Water, water everywhere - Djúpivogur

Our first full day in Iceland took us east past majestic peaks, lava fields and glacial lagoons and across rivers depositing black sands, comprised primarily of ash from volcanic eruptions, brought to the coast by glacial floods. Much of our travels today were within and adjacent to the Vatnajökull National Park, which covers 13% of Iceland and which is home to the Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest and most voluminous ice cap in Iceland.

Leaving Vik we happened upon Laufskálavarða - a lava ridge surrounded by stone cairns, which were apparently created by those crossing the outwash plain of Mýrdalssandur for the first time and purported to bring them good fortune on their journey.

We took time to explore the fabulous Fjallsjökull Glacier and Lagoon, the latter with a smattering of icebergs. Further on, we were greeted by the more popular (and populated) spectacle of large icebergs dominating the surface of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Continuing our travels east, we were constantly wowed by the majestic skyline formed by mountain ridges, with the wild coastline below. With excellent roads it was easy driving and with plenty of daylight we were able to reach our destination of Djúpivogur in time to settle in to our campsite and enjoy a beautiful evening stroll along the estuary. Djúpivogur is a small coastal village in eastern Iceland, nestled by the picturesque fjord of Hamarsfjörður. The landscape around Djúpivogur is overshadowed by Búlandstindur, a pyramid-shaped basalt mountain peaking at 1069m. The mountain is known across Iceland for it’s staggering, almost sculpted beauty. According to local folklore, the mountain is able to grant wishes during the summer solstice and is an ‘energy centre’ for the entire country. The village has a long history of trading (as far back as 1589).Read more