And so, comes the last chapter of my Mom’s Golden Circle Route.
Although she couldn’t complete her mission of witnessing the Aurora Boralis due to cloudy sky on the night, she was still impressed by the outstanding nature and geological landscape of Iceland.
The first stop on the 4th day was the Skaftafell national park, which was a 2-hour drive from the hotel. Established in 1967 and expanding over 400 km2, Skaftafell became part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park in 2008.
The Vatnajökull National Park is Europe’s second largest National Park with an area of approximately 14,200 km2.
There are no roads in the park, only a network of trails for visitors.
There is great diversity and contrast between the rugged landscapes, mountains, glaciers, flora and fauna, and endless flat sandy plain.
Only in Iceland, can one see glaciers and lava fields in the same place. A land of Ice and Fire, indeed. As Skaftafell was very large, my Mom could only see a small part of it. She felt guilty that she didn’t plan more time.
Next to the Skaftafell and Vatnajökull National Park, is a large glacial lagoon called Jökulsárlón, which translates to glacier river lagoon.
Jökulsárlón is on the edge of the Vatnajökull National Park and the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
The formation of the lagoon is a result of the melted water from the glacier. The lagoon increases in size yearly, and recently became the deepest lagoon in Iceland. Since the 1970s, the size of the lagoon has increased fourfold.
The huge icebergs floating in the lagoon are literally just the tips of the icebergs, about 90% of the iceberg is submerged underneath the water.
Despite the beauty and impressiveness of the lagoon as it increases in size. It is apparent that this was the effects of global warming. Each year, the lagoon and the nearby glacier tongue looks different due to constant change in the Icelandic landscape.
The magnificent landscape and view gave my Mom goosebumps as she got off the bus. She couldn’t believe her own eyes. The landscape was full of amazing broken icebergs in various shapes and forms, streaked blue and black, floated with the tide, occasionally broke apart in a mighty crush.
The amphibian boat tour took my parents closer to the icebergs. Although it was a quick 30-minutes ride, it was worth every second.
The combination of huge icebergs, blue water, and seals left my Mom completely amazed.
My Mom also had the chance to taste the 1,000-year-old ice. It was a little bit sweet!
The unique icy landscape has inspired many filmmakers to utilize and shoot amazing movies. The James Bond Movies (Die Another Day and A View to a Kill), Tomb Raider and Batman Begin were filmed here.
Golden circle route is well suited for a short trip to Iceland. It comprises of cultural and historic sites with breathtaking nature which you can't see from other countries.