LAVA BEACHES & WALK-BEHIND WATERFALLS
Today, you’ll be retracing your steps back along the south coast, stopping off at a couple of places that were previously bypassed. Some 175km (around 2 hours) into the journey, take a left turn down towards the coast to REYNISFJARA, and to what Islands Magazine named one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth. BLACK SAND BEACH, as it’s also known, is a rugged stretch of ebony shingle that runs between a cliff of basalt rocks and pounding (and perilous) surf and is quite unlike any beach your kids will have ever set eyes on. Bucket-and-spade territory it is not, but they won’t forget this one for a long while.
A further 60km on, the Ring Road re-emerges from the shadow of the Eyjafjallajökull ice cap, and you’ll recognise the elegant form of SELJLANDSFOSS cascading over the hillside. There’s a good vantage point up the steps to the left, but you get an even better view of the falls if you follow the path that runs right behind the sheets of water.
TOP TIP Don your waterproofs if you’re going to venture behind the falls at Seljlandsfoss, as you’ll get a thorough soaking.
THE LIJOMA LOWDOWN
Delve deeper with our tips on what to read and watch before you go, foods and drinks your kids must try, and some key cultural advice
NEED TO KNOW
A handy overview of Iceland’s weather and climate throughout the year, with recommendations for the best time to visit
