2018 ICELAND Skogar 14 - Skógar and Skógafoss

Do you remember what foss means? Waterfall and this one was a doozy.

We arrived at our hotel a little later than expected around 17:30. Our room was welcoming, modern and comfortable. We had a king bed, closet, space to spread out our luggage, great Internet and electronics charging station, and a spacious bathroom and shower. I'm not complaining at all, but this was one step up from Skaftafell. A bit more traditional to what we are used to.

Our room also had a partial view of the falls. I took this shot through the window. Notice the stairs up to the lookout platform at top center. This was early March, so I was also surprised to see a robin-like bird hopping around, but it had a speckled back unlike those in the states.

It had been a long day with the wait at the lagoon, vigorous shopping, and fairly lengthy drive. So once we got settled in, we met for a happy hour beverage in the bar / restaurant. It had floor to ceiling windows on three sides, so a spectacular view of the foss.

Today we passed on Brennivin, the legendary Icelandic schnapps. I ordered a Somersby blackberry cider and everyone else drank a Gull lager beer (each about $11 US). This menu gives you an idea of typical prices in Iceland, although you may need a magnifying glass to read it.

The lobby was filled with lots of folks from different lands. We noticed an abundance of Asians. Sis and I went back to the counter for a refill and meet an older fellow from Novi, Michigan, of all places. He and a friend from Kansas were camping nearby.

Lauri and I really thought he was trying to pick us up, but maybe that was our imagination. And somehow we got around to the topic of marijuana and how illegal it was here. He said "no problem" and whipped out a vape pen from his pocket. We were both kind of stunned by the whole conversation, especially with our hubbies seated 15 feet away.

After our liquid "rejuvenation," Laur and I decided to check out the falls while the guys relaxed. It was maybe a half mile walk. This foss is unique because it comes directly from two glaciers--Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull. Its height is 60m (200 feet) and width is 25m (82 feet). It flows into the Skógar river.

There is an option to climb 370 steps up to an overlook platform, but it was late and we two were too tired to tackle them at this point. The climb rewards visitors with an awesome view of Iceland's southern coastline. It is also the start of a popular hiking route through the Fimmvörduháls pass.

We walked to the foot of the falls, where it meets the river. It was flat land, but icy from the splash. You could walk right into the gushing water if you were so inclined. We weren't, but I bet in summer there are kids that do just that.

 Side foss and river.

Lauri taking a photo.

 Me shivering.

Icy flat land.

After our hike, we ordered dinner to take back to our respective rooms. Mike and I shared a hot mozzarella and tomato sandwich on ciabatta bread ($17 US). Laur ordered ham and cheese ($18.50) and tomato soup ($15), and Tom had fish and chips ($27). Everyone was happy with their order and I think this was the best "Caprese" sandwich I have ever eaten (and I have ordered this a lot). No kidding!

The next morning a complimentary breakfast buffet was served in the bar. It was just a bit sparser than the morning before--mostly cold foods like fruit, hard-boiled eggs, veggies, cold cuts, cheese, pastries, and the obligatory cod liver oil. We filled our bellies and enjoyed their good coffee.

Our table neighbors were having herring and wine at 09:00. Kind of turned my tummy but everyone for themselves.

Today we were returning back to Reykjavik. With car packed, we drove up closer into the foss parking lot, so the guys could get a good look and take last minute photos. This is the sunshiny version.

Oh, I forgot to mention in the hall to our room was this painting. So you can imagine what Iceland overall and particularly these foss look like in summer. Our hotel is in the middle of the pix, painted red and white. The town of Skógar is snugged up agains the foot of the cliffs.