Our day began early as we picked up the family from the airport in Akureyri. To make the most of the journey to Lake Langavatn, we added a bit of sightseeing along the way. Our first stop was the magnificent Goðafoss, also known as “God’s Waterfall.” This stunning waterfall is not only a natural wonder but also steeped in history. It played a significant role during Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. As the story goes, Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, the country’s law speaker at the time, made the pivotal decision to adopt Christianity as Iceland’s official religion to maintain peace. Following this decision, he threw the idols of the Old Norse gods into the waterfall, giving it its name, Goðafoss. The family was fascinated by both the beauty and history of this iconic location.
After a short stop, we continued our journey to Lake Langavatn in Reykjahverfi, where the ice was solid and perfect for fishing. We drilled holes at several spots on the lake, creating opportunities to catch both trout and Arctic char. The family was thrilled with their catches and enjoyed the peaceful yet exhilarating experience of fishing on the frozen lake. After a few hours on the ice, some members of the family, accustomed to the warm weather of Australia, started to feel the chill. We decided to wrap up the fishing and head to the next adventure.
Our next stop was the enchanting Lake Mývatn. Here, we explored the wonders of the geothermal area, including the stunning Grjótagjá cave, which added a touch of mystery to the day. To warm up, we enjoyed coffee and a unique treat: rye bread with smoked Arctic char. This traditional Icelandic rye bread is baked using geothermal heat, a technique born out of necessity centuries ago due to a lack of grain and firewood. The family loved the taste and story behind this local delicacy.
As the day came to an end, we drove back to Akureyri and dropped off the happy and satisfied family at the airport. It was a day filled with unforgettable memories, showcasing Iceland’s natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. We are grateful to have been part of their incredible journey and look forward to sharing more adventures with travelers from around the world!