Although the south coast isn't my favorite part of Iceland, you can still find real gems here. For example, I've been fascinated for a long time by the Katla volcano and its surroundings. We met for the first time in 2019 when I was on a typical group tour. I was really impressed by the majestic volcano hidden beneath the glacier, ready to wake up at any moment. The chances are quite high, given how often it erupted in past centuries.
That's why during last year's vacation, I visited this area for the second time – and definitely not the last. After visiting Kerlingarfjöll and Landmannalaugar mountains, I returned to the so-called Ring Road, and followed it along the south coast. My plan for the next two days was to visit the Sólheimajökull glacier, pass through the town of Vik, and spend the night at one of the most beautiful campsites I've ever stayed at.
Let's stop by the Sólheimajökull glacier
Sólheimajökull is a branch of the massive Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the Katla volcano. On the map, it looks like a small ice tongue reaching towards the ocean, but in reality, it's much bigger than it seems.
The glacier is covered with a thick layer of ash and dust, making the landscape look like a charcoal sketch.
I don't know about you, but I'm really drawn to these monochromatic, misty views. The only things breaking the color monotony are tiny human figures and patches of green slopes.
There are quite a lot of tourists here. You can rent equipment and join guided tours. Exploring the glacier on your own is very dangerous. The ice may look stable, but it's full of hidden crevasses, constantly melting and shifting.
That day, I didn't plan to walk on the glacier. I went as close to its front as I felt safe. I thought I was walking on black sand, but later I realized there was ice underneath.
Anyway, the visit was too short – again. This feeling of not having enough stays with me all the time. When I look at the map of Iceland and the growing list of places I dream of reaching, I know that my journeys so far are just a warm-up. A first introduction, a brief handshake. The longer I'm here, the more distant the goal seems. A kind of paradox ;)
Slowly, I'm becoming a willing hostage to the captivating beauty of this island... And I love it!
That evening, I reached the campsite I mentioned at the beginning. The place enchanted me five years ago, and this visit left me with the same feeling. I hope I'll manage to tell you about it sooner than in half a year ;)
