Hrifunes to the Glacier - Part 1: Roads 209 and 208

Experience the beauty of Iceland on a bright, cloudless morning as we embark on a picturesque drive from Hrífunes Nature Park to the stunning Skaftafell Glacier. In this video, we begin our journey at Hrífunes Nature Park and cruise along the gravel Road 209 (Hrífunesvegur) beside the scenic Kudafljot river. We then continue on Road 208 towards the Katla Geopark, eventually reaching Iceland’s Ring Road (Highway 1, or Hringvegur). Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and majestic views of Iceland!

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Interesting Facts:
The glacial river Kúðafljót originates from glacial streams at the edge of the glacier Síðujökull. According to The Book of Settlements, Vilbaldur, one of the early settlers in Iceland, set off from Ireland on his vessel, Kúdi. He arrived at the river’s estuaries, and the river was named after him. Legend has it that the estuaries were once a bay, and one of the country’s trading posts was located on the island of Kúðaholmi, where artifacts have been unearthed. Before the river was bridged in the 1990s, it was forded on horseback despite the lack of reliable fords, which caused many fatalities.

Route Notes:
0:00 - Start Point: Hrífunes Hotel
0:12 - Road 209
0:37 - Entrance to the Hrífunes Nature Park
3:06 - Hilltop view of Kudafljot.
3:53 - Sheep crossing the road
5:17 - Flaga 2 Guesthouse
7:10 - Merge onto Road 208
7:22 - Crossing the estuary
10:30 - Cottages on the right, and a view of the Katla Geopark on the left
10:50 - Skaufabergsbrú bridge
11:10 - The Ring Road (Highway 1) intersection