We leave the Dettifoss and continue to the west, following the Norðurlandsvegur, as the Ring Road is called here. After about half an hour, we get to the Námafjall and to its high-temperature field Hverir (also called Hverarönd). Wooden paths allow us to step safely over the hot areas where steam emerges from many holes, bubbling holes emit a sulphuric stench. Fumaroles blow steam into the air like a hot water kettle.
We drive around the Mývatn ("midge lake") which we will visit on the next day. On the late afternoon we arrive at our last waterfall, the Goðafoss ("waterfall of the gods"). Shortly after, we continue towards Akureyri, a larger town at the northern coast, and obviously a landing stage for ship cruises. We spend two nights at Akureyri.
On the next day, we return to the Mývatn, where we walk up a tuff ring, the Hverfjall. On its rim, it offers us a great view on the Mývatn, albeit once more under thick clouds. Our descent leads us immediately into the spooky Dimmuborgir ("Darkborough") where trolls and elves are said to live.
For the remainder of the afternoon, our group splits up. I join some people who seek for some relaxing time in the warm waters of the natual bath Jarðböð. Other people are heading for some more lava fields. Finally, we meet again and pass the Mývatn on its northern side this time, on the way back to Akureyri.
We leave Akureyri on the next morning again, directly heading for Reykjavík. We continue our ride on the Ring Road (Norðurlandsvegur) and manage to advance about one quarter of the whole island in six hours. We have two stops, one at a filling station in Blönduós and another at a rest station in Borganes, which is already very close to our destination Reykjavík.
Public pictures
Video clips
Here are some more videos from the northern coast.
