orange warning light. It reminds visitors not to underestimate the power of the sea. The so-called sneaker waves are notorious on this coast. Suddenly appearing waves have repeatedly caused dangerous situations here. Therefore, we keep a sufficient distance from the water and prefer to enjoy the view from a safe distance.

Before us lies an impressive black sand beach. Behind it, steep rock faces rise. Particularly fascinating are the mighty basalt columns, which stretch like giant pillars along the cliffs. They formed thousands of years ago when hot lava slowly cooled, breaking into the typical hexagonal shapes.

The closer we get, the more impressive these formations appear. The caves, the dark rocks, and the mighty waves of the Atlantic together create a backdrop that seems almost unreal. It is precisely such places that make Iceland so special for us.

We spend much more time here than originally planned. It's one of those places where you just stand, look, and let the atmosphere wash over you. But the day has only just begun, and more highlights are already waiting for us.

                    

Skógafoss – Iceland's Pure Power

From the coast, we continue to Skógafoss. Already during the approach, it becomes clear that we won't be the only visitors today. The parking lot is noticeably fuller than in the morning, and everywhere we see people with cameras and drone backpacks.

Nevertheless, we are looking forward to this place. Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls and has been on our personal wish list for years.

Already from the parking lot, we hear the mighty roar of the water. With every step, it gets louder. Then the view opens up, and before us, a massive wall of water plunges about 60 meters down.

The power of the water is impressive. The fine spray mist is carried through the air by the wind and settles like a light rain on clothes and camera. Again and again, small rainbows appear in front of the waterfall, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

Although many people gather in front of the waterfall, the place loses none of its impact. On the contrary. The small figures in front of the huge wall of water only show how massive this waterfall actually is.

Actually, one could walk up a long staircase to above the waterfall and enjoy the view from there. But today there is so much activity up there that we decide against it. Instead, we stay down and experience Skógafoss up close.

For us, this is the right decision. The true power of this place can be felt directly at the foot of the waterfall. The thunder of the water, the spray, and the sheer size of Skógafoss make this place one of the most impressive waterfalls of our entire Iceland trip.

                    

Seljalandsfoss – Behind the Waterfall

After our visit to Skógafoss, we continue to the next famous waterfall in Iceland: Seljalandsfoss.

Upon arrival, we immediately notice that this place is also extremely popular. The parking lot is well-filled, and visitors from all over the world are making their way to the waterfall.

However, Seljalandsfoss differs significantly from many other waterfalls in Iceland. Here, a narrow path leads directly behind the plummeting masses of water. This is precisely what makes this place so special.

At first glance, we understand why this waterfall is one of Iceland's most famous attractions. The water falls from a height of about 60 meters over a former cliff. Behind it, a natural cavity opens up, through which visitors can walk.

Of course, we already know beforehand that we won't stay dry.

Despite rain jackets and weatherproof clothing, it doesn't take long for the first drops to find their way. The wind carries the spray through the air, turning every circumnavigation of the waterfall into a small adventure.

But that's precisely what makes this place so appealing. For a brief moment, we are right in the middle of nature's power. The water rushes directly past us, constantly opening up new perspectives on the surrounding landscape.

Even though many people are around, we always manage to capture moments of tranquility. Iceland manages to preserve a special atmosphere even in popular places.

Gljúfrabúi – Soaked to the Bone

Just a few minutes' walk from Seljalandsfoss, the next highlight awaits. Many visitors pass by without realizing what is hidden behind the narrow entrance.

Gljúfrabúi is hidden in a narrow rock crevice and seems almost like an insider tip.

The path into it already makes it clear that we won't stay dry today. We reach the gorge over stones and small streams. With every meter, the roar of the water gets louder.

Then the gorge opens up, and the waterfall appears before us.

The water plunges directly from above into the cave, creating an impressive atmosphere. Everything glitters, everything moves, and within a few minutes, we are completely soaked.

Nevertheless, this place is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the day for us. The combination of narrowness, light, and water makes Gljúfrabúi a very special experience.

The DC-3 Plane Wreck – A Quiet Place Full of History

After the powerful waterfalls, a completely different place awaits us. In the middle of the landscape lies one of Iceland's most famous plane wrecks.

Upon arrival, we immediately notice how quiet it is here. No roaring waters, no rising steam, but simply vastness and silence.

The DC-3 belonged to the US Navy and had to make an emergency landing in 1973 after a technical problem. Fortunately, the entire crew was able to leave the plane unharmed.

Today, the wreck still lies in its place and has become a popular photo motif. The combination of the abandoned machine and the rugged Icelandic landscape creates a very special atmosphere.

We take our time to let the place sink in. It's fascinating how diverse Iceland's sights can be. While the waterfalls thrive on movement and power, the plane wreck exudes an almost contemplative calm.

                    

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Geysir & Strokkur – Iceland is Alive

In the late afternoon, we reach our campsite directly at the famous Geysir.

Since drone flights are permitted here from 6 PM, we head straight there. As soon as we get out, the typical sulfur smell hits us. Everywhere, there's steam and bubbling. The ground seems alive, reminding us that Iceland lies on one of the Earth's most active volcanic regions.

The great Geysir itself, which gave this region its name, is quiet today. It used to regularly hurl massive amounts of water into the air, but now it erupts only rarely.

Its neighbor Strokkur is quite different.

Every few minutes, the water begins to bubble. The surface bulges upwards, as if it's about to burst. Seconds later, a massive fountain of hot water shoots into the air.

Each time, visitors stop and observe this fascinating natural spectacle.

Especially from the air, it becomes clear how active this landscape is. Steam rises from the ground, small pools of water bubble, and everywhere you can recognize the power hidden deep beneath the surface.

For us, this is the perfect end to a day full of natural wonders.

Weiterfahrt und Tagesabschluss

After the recordings, we return to our motorhome.

As the evening atmosphere slowly sets in outside, we reflect on the day's experiences. From the black beaches of the south coast to the mighty waterfalls and the hot springs of the Golden Circle, we experienced some of Iceland's most famous sights today.

Tired but happy, we enjoy the evening at the campsite and are already looking forward to the next adventures.

Our Conclusion

This day of travel is undoubtedly one of the most varied of our entire trip to Iceland.

The impressive basalt columns of Hálsanefshellir Cave, the mighty waterfalls Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Gljúfrabúi, the historic DC-3 plane wreck, and the fascinating forces around Geysir and Strokkur impressively demonstrate why Iceland is one of Europe's most spectacular travel destinations.

Each place had its own unique character, and it is precisely this diversity that makes a trip through Iceland so special.

And the best part: many more adventures are already waiting for us.

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