August 28, South-East

From Höfn we continued down along the coast. Even though the weather wasn't the best we had some great glimpses of the Vatnajökull. Vatnajökull is the biggest glacier in Iceland and with its volume the biggest in Europe. At certain spots the ice reaches a thickness of 1000m. Hvannadalshnukur is the highest mountain (2119 m) and it lies along with still active volcanos underneath the ice layer.
Further along the ring road you find Jökulsárlon. This glacier lagoon was formed by the global warming. Pieces of ice break off the Vatnajökull and swim in the melted water untill they are washed into the sea. This unreal lagoon even inspired the director of the James Bond movies to film a scene here. A also very impressive spot is the beach behind the lagoon where you find beautiful icebergs washed onto the beach.
Along the road lies the Skaftafell National Park. We did a 5h hike up the mountain. To the right you see the glacier panorama to the left the mountains of Landmannalaugar with their special colouring. On the hike you find Svartifoss (black waterfall) with its black basalt columns that remind you of organ pipes. A unique picture!
Around Kirkjubaejarklaustur a completely new landscape is presented. One feels like shifted into Lord of the Rings. The scenery reminds you of the Shire. Everything is freshly green with lots of sheep and horses. A very rich area it seems. You wouldn't be surprised to find Frodo or trolls along the way.
The lava fields here are covered with rank moss. It even seems rather unnatural, as if a fungus has infected the lava fields.