It’s time to say goodbye (for now) to Reykjavik and start your journey along the southern coast of Iceland towards the black sand city of Vik. Along the way, you should make two stops: Kerid Crater and Seljalandsfoss.
Kerid Crater
Grab a quick granola bar or something fast for breakfast (you’re going to want to save room for lunch) and begin your drive to Kerid Crater, a volcanic crater lake. Kerid was once your typical cone-shaped volcano before it imploded into itself and collapsed into an empty underground magma chamber. What remains is a brightly colored crater with a deep blue lake nestled at the bottom.
Hiking down to the bottom of the crater only takes 5 minutes. There are stairs most of the way, so its a pretty easy walk. But spend some time walking around the rim of the crater. Its a short walk and gives you some great views of the surrounding area and the lake.
Lunch at Kaffi Krus
After walking around the crater, head into the town of Selfoss for another one of Iceland’s favorite meals, pizza! I know, another strange selection for Icelandic people, but let me tell you, Kaffi Krus has the best pizza I have ever had. I had a pie with pepperoni, ham, pineapple, bacon and cream cheese. It was so good, I ate an entire large pizza by myself, which I have not been able to do since my days playing rugby in college.
Seljalandsfoss
As if your day couldn’t get any better after that pizza, your next stop is one of the most amazing waterfalls in Iceland.
Get ready to get wet! Slap on the waterproof boots, pants, and rain jacket because the Seljalandsfoss has a trail that leads right behind the almost 200-foot waterfall.
The trail goes from the parking lot to behind the falls and then loops back, completing a 1-mile loop. It is a super easy trail. Just watch your step on the slippery rocks.
The cliff the water cascades over was once an underwater sea cliff. When the ocean receded, the exposed wall stood firm. What you see in front of you is now glacial melt plunging off that ancient sea cliff on its way to the ocean.
Fun Fact: Seljalandsfoss was a waypoint during the first leg of The Amazing Race Season 6.
If your appetite for waterfalls has not been quenched, add in a hike to the nearby hidden Gigljufrabul waterfall. As you come out from behind the Seljalandsfoss, follow the trail that mirrors the cliff. You’ll pass several small unnamed waterfalls as you move forward. You’ll eventually come to the end of the path at a stream. Look to your right to see a cave where the water is escaping. If you are head to toe in waterproof gear, enter into the cave to find yourself in a little hidden paradise underneath a magnificent waterfall tumbling out of the sky.
Arrive in Vik
After you have been thoroughly soaked, it is time to head to Vik and check-in at your Airbnb or hotel to dry out.
Move on to Day 5 for Black Sand Beaches and a Historical Hike
In case you missed it:
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.