Motorcycle Tour of Iceland
The following morning, woken by more driving rain, the motorcyclists headed off, ready to reach the relatively young Jokulsarlon Lake, renowned for its many icebergs. In fact, the lake was formed around the 1930s, following the retreat of the Vatnajokull glacier, that moved another 8 km in just one year… revealing a breath taking landscape. The experience of crossing the lake in amphibious vehicles was unforgettable for the explorers, who were able to experience this surreal environment up close. Equally incredible scenes were seen in the afternoon, moving east through a lunar landscape of black volcanic sand. The following day, after a surprisingly sunny start to the morning, the group reached the village of Vik, situated on the sea along the black beach of Reynisfjara, not far from the Halsannefshelir cave, beneath high basalt cliffs. A good climb by 4×4 brought them to the rocky Dyrholaeypromontory, dominated by a lighthouse from which the surrounding seascape can be admired.
Another two waterfalls awaited the travellers before arriving at their hotel. The most notable of these was Skogafoss, one of the most famous on the island and the only that can be enjoyed from behind the tumbling water. Speaking with Alex, the owner of Hotel Selja,where they stayed for two days, the motorcyclists discovered that they were near to the Landamannalaugarlava field, colourful and scattered with lakes, near to the Eyjaföll and Hecla volcanoes.This area is reached by travelling nearly 100 km on dirt tracks that are composed of the blackest lava sands. Travelling along Ring Road no. 1, towards Reykjavìk, the travellers then stopped near the Gulfoss waterfall, known as the queen of Icelandic waterfalls. There are also numerous geothermal sites along the road, which are rich with geysers and boiling pools of water and mud. After visiting the Pingvellirnational park, the group arrived in the capital, with its brightly coloured wooden architecture.
Extending south of Reykjavìk is the Reykjanes peninsula, an area dotted with picturesque fishing villages, which Giacomo and Claudio didn’t miss out on, despite the threatening skies. An expanse of lava then lead the explorers up to Kleifarvatn lake and then on towards the geothermal area of Krisuvik, recognizable from a distance due to the plumes of steam rising tens of metres into the air. Here, the group also admired the renowned Blue Lagoon of Grindavìk. Now heading north, our adventurers set off on the 550 dirt track towards the Jongiokull glacierand then to Borgarnes, a typical town on the western coast of the island. At this point the itinerary included visiting the Snaefellness peninsula, dominated by the Snaefelsjokul glacier, and passing through the picturesque Viking village of Hellissandur. Again, dirt tracks led the travellers along the Vatnsnes peninsula, famous for its population of hundreds of seals. Next, the group continued north, towards Dalvik and Husavik, to discover another animal that inhabits the waters around the island: the whale. This was followed by a stop at the Myvatn Lake, located in an area of great historical and geological interest. Last stop: Seyfisfjordur, where the team embarked for Denmark, to return home.
