Hit the Road – Intra Western Region



Not so early in the morning, we moved on to the next village. Grundarfjordur that is on the north side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Since the driving distance will be short, we chose to take the Route 56 and the mountain pass for ease of driving, but longer in distance (still only 100 km, and about 1 hour) and time. The shorter option involved a dirt road (the extension of Route 54 going north linking the village of Olafsvik). That section of the road was under construction at the time we were there. We were cautious not to damage the car. Unbeknown to us then, we actually had to use that dirt road 2 nights later. More on that later.

Hit the Road – Route Map of Hellnar to Grundardfjordur


Hit the Road – Hellnar to Grundardfjordur. On Route 54 Heading East.


Hit the Road - Road side snack, veggie burger.


NOTE: this joint could be the only place to get something to eat on today's drive. It is located at the junction of Route 54 & Route 56.

Hit the Road - Gradual ascend on a mountain pass


Grundardfjordur – Many farms and ranches just outside of the village center


Grundardfjordur – Many farms and ranches just outside of the village center


Grundardfjordur has a population of about 600. The surge in tourism in recent years has stressed the limited infrastructure in this village. This was felt during hotel booking. I found it almost impossible to find a room (any room) 1 month prior to our arrival. Finally we reserved a room with The Old Post Office Guesthouse. This guesthouse maybe ideal for budget conscious tourists (perhaps backpackers) for its relative low price and lacking in modern facilities. It has a common kitchen where guests can cook their meals and make coffee etc. That said, our tiny room has a private shower, and a great view of the Mount Kirkjufell. We had 2 nights here. Since we were out most of the time, we could endure the lack of amenities. Something we have to do without. Not a problem! The manager was very friendly and his family lives right across the street from the property.

Grundardfjordur – Where sheep outnumbers people


Grundardfjordur – Lamb Chop


Grundardfjordur Church – Perched on top of a hill


The main attractions here are the Mount Kirkjufell and the Kirkjufellfoss. I was counting on shooting Aurora Borealis near these 2 main sights. Prayed for clear skies. During the day, we popped in to scout out the environment.
This is one hell of a popular attraction. The dirt parking lot was loaded with small vans (tours) and cars. The combination of the mountain and the waterfalls make for perfect photo-ops. So far, I noticed most of the tourists were Asians (of which most were Chinese). So the Chinese are fueling the Iceland Tour industry! Ditto pretty much everywhere.

Mount Kirkjufell


Mount Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss


Kirkjufellsfoss


Kirkjufellsfoss


Tonight, we dined in Bjargarsteinn Restuarant, a place known for fresh seafood. We ordered a cod fish as main dish, and a dinner size seafood supa. Seafood is known to be good all over Iceland. My supa was loaded with fish and other seafood, more than a meal. The cod was also fresh and delicious. I do recommend this place.

Grundardfjordur – Excellent Dinner at Bjargarsteinn


Grundardfjordur – Excellent Dinner at Bjargarsteinn


Tonight we had clear sky. But where was the Aurora Borealis? Checking 50 km radius to no avail. Another night of not seeing the Northern Lights!
Ignoring the forecast, we drove out to the Kirkjufellfoss area in total darkness. Surprisingly, there were many cars and vans parked there. People with torch lights moving about trying to find their way up to the falls. Many people were chasing BA tonight! By 23:00, it was cold and no sight of Northern Lights. Bumped into a photographer from Utah. He said he had to leave for KEF to catch a flight back to the US tonight. He had been in Iceland for 3 nights still hadn't seen any Northern Lights. I wished him good luck on the way to the airport. Told him about the Black Church and the lighthouses in Akranes as locations of possibilities.
It was a blessing that we managed a small room with a private shower & a great view of Kirkjufell.

OPO Guesthouse – Room with a great view


OPO Guesthouse




Up next Part 06 – Day Trip to Stykkissholmur