Spoiler alert: I didn’t go back to sleep after finishing my last blog. Just as I was wrapping it up, Casey woke up and we decided to get an early start—and I’m so glad we did. What followed was a packed, beautiful, and downright thrilling day full of unforgettable firsts (and sheep grazing along our path).
We hit the road for a two-hour drive to our first stop: the stunning waterfalls of Barnafoss and Hraunfossar. Set against the backdrop of lava fields, the vibrant Arctic-blue water rushing through the black rock was absolutely mesmerizing. We spent time walking the trails, snapping photos, and just taking it all in.
But the main event of the day awaited: Langjökull Glacier.
After navigating the highland tracks to reach the glacier base camp, we suited up for a snowmobiling adventure. About two-thirds of the way up the glacier, we made our first stop—a walk through the largest man-made ice tunnel in the world. Stretching 500 meters long and 3.5 meters wide, with ice as thick as 25 meters overhead, it was an awe-inspiring experience. The layers of blue and white ice, compacted over centuries, created a surreal, almost otherworldly scene.
It was also sobering: our guide shared that Langjökull has lost nearly 29% of its mass since 1890, most of that in the last decade alone. It’s estimated to vanish entirely within the next 125–150 years. The glacier—whose name means “Long Glacier”—is Iceland’s second largest.
Before exiting the ice tunnel, our guide gave us a surprise: because of the clear weather, we’d be snowmobiling all the way to the glacier’s peak, nearly 1,300 meters above sea level. So off we went—Casey behind the wheel—as we climbed higher into the dazzling white landscape. At the summit, we stepped off, took in the jaw-dropping views, and I even made a snow angel. Just before we left, it started to snow—making the entire moment feel like a scene from a dream.
Then came my turn to drive—and let’s just say we didn’t exactly coast down the glacier. I was grinning the entire way.
Back at base camp, still buzzing with adrenaline, we impulsively decided to squeeze in one more adventure: a tour of Viðgelmir Lava Tunnel, one of the largest lava caves in the world. Nestled beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field, the cave was formed during a volcanic eruption in 930 CE that lasted several years and spread across 200 square kilometers. With a volume of more than five million cubic feet, it’s a geological marvel—nearly 1,600 meters long and almost 17 meters wide in parts.
Casey, with his geology degree, was in heaven—and so was I. Our guide was phenomenal, sharing fascinating details about Viking artifacts and skeletal remains found inside. The textures, shapes, and colors of the cave walls were eerie, beautiful, and unlike anything I’ve seen before.
After nearly 18 hours awake, we made the 2.5-hour drive back to Reykholt, grabbed a pizza from a local joint, and made it back to our cozy cabin. I crashed on the couch almost instantly.
Eleven hours of glorious sleep later, we decided to take it easy today. We’ve had a physically intense week and tomorrow is shaping up to be another epic day. Here’s what’s in store:
- Gljúfrabúi, a hidden waterfall you can walk behind
- The iconic Seljalandsfoss
- The black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, famous for its basalt columns
- A ferry ride to Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
- A boat tour of Heimaey Island, including Elephant Rock, a dormant volcano, a beluga whale sanctuary, and Iceland’s largest puffin colony
But for today? It’s all about rest, Icelandic beers, leftovers, and a little TV.
Stay tuned—so much more magic to come!
Brand On The Run 