Day 9
The main topic today is waterfalls. As if we haven't seen enough of them. Officially, the number of waterfalls in Iceland is estimated at 10,000. But if we include the small, local ones, I think there is at least one waterfall for every inhabitant. But a waterfall is not like a waterfall. Today we will visit the second largest waterfall in Europe - Dettifoss. On the way back, we will once again stop at the lava fields. For a long time, the country will partially change. Almost no signs of volcanic activity, more pastures and sheep and artificially forested areas. The road leads us to the Goðafoss waterfall associated with a historical legend and will finish today's road trip in Akureyri city.
The road to the waterfall is lined with such scenery.
The area around the waterfall is inhospitable.
Smaller Selfoss waterfall appears first in the distance. Lighting conditions are not ideal. Sharp sunshine and deep shadows slightly degrade image quality.
The flow of the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum is divided into several related cascades and streams. The name of the river in translation is "Glacial River from the Mountains" and it is fed by the northern part of the Vatnajökull glacier.
Downstream the river flows in one mighty stream - Dettifoss waterfall. The width of the waterfall is 100 m and the water flow is 200-500 m³ / s.
The waterfall falls to a depth of 44 meters.
The stream carries with it a large amount of small volcanic material, which gives the flowing water a special metallic matte like touch.
Above the waterfall is a viewpoint from which you can admire the waterfall and the surrounding countryside.
Downstream of the Detifoss is a scenic canyon with other smaller waterfalls...
... and cliffs.
We leave the waterfalls and go west at Lake Myvatn to the town of Akureyri.
The landscape changes right behind the lake. Traces of volcanic activity are practically invisible. Green color and pastures have been added. Overall, the north-western part of Iceland is more similar to Ireland or Scotland.
Along the road is a "smaller" waterfall Godafoss. It is 30 m wide and 12 m high.
The waterfall is associated with a legend related to the acceptance of Christianity in Iceland. Parliament adopted Christianity as the official religion at the end of the 10th century. At that time, one of the members of parliament ceremoniously threw the statues of the Nordic gods into the waterfall and thus officially renounced the old religion. Since then, the waterfall has been called Godafoss. But it's just an unconfirmed legend.
There is good access to the waterfall ...
... and so long exposure shots can be taken.
At the end of the day we arrived in Akureyri, the second largest city in Iceland.
18,000 inhabitants live here.
The city center is a diverse mix of old and new buildings ...
... and has its own specific atmosphere.
Our accommodation today is just as specific.