The return trip to the south was on the agenda. Despite melancholy when loading the car, as always at the end of a trip, the joy of returning home resonated too.
We were both a bit exhausted, the many experiences, every day 10-12 hours on the road. In addition to the kilometers to be driven, there were also the many hikes, sometimes it was only a few hundred meters to a sight, but the number per day resulted in the end but a decent distance.
We didn't have too many plans for the return trip. Among the unplanned stops for landscape pictures, a side trip to Akranes was on the short list.
We were both a bit exhausted, the many experiences, every day 10-12 hours on the road. In addition to the kilometers to be driven, there were also the many hikes, sometimes it was only a few hundred meters to a sight, but the number per day resulted in the end but a decent distance.
We didn't have too many plans for the return trip. Among the unplanned stops for landscape pictures, a side trip to Akranes was on the short list.
On the way to Akranes this time we also had a great view of the mountain ridge Skarðsheiði - an impressive panorama.
Skarðsheiði is according to Wikipedia the rest of a large central volcano, which was active several million years ago.
And when we saw the signs on the road, we made a spontaneous detour to the hot springs of Deildartunguhver.
We were already there in 2015 and also here you could see the change quite clearly. From then we still remembered a small pop-up fruit stand with tomatos, today there is a large tourist center with designated parking, new railings in front of the springs etc pp.
Back on the 50, was directly on the road still a hotel complex with a funny troll garden, matching with a beautiful wide waterfall.
It is nicely done, but for us it would not be a reason to book a room there because of it.
Folklore mixed with kitsch.
It is nicely done, but for us it would not be a reason to book a room there because of it.
Folklore mixed with kitsch.
One last look back at Snæfellsjökull
Since the shopping market in Búðardalur opened later than expected, we moved our today's breakfast in a bakery in Akranes.
Here we had to stand in line for almost 15min, but the rush was normal, so we were told.
After we had strengthened ourselves well, we headed for the next Lost Place. In the harbor is a dilapidated ship in an industrial area, we wanted to see.
At the harbor section there was also a kind of lifting platform for ships, according to the condition, this was also no longer in operation for many years, but still an exciting industrial ruin.
In a total of 9 small houses, was in each case the drive with the transmission for the steel cables to raise or lower the platform.
But the focus was on the ship, also this could have been climbed by means of ropes, but it was enough for us to take photos.
The wooden planks were so bleached by the weather and the lack of varnish that you could see the grain well. Besides wood, the dominant material was rust, none of the original moving parts moved another millimeter.
That this was an industrial site was unmistakable, we had permanently the smell of used oil in the nose.
To put it bluntly, one would probably not want to plant a vegetable patch here.
Akranes itself also gave us the impression that its best days were behind it.
It was not that the city seemed run down. The church was also in a well-kept condition, but the city still looked desolate and uninviting.
Perhaps we have also caught a bad day and do the city wrong. We may be forgiven.
From Akranes, the trip was to go directly to Keflavik without any further interruptions, where we first handed in our bedding and then checked into the Duus Hotel for the last night.
Our last destinations were on the southern coast, not very far from Keflavik and it was only shortly after noon.
Our last destinations were on the southern coast, not very far from Keflavik and it was only shortly after noon.
The first port of call was the Brimketill lava rock pool, a basin in the cliffs where the water collects like in a pool.
The whole area is in lava field with little vegetation.
Standing on the cliff, one can only imagine how the coast is permanently exposed to the forces of the sea and the weather.
From there we went on to Gunnuhver and the Reykjanes Lighthouse.
We have been to Gunnuhver in 2015, but we have not recognized the lighthouse.
But this time we didn't want to miss him again.
The thermal springs at Gunnuhver volcano are among the hottest high-temperature areas in southwestern Iceland. The temperatures under the springs exceed 300 °C.
The place is known for the escaping steam, which can be seen from far away, and the discolored earth around the hot springs.
In addition, when you get out at the parking lot, you are greeted by the smell of sulfur. You can get used to it more or less, but this time there was a touch of old rotten fish to it, the mixture you do not forget so quickly.
From the small viewing platform we then made our way to the lighthouse, not a big hike with ~3.5km, but at the end of such a trip a final challenge.
Since the lighthouse was built on a hill, we had again a beautiful panoramic view over the area of Gunnuhver and the coastal sections.
For a hike to the coastline we both had no more desire, so unfortunately the view of the rock formations of the Valahnúkamöl was denied to us. From the lighthouse we could only see the side facing away from the coast.
Then we made our way back to the parking lot and to the hotel.
A few pictures of the harbor, right next door at our hotel for the last night.
What made us especially happy was that we had arranged to meet Jon again for dinner at the end of our trip.
With all the great places we traveled to, it was the perfect ending.
Iceland will always be very close for us, no matter how many times we will be there. Thank you Jon!
With all the great places we traveled to, it was the perfect ending.
Iceland will always be very close for us, no matter how many times we will be there. Thank you Jon!
To complete the trip report: the night at the hotel was short but the breakfast was plentiful. The delivery of the rental car went smoothly, as well as the abandonment of the suitcases & security check.
We were even so good in time that we had to wait 1.5 hours until boarding.
We say thank you for a great time and goodbye Iceland!
