Dettifoss, not dental floss
After the euphoria of seeing the northern lights, it was anyone’s guess how today would go. The day started later than usual, and after an excellent breakfast of cheese, meat, and waffles, we were ready to get started.
We decided to start with the farthest highlight away from us, Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall) and work our way back. While getting gas we did some quick research and kept coming up with reports of road closures, much to our dismay.
We quickly rerouted and decided to head to Godafoss (Europe’s 2nd largest waterfall), which we had passed the day before. As we started that way, we made the decision to stop back by our hotel to ask about driving conditions to Dettifoss, just to be sure. Turns out the roads were “fine” and we could still go there. So off we went!
Let’s just get one thing clear … Icelander’s idea of the road being “fine” are interesting. Fine happens to mean, “have a 4×4 if you want any chance of passing.” The road was completely snow covered, and pretty deep in some spots. Thankfully our Subaru, Suzy as she’s been affectionately named, had no problems powering through.
Welcome to Hoth
Our reward was driving through what looks like the planet Hoth (it was actually filmed in Norway). Snow, snow and more snow, for as far as the eye could see. So beautiful.
Upon safe arrival, we walked 1000 meters across a snow covered moonscape to arrive at the aforementioned Dettifoss. Our pictures and words cannot do justice to the shear power of this waterfall. Just massive.
We happened to talk to one of the park rangers, who said that Iceland has only received 1/3 of the usual amount of snow this season, and usually the park and road are closed until mid-April. So we were very lucky to have had the chance to see the falls in winter.
Just up the river was Selfoss, the smaller yet no less impressive sister falls. After spending about two hours at the park we headed back towards town.
Virginity Lost
Upon returning to the Myvatn area, we decided to check out some of the caves that dot the area. We went in search of Grjótagjá, made famous as the cave that Jon Snow loses his virginity to Ygritte. The caves are fissures that send hot ass water from the Earth’s core to the surface. The water is clear as day and super warm.
After our afternoon spelunking, we decide it was time to relax, so we headed for the Myvatn Nature Baths. Much smaller yet no less wonderful than the Blue Lagoon.
Not much could be more amazing than watching the sun set over the snow capped mountains, swimming in the naturally heat outdoor pools, while the temperature hover around 30 degrees. The view was breathtaking, and it was a perfect ending to another perfect day).