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Selvallafoss

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The vast lands of Snaefellsnes peninsula · Eldborg Scoria Crater · Ytri tunga beach · Bjarnarfoss

5th of August, 2022

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Akranes · An Early Morning Walk on the Beach · Seaweed studies

5th of August, 2022

..was our first full day spent in Iceland. We found out, that at this time of the year, nights are dark only for a couple of hours. I would say, they aren't really dark at all.. Woken up early by the brightest sunlight, I decided to take an early morning walk on the beach nearby, while my man was still asleep, his eyes covered with a sleeping bag. Immediately I was hit by the freshest salty smell of the sea, such a nice awakening. I walked around for about an hour and a half, and as a visually oriented type of person, I was incredibly fascinated not only by the views, but also by the number of seaweed species of all kinds of colors and textures, washed up on the beach.

In Iceland, seaweed has been foraged and used since settlement and its consumption wasn't always only an option, but even a necessity. Remarkably rich in nutrients, in adverse times, if other sources of sustenance were scarce, seaweed was an important go-to remedy. Despite the fact that those days are long gone, the use of seaweed is on the rise again and it is becoming a staple of contemporary gastronomy, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In case you find yourself in Iceland one day, we definitely recommend buying Dulse, also known as Söl, dried at low temperatures - you should buy one either for yourself or as a valuable and nutritious small gift for your loved ones. Use it as a seasoning for soups, sauces, or sprinkle a few flakes on a plain rye bread with butter, add to a favourite spread, use it as a topping for salad, fish or meat dishes, there are no limits to creativity and taste preferences.

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Arrival to Keflavík · Lost luggage · Birth of the Meradalir volcano · Night in Akranes

4th of August, 2022

After a long flight with two transfers - a busy night spent on Stockholm airport, early breakfast for two (= shared Norwegian beer) and enjoying the sight of a beautiful landscape after departing from airport in Oslo, we finally arrived to Keflavík - only to find out, that one of our backpacks was left back in Stockholm. Knowing, that we have time until the evening for the luggage to arrive, we decided to pick up our rented car and explore the surroundings. As we didn't have an exact plan for our first day in Iceland, our best option was to stay in a close proximity to Keflavík airport. And how damn lucky we were! Only one day has passed since the birth of the Meradalir volcano, and the starting point for the hike was only 30 minutes away from the airport.

Spectacular view of the solidified lava fields from previous eruptions in Geldingadalir, photo taken at the starting point of Route A to Meradalir volcano.

The hike to the volcano itself took us approximately 2 hours of leisurely walking. Vast area of the Fagradsfjall volcanic system was constantly monitored closely by scientists. We watched the volcano from a safe distance from above, nevertheless it was an experience of a lifetime. Later we noticed quite a lot of people in considerable proximity to the volcano and we considered returning back and going closer to the fissure at the end of our trip. Unfortunately, we were unable to do so due to time constraints.

Meradalir eruption, second day (4th of August, 2022).

After this unforgettable hike, it was almost time to get our lost luggage. On our way to Keflavík airport, we made short stops on the south coast of Reykjanes peninsula to observe a few swimming seals and we also took a peek at the Gunnuhver hot springs. First Icelandic word of the day was „hætta“ - danger. One has to be careful around all that lava, geothermal hot springs and pools. But the views are definitely worth it :)

We decided to spend our first night in a camp in the town of Akranes. We managed to watch the eye-flattering sunset, although the sun barely sets and the night is never completely dark in August. If you have to watch your budget, the best option is to buy a camping card at a very favorable price, which gives you access to several camping sites all over Iceland.

First night at the Akranes camping site, which was one of our favourites, as it offers great facilities and amazing seaview.

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