Today we traveled farther along Iceland’s South Coast and saw some incredible landscapes shaped by glaciers and volcanoes. First we visited Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where huge pieces of ice break off from a nearby glacier and float through the lagoon. The icebergs were different shades of white and blue, and it was amazing to see how slowly they drift toward the ocean. We also got super lucky with weather! Blue skies and hardly any wind.
Right across the road was Diamond Beach, where chunks of glacier ice wash up on the black sand. The ice looked like sparkling diamonds against the dark volcanic beach, which made the contrast really beautiful.
Later we hiked to see Svartifoss in Vatnajökull National Park. This waterfall is famous because it is surrounded by tall hexagonal basalt columns that formed when lava cooled and cracked into geometric shapes. It was super cool to learn about how the basalt columns form. The hike was a little steep, but the view of the waterfall framed by the black rock columns was completely worth it.
Our drive there and back to the hotel today had some amazing views, including waterfalls and glaciers. We also stopped on the way back to see some more basalt columns up close. You could even climb on them!
Today really showed how Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes work together to create unique landscapes, from floating icebergs to black sand beaches and volcanic rock formations.
I had a great day and can’t wait to see a geothermal power plant tomorrow!
Aubrey M
Swanson School of Engineering 