Husavik : Original Whale Watching Cruise by North Sailing

Myvatn : Skútustaðagígar – Námafjall – Krafla shower – Viti Crater – Mývatn Nature Baths

The breakfast buffet at Fosshotel featured a diverse selection of dishes, catering to a wide range of tastes. The restaurant itself was spacious and well-designed, comfortably accommodating several tour groups at once.

If you planning to go on a whale-watching cruise like us, it is best to have a light breakfast as the sea condition can be rough. A heavy meal might make the experience uncomfortable.

At the harbor, snowcapped mountains peeked through the drifting clouds, painting a breathtaking panorama. The mesmerizing landscape provided a picture-perfect backdrop as we strolled toward the office to check in for our eagerly awaited whale-watching cruise.

Original Whale Watching Cruise by North Sailing

Embarking on a three hour adventure aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat in Skjálfandi Bay was an unforgettable experience. This serene bay, frequented by various marine mammals, became the stage for an incredible wildlife encounter. We were fortunate enough to spot two humpback whales. One of them repeatedly surfaced for air or gracefully flapped its tail, putting on an awe-inspiring show. The thrill of seeing these majestic creatures up close was truly unmatched.

To ensure everyone onboard had a clear view, the captain skillfully maneuvered the boat with 180-degree turns, offering every passenger a chance to marvel at the whales in action. At times, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if one of the whales breached and flipped out of the water so close to us. The thought was both exhilarating and humbling.

The sea was a bit rough, and as we waited for the whales to reappear, the boat pulsed and rocked with the rhythm of the ocean. Despite the excitement, the motion sometimes made it challenging to fully relax. On the return journey, the crew served steaming hot chocolate and delicious cinnamon buns. Unfortunately, due to mild motion sickness, we opted to skip the refreshments, though the aroma of the treats was tempting.

To ensure our comfort and safety, the operator provided everyone with insulated jumpsuits. These suits were not only warm but also waterproof and designed to keep us afloat in the unlikely event of an emergency. This thoughtful touch added an extra layer of reassurance, allowing us to focus on the adventure.

Overall, the whale-watching tour by North Sailing was an incredible experience that combined Iceland raw natural beauty with the unforgettable thrill of witnessing marine life up close.

We returned to Gamli Baukur for lunch, eager to enjoy a warm meal. However, shortly after the soup was served, the power went out. With no electricity, the kitchen was unable to prepare other dishes, leaving soup as the only option. Adding to the challenge, the restaurant could only accept cash payments due to the outage. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any Icelandic kronas on hand, and it seemed like the entire town was experiencing the same issue, making a trip to the ATM impossible.

Just as the situation seemed tricky, the staff discovered that the handheld credit card terminal was still functional. Relieved, we quickly settled the bill for our bowl of soup. It was a small but memorable moment that highlighted the unpredictability of travel and the importance of staying adaptable!

With a few biscuits to tide us over, we hit the road once again, this time heading toward the scenic landscapes of Mývatn.

Our first stop was Skútustaðagígar, home to one of Iceland rare and fascinating geological features: pseudocraters. These unique formations are the result of an extraordinary interaction between water and lava. Pseudocraters form when molten lava flows over a wet surface, such as a lake or marshland. As the trapped water beneath the lava begins to boil, the buildup of steam creates intense pressure. This pressure eventually leads to explosions, where the steam escapes violently to the surface. The repeated eruptions tear apart the overlying lava, piling the fragmented material around the steam vents and shaping the characteristic crater like structures. Standing among these remarkable formations, it was awe-inspiring to think about the powerful forces of nature that sculpted this surreal landscape. Skútustaðagígar offered a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic history.

Námafjall is one of the best places in Iceland to witness volcanic activity up close. This geothermal area, with temperatures soaring around 200°C, is alive with bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles. From a distance, you can see plumes of steam rising from various vents, creating a dramatic and otherworldly scene. The entire area is permeated by the strong smell of sulfur, reminiscent of rotten eggs, a natural byproduct of the geothermal activity. Visitors must tread carefully and stick to the designated paths, as the ground in certain areas can be deceptively soft and unstable. The surreal, almost alien like landscape of Námafjall is truly one of a kind. It is a mesmerizing reminder of the raw power beneath the Earth surface and an experience that should not be missed.

The Krafla shower is an unique open air experience with an endless supply of warm water. Surrounded by nature, its a surreal and refreshing stop, offering a moment to enjoy geothermal warmth in the crisp Icelandic air.

As we continued our journey, we passed by the geothermal power plant, a testament to Iceland harnessing of natural energy. Shortly after, the scenery transformed dramatically. Within minutes, we were surrounded by a mesmerizing contrast of pristine white snow and rugged black lava fields, creating a surreal and unforgettable landscape.

Viti Crater, part of the Krafla Volcano area, is a stunning natural landmark formed by a massive explosion in the 1700s. The crater spans an impressive 300m in diameter and showcases the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic history. A short and easy walking path from the nearby car park leads to a viewing platform, offering breathtaking views of the vibrant crater and its surroundings. It is a must see stop for anyone exploring this geothermal wonderland.

As is often the case in Iceland, the weather changed quickly. With drizzle and a cloudy sky setting in, we decided to skip exploring the Dimmuborgir Lava Field. Though disappointing, it was a reminder of how unpredictable and ever changing Icelandic weather can be.

After collecting our room key at reception, we headed to our accommodation, located just across the road. Dinner that evening was at the hotel restaurant, where we were lucky enough to get the best table of the night, right next to the milking room. Through the large viewing windows, we could easily watch the cows being milked, a unique and fascinating experience. The meals served were fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious, making it a truly memorable dining experience.

We ended the day with a relaxing soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths. The walk from the wash area to the pool felt especially long in the chilly night air, made even colder by a light drizzle. Without hesitation, we dashed at full speed into the warm, comforting waters of the pool.

The nature baths have a slight sulfuric smell, a reminder of the geothermal activity that heats the water. Compared to the baths in Húsavík, the pools here are noticeably larger, providing plenty of space to unwind while surrounded by the tranquility of the Icelandic night. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration.

The road back to the hotel was dark, with no streetlights, not even at the junctions. We drove cautiously, taking our time to ensure a safe journey through the quiet, pitch black surroundings. Slowly but surely, we made our way back to the hotel, wrapping up another memorable day in Iceland.

Overnight at Vogafjos Farm Resort