Road Trips

After returning to the cable car station, I drove to Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein in Gröden), where I took another lift up to Ciampinoi. From the top, there were fantastic views of Seceda, the entire valley, Sassolungo range, the Sella massif, and Piz Boè. I then drove up to Passo Sella, where a unique cable car leads to the Forcella del Sassolungo saddle near Rifugio Toni Demetz. This is primarily a climbing area, and climbers can often be seen on the nearby Punta delle Cinque Dita. Unless you plan to climb or hike, there's not much to do in the saddle. I descended and headed to my accommodation in Campitello di Fassa.

On the second day, I went to Piz Boè. I drove to Passo Pordoi and took the "Funivia Sass Pordoi" cable car up to about 2,900 meters. From there, the trail descends to the Forcella Pordoi saddle, where there is a hut. I took the southern route to the summit, which includes a short, easy via ferrata. At the top, there's the Rifugio Capanna Piz Fassa hut, offering panoramic views in all directions. I descended via the northern route through Rifugio Boè, then back under the summit to the saddle and the cable car. A short distance from the station, there's an interesting rock window and cliffs with spectacular views – highly recommended.

On the third day, I visited the village of Pera and took the Seggiovia Vajolet chairlift. From the top station, I hiked through the forest to Rifugio Gardeccia, then continued to Rifugio Paul Preuss and Rifugio Vajolet. From there, I climbed through Valle del Vajolet to the Passo Principe saddle and its hut. After a short break, I continued to the Antermoia saddle (2,770 m), and then to the summit of Cima di Larsec (2,891 m). The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Lausa, Scalieret, Kesselkogel, and the Vajolet towers. I returned the same way.

The fourth day was dedicated to the Marmolada area. I headed to Lago di Fedaia and followed the Val de Fedaia valley up to the Porta Vescovo saddle, where you'll find Rifugio Luigi Gorza – also the upper station of a cable car (which was closed during my visit). From the saddle, there are fantastic views of Marmolada, its glacier, and the Piz Boè range. The well-known Delle Trincee via ferrata is nearby (planned for another time). I returned via the same route.

On the fifth day, I explored Passo Gardena below the Pizes de Cir range. I took the lift to Dantercepies (around 2,200 m), then hiked below Große Cirspitze to the start of the ascent. The trail is fairly steep, with a light via ferrata (grade A). No gear is needed, but orientation can be tricky. The summit (2,592 m) offers great views. I then continued to Pitla Cir (Kleine Cirspitze), which has a B/C-level ferrata. A rain shower cut my time short at the summit (2,520 m). I descended on foot back to Passo Gardena.

On the sixth day, I moved to the Cinque Torri area. I took the lift up to the towers, visited Rifugio Averau, and continued to the summit of Nuvolau (2,574 m), home to the namesake hut. I returned via the same route, stopping several times to enjoy the views. In the evening, I drove through Cortina to Auronzo di Cadore for my next accommodation.

On the seventh day, I had planned to visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo, but car access was fully booked. Instead, I chose a hike from Passo Giau to Monte Cernera. The trail leads through the Forcella de Col Piombin saddle to the summit of Monte Cernera (2,664 m), but visibility was poor due to clouds. I continued to the nearby Monte Verdal (2,491 m), then returned to my car. A brief hailstorm caught me just before the end.

The eighth day was reserved for a hike to Lago di Sorapis. This time I took trail no. 217 from Val Bona. The second half of the trail is steep (around 600 m elevation gain). Near the end, the path joins the more popular route from Tre Croci. Next to the turquoise lake is Rifugio Vandelli. After a short rest, I returned the same way. Once again, rain arrived just before the finish.

On the ninth day, I had a time-restricted ticket to Tre Cime (6:00–18:00). It rained heavily overnight, so I waited out the morning showers at Rifugio Auronzo. As the clouds began to lift, I hiked to the Monte Capedelle viewpoint, from where Tre Cime slowly emerged. I continued via Forcella Lavaredo to Rifugio Dreizinnenhütte and climbed the via ferrata to Toblinger Knoten (2,617 m, grade B/C). On the way down, I made a short detour to Sextnerstein (2,539 m), then returned via the lower trail to Forcella Lavaredo. I also climbed briefly to the starting section of the De Luca–Innerkofler ferrata under Monte Paterno, but turned back at a scenic viewpoint.

The tenth day was more relaxed. I visited Cortina and took the cable car up to Tofana. Only the first two sections operated in the morning due to wind, but the top section to Tofana di Mezzo later opened. From the upper station, it's a short walk to the summit (3,244 m) with fantastic views. Fortunately, the clouds cleared just in time. Later, I stopped again in Cortina, where preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games were in full swing.

The eleventh day was the journey home. I left Auronzo early in the morning and drove back toward Bratislava.

From there, my Norwegian adventure began, during which I completed numerous hikes and climbs and visited fascinating places and cities. The first stop was the town of Alta, from where I set off for Nordkapp and the Knivskjelodden hike, reaching the very northernmost point of mainland Europe. An unforgettable experience was also the climb to the Halde peak, where a former northern lights observatory is located.

After visiting Alta, I moved on to the city of Tromsø, where I spent one day exploring the city and another day hiking Tromsdalstinden, which majestically towers over the city.

The journey continued to the town of Finnsnes, where I stopped along the way to hike Segla. From there, I was treated to perhaps the most beautiful views in all of Norway. However, the next day, clouds obstructed a similar view from Husfjellet. From Finnsnes, I moved on to the magical Lofoten Islands, where I spent several days in a cabin near the town of Kabelvåg.

In Lofoten, I enjoyed numerous hikes, such as to the peaks of Festvågtind, Nonstinden, Veggen, and Reinebringen. I also tested the sea temperature at Uttaklieiv beach and visited picturesque places like Svolvær, Reine, and the charming village of Å at the end of Lofoten.

From Lofoten, I took a ferry from Moskenes to Bodø and continued across the Arctic Circle to the town of Mosjøen. There, I climbed 4,200 stone steps to the top of Øyfjellvarden. The journey then took me south to Trondheim and from there along the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) to Åndalsnes, where I completed a ridge hike to Mjølvafjellet.

In the following days, I stayed in Åndalsnes, where I first hiked along the ridge to the summit of Mjølvafjellet, took a shorter hike in the beautiful Venjesdalen valley, and then embarked on a trek up the Trollstigen (Trolls' Path), as it was closed to cars. From the tourist center, I set out on a hike to Stabbeskaret, a saddle below the Troll Wall (Trollveggen).

From Åndalsnes, I continued through the picturesque Geiranger, drove up to Dalsnibba peak, and then passed through the Strynefjellsvegen (Old Stryn Mountain Road) to Bessheim, near the Jotunheimen National Park. There, I completed two amazing ridge hikes, Besseggen and Knutshøe, with breathtaking views.

Next, I moved on to Eidfjord, from where I embarked on a hike to the iconic Trolltunga, which I visited for the second time, this time in summer conditions. The following day, I continued to Stavanger, stopping along the way at magnificent large waterfalls, such as Langfossen.

From Stavanger, I set out on two unforgettable hikes, to Kjeragbolten and Preikestolen. Finally, a long drive to Oslo awaited me, where I spent two days, and then a long journey back to Bratislava.

Upon landing in Keflavik, I picked up my rental car and headed straight south toward the town of Grindavík and the Fagradalsfjall mountain range. I arrived at the parking lot shortly after 6 PM and embarked on a two-hour hike to the volcano, covering a distance of over 10 kilometers. The sight of the active volcano offered a unique spectacle, and I lingered until midnight before heading back to the car.

The next morning, I continued my journey to the Landmannalaugar region, known as the Rainbow Mountains for their vibrant rhyolite formations. My goal was to summit Bláhnúkur. Despite less-than-ideal visibility, the weather was favorable, and the entire loop hike took about three hours. Afterward, I visited the impressive Ljótipollur crater, which houses a picturesque lake.

The following day was dedicated to exploring the Reykjadalur valley, home to hot springs and a warm river. At the end of the valley, you can enjoy a year-round bath in the naturally heated river, offering a truly unique experience. After this hike, I embarked on a long drive north to Akureyri, often referred to as the "Capital of the North."

The next day, I visited the majestic Goðafoss waterfall and continued to Lake Mývatn, renowned for its unique pseudocraters. I then climbed to the top of the Hverfjall crater, where I enjoyed a panoramic view. Nearby is the geothermal area of Hverir, where you can witness bubbling mud pools and the geothermal activity typical of Iceland.

My journey continued east, where I stopped at the Stuðlagil canyon, famous for its impressive basalt columns. Before arriving in the village of Seyðisfjörður, I enjoyed a beautiful view of the Gufufoss waterfall. In the picturesque fishing village of Seyðisfjörður, I took a short break before continuing to the Hólmanes Nature Reserve, where I completed a brief hike. In the evening, I arrived in Iceland's easternmost village, Neskaupstaður, where I spent the night. Before bed, I enjoyed a walk to Páskahellir, a location with a rock formation creating a natural roof by the sea.

The following day, I visited the former Helgustaðanáma mine, known for its calcite (spar) crystals. I proceeded to the Vattarnes cliff, one of Iceland's easternmost points. My journey then led south, where I visited Meleyri Beach and Green Rock cliffs before arriving in Djúpivogur. In Djúpivogur, I took a stroll along the coast in the Hörganes area. From there, I headed to the iconic Vestrahorn mountain and Stokksnes beach, home to a Viking village originally built for film production.

The next morning, I ventured to Diamond Beach and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to witness the sunrise at one of Iceland's most stunning locations, where there were no tourists in the early morning hours. I stayed for about two hours before continuing to the lesser-known Múlagljúfur canyon. Though not heavily visited, the canyon offers beautiful views of its interior and surrounding waterfalls. The hike takes about 2-3 hours and is a hidden gem for nature lovers.

After the hike, I drove along the southern coast, through the village of Vík, to the Þórsmörk valley. In Þórsmörk, I forded several rivers flowing from the glacier atop the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. I also visited the gorges of Merkurker and Nauthúsagil (Bull Shed Ravine), where a hidden waterfall can be found at its end.

On the final day, I made my way back to Reykjavik and then to Keflavik Airport, where I returned the car and flew back to Vienna.

After arriving, I picked up a car at the airport and settled into my accommodation in Reykjavik. The next morning, I set off for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where I planned to climb the famous Kirkjufell mountain. Often called the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell is an iconic peak known for its distinctive cone shape. At the start of the hike, I was warned that the climb was only for experienced mountaineers. The ascent took about an hour — it wasn't long, but it was intense and potentially dangerous in wet or icy conditions. There were three or four sections where climbing with hands was necessary, with ropes provided for safety. The view from the top was stunning, despite the low clouds.

On the third day, I had a hike planned to the Meradalir Valley, where the crater of the now-dormant volcano and the still-smoldering lava fields lay. This hike was about 6 kilometers from the parking area and led past craters from the first eruption in the Fagradalsfjall range. The 2021 eruption at Fagradalsfjall was one of the most significant in recent Icelandic history, with its lava flows covering a vast area, creating a fascinating landscape. The hike was windy but sunny without clouds. The views of the craters and the steaming fields were unique and never get old.

On the fourth day, I planned a hike to Þverfellshorn in the Esja Mountains, north of Reykjavik. The Esja range is popular among tourists and locals alike, offering great hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of Reykjavik and the Atlantic Ocean. As I ascended, the weather worsened, and Þverfellshorn was shrouded in clouds, which briefly brought rain. The last 50 to 100 meters of the ascent had an alpine character and were secured by chains. The views of the surroundings and distant Reykjavik appeared only during the descent. After returning to the parking area, I moved to the geysers, where I had arranged accommodation. Staying close to the geysers meant I could visit them early in the morning when no tourists were around.

On the fifth day, I traveled to the Landmannalaugar Valley. The journey itself was an adventure, covering about 35 kilometers of rough roads through barren landscapes to the Rainbow Mountains. Upon arriving at the Landmannalaugar parking area, I embarked on a hike up the Brennisteinsalda volcano. The ascent was not difficult, with parts of the trail crossing lava fields and geothermal areas characterized by the typical sulfur smell. The views of the surrounding mountains were incredible. On the way back, I stopped at Lake Hnausapollur, which is part of a large crater.

The next day, I hiked into the Hveradalir Valley in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains. The route was similar to that of Landmannalaugar, involving dozens of kilometers of unpaved roads into Iceland's interior. Kerlingarfjöll is a fascinating mountain range famed for its amazing geothermal activity and striking landscapes. I stopped at the Ásgarður camp, from where I set out on a hike to Hveradalir. Hveradalir is known for its breathtaking geothermal scenery and activity, with hot springs and fumaroles (vents or openings in the Earth's crust) creating a unique natural spectacle. After the hike, I headed south, stopping at Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's largest and most visited. In the evening, I arrived at a hotel near Selfoss and witnessed the Northern Lights for about two hours that night.

On the seventh day, I headed to Þakgil Valley in southern Iceland, near the village of Vík. Þakgil is known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning nature, offering ideal conditions for hiking. I traveled along a rough road for about 15 kilometers. In Þakgil, I took the yellow loop trail, offering views of Huldujökull glacier, part of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier above Katla, one of Iceland's most active volcanoes. The entire loop is full of beautiful views and takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the weather and conditions.

On the last day, I just had the journey back to Reykjavik, where I spent a few hours before moving to Keflavik, returning the car, and flying back to Vienna.

I arrived in Keflavik in the evening, picked up a rental car, and headed straight to Reykjavik. Renting a car in Iceland is essential, though the prices can be quite high. I opted for a smaller car. The drive from the airport to the capital takes only 30 to 40 minutes on the highway. Iceland offers stunning views from the road, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking scenery from the very first moments on the island.

The weather on the first day promised clear skies in the west of the country, so I set off for the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. My first stop was the Eldborg crater, which is about an hour's walk from the parking lot near a farm. The climb to the crater offers beautiful views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks. Other stops included the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and Saxholl crater, both captivating with their impressive landscapes and views of the Snaefellsjokull volcano. The peninsula is often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature" for its diverse landscape, which includes volcanoes, lava fields, fjords, and beaches.

On the second day, I explored Reykjavik since the weather was less favorable. I started at the Harpa music hall and continued to the Sun Voyager monument, Hallgrimskirkja church, and the famous hot dog stand Bajarins Beztu Pylsur. Strolling through the city was a delightful experience. Reykjavik, although one of the smallest capitals in the world, is a hub of culture and creativity.

The third day was dedicated to visiting Thingvellir National Park, the Strokkur geyser, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. These sites are part of the famous Golden Circle, which offers fascinating geological features and historic locations. Thingvellir is historically significant as the site of the founding of the world's oldest parliament, Althingi, in 930. The weather was changeable, but each of these natural wonders impressed me with its uniqueness.

I took advantage of an offer from the hotel and went whale watching from Reykjavik harbor in the morning. We sailed for about an hour to a spot where two or three whales appeared. It was easy to find the right spot since other tourist-filled boats were following them. While the whales occasionally lifted their tails above the water, there were no dramatic jumps. In the afternoon, I visited the Krysuvík geothermal area, located about half an hour's drive south of Reykjavik. Although there are no geysers here, the hot springs with bubbling water and mud, accompanied by a characteristic sulfur smell, are fascinating. The area offers hiking opportunities; I climbed Hverafjall (308 m), which offers lovely views of the surroundings and Lake Kleifarvatn.

I moved south on the island, visiting the Blue Lagoon and continuing to the fresh lava fields of the Fagradalsfjall volcano. The windy hike to the volcano felt like a journey to a lunar landscape, with impressive views of the surrounding lava, still steaming in places. Fagradalsfjall captured global attention after its 2021 eruption, which birthed an entirely new landscape before the eyes of curious tourists.

I spent the sixth day exploring the cliffs of Dyrholaey and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, known for its basalt columns and stunning landscapes. Dyrholaey, famous for its majestic stone arch, offers a haven for many birds, including the charming puffins often seen on its cliffs. However, I did not see any puffins; the beginning of May was likely too early for their arrival. I also enjoyed a climb to the summit of Hatta, which offers beautiful views of the village of Vik and the surrounding mountains.

The next day, I visited the Seljavallalaug thermal pool. The pool is not maintained and is quite rundown, with dirty and cluttered changing rooms. It's more of a tourist attraction — the first swimming pool in Iceland. My next destination was the Solheimajokull glacier, about a 20-minute drive from the pool. The Skogafoss waterfall was another highlight of the day, where I enjoyed a hike along the Skoga River with many smaller waterfalls. This trail is part of the Fimmvorduhals trek, which leads to the Thorsmork valley between the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. Skogafoss is one of the largest and most photogenic waterfalls in Iceland.

The next day, I planned to visit Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon. These destinations were more than two and a half hours from the hotel, and the drive led through lava fields and areas affected by floods from melting glaciers. The first stop was the Kviarjokull glacier. From the Kviarjokull parking lot, you can see the melting glacier and walk along the flowing water. This area is not heavily frequented by tourists. More interesting are Fjallsarlon, Breidarlon, and especially Glacier Lagoon — Jokulsarlon. I continued to Diamond Beach, a black sand beach where chunks of ice from the nearby Glacier Lagoon wash ashore, resembling diamonds. May was particularly rich in these "diamonds." After a walk, I moved to Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs of various shapes and sizes floated. This lagoon is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, where seals swim among the icebergs. The views of the icebergs are captivating and can hold your interest for a long time.

I didn't have any plans for this day. It was intended as a reserve day in case the weather was bad during my stay in Iceland and I couldn't visit some places. The weather forecast wasn't the best. Since I had already visited all the planned locations, I decided to visit the Kerid crater, known for its red color and central lake. Kerid is located northeast of Selfoss, 15 kilometers away. You can walk around the crater and descend to the crater lake.

On the tenth day, I explored Hjorleifshofdi mountain, an isolated rock with a rich history, and stopped at Fjadrargljufur canyon, which offers breathtaking views of rocky formations and waterfalls. Hjorleifshofdi is famous as the burial site of one of Iceland's first settlers, Hjorleifur Hrodmarsson, and provides panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields.

On the last day of my stay, I traveled from southern Iceland back to the capital, Reykjavik. The drive took over two hours. In Reykjavik, I essentially needed to kill time until it was closer to my departure. In the afternoon, I made my way to Keflavik Airport, where I returned the car and waited for my flight home.