Iceland 3

Third day packed heavy driving and highland hiking from Landmannalaugar’s colorful peaks past Sigöldufoss’s turquoise cascade, ending behind Seljalandsfoss’s soaring waterfall before camping under Vík’s towering coastal cliffs.

Aug. 09, 2026

🚗Rental car: Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive
Landmannalaugar – Hnausapollur – Sigoldufoss – Fossabrekkur – Kronan Hvolsvelli – Seljalandsfoss – Vik Camping: 4hr, 158km

🥾Hiking:
Gönguleið – Seljalandsfoss: 3hr 22min, 3km

Starting at the Landmannalaugar campsite, the famous Gönguleið hiking trail winds through vibrant rhyolite mountains and steaming geothermal fields, offering a trek into Iceland’s rugged highland heart.

Winding through Landmannalaugar, the path cuts through the lava field, where massive, glassy fields of dark obsidian gleam like jet-black volcanic crystals against the surrounding colorful mountains.

Sculpted by centuries of volcanic activity, Landmannalaugar’s vibrant rhyolite mountains glow in stunning shades of amber, red, green, and blue, creating a surreal, otherworldly canvas that looks almost painted by nature.

Steaming geothermal vents dotting Landmannalaugar fill the crisp mountain air with a distinct, pungent smell of sulfur, a constant reminder of the active volcanic fires burning just beneath your feet.

Among Landmannalaugar’s shifting scenery, fiery red sandy mountains rise directly beside raw, jet-black lava fields, creating a striking contrast between soft volcanic dust and rugged, ancient stone.

Winding peacefully beside raw lava fields, pristine glacial streams run extraordinarily clear, their icy water filtering through volcanic rock to offer a delightfully refreshing drink straight from the highlands.

Perched along the rugged F208 road, Hnausapollur (also known as Bláhylur) is a stunning volcanic crater lake whose intense turquoise waters contrast strikingly with its dark, reddish-brown slag slopes.

Sigöldufoss can roar with an immense, muddy torrent during heavy melt, turning its dramatic waterfalls into a raw, powerful surge of earth-toned glacial discharge.

Navigating unpredictable highland conditions, heavy duty trucks work constantly across Iceland’s remote routes, grading rough gravel and restoring storm-damaged roads to keep passage safe amidst ever-changing weather.

Feeding directly from the icy Langjökull glacier, Brúarfoss features extraordinarily pure, crystal-clear water that flows over dark volcanic rock before concentrating into a dazzling, vivid turquoise blue channel.

Slow-cooked until tender and slathered in sweet barbecue glaze, Icelandic pork ribs offer a hearty, savory comfort meal widely served at casual roadhouses and diners across the island.

Although Supermarkets stock essential Chinese and Japanese seasonings—from soy sauce to miso—remote island logistics and high import tariffs mean paying double or triple standard prices.

Protected by strict isolation laws forbidding imports or re-entry, the purebred Icelandic horse possesses two unique extra gaits: the ultra-smooth, four-beat tölt and the explosive, high-speed flying pace.

Fed by the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, plummeting 60 meters off the former ocean cliffs of the southern coastline.

Its defining feature is a deep cave set directly behind the falling water, allowing travelers to walk a complete circle around the roaring cascade for a dramatic, panoramic perspective.

Hidden inside a narrow, moss-lined canyon just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi—the “Dweller of the Canyon”—is a secret waterfall that plummets into a sunlit natural chamber, requiring visitors to wade along a shallow stream to reach its misty, hidden sanctuary.

The humble Dacia Duster 4×4 is the undisputed king of Icelandic car rentals. Highly budget-friendly yet capable on F-roads, this compact SUV is the go-to choice for travelers wanting to tackle gravel mountain routes without breaking the bank.

Catching Skógafoss from Ring Road No. 1 is an unforgettable moment—even from a distance, its massive, perfectly rectangular curtain of white water stands out dramatically against the emerald coastal cliffs as you sweep past.

Nestled under dramatic cliffs, Vík blends raw coastal beauty with practical travel. Its black-sand oceanfront faces crashing North Atlantic waves and basalt sea stacks.

Nestled right under dramatic coastal cliffs, Vik Camping offers a sheltered, scenic lawn with clean facilities.

Cooking sausage soup over a portable gas burner delivers a hot, satisfying dinner at the campsite—sizzling fast in a pan, filling the air with savory aromas after a day outdoors.