Dettifoss, Hverarond Mud Pits, & Lake Mývatn

Detifoss

Detifoss is the largest waterfall in Europe by volume of water discharged.  The foss is fed by melt from the Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest glacier in Europe.  Detifoss is in a remote, desolate part of northeast Iceland.  One must take a 45 km (28 miles) dirt gravel out to the falls.  Luckily the speed limit on these gravel roads is 80 kph (50 mph), only 10 kmh less than the paved roads. 

Noosha under a double rainbow
(We loved the freedom of being able to walk up to the waterfall and cliffside)

 

Hverarond Mud Pits

The Hverarond mud pits are probably one of the worst smelling sights one should ever visit.  The pungent odor of sulfur hits you the moment you step outside the vehicle, and proceeds to get worse the closer you get.  However inspite of the smell the location of the pits and the pits themselves are spectacular. 

 

Lake Mývatn

The Lake Mývatn area is the garden location of Iceland.  Located in the north of Iceland the lake is situated in an active volcanic region and is know for lush vegetation and abundent wildlife including fish, birds (especially duck), and insects.  The name of the lake is Midge Lake named for the resident irritant in abundance, the Midge fly. 

We toured two areas around the lake.  The first is an area known for numerous pseudocraters.  These craters were formed by lava covering pools of water.  The water was heated to such a temperature they exploded creating craters from the lava.  The pseudocraters are now covered in grass and are quite striking.

The second area we visited was a small penninsula that was gated and had several small walking trails.  The penninsula was forested and had many beautiful views of the lake and its wildlife.  We were there on such a beautiful day the lake was amazing.

Brian finally got a good photograph of the lichen in Iceland