The graded gravel road we were supposed to take was blocked by a backhoe and a dump truck. We took this to mean that they really really didn’t want anyone to take it. This is how it is. We found an alternate route.
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But Google Maps didn’t know that there was a west-side road, parking lot, or visitor center for Dettifoss. It wanted us to drive an extra hour to get to the east-side access point. We ignored it. The west side was all new-ish and in great condition, so it was a pleasant and easy drive.
A short hike later we were at the falls. It boasts the 2nd-highest flow rate among Icelandic waterfalls.
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Then upstream to Selfoss.
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For lunch we stopped at Fjallakaffi, a farm-cafe with a good reputation. They are famous for reindeer steak, but sadly weren’t serving the dinner menu yet.
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For dinner, we had a long drive, right through the largish town of Egilsstaðir and out to the small town of Seyðisfjörður at the end of a narrow fjord. It has an excellent harbor, and Viking cruise ships stop here. It’s perhaps best known for its “Rainbow Street” and “Blue Church”.
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We were on a grail quest for Icelandic sushi, and after having our “Viking sushi” tour canceled, this was our best shot. We were not disappointed. The sushi at Norð Austur – Sushi & Bar is all fresh, all local. We started with a “sashimi plus hot rock” plate, where you sear the items as much as you want. The smoked monkfish in particular was a delight.
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Then we had the large nigiri/sashimi combination:
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6500 ISK = US$51.31.
But no tipping or tax added to that, so would be about the same as $41 + 8% tax + 15% tip.
This was the best and most memorable meal we had had in Iceland so far, ranging from very good to astonishing. I joked that we should just stay in town for the rest of our trip, and eat here every night. (Note: Reservations are advisable, and some dishes have to be ordered well in advance as they take hours to prepare.)
Quest accomplished. 🙂