Embarking on a day of extensive travel, our journey spans over 500 kilometers, guiding us from the westernmost edge to the northern apex of Iceland. Commencing at 8 am, we traverse the unique terrain of the Westfjords, where the landscape, adorned with perpetual snow, unfolds like a scene from a dream. The distinct charm lies in the omnipresence of sheep and horses, grazing against the stunning backdrop. Taking deliberate detours, we pause intermittently to capture the essence of our surroundings, engaging in delightful breaks to photograph the horses and sheep from a secure distance, creating memorable moments amid our adventure.
We navigated our way out of Westfjords, covering 300 kilometers until Borðeyri to rejoin Highway 1, the renowned ring road. Transitioning through this picturesque highway, flanked by expansive grass plains and adorned with thousands of waterfalls, we passed Gauksyri Guesthouse in Hunafloi. The pivotal moment came when we spotted Road 711, leading us to the iconic Hvítserkur stone stack, also known as the Troll of the Northwest. I would say this is your must visit spot if you have planned your Icelandic trip after watching 1000s of reels and reading blogs. Renowned for its seal population, the area features a seal-watching point in Illugastaðir. The final 20 kilometers leading to Hvítserkur comprised a narrow road, allowing only one car at a time. Driving cautiously amid sparse traffic, we were astonished upon reaching the destination, greeted by a multitude of tourists eager to witness this natural marvel. Hvítserkur offers two distinct spots: the Black sand beach on the east side of Vatnsnes Peninsula and the Hvítserkur Stone Stack. Observing the rock’s slender and towering structure, we discovered that it underwent repairs, with concrete reinforcement between its hind legs to withstand powerful ocean currents, a testament to the efforts to preserve this captivating geological wonder.
Approaching Akureyri, the landscape unfolded into a breathtaking panorama, though there remained over 200 kilometers of driving before reaching our next accommodation. Originally booked at the renowned K Apartments in Akureyri, we later opted for the highly recommended Ytri Vík stay (you can get more info here: https://ytrivik.inn.fan), influenced by suggestions from Bruised Passports and other online blogs. Securing a beautiful lake-facing cabin, we were captivated by the promise of stunning views. Arriving around 5 pm, we took advantage of the ample time to capture photos along the lakeshore. The standout feature of this stay was the private hot water tub just outside our cabin, fed by a continuous flow of geothermal water. Immersing ourselves in the soothing warmth with a lake view and a glass of wine proved to be the ideal way to unwind after a long day of driving. Shortly thereafter, we were treated to our second encounter with the Northern Lights right outside our cottage. The clear night sky illuminated for approximately 20 minutes after dusk, casting a magical glow from all directions. As clouds rolled in, signaling a change in weather, we reluctantly retreated indoors, cherishing the fleeting yet enchanting display of the auroras. As we attempted to document the experience through photos, none could truly capture the essence of this remarkable place.
Two Yellow Jackets 