Iceland
Iceland
My first trip to Iceland left such a significant impact on me that I couldn’t wait to come back to this surreal island. The low suns, the long sunsets and the fresh snow really amused me the first time, which is why I decided to come back around the same season: early November.
If you haven’t read the blog of my 2021 Iceland adventure, I highly encourage you to read it here:
Fleeing the tourists
In 2021, the COVID pandemic was still very palpable. According to a quick google search, less than 700 000 tourists visited Iceland that year. In 2023, that number exploded to a terryfing 2.3 million. (source)
Needless to say, this rise in tourism was quite obvious in the area around Reykjavik. The following photos illustrate this well: the famous Strokkur geyser is barely visible because of the legion of mass tourists swarming the area.
Of course, I did stop at several famous visual attractions such as Gullfoss, but I believe the photos from last trip are more interesting for several reasons: as mentioned before, it was a bit crowded this year and secondly some paths were closed to the public (for an unknown reason).
If you don’t stop twice a day to admire these wonderful creatures, did you really visit the country?
Of course, I just couldn’t get enough of these majestic Islandic horses! They are on their own a reason to visit this country.
The stunning sunlight (always low enough to feel like a sunset) makes me grin every time experience it. Could you imaging that the photos taken above and underneath this text were taken around noon? Evidently, it does pose some challenges: how do you even capture heavily contrasting scenes with such accentuated highlights and shadows?
My most remarkable discovery during this trip to Iceland was Haifoss—a truly breathtaking waterfall with a dramatic 122-meter drop. Surprisingly, it's only the fourth-highest waterfall in the country! Reaching Haifoss requires navigating some fairly rugged terrain. While it's possible to manage with a regular car or van, there's a risk of minor damage to the underside, so it's wise to drive cautiously—or better yet, opt for a proper 4x4 vehicle. Along the way, you'll pass a hydroelectric dam, an intriguing sight on its own. These dams are a key part of Iceland's commitment to renewable energy, providing almost all the electricity used across the country.
The valley just below Haifoss, where the river flows, is called Þjórsárdalur. It is carved by the Þjórsá River, Iceland's longest river, which flows through the valley, creating a stunning landscape of canyons, waterfalls, and rugged beauty.
Thanks to the 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser, I discovered areas of Iceland otherwise not easily explored because of the long, muddy roads and river crossings… Finally, some silence and nothing more but jawdropping scenery.
Yes I know, my videography still needs a lot of polishing… But it’s only a beginning!
On my way to Nauthúsagil—a breathtaking crevasse hiding a playful little waterfall—I stumbled upon a small, nameless hill. Curious, I searched for a name on Google Maps but found nothing. Enchanted by its golden, grassy coat contrasting vividly with the soft yet deep blacks of the basalt shores, I decided to christen it "VdV Hill," or, even better, "Vedevìl." Take a look for yourself and see how stunning this little mountain truly is! The second picture was taken with Kodak Portra 800 and the Nikon F5. One of my favourites, somehow?
Nauthúsagil, as I mentioned earlier, is a remarkable little crevasse that hides a charming waterfall. It's a spot for the slightly adventurous—not ideal for those who shy away from getting wet. To reach it, you'll need to balance on rocks and use chains to climb along the narrow edge of the cliff. The effort, however, is well worth it. These challenging conditions keep the crowds away, preserving its untouched and tranquil allure.
Skógafoss: a waterfall that needs no introduction, one of the most popular in Iceland…
Jökulsárlón: glacier lake. Not as beautiful as last year - less ice, less sun.
After visiting Skógafoss and Jökulsárlón, I continued my drive towards Djúpivogur, a small village on the eastern flank of the island. As the sun sank low over the Icelandic horizon, the goddess Skadi descended upon the rugged mountains, draping them in her thick veil of winter mist. The peaks disappeared, swallowed whole by her chilling shroud, leaving only an eerie, shadowy outline of their once-commanding presence. The wind, her fierce companion, lashed at my face like a thousand icy whips, cutting through my skin with relentless precision. It was as though Skadi herself was reminding me of her dominion over this unforgiving land—a raw, untamed power that leaves no room for weakness. Something I had forgotten after the last few magnificent days. To set the mood even further, I was the only guest at the hotel in Djúpivogur. Its wooden narrow hallways created this extra “the Shining” aura around the place. Moments like these inspire for photography, it was also there were I made some of my favourite photos.
Búlandstindur
(you might have noticed that I posted quite a lot of panoramas. Although challenging to look at on a phone, this format just fits Iceland soooo much better!)
