From Arctic Fox Serendipity to Mighty Dettifoss – Iceland 🇮🇸 Camper Road Trip
Iceland Camper Roadtrip – From Arctic Fox Coincidence to the Mighty Dettifoss 🇮🇸
Iceland always manages to surprise us. Sometimes it's the grand sights, sometimes the small, unplanned moments by the roadside. This day of travel in Northern Iceland had a bit of everything: volcanic landscapes, hot springs, a mighty waterfall, northern lights, and even our first arctic fox in the wild.
Table of Contents
- Exploring the Mývatn Area
- The Grjótagjá Lava Cave
- Hverarönd – Iceland's Bubbling Earth
- Our First Arctic Fox
- Northern Lights over the Campsite
- Dettifoss – Europe's Force of Nature
- Kirsten Absolutely Needs a Shower Today
- Arctic Henge in Northern Iceland
- Conclusion
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Exploring the Mývatn Area
The day begins in the Mývatn area, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions. Nowhere else are fire and water so close together. The landscape appears rugged and alien, almost like another planet. Everywhere, lava fields, craters, and hot springs remind us that Iceland is still very geologically active.
As we drive through the region, new impressions constantly accompany us. Sometimes our gaze sweeps over endless lava fields, then again over steaming hills and bizarre rock formations. It is precisely this variety that makes the Mývatn area one of Iceland's most exciting travel destinations
The Grjótagjá Lava Cave
Our first stop takes us to the famous Grjótagjá lava cave.
From the outside, the cave appears rather unremarkable. But as soon as you glance inside, an impressive natural spectacle unfolds. Deep down, turquoise thermal water shimmers, surrounded by dark lava rock.
The cave was formed by volcanic activity and became globally known after serving as a filming location for the series Game of Thrones. But even without this fame, Grjótagjá would be a special place. The combination of crystal-clear water, narrow rock fissures, and the tranquil atmosphere makes the visit an unforgettable experience.
Here, one becomes aware of how closely volcanism and water are connected in Iceland.
Hverarönd – Iceland's Bubbling Earth 🌋
Just a few kilometers further, Iceland reveals a completely different side.
In the Hverarönd geothermal area, steam rises from the earth, mud pools bubble, and the intense smell of sulfur hangs everywhere in the air. As soon as we get out, we immediately notice that this place is different.
The ground glows in shades of yellow, orange, and brown. Steam and hissing sounds are everywhere. Beneath our feet lies glowing hot rock that heats water and pushes it back to the surface as steam.
It is fascinating to observe how nature works here. Nothing seems still. Everything is in motion. Hverarönd impressively demonstrates that Iceland is still being shaped.
All our journeys at a glance
On our interactive travel map, you'll find campsites, sights, and highlights of our campervan trips through Europe.
Our First Arctic Fox 🦊
Some moments cannot be planned.
As we continued our journey, we suddenly noticed movement at the side of the road. We immediately stopped and looked closer.
An arctic fox.
Our first arctic fox in the wild.
The arctic fox is Iceland's only native land mammal. It reached the island across frozen sea expanses during the last Ice Age. Today, it primarily lives in remote regions of the country.
The moment lasts only a few seconds, but it's precisely these encounters that make a journey special. Not the grand sights, but the unexpected moments often remain in memory the longest.
Northern Lights over the Campsite 🌌
As we arrived at the campsite in the evening, we hoped for clear skies.
And indeed, we were rewarded.
The first green veils appeared in the sky above our camper. Gradually, the Northern Lights grew stronger and danced across the landscape.
Even though we had already seen the Northern Lights during our trip, every single evening remains special. No display is exactly like the last. Sometimes they are faint and calm, sometimes bright and dancing.
This night definitely belongs to the most beautiful moments of our Iceland trip.
Dettifoss – Europe's Force of Nature 🌊
The next morning, one of Iceland's most impressive natural wonders awaited us.
Dettifoss is considered one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls. We could hear its roar even on the way there.
When we finally stood at the viewpoint, it quickly became clear why this waterfall is so famous.
Massive amounts of water plunge into the gorge with incredible force. The spray rises meters high, and the roar can be heard clearly even from a great distance.
Dettifoss is not a waterfall you simply observe. You feel its power. The vibrations, the roar, and the sheer volume of water make this place an absolute highlight of any trip to Iceland.
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Kirsten Absolutely Needs a Shower Today 🚿😉
After the many impressions of the day, one thing is certain for Kirsten: a shower is a must.
But in Iceland, a normal shower would be far too boring.
That's why we visit the so-called "infinite shower." Here, warm water flows directly from nature, offering a very special way to refresh oneself.
While the Icelandic landscape surrounds us, we enjoy this unusual place. Such small experiences are often just as beautiful as the grand sights.
Arctic Henge in Northern Iceland 🗿
Our last destination of the day is in the far north of Iceland.
Arctic Henge, at first glance, resembles Stonehenge. The monumental stone gates were built according to the model of Norse mythology and ancient Icelandic traditions.
In the midst of the vast landscape, this place seems almost mystical. The massive stone structures stand solitary on the plain and form a fascinating contrast to the surrounding nature.
We had actually planned to stay overnight here and hope for more Northern Lights. However, the sky completely clouded over. No stars, no Northern Lights.
Nevertheless, the visit remains a special conclusion to this day of travel.
Conclusion
This day had everything that makes Iceland so unique.
Bubbling geothermal areas, an impressive lava cave, Europe's force of nature at Dettifoss, a mystical stone circle in the far north, and as an absolute highlight, our first arctic fox in the wild.
Additionally, there were beautiful Northern Lights over the campsite – another moment that will stay with us for a long time.
Iceland always surprises us. And that's exactly why we love this country.
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