Filmy pose at the Skogafoss waterfall.

Day 3
We stayed at the Hotel Skogafoss previous night which was at an excellent location and just few minutes walk to the waterfall Skogafoss. Our main idea was to get there early to take some pics and avoid the horde of tourists in the later part of the day.
Following a trail up the hill, you can hike to the top of the 200' falls. You get a beautiful panoramic view of the falls, surrounding hills, green fields and farm animals.

We spent the early part of morning taking in the warmth of the rising sun and the beautiful glow it spread across the lush green fields.

After breakfast, we started our long drive towards East. This day promised to be the most exciting day of our trip with the words black sand, glaciers, ice lagoons on the itinerary.

Reynisfjara
Black Sand.....what??

Yesterday we visited the black sand beach of Solheimasandur, our first experience visiting a black sand beach. Yet, we were still amazed to see the vast black beach of Reynisfjara. 

The basalt cliffs that rise from the sea gives a eerie feeling to the area as if we have been transported back in time to the Viking world.
The beach is filled with tiny shiny black pebbles which are extremely difficult to walk on.

Tall basalt columns rise up against a hill creating a perfect backdrop for photos.
Skaftafell
An hour drive from Reynisfjara on the Ring Road will take you to Skaftafell - Vatnajökull National park. 

Svartifoss
Svartifoss means Black Falls, the name derived from the beautiful black basalt columns that frame the waterfall.
The hike to the falls is 1.5 kms uphill from the Visitor Center. 3/4th of the way you come across a vantage point from where you get the first view of the falls. You can then climb down to the base of the falls to get a closer look.
Skaftafell has many other attractions as well notably the Glacier Walk. You can take a guided tour and walk on the glacier with the guidance of experts or you can walk upto the edge of the glacier on your own. It is a 30 minute walk from the Visitor Center.

After lunch, we drove further east towards the Ice Lagoons.

Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Just before you reach the famous jokulsarlon Ice Lagoon, you come across a smaller, newly formed Fjallsarlon Gacier Lagoon. It is tiny compared to Jokulsarlon with a surface area of 4 kms. But do not miss this. Even though it is small, it is as picturesque as the larger Jokulsarlon and provides a perfect photography spot, especially when visiting in the evening.


Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
You cannot visit Iceland and not visit the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. It is the most famous spot in Iceland and synonymous to the land of fire and ice. The lagoon is vast with surface area of 18 kms. Depending on the season, you will see huge icebergs which are lined by black volcanic ash. You will never forget about the Volcanoes which are heating and ready to erupt nearby even when you are in the cold surroundings of the Icebergs. 
The place is powerful and breathtaking. 
You would want to spend hours here just looking at the cool blues but the security guards (strong winds and cold weather) won't let you stay for long. 

Final stop for the day is to the Diamond Beach which is just a few mins drive from the Ice Lagoon. You will get to see and touch huge ice pieces shining like diamonds in sunlight. Who needs a real diamond when you can have these.