I wake up early, mostly due to the fact that I’m still acclimating to the almost 19 hours of daylight that is happening daily in Iceland. I work on an itinerary, as I have a full day in this area. I decide to not pay to go through a tunnel, and instead take the long road around the mountain as I head into the Arctic Circle Parallel and the region of Mývatn. I should see my second major waterfall today, the infamous Godafoss.
Low clouds make visibility difficult as I head out, but soon the sun breaks through the clouds and I see the majestic landscapes before me. Santa Claus holds a sign welcoming me to the Arctic Circle, and I tremble with excitement. It’s still hard for me to believe I am actually here in Iceland. There is hardly anyone else on the road….
I see a beautiful valley lit up in the morning sunrise with a distinct rising cloud of vapor in the center. “That has to be the waterfall” I think to myself excitedly. It doesn’t take me long to get to the parking lot. The time is 730 a.m. but a handful of cars are already here, but it certainly isn’t crowded, which is what I was hoping for. I head out onto the trail.
The bluest glacial water tumbles and roars as I make my way up to the headwaters. It’s more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. I stand for long periods of time, letting the power of nature wash over me, penetrate my soul, heal my loneliness, restore my faith in the world.
I cross a bridge to see Godafoss from a new angle. On this side you can actually make your way down into the canyon to be right next to the water itself. I go slowly as the volcanic rocks covered with mist are very slippery.
Norse mythology, stories of Odin and Thor, all run through my brain here. It is easy to see how the landscape inspired those stories of old. I feel the hand of these Gods at work with every stone I touch, every step I take on this land.
I read about a story later that described Godafoss and this valley perfectly :
“When Satan was cast down from the heavens, legend says he landed in the area known as Dimmuborgir. He awakened the Pagan Gods that resided here, and an epic battle ensued, leaving the landscape us mere mortals see today….”
Eventually I leave to go further into the Arctic Circle. Dimmuborgir has more to show me, and the afternoon certainly got more interesting….
