TOUR 08 - Iceland Discovery - Intrepid Travel - FRI, 30 SEP 2022 – Day 5

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FRI, 30 SEP 2022 – Day 5: Lake Myvatn/Akureyri - Set off for magnificent Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall at 100-metres wide and with a 45-metre drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur canyon below. It’s so powerful that it’s vibrations can be felt underfoot. Continue to volcanic Lake Myvatn. Next is Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and it’s hard to believe you’re on Earth and not Mars. Take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir and then observe the massive pseudo craters of Skutustadir. Continue to the crescent shaped Godafoss waterfall, where legend says a lawmaker priest threw the idols of the Norse gods when Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in AD1000. Travel on to Akureyri and settle into your accommodation for the evening.

Total driving distance - approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles), or 3 hours

UNCLE LARRY'S NOTE: Common sense kept me from taking the hike to Godafoss Waterfall. Our tour leader took two of us "less fit" members to a nature preserve for a short, less strenuous walk. Also, you can use this hyperlink to learn more about The Yule Lads.

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Photos

Icelandic Christmas Folklore
Our Tour Leader Explaining Icelandic Christmas Folklore which depicts mountain-dwelling characters and monsters who come to town during Christmas.

Icelandic Christmas Folklore
The Yule Lads are the sons of Grýla and Leppalúði, a group of 13 mischievous pranksters who steal from or otherwise harass the population. All have descriptive names that generally convey their favorite way of causing mischief.

Icelandic Christmas Folklore
They arrive one by one over the final 13 nights leading up to Christmas (Yule) and leave small gifts in shoes that children place on window sills. But, if the child has been disobedient, they leave a rotten potato in the shoe instead.

Icelandic Christmas Folklore
In modern times the Yule Lads have also been depicted in a more benevolent role comparable to Santa Claus and other related figures. They are generally portrayed wearing late-medieval Icelandic clothing, but are sometimes shown in the costume traditionally worn by Santa Claus, especially at children's events.

Icelandic Christmas Folklore
The Yule Lads at Work

Icelandic Christmas Folklore
A Photo Op at the Yule Lads' Throne

Icelandic Christmas Folklore
A Vivid Reminder to Stay on the Marked Trails in Volcanic Iceland

Icelandic Christmas Folklore
Are These the Yule Lads? Nope, Just a Group Photo!

Out and About in Iceland
The Welsh and the Scots think they have a lot of sheep. They need to visit Iceland.

Dettifoss Waterfall, Iceland
Dettifoss is said to be the most powerful in Europe.

Dettifoss Waterfall
I was the only member of the group that chose to forego a closer examination of Dettifoss to check out a smaller waterfall from the footbridge.

Dettifoss Waterfall
And I Wasn't Disappointed