Day 5: The Art of Slowing Down in Neskaupstadur

Date: July 18, 2025 | Location: Neskaupstadur to Hengifoss, Eastern Iceland

After four days of pushing ourselves to the limit—flat tires, glacial adventures, and endless miles of Ring Road—Day 5 was a gift we didn't know we needed. Sometimes the best travel days aren't about cramming in every possible sight, but about learning to move at the rhythm of the place you're visiting.

Morning Rituals and Village Charm

We slept in until 8 AM, which felt positively luxurious after our early starts. There's something to be said for taking time to wake up slowly, savoring that first cup of coffee, and simply existing in a place without an agenda. Our morning walk to a local café for pastries and bread became a meditation on the beauty of unhurried moments.

Neskaupstadur's charm extends far into its community. The people here are laid back, kind, and move with a steadiness wrought by generations of life in the fjords. They know something we often forget in our hurried world—that the best experiences come when you give them space to unfold naturally.

It was good to embrace this slower pace of life, take time to write and review photos from our adventures, and recharge after how much we've been pushing ourselves. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.

Exploring Through the Lens

Following breakfast, it was time to explore the village properly. With my camera in hand and the telephoto ready to go, I set out to see what stories this place wanted to tell. Unique building styles caught my eye—the way Nordic architecture adapts to harsh coastal conditions, creating both beauty and functionality. The boats in the harbor each had their own character, weathered by countless journeys through these dramatic waters.

The lush flora surprised me. Even in this rugged landscape, life finds a way to flourish. Wildflowers dotted the hillsides, and the views of the fjord stretched endlessly, each angle revealing another layer of this incredible landscape.

There's something special about photographing a place when you're not rushing. You notice details that would otherwise blur past—the way morning light catches the water, the patterns in the weathered wood of old buildings, the quiet dignity of a working fishing village.

Hengifoss: A Waterfall Worth the Climb

After a quick lunch in our hotel, it was time to head out for the day's main activity: hiking to Hengifoss waterfall near Eyjolfsstadaskogur nature preserve. The 4.8-kilometer (3-mile) round trip hike was deceptively challenging—what looks like a "quick hike" on paper becomes quite the workout when you're dealing with Iceland's intense inclines.

But every step was worth it. The final approach requires a bit of rock scrambling, and then suddenly you're standing before one of Iceland's most magnificent waterfalls. At 128 meters (420 feet) tall, Hengifoss commands respect. The cliffs surrounding it resemble rocky Martian crags, and the bowl of the valley rises sharply in front of you like nature's own amphitheater.

The water spills from the top and cascades down to a brilliant blue pool below, then continues its journey, creating several more waterfalls that line the center of the hiking path. It's a photographer's dream and a humbling reminder of the power of water to shape landscapes over millennia.

The Perfect Equipment for the Perfect Shot

I brought two pieces of equipment specifically for this incredible natural feature: my 100x100mm 1000ND square filter to permit extensive daytime long exposures on my 28-300mm telephoto, and my 12-24mm Sigma f/4 Art ultrawide lens.

Both were fantastic at helping me capture the vertical intensity of the waterfall from up close and personal, and smoothing out the water's flow even in bright daylight. I had been looking for the perfect chance to use these two items together, and this was it—the ideal use case for both the technical challenge and creative opportunity I was seeking.

The ND filter allowed me to slow down the water's motion, creating those silky, ethereal streams that make waterfalls look like they're flowing through time itself. Meanwhile, the ultrawide lens let me capture the full scope of the canyon, showing not just the waterfall but the dramatic geological story written in the surrounding cliffs.

I do believe I may have taken a photo from this excursion that will end up in my portfolio and print line. There's something magical about the moment when you know you've captured not just a good photograph, but a piece of art that will resonate with people.

Unexpected Encounters on the Trail

Hiking back down, we came across some friendly sheep in the middle of the trail. In true Iceland fashion, they seemed completely unbothered by our presence, and naturally they got their portrait taken. These moments of connection with the local wildlife—even the domestic variety—remind you that you're a visitor in their world.

A few shots of the valley below, the water channel winding into the distance, and the cliffs rising above us, and we reached the bottom. The descent gave us entirely different perspectives on the landscape we'd just climbed through, proving once again that the journey is often as rewarding as the destination.

Evening Magic in Neskaupstadur

By this point it was 7 PM and time for dinner. We decided to make our way back to Egilsstaðir, stopping at a restaurant in town for a quick bite, then heading towards our home away from home in Neskaupstadur.

When we got back into town, we were greeted with a welcomed surprise—a gorgeous pink sunset illuminating the clouds, coloring the waters and cliffs with shades of red, pink, and yellow. These are the moments that make travel photography so addictive: when nature decides to put on a show just for you.

I quickly hopped out of the car, grabbed my camera, and ran over to the water's edge to capture the reflection of sky and land on the water's surface. The serenity of the photo I captured will forever bring me joy and remind me of my time in Neskaupstadur and Iceland.

There's something profound about these unexpected moments of beauty. You can plan all you want, research the best viewpoints and golden hour timing, but sometimes the most memorable shots come when you're just living in the moment and ready to capture magic when it appears.

The Rhythm of Iceland

Once the pink faded and the sky began to turn towards the midnight sun, it was time to head up, pack our things, and get ready for tomorrow's adventure. As I organized my gear and reviewed the day's photos, I realized that Day 5 had taught me something important about travel photography—and about life.

Sometimes the best experiences come not from pushing harder, but from learning to move at the rhythm of the place you're visiting. Neskaupstadur operates on fjord time, where patience is rewarded and rushing is meaningless. The waterfall has been falling for thousands of years and will continue long after we're gone. The sheep have their own schedule, and the sunset arrives when it arrives.

This slower pace didn't mean we accomplished less—if anything, we created more meaningful connections with the places we visited. Every photograph felt more intentional, every moment more present.

Tomorrow's Adventure

Tomorrow's plan: drive to Siglufjörður in north central Iceland, hike to see the basalt cliffs and blue waters of Stuðlagil Canyon, make our way north back to the coast, and see what we can see.

But after today's lesson in the art of slowing down, I'm approaching tomorrow with a different mindset. Yes, we'll cover ground and capture incredible sights, but we'll also remember to leave space for the unexpected, for the moments that can't be planned or scheduled.

Iceland continues to be the best teacher I've ever had, showing me not just how to be a better photographer, but how to be a more present human being.

Equipment Used Today: Nikon Z7II with 28-300mm telephoto, 12-24mm Sigma f/4 Art ultrawide, 100x100mm 1000ND square filter

Weather: Cool morning, perfect hiking conditions, spectacular sunset

Mood: Recharged and reflective

Favorite Shot: The pink sunset reflection over Neskaupstadur's harbor

What's been your most memorable "slow day" while traveling? Sometimes the best adventures happen when we're not trying so hard to have them. Share your stories in the comments below!