Iceland Day 10 – Hot Springs At Last
For my last day, I am inspired by the campers at next to me who tell me that the highlight of their vacation was the hot springs at Reykjadalur. There is only one path out of the parking lot to get to the springs, you can’t get lost even by yourself with no map.
The sun is out as I leave the campsite bright and early to avoid the rush. I drive to the same deserted parking lot that I had on my first day, and find that there is indeed only one path. I feel fit and rested, and well up to hike three miles each way. What I did not count on was the 1,000 feet in elevation, I plodded for two hours to reach my destination, passed every now and then by bright young things.
The hot springs are truly wonderful. The nearer you are in the stream to the actual spring the hotter they are, and I opt for the warmest pool. Development is minimal, a boardwalk to limit erosion by foot traffic, and a wooden divider for a changing area. Charmingly rustic, I marinate for an hour.
Hot springs at Reykjadalur
Back in Reykjavik I potter around the town center, deciding that the Icelandic hand-knitted sweaters are beyond my price range at $300. But it’s a nice little town.
An early bed for me, I have to return my camper van and get my flight home in the morning. Ten days of adventure, a lifetime of memories. 1,200 miles in ten days.
