{"id":63720,"date":"2024-09-25T15:31:27","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T15:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/?post_type=camperstories&#038;p=63720"},"modified":"2026-05-19T07:03:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T07:03:31","slug":"a-lord-of-the-rings-inspired-adventure","status":"publish","type":"camperstories","link":"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/de\/camperstories\/a-lord-of-the-rings-inspired-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"Brazilian couple wanted to see Rivendell, ended up in Mordor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>By Ricardo Gil<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Camperstory submission September 2024<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My husband and I met in high school, 18 years ago. On one of our first dates, we talked about places we dreamed about visiting. Iceland was the number one for both of us. We grew up in Brazil and to us, the thought of seeing volcanoes and glaciers was different from everything we were used to. We are also huge fantasy stories fans. Yearning for an adventure like Lord of the Rings (well, minus the life-threatening parts obviously).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Life happened \u2013 college, work, moving \u2013 and Iceland was always postponed. This year, our friend Rob showed us pictures of his trip and talked about how amazing it was. That was the push we needed and we bought plane tickets that same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tickets were bought 2 months in advance.  We had time to plan an itinerary, buy appropriate gear (raingear, hiking boots, etc), and most importantly, decide how we wanted to do it. We knew we wanted it to be as immersive as possible. After researching on the internet we decided to rent a van with Rent.is. Which seemed to be the easiest and most affordable option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>1st day \u2013 Arrival + Reykjav\u00edk<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We arrived in Iceland on August 16th at the Keflav\u00edk airport and were picked up by the Rent.is agent. A very tall and friendly man who drove us to the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/vyPGnC8dWHPBPV5C6\">van rental lot<\/a>. There we were offered a much-needed cup of coffee and quickly set up a contract. The employee showing us the van, an automatic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/our-campers\/vw-caddy-camper-automatic\/\">VW Caddy<\/a> Camper, answered all of our questions and showed us where everything was. We were ready to go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Off to our first stop: Reykjav\u00edk. What a fun, vibrant city! We parked the van and looked for food. Obviously, blissfully unaware that the very first thing we tried would have us addicted to it. The cinnamon bun from Brau\u00f0 &amp; Co. Now fueled, we strolled through the city, seeing the National Museum (highly recommended, we learned a lot about Icelandic history, geography and culture). The Hallgr\u00edmskirkja church. The shops at Laugavegur (we got an Icelandic wool blanket that helped keep us warm in the van). The Rainbow street, the Phallological Museum (where I learned I\u2019m as tall as a Humpback Whale\u2019s penis). The Concert Hall&#8230; and so many cats downtown (cat lovers here)! We got some hot dogs and ended the day checking the B\u00f3nus grocery store. Then drove to the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/JNN9fvaKtcixBkh9A\">Mossk\u00f3gar camping ground.<\/a> We had our first night sleeping in the van after walking more than 20k steps!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For anyone that never stayed at a campsite before: the camping grounds in Iceland are incredible! Most of them have great Wi-Fi, a nice space for breakfast with tables and chairs, appliances like microwaves and electric kettles, and nice sized sinks for brushing teeth and washing dishes. Some even have washer and dryer machines. There\u2019s always a tap to fill your bottles with fresh water. The bathrooms are clean and the hot showers feel amazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63724\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-cinabun-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A couple sitting and eating cinnamon buns\" class=\"wp-image-63724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-cinabun-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-cinabun-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-cinabun-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-cinabun-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-cinabun-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-cinabun.jpg 1624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63722\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-hot-dogs-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A couple sitting and eating hot dogs\" class=\"wp-image-63722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-hot-dogs-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-hot-dogs-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-hot-dogs-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-hot-dogs-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-eating-hot-dogs.jpg 1523w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63721\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-caddy--1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A couple standing by the caddy camper\" class=\"wp-image-63721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-caddy--1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-caddy--300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-caddy--150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-caddy--768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-caddy--1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-caddy-.jpg 1637w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>2nd day \u2013 Golden Circle + Secret Lagoon<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We woke up ready for a 2nd day full of adventures \u2013 starting with the \u00deingvellir National Park. \u00deingvellir is one of Iceland\u2019s most important historical sites. The parliament was founded there and assembled each summer until the end of the Old Commonwealth in the 13th century. It lies on the junction of two tectonic plates that are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">always diverging causing fissures throughout the zone. The fissure is an unbelievable view and makes you aware of how alive our planet is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We headed for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/blog\/geysir-iceland\/\">Geyser<\/a> Geothermal Area. It\u2019s a 60km drive from \u00deingvellir, through flat farmland landscape with the mountains in the horizon. A bucolic scenery like driving through The Shire. The name Geyser is derived from the Icelandic verb geysa which means \u201cto go quickly forward\u201d. That\u2019s exactly what it does! Well, at least one of them, Strokkur, which erupts every 4-10 minutes. It gives a great show to all tourists around. The Great Geyser, the one that gave origin to the name geyser, is now dormant. But is still a magnificent sight, showcasing a strong sulfuric smell. There are many other little geysers and hot springs around, and you feel like you\u2019re in another planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To finish the Golden Circle tour, we went to Gullfoss. A very impressive waterfall in the canyon of the Hv\u00edt\u00e1 River. Then, we were off to Secret Lagoon, the oldest natural pool in Iceland, warmed by little geysers nearby. The water is clean and stays at around 38-40 degrees Celsius all year round. It\u2019s so relaxing it makes you want to stay there for hours. That night we camped in Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63737\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Geysir-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"The Geysir Blowing\" class=\"wp-image-63737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Geysir-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Geysir-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Geysir-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Geysir-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Geysir.jpg 1363w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63736\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-gullfoss-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A couple standing by gullfoss\" class=\"wp-image-63736\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-gullfoss-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-gullfoss-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-gullfoss-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-gullfoss-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-gullfoss-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-standing-by-gullfoss.jpg 1746w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63738\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-cuddled-in-sleeping-bags-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A couple cuddled up in camper\" class=\"wp-image-63738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-cuddled-in-sleeping-bags-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-cuddled-in-sleeping-bags-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-cuddled-in-sleeping-bags-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-cuddled-in-sleeping-bags-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-cuddled-in-sleeping-bags-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-cuddled-in-sleeping-bags.jpg 1979w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>3rd day \u2013 Waterfalls + Paradise Cave + V\u00edk<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir campsite didn\u2019t have a kitchen facility. So this morning we put the van\u2019s utensils to use and boiled some water for coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After an hour drive, we arrived at Seljalandsfoss. Oh my. There is no other word for this waterfall than legendary. It makes you want to get as close as possible to bask in its magnificent glory. Bring raingear because you will not want to miss the opportunity to walk all the way around it. To my amusement, if you continue walking the trail a minute or two. Enter a rock crevice and cross a stream of water (bring waterproof shoes!). You will be rewarded with the sight of <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/27WENmAwWvxaDN8S9\">Glj\u00fafrab\u00fai<\/a>, a gorge that looks like a sacred place. There were many tourists there. But that didn\u2019t take anything away from the feeling you get being in a place like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From there, we went to Parad\u00edsarhellir aka Paradise Cave. It\u2019s believed to have originated as a magma channel, eventually becoming a gas tunnel. There\u2019s a long walk to the base of the cliff. Then a 10m vertical climb up till you see the cave opening. That\u2019s how far we could reach. Then there\u2019s a strenuous ascent that you can make with the help of a chain that was installed there. Guess we need to hit the gym more often when we get back home. The sight of cows and sheep were reward enough this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the way to Sk\u00f3gafoss, we were on the lookout for the Bra Fence. Yes, you read that right. There\u2019s a fence located across Lake Holts\u00f3s covered in bras. No one truly knows how the tradition started. But we stopped by and left a white lace bra as an offering. Hope it brings good luck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waterfalls<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next stop: Sk\u00f3gafoss, a 62m high waterfall. The ancient coastal cliffs were formed by marine erosion at the end of the last ice age. You can walk to the pool underneath. The waterfall generates a huge amount of spray, creating a beautiful rainbow. Or.. walk almost 500 steps uphill for a better view. Listen&#8230; it was a sunny but very windy day. The steps felt shaky and the handrailing was not contiguous. So this acrophobic girl did not make it all the way to the top. My husband braved the climb and got pretty pictures up there though!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking a bit further we reached Kvernufoss, the less visited Sk\u00f3gafoss\u2019 neighbor. It\u2019s only half as high as Sk\u00f3gafoss, but don\u2019t let that prevent you from visiting it. The views from behind it are spectacular and the trail to get there will make you feel like you\u2019re almost reaching Rivendell. We spent some time just admiring the ethereal view and then got back to the van.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was still sunny when we arrived in V\u00edk. We shared some loaded fries and a Gull beer at Str\u00f6ndin Pub. We then went for a walk on the black sand beach. Then we were the only ones there at the time. We felt so lucky to have that view all for ourselves. If you\u2019re traveling with someone you love, every moment feels magical. This will always be one of my favorites \u2013 the sun was almost setting and we just sat on the rocks talking about life. This night we stayed at V\u00edk Camping, and the hot shower there made us feel brand new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"63753\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-by-waterfall-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A man standing by a waterfall. A small rainbow there\" class=\"wp-image-63753\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-by-waterfall-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-by-waterfall-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-by-waterfall-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-by-waterfall-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-by-waterfall.jpg 1288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"63751\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-under-gljufrabui-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A man standing by Glj\u00fafrab\u00fai waterfall\" class=\"wp-image-63751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-under-gljufrabui-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-under-gljufrabui-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-under-gljufrabui-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-under-gljufrabui.jpg 1011w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63752\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-hanging-a-bra-on-fence-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A woman hanging a bra on a fence\" class=\"wp-image-63752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-hanging-a-bra-on-fence-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-hanging-a-bra-on-fence-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-hanging-a-bra-on-fence-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-hanging-a-bra-on-fence-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-hanging-a-bra-on-fence.jpg 1036w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"63767\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-with-beer-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a pub with a beer\" class=\"wp-image-63767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-with-beer-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-with-beer-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-with-beer-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-with-beer-1151x1536.jpg 1151w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-with-beer-1535x2048.jpg 1535w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-with-beer.jpg 1650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63766\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-roa-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"the empty road ahead.\" class=\"wp-image-63766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-roa-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-roa-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-roa-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-roa-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-roa-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-roa-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63769\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-standing-behind-seljarlandsfoss-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A woman standing behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall.\" class=\"wp-image-63769\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-standing-behind-seljarlandsfoss-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-standing-behind-seljarlandsfoss-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-standing-behind-seljarlandsfoss-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-standing-behind-seljarlandsfoss-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-standing-behind-seljarlandsfoss.jpg 1327w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>4th day \u2013 Plane Wreck + Yoda Cave + Black sand beach<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How about a 7km walk to start your day? If it sounds as good to you as it sounded to us, you might consider doing the walk that leads to a plane wreck site at S\u00f3lheimasandur. It took us 3 hours to hike it both ways in very strong wind (I was very glad to be wearing a windproof jacket). The plane wreck made for a great photo location, the somber energy in the air matching the cloudy weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From there we found our way to Dyrh\u00f3laey, the most southerly point in Iceland. The peninsula is 120m high and at the top of it there\u2019s a castle-looking lighthouse. The view of the gigantic black arch of lava standing in the sea was what made the climb worth it to us. Oh, and the puffins, obviously. I thought they would resemble penguins, but they look more like chubby parrots. We saw many puffins nesting on the vertical cliffs. They were coming very close to the tourists, almost posing for the many cameras pointed at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black beach<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving down Dyrh\u00f3laey we found the Reynisfjara beach. Covered with black volcanic ash and dark rocks, this is the coolest looking beach we have ever seen. But the cherry on top were the hexagonally shaped basalt columns created by lava. The strong waves eroded some of the structure creating sea caves. There\u2019s no photograph that can make it justice: the texture, the lines, the cracked rocks make for an unmatched vision. Truly wonderful how something like this is under constant transformation from the sea, the wind, and the weather. Still stands tall and magnificent like this. Almost threatening. In reality, actually threatening. The beach is divided into zones depending on the conditions. Sneaker waves, rockfall and rockslides pose a real danger to visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We got delicious burgers and a local beer flight at Smi\u00f0jan Bruggh\u00fas. And some Wi-Fi connection to update family and friends, before we headed to the Yoda Cave. It was early afternoon and from the inside of the cave we could see the sun shining. Timidly from behind the clouds. Made us wonder if anyone ever had to use this place as a shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back at Vik, we fueled up the van and parked at the camping site. For some snacks, a hot shower, and a well deserved rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63784\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-plane-wreck-solheimasandur-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A couple standing by the Plane wreck of S\u00f3lheimasandur\" class=\"wp-image-63784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-plane-wreck-solheimasandur-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-plane-wreck-solheimasandur-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-plane-wreck-solheimasandur-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-plane-wreck-solheimasandur-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-plane-wreck-solheimasandur-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-plane-wreck-solheimasandur.jpg 1725w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\" data-id=\"63808\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Two-puffins-in-the-grass.jpg\" alt=\"Two puffins in the grass\n\" class=\"wp-image-63808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Two-puffins-in-the-grass.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Two-puffins-in-the-grass-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Two-puffins-in-the-grass-113x150.jpg 113w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" data-id=\"63781\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-black-beach-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"The black beach\" class=\"wp-image-63781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-black-beach-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-black-beach-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-black-beach-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-black-beach-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/The-black-beach.jpg 1509w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>5th day \u2013 Eldhraun + Dverghamrar + Skaftafell<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was one of those \u201cput the jacket on, take the jacket off every five minutes\u201d kind of day, but at least the sun was shining, which meant walking long distances to see glaciers and (surprise) more waterfalls. Soon we were in Eldhraun, the lava fields covered in a thick moss carpet. There\u2019s a little path where you can walk through the moss field and get really close to it. This was such an exquisite sight, it felt otherworldly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Equally impressive is Dverghamrar, the \u201cDwarf Cliffs\u201d. The contraction and cooling of the lava formed basalt columns that stand imponent over green fields. We climbed a few of the lower columns and enjoyed the view for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Until now it looked like we were crossing Rivendell, but we must have taken a wrong turn somewhere because suddenly it felt like we were slowly approaching Mordor. The scenery started looking more and more desolate, the ground got darker and we seemed much closer to the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our next stop was Skaftafell. The visitor center had lots of geological and historical info and maps. We headed for Skaftafellsj\u00f6kull, one of our most awaited destinations. And it did not disappoint \u2013 we got as close as we could to the glaciers. The trail was rocky like the moon&#8217;s surface, the water was freezing cold and we never felt more alive. Svartifoss was on the opposite side, following a trail up the mountain, a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by basalt columns. How can the universe sculpt such a magnificent masterpiece? It\u2019s breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That night we stayed at the Skaftafell campsite. There was a sign on the bathroom doors warning about a wind storm the next day but we decided not to worry too much until the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63792\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-sitting-on-rick-formation-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A woman sitting on a rock formation\" class=\"wp-image-63792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-sitting-on-rick-formation-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-sitting-on-rick-formation-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-sitting-on-rick-formation-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-sitting-on-rick-formation-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-sitting-on-rick-formation.jpg 1053w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63803\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-the-middle-of-a-rock-circle-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A man standing in the middle of a rock circle\" class=\"wp-image-63803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-the-middle-of-a-rock-circle-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-the-middle-of-a-rock-circle-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-the-middle-of-a-rock-circle-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-the-middle-of-a-rock-circle-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-the-middle-of-a-rock-circle.jpg 1075w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"63813\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-a-cave-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A man standing in a cave\" class=\"wp-image-63813\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-a-cave-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-a-cave-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-a-cave-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-a-cave-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-standing-in-a-cave.jpg 1456w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>6th day \u2013 Glaciers + Viking Village + Diamond Beach<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wind was STRONG that day. It took us a few minutes to gather the courage to get out of our sleeping bags this morning. But we really needed some coffee, and even a little bird joined us for breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The east<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our first stop was the Fjalls\u00e1rl\u00f3n glacial lagoon, located on the southern end of Vatnaj\u00f6kull glacier, 47km far from Skaftafell. We saw people getting on their rafts, while we decided to take the less adventurous route and just walked around in our raingear, getting really close to watch the icebergs drift from place to place. Despite the strong winds, there was a peaceful energy in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just a few minutes ahead is the J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n glacial lagoon, where you can see the icebergs of the \u00d6r\u00e6faj\u00f6kull glacier that have broken off and floating out to the sea. We saw a seal very briefly \u2013 they are easily disturbed \u2013 and walked under the bridge through excruciatingly harsh wind. Taking pictures was a difficult task and we could hardly take our hands out of our pockets. The sight of the turquoise blue icebergs is forever imprinted in our minds though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coffee break<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We drove to the Viking Caf\u00e9 near H\u00f6fn for a very much-needed hot chocolate and some warm waffles and then braved a walk through rain and wind in the Viking Village nearby, built as a movie set for a Universal Studios production. We roamed around a little bit, exploring every detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was the furthest stop in our planned itinerary, so we started the drive back to Reykjav\u00edk, stopping at Diamond Beach for more iceberg pictures. There were a lot of people there despite the cold. The views are incredible and we got to stand on top of<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">the ice pieces spread along the shore. A small wave caught me off guard and my socks got soaked. We laughed about it and went back to the van.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We drove back to the V\u00edk camping, the wind so strong my husband had to drive right to go straight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"63823\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-touching-glacier-water-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63823\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-touching-glacier-water-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-touching-glacier-water-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-touching-glacier-water-1-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-touching-glacier-water-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-touching-glacier-water-1.jpg 1288w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" data-id=\"63818\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-holding-a-small-ice-by-glacier-1-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63818\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-holding-a-small-ice-by-glacier-1-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-holding-a-small-ice-by-glacier-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-holding-a-small-ice-by-glacier-1-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-holding-a-small-ice-by-glacier-1-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-woman-holding-a-small-ice-by-glacier-1.jpg 1128w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>7th day \u2013 Reykjav\u00edk part 2 + Sky Lagoon + Volcano eruption<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving back to Reykjav\u00edk was a bittersweet feeling \u2013 the trip was coming to an end, but the memories we made would be with us forever. We got to see the beautiful landscape shifting once more: the cold mountains turning into lava fields, then the moss carpet, the green mountains, and their waterfalls, the plain farmlands covered in sheep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Reykjav\u00edk<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back in the main city, we went to Loki Cafe to try some local cuisine, including the famous fermented shark. We were told you have to chew it really well for a few seconds before swallowing it, and when the ammonia aftertaste hits you, you clear it with a shot of Brenniv\u00edn. The shark wasn\u2019t too bad \u2013 but the Brenniv\u00edn was much stronger than our Brazilian Cacha\u00e7a and to me it felt like sipping fire. I suppose it might make the Icelandic winter a bit easier. The rye bread covered with mashed fish that we had afterward was delicious though. Other great treats from this day were the pulled lamb in a hot dog bun and the Vald\u00eds ice cream. But Iceland will forever be known to us as the land of the cinnamon buns, so we headed to Brau\u00f0 &amp; Co. to hunt for them. The nice girl behind the counter said that if we bought 2 we would get one for free, so that felt like a win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Later, we went to Sky Lagoon to relax during the whole adventure. After putting our things away and showering, we entered the lagoon and enjoyed the sunset in the warm water. Then, we did the Skj\u00f3l Ritual \u2013 cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, body scrub, steam, elixir drink \u2013 and went back into the Lagoon. People started gathering at the border of the infinity pool: a volcano eruption started at the Sundhn\u00fakur crater and we could see red smoke coming out of it. Maybe someone threw a ring in Mount Doom? I guess we did end up in Mordor. What a great ending for our Tolkienesque adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>An erruption<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the Hafnarfj\u00f6r\u00f0ur campsite, we could see the red smoke more clearly and took our time admiring this force of nature that was illuminating the night sky in red. The land of Ice and Fire indeed. Later we googled the incident and learned that the eruption wasn\u2019t enough to evacuate Grindav\u00edk (the nearby town) and apparently everyone around was safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63828\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-by-dunes-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A couple standing by dunes\" class=\"wp-image-63828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-by-dunes-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-by-dunes-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-by-dunes-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-by-dunes-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-by-dunes.jpg 1191w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"63830\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-staring-at-each-other-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A couple looking each other in the eyes. \" class=\"wp-image-63830\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-staring-at-each-other-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-staring-at-each-other-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-staring-at-each-other-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-staring-at-each-other-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-couple-staring-at-each-other.jpg 1285w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"63831\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-sitting-in-the-trunk-of-caddy-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A man sitting in a trunk of the caddy.\" class=\"wp-image-63831\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-sitting-in-the-trunk-of-caddy-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-sitting-in-the-trunk-of-caddy-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-sitting-in-the-trunk-of-caddy-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/www.rent.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/A-man-sitting-in-the-trunk-of-caddy.jpg 786w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>8th day \u2013 Thor\u2019s Power Gym + Returning the van + Keflav\u00edk Airport<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All packed and ready to go home, we made a brief stop at Thor\u2019s Power Gym, owned by Haf\u00de\u00f3r Bj\u00f6rnsson, the professional strongman who holds numerous titles from multiple strength federations, and who also played Gregor \u201cThe Mountain\u201d Clegane in the Game of Thrones series. The amount of lifting tools was enormous and the size of the weights was impressive. He was not present but there was a warm reception from the people working at the gym, and they suggested we took a photo with a life-sized cardboard cutout of him. At 2.05m (6ft9in) and 180kg, even the cardboard Haf\u00de\u00f3r looks gigantic compared to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving to Keflav\u00edk, we could still see the volcano somewhat active. We arrived at the Rent.is location to return the van, and the process was quick and easy. We were taken to the airport promptly with plenty of time for security checks and even some last minute pictures and souvenir shopping at the duty free store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The flight was on time and we were left with a grateful feeling for everything in our Icelandic adventure \u2013 the hikes and sights, the friendly Icelandic people, the clean and accessible campings, and the opportunity to experience all of this at our own pace, thanks to the option of renting an affordable and fully equipped van from Rent.is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Top tips<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rent a van at Rent.is and do your own adventure on your own rhythm: this is guaranteed to make your experience as immersive as possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go with someone you love: this can be a physically and mentally exhausting trip, so make sure you\u2019re in great company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re a fantasy fan, watch Lord of the Rings beforehand (I\u2019m aware it wasn\u2019t filmed in Iceland, but it will make you feel like you\u2019re in an epic journey just like it)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be respectful of nature and wildlife: don\u2019t disturb the animals you might encounter along the way, don\u2019t leave trash behind, stay on the trails<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring appropriate gear: raingear, windproof jacket, hiking shoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hit the local grocery store (we recommend B\u00f3nus) and stick to the simple stuff (protein bars, sandwiches, fruits, nuts, chips): less time meal prepping, more time sightseeing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allow yourself to experience new things: try the local cuisine, do some local shopping, and hit the hot springs (Sky Lagoon was so worth it!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be mindful of cultural differences: there are tourists from all over the world and we are all trying to have a good time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be prepared to adjust your plans depending on weather conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be present: turn off the internet during the day and enjoy the moment!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>#VANcation #camperstories<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Camperstories Submission for September 2024. A Brazilian couple in Love goes on a lord of the rings-inspired adventure. An impromptu trip to Iceland. Renting a VW Caddy camper<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":63843,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categories":[184],"tags":[823,803,818],"camperstories-tag":[445,444,648],"class_list":["post-63720","camperstories","type-camperstories","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camperstories","tag-camping-entlang-der-ringstrase","tag-camping-in-island","tag-september-de","camperstories-tag-camper-van-rental-iceland","camperstories-tag-camperstories","camperstories-tag-iceland-summer"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Brazilian couple wanted to see Rivendell, ended up in Mordor | Rent.is<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A Brazilian couple in Love goes on a lord of the rings-inspired adventure. 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