In keeping with my goal of having a water-based activity each day (day 1: Krauma baths, day 2: Grettislaug pools, day 3: whale watching, day 4: Mývatin Nature Baths), day 5 entailed a noon booking at Vök baths. More on that shortly…
We started the day with a drive over the last range of mountains and down to the coast. As we drove toward the sea, the sea seemed to approach and greet us in the form of thick fog. It’s a weird sensation when you are enveloped in fog. In my experiences, it isn’t that common in most of the US.
Our destination was the port town of Seyðisfjörður. Here is where the large ferry comes in from mainland Europe (Denmark, via the Faroe Islands). It was being loaded for departure as we arrived.
We spent 15 minutes meandering around the town – Icelandic towns are not very large – and then decided to enjoy a leisurely latte at a small cafe in the town center. Anna-Sophia learned that she appreciates a hot latte which is great since iced coffee isn’t a global product.
The drive back included a quick stop at Gufufoss, a roadside waterfall. Theses things are truly everywhere!
Vök baths are a bit different than the others. The origin story is that the locals noticed one spot in a lake that never froze over in winter. Investigation revealed a natural hot spring within the lake. Vök baths are infinity-pool-style hot baths within the lake itself. In fact, bathers are able to jump into the lake from the hot bath. Luke tried it, but nothing of the sounds he (or others who tried) made suggested that the shock of going from 39 degree (Celsius) to 6 degree water was pleasant or enjoyable.
Another luxuriously relaxing 75 minutes spent in hot baths…I really could get used to this as a daily feature of life. Vök also had delightful showers. Iceland does large communal showers everywhere, but as an American, I am used to a bit of privacy and prefer a shower stall with sides and perhaps even a door. Vök was the only bath with such style showers, plus I remembered to bring my own conditioner (long hair requires robust conditioning), so I was happy and squeaky clean afterwards.
After a quick lunch in the van/hotel/mess hall, we launched into one of our longer driving days along the eastern fjords. This was hilly, involved countless switchbacks, and seemed to have a one-lane bridge every mile. It was rather stressful.
About halfway along, we stopped in a small town to visit one of Iceland’s few breweries. The sweet, malty smell of brewing beer created us as we opened the door, and I knew I was going to have a hard time leaving.
Alas, we had a fair amount of ground to cover, so after one beer we had to hit the road again. Of course, no day in Iceland would be complete without a waterfall, so we stopped at Folaldafoss. I have a few photos of the falls, but more of the sheep grazing in the nearby fields.
Kiddo got a bit silly in the car ride after that, stuffing marshmallows in her mouth. She has a thing for marshmallows when traveling. Thankfully, there were no monkeys to steal her treats from her this time. 😄
Camp was in Höfn in the southeastern part of the country. Not really much there, but it marks the beginning of glacier country and that is where we are headed next…
Vacation Days 