Hosting you since 1937

Self Drive 12 days Odyssey

Dimmuborgir Welcome to Iceland! To make your stay in Iceland more enjoyable, we would like to draw your attention to the following:

△ This booklet contains a standard itinerary. If you have Sat Nav added nights, please note that the itinerary has not been customized to show such amendments.

△ This itinerary is a guideline for your travel in Iceland. The Speed Limit route may vary according to your overnight stay and road conditions, especially during April/May and September/ October. Seat Belts △ Even with the long daylight, you will not be able to visit every nook and cranny nor enjoy all the fun things suggested. Please choose between the sites mentioned Road Map depending on your interest as time limits your possibilities.

△ The kilometer/mile distance per day is not precise. The distance may vary depending on the location of your Bin the Litter accommodation and the detours you take each day.

△ On your accommodation itinerary you will find a detailed address list, describing how to reach your accommoda- One Lane Bridge tions. The accommodation itinerary also has a reference number, which is valid as your voucher. Official hotel check-in time is 14:00-18:00. If you arrive any later, it’s Watch out for Animals courteous to notify the hotel.

△ Breakfast is always included during your stay, but no other meals. Many of the rural hotels and guesthouses offer a Gravel Roads nice dinner at a reasonable price.

2 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey A few favourites from the trip

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 3 Day 1: 7-8 6 Arrival Mývatn 4-5

Pick up your rental car and explore Reykjanes Stykkishólmur Egilsstaðir Peninsula 9 ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 10 60 km / 37 miles 2 Reykjavík 1 Höfn Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Keflavík 11 Kirkjubæjarklaustur Hveragerði 3 details about your overnight stay

pon your arrival in Iceland you’ll find your Vík Urental car help desk in the arrival hall at Keflavik Airport. The desk is open every day from 5:00am–5:00pm and again from 9:00pm- 1:00am. The staff will advise you where to find you let the algae mask bring out the skin’s your vehicle. inner glow! If you are arriving early enough in the day Kindly note that the Blue lagoon is very we recommend driving along the southern popular all year round and therefore you should coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. Start your book ahead. journey with a soak in the Blue Lagoon. Fol- If you don´t plan on visiting the lagoon at low road no. 41 towards Reykjavik until you the beginning of your trip you continue on find road no. 43, leading south towards Grin- road number no. 43 until you find your way to davik. Before you reach Mt Þorbjorn you make Grindavik. Take a left onto road no. 427 and a right turn to the Blue Lagoon area. To make explore the southern coastline on your way to it easier you can just follow the steam clouds Hveragerdi. rising into the air. At the Blue Lagoon you can Folow this winding road along the shore- soothe away the jet lag and relax in the milky line, past stand-alone houses, rock forma- waters of the Lagoon and perhaps enjoy a tions, and endless sea views. Take a quick glass of the famous Blue Lagoon cocktail while detour on road no. 42 to Krysuvik Geothermal

4 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey Area and Kleifarvatn Lake, which are a part of are considered among the finest examples of the Reykjanes fissure zone. the results of tectonic movements in the world. Continue your journey on road no. 427 until It is the area where the tectonic plates for you reach road no. 38 which will take you to the Europe and America meet, and one can literally charming village of Hveragerdi. The village is see the the rift valley between the continents. one of the few sites in the world located directly This is also the former site of the oldest parlia- on top of a geothermal area and because of the ment in the world, Alþingi. It was founded in numerous greenhouses using geothermal heat it Þingvellir in 930 and this is where all the major is often called the flower village. events in Icelandic history over a period of 1000 years took place. In the 18th century a Day 2: major earthquake took place at this location, after which the parliament was transferred to Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Flúðir/ Reykjavík. In 2004 Þingvellir was placed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO), Spouting Geysers, Massive Waterfall While in Þingvellir you should visit: ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 170 km / 106 miles Lögberg (The Law Rock), the law speaker, the president of Lögrétta (the Law Council) stood Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for there, facing the gathering below to recite the details about your overnight stay laws during the period when the old Alþingi oday you’ll drive east out of Hveragerdi was held at Þingvellir. Tand drive along road no. 1 and road no. 36 to Þingvellir National Park. Neðrivellir where Lögrétta was, the most Þingvellir National Park is of great eco- important institution of the ancient parlia- logical, geological and historical interest. The ment, the Alþingi, where the “goðar”, the local park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic chieftains, and bishops gathered to debate, landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the pass new laws and amend old ones. These two border of Iceland’s largest lake. Surrounding sites are on the eastern side of the Almannagjá the lake are impressive faults and gorges that gorge.

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 5 Drekkingarhylur (Drowning Pool) on the who refused to be baptized in the cold water Öxará River, where women found guilty of of Þingvellir, were brought to Laugarvatn to be adultery were drowned. baptized in the warm spring. Here you find the Fontana Spa. Öxarárfoss waterfall, a beautiful waterfall on the Öxará River, which falls thunderously over a You continue your tour to the beautiful steep slope at the edge of the Almannagjá rift. Gullfoss and Geysir region. The Geysir area is a colourful geothermal field where you find Þingvallakirkja Church, from 1859, situated on geothermal pools and a spectacular erupting the spot where one of first churches in Iceland hot spring or geyser. In fact the Icelandic word was built around 1016, shortly after Iceland "geysir" is the commonly used generic term for converted to Christianity in 1000 AD. this natural phenomenon. Every 5-10 minutes the geyser Strokkur (the Churn) erupts send- From Þingvellir you will drive via Lyngdals­ ing water and vapour shooting skywards in a heiði on road no. 365 to the lake Laugarvatn spectacular display. Please be very careful area. Laugarvatn is a geothermal area, and it near the hot pools and geyser and keep to the is said that when Christianity was adopted in hiking paths. the year 1000, the chieftains from the north

6 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey You continue you journey further north to age farmhouse in a fair state of preservation. If Gullfoss waterfall, the “Golden Waterfall”. It you walk along the path by the brookyou enter is a beautiful tow-tiered waterfall that many a beautiful ravine called Gjáin, a magical place. believe to be the most scenic in Iceland. It It has brooks, and waterfalls where harlequin thunders 32m (105 ft) over a fault into a gorge, ducks can often be spotted. This is the perfect which measures 2.5 km (1.5 miles) in length and place to drink in the tranquility and unwind. If up to 70m (230 ft) deep in places. you have time continue on a rugged road to the You head back and return to road no. 35 and 120m (394 ft) high Háifoss, Iceland’s second turn south. Turn left at a junction to road no. 31 highest waterfall, falling thunderously into a to visit the bishopric at Skálholt, which played sheer-walled gorge (please note you must hike a major role in Icelandic history from the year some distance to see Háifoss). 1056 to 1796, when the bishopric was moved We recommend a visit to Þjóðveldisbærinn, to Reykjavik following a series of powerful an ancient Icelandic homestead. The recon- earthquakes. structed medieval farmhouse in Þjórsárdalur valley is one of Iceland´s hidden treasures. Fun things to do The farmhouse is an exact replica of an 11th River Rafting on the River Hvítá century Icelandic manor, who offers the travel- Duration: 3- 4 hours ler a personal experience of the dwellings and Arctic Rafting, tel. 562 7000. daily life of medieval Icelanders. The recreated Snowmobile Tour on Langjokull ruins are from a farm called Stöng which was Duration 2,5-3 hrs destroyed by Mt. Hekla in 1104. The inhabit- Mountaineers of Iceland, tel. 562 7000. ants of Stöng were chiefs in the district and the most famous of them is the Viking Gaukur Day 3: Trandilsson. The reconstructed farmhouse is a living monument of the grandiose life of Þjórsárdalur, Hella, Vík, ancient Icelanders and a must-see for all visi- Kirkjubæjarklaustur tors to Iceland. Open from June 1st to Aug 31st from 10:00-12:00 and from 13:00-18:00. Hekla , Thundering Waterfalls, Puffin Colony, Black Sand Beaches, Lava Fields Please note! ➠➠Approximate driving distance: △ The road to Landmannalaugar and Eldgjá 300 km / 186 miles is usually open from mid-June till the end of August. Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for △ The road to Landmannalaugar is not suit- details about your overnight stay able for small cars, a 4WD jeep is needed, urn onto road no. 30 and to road no. 32 as you need to ford (cross) rivers. Tto Þjórsárdalur valley, with its landscape △ Please make sure that your petrol tank of sharply contrasting birch woods, sandy lava is full and that you have packed a picnic fields, rivers and waterfalls. Follow the course lunch before taking this route. of the mighty Þjórsá, Iceland’s longest river and the most important source of electric energy in the country. At the entrance to the Detour to Landmannalaugar: Þjórsárdalur valley, you can stop for a short climb to the top of Gaukshöfði, a rocky crag f you decide to take the optional detour to with the mighty river at its foot and a splendid I Landmannalaugar, drive road no. 26 north view of Hekla, Iceland’s most famous volcano. and take a turn onto road F208. Landmannalau- You will see the beautiful waterfall Hjálparfoss, gar, one of Iceland’s natural jewels, has streams framed by twisted columns before head- of geothermal and spring water coming from ing for Stöng, the excavated ruins of a Viking- under a high wall of lava and combining to make

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 7 streams and pools of just the right temperature covered with thick layers of ash and lava. There for bathing. Though the altitude is over 600m, the is an interesting Hekla exhibition at Leirub- river banks are covered in grass and flowers. The akki on road no. 26 where you can learn about very colourful mountains surrounding it volcanism in general and the history of mount make this area quite unique. Just before reaching Hekla. Open daily 10:00-21:00, tel. 487 8700. Landmannalaugar you could drive right up to the Mt. Hekla is without a doubt Iceland’s most side of Ljótipollur, which is an impressive explo- famous volcano. It is still very active, erupting sion crater with a lake inside. most recently in 1970, 1980, 1981 and in 1991. After the stop in Landmannalaugar you keep The last eruption started on 26th February in on going on road F208 leading to Eldgjá. Eldgjá 2000 and lasted for 12 days; the lava from this is a 40 km long volcanic rift reaching from the eruption covers approximately 18 km2 (47mi2). Mýrdalsjökull glacier to the mountain Gjátindur . Instead of a classical volcano cone, Hekla is It is most impressive at the northern end where it part of a rather squat series of ridges, although is 600m (1968 ft) wide and 200m (656 ft) deep. this is usually hidden behind a thick bank of Extensive lava fields have come from Eldgjá and clouds that earned Hekla its menacing name, spread over the lowlands of Meðalland, Landbrot which means the hooded one. Soon after the and Álftaver. The lava at Álftaver is the oldest. settlement period, in 1104, Hekla showed that Continue to road no. 1. You will come back to it was a presence to be feared as it erupted road no. 1 about 23 km west of Kirkjubæjarklaus- without warning and devastated 20 farms in tur. the Þjórsárdalur Valley. Indeed the volcano´s reputation was such that that in Medieval If you do not take the detour, take a right times that in Europe it was considered to be the turn to road no. 26 and drive down that road to very entrance to hell. The volcanic eruptions road no. 1. While driving on road no. 26 you will from Hekla are spectacular as the mountain be passing through dramatic scenery as you are is 1,493m (4897 ft) high and towers over the in the proximity of the volcano Hekla (to your lowlands of the south left). The lunar-like landscape is in most parts Continue your tour through the fertile farm-

8 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey lands of the south, towards the east through mid-September the museum is open daily from the small villages of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, 11:00-17:00 but less in other months, tel. 481 where trade and services are the main occupa- 1997. tions. Beautiful walks on Heimaey include a walk This is the region where one of the best to the southern tip of the island “Stórhöfði” for known Icelandic classical Sagas, Njal´s Saga is puffin- and bird watching and a hike up Helgafell set. You have the opportunity to visit the Saga and/or Eldfell volcano. Centre in Hvolsvöllur where you can learn Back on the ferry and you find yourself again more about the sagas, tel. 487 8781. on the main-land. Rising ahead of you now is the cone shaped Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcano, 1666m Continue on road no. 1 and a stop at the (5465 ft). On a clear day you can see the West­ spectacular waterfall Seljalandsfoss, 40m (131 man Islands to your right. ft) high, is recommended. There you can actu- There is a ferry to the Westman Islands, ally walk behind the waterfall, but be careful as sailing from Landeyjarsandur. Therefore it is it might be slippery. easy to take a detour to the Westman Islands, Shortly after you pass Seljalandsfoss water- this archipelago of c. 15 small islands; the larg- fall, you can pay a visit to the famous visitor est one Heimaey has a population of around centre at Þorvaldseyri farm, tel. 487 5757, 4.000 inhabitants. which gained world-wide attention, during the volcanic eruption beneath Eyjafjallajökull Gla- Detour to the Westman islands: cier. During the eruption, thick layers of ash fell to the ground and rivers flooded their banks few kilometres east of Hvolsvöllur, turn damaging farmland, water pipes and flood bar- A right when you see the ferry sign and drive riers on surrounding farms. The farmer, Ólafur towards the ocean. The ferry “Herjólfur” offers Eggertsson, and his family have extraordinary several departures per day, please call 481 2800 images on display, showing the farm and its sur- for information about the schedule and prices. You rounding before, during and after the eruption. can either leave your car behind at the harbour or Drive onwards to Skógar, where you can visit take it along on the ferry. The duration of the trip the Folk museum and Skógafoss waterfall, 60m is about 30 minutes in good weather. (197 ft) high, one of the most impressive water- Once in the Westman Islands, you should visit falls in the country. The popular Folk museum is Eldheimar – a volcano museum of remem- open daily from 09:00-18:00 during June, July and brance, tel 488 2700. The exhibition focuses on August but less in other months, tel. 487 8845. the 1973 volcanic eruption on Heimaey, one of Mýrdalsjökull is Iceland’s fourth largest gla- the biggest natural disasters in Iceland in modern cier. Glacier tongues creep down its sides to the times. The highlight of the exhibition is a house lowlands, the most prominent being Sólhei­ that has been delicately excavated. Eldheimar also majökull. Under the south-eastern side of the houses the Surtsey exhibition with all available glacier is Katla, a sub glacial central volcano, information about this unique island, which is on buried deep under 400m (1312 ft) of ice. The the UNESCO World Heritage List. caldera is 10 km (6.3 miles) in diameter. Since A boat tour around the islands is a must for the settlement of Iceland, Katla has erupted all bird and nature lovers, please call Viking Tours 16–20 times at an average interval of 40–80 for further information, tel. 488 4884. They offer years, melting the glacial cap and causing various tours, such as the popular circle tour, whale catastrophic floods in the plains below. All of watching and deep sea fishing. this has in the course of time created the vast A visit to the Museum of Natural History Mýrdalssandur desert on the south-eastern is recommended, which offers insights into the side of the glacier. Katla last erupted in 1918. bird and marine life, houses a rock and minerals Continue the journey and pass Dyrhólaey, a collection and an aquarium. From mid-May until magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs. It

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 9 is the southernmost point of Iceland and at the mended detour to the so-called Reynishverfi tip of it, is a huge wave cut arch which boats by turning right on road no. 215. Reynishverfi can sail through. The headland is known for its offers a beautiful black beach and impressive bird life and is certainly worth a visit. It is about basalt column cliff face. At one place you can 5 km (3 miles) from road no. 1 on road no. 218, even see and go into a cave called Hálsanefs­ about 8 km (5 miles) before you arrive to Vík hellir chiselled out by the sea over thousands village. Dyrhólaey is a bird sanctuary and closed of years. Depending on the tides the cave may to all traffic during breeding season from ca. not always be accessible. 1st of May until 25th of June each year. Please note that the road to the top is not always easy Please note: to drive as it is very steep. If it has been raining As much as this stretch of black sand looks severely, the road turns muddy and is not rec- innocent, it’s open to the Atlantic Ocean ommended for smaller cars and inexperienced and is known for extremely treacherous drivers. One has to be very careful walking on waves and strong currents. You should top of Dyrhólaey, as no fences protect you from therefore be extra careful, comply with falling, so do not walk close to the edge. warning signs at all times and keep away Before reaching Vík, there is another recom- from the shore line.

10 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey You will drive onwards to the quiet village Fun things to do of Vík, which is situated in the mild and fertile Snowmobile Tour of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier Mýrdalur valley, which is the southernmost Duration: 1 hour borough in Iceland. The western border is Arcanum, tel. 487 1500 / 893 3445 marked by the glacial river, Jökulsá, to the east Glacial Walk with Crampons on Sólhei­ is the river Blautakvísl, and to the south are marjökull, with the possibility of some ice- the black, volcanic beaches and the Atlantic climbing for those willing enough to try Ocean. Mýrdalur is a farming area with about Duration: 1.5 or 3.5 hours 600 inhabitants, 330 of them in the village of Icelandic Mountain Guides, tel. 587 9999 or Vík. It is an area of great contrasts. Lush green 899 9982 pastures lie between vast black volcanic sands. Kayak Tour from Stokkseyri Rugged mountains, scarred by deep gullies, rise Duration 1-3 hours from the sands and are topped by the Mýrd- Kajakaferðir Stokkseyri tel. 896 5716 alsjökull glacier. The area has rich birdlife with the country’s largest nesting colony of arctic Day 4: terns just east of the village. In the cliffs west of the village you will see countless puffins, kit- Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Höfn tiwakes and fulmars mainly during the months Europe’s Largest National Park and Glacier, Gla- of May, June and July. cial Lagoon with Icebergs Please be careful when walking in the nesting area of the arctic terns as they are ➠➠Approximate driving distance: very protective of their eggs and their chicks. 200 km / 124 miles Intruding those areas one can expect dive- Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary forde- bombing attacks, where adult birds do not tails about your overnight stay hesitate to peck at one´s head. To avoid getting hurt, please put a stick, umbrella or something irkjubæjarklaustur was the site of a long above your head since they attack the Kconvent in earlier times, a fact reflected highest point. in place name like Systrastapi, Systrafoss and Reynisdrangar: These are high stacks or Systravatn, meaning Sisters’ Rock, Sisters’ Falls needles in the sea at the base of Reynisfjall and Sisters’ Lake, respectively. You can have a Mountain, supposedly formed when two trolls look at the famous Kirkjugólf or church floor, were trying to drag a three-masted ship to land. at the northern part of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, When daylight broke they turned into stone. although it was never a floor in a church. It is The needles rise 66m (216 ft) above sea level the surface of huge basalt columns. It is worth and can be seen from Vík. a closer look. Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur you Heiðarvatn: A lake that lies not far from will see numerous hills, Landsbrotshólar, which Vík. It offers good trout fishing and is a nice comprise the largest area of pseudo craters in area for walking. Please note that you will need the country. a permit for fishing. The area has a lot to offer the visitor: hik- You continue your trip to Kirkjubæjarklaus­ ing, swimming in the local swimming pool or tur, an area of great beauty, a growing resort sightseeing are some of the options. The Tour- with a number of historical spots. You drive ist Information Centre in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, on road no. 1 across the south-eastern part at Klausturvegur 29, tel. 487-4620 can also of Iceland through the impressive Skaftár­ give you further information on what to do in eldahraun lava field, which was created in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur. volcanic eruption at Laki Craters, supposedly On the way from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to the biggest lava field on earth coming from a Skaftafell National Park you have a great single eruption, and which is now all covered opportunity to see an interesting basalt column with moss. formation at Dverghamrar, please look for a

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 11 sign on the right-hand side of the road. Then Vatnajökull. On the other hand you have the drive past Núpsstaður, an old farm surrounded enormous icecap of Vatnajökull with its valley by magnificent cliffs, where you will find one of descending like fingers in all directions. the oldest churches in Iceland with a turf-cov- In the middle lies Skaftafell plateau, like a ver- ered roof. You will also drive past Lómagnúpur; dant oasis, where you can see gorges with clear an impressive 688m (2.257 ft) high precipice. brooks and beautiful waterfalls, birch woods, After passing Lómagnúpur, Skeiðarár­ a wealth of wild flowers and lush vegetation. sandur sand plains will appear. Following a vol- A walk on the marked paths along the gorges canic eruption in Vatnajökull glacier in October for a look at the waterfalls is a must for all 1996, millions of tons of water and ice flooded visitors. The most majestic is Svartifoss, “Black over Skeiðarársandur. The flood washed away Falls” plunging over a wall of symmetrical large parts of the road and destroyed two basalt columns that recall organ pipes. There bridges. Preliminary repairs were made and is an alternative for those who have difficulty the road opened again in December, only walking up to the Skaftafellsjökull glacier two months after the eruption. Some of the (wheelchair accessible). For further informa- icebergs that the flood carried with it were as tion please ask at the information centre in large as three storey houses. Skaftafell. Continue your tour and drive from Skaftafell National Park is a masterpiece of Skaftafell on to Jökulsárlón where it is possible seemingly impossible contrasts of nature. On to take a breathtaking cruise amongst floating the one hand you have the Skeiðarársandur icebergs on the fantastic 180m (590 ft) deep plains, vast stretches of black sandy waste- glacial lagoon. The icebergs break off enormous land and volcanic debris borne from volcanic ice lobes, advancing down deep valleys from eruptions from underneath the icecap of the Vatnajökull icecap. The ice from the glacier

12 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey is over 1000 years old, but the lagoon has Fun things to do largely been formed over the last century, as the glacier has retreated in the warmer climate. Trout Fishing, close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur Sometimes you can see seals by the coastline of Duration: Variable the lagoon. Efri-Vík farm, tel. 487 4694. At the travel service in Hólmur, before Glacial Walk in Skaftafell reaching Höfn, you can visit a café and Mini­ Duration: 2.5 hours Zoo with all the usual Icelandic farm animals, Icelandic Mountain Guides, tel. 587 9999 or horses, sheep, dogs, cats and more. Open daily, 899 9982 09:00-17:00, tel. 478 2063. Boat Tour on the Jökulsárlón Glacial Brunnhóll farm and guesthouse makes a Lagoon delicious stop on the way to Höfn, since the Duration: 30-40 min farm is known for its own production of home- Jökulsárlón, tel. 478 2222 or 899 5920. made ice-cream, tel. 478 1029. Jeep Tour or Snow Scooter Tour on Vatna­ Höfn is a bustling fishing and fish process- jökull Glacier ing port, as well as a commercial centre, with Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes considerable farming in the neighbouring area. Jöklajeppar (Glacier Jeeps), tel. 478 1000 or In Höfn there is an interesting local exhibition 894 3133 worth seeing. The visitors have the opportunity 4wd Quad Biking in Hoffell to experience and learn about the area, the Duration: 1.5 hours nature and the basic glaciology. It's located in Vatnajökull Travel, tel. 894 1616 the visitor centre in Höfn, tel. 470 8330.

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 13 around this beautiful area, please ask for a Day 5: hiking map of the area in the shops. Djúpivogur Djúpivogur, Reyðarfjörður, Egilsstaðir might be an interesting choice for birdwatchers because there you can experience unspoiled Narrow , Steep Mountains, Picturesque nature where you can see the bulk of Icelandic Coastline, Mineral Collection birds in their natural environment without ➠➠Approximate driving distance: having to travel or walk long distances. Mam- 300 km / 186 miles mals such as seals and can also be seen there frequently. In Djúpivogur are two Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for birdwachting houses that every birdwatcher details about your overnight stay can use to take a closer look. You can get more oday you will drive the Eastern Fjords information in their information centre in Tonwards to Egilsstaðir. Langabúð. Eastern Iceland is a very mountainous You will continue your journey through region of deep fjords isolated from each other Breiðdalsvík and on to Stöðvarfjörður, where by sheer mountains. There is very little volcanic you can visit the famous Rock Collection of or geothermal activity there as the region is Petra Sveinsdóttir, tel. 475-8834. Over 90% geologically the oldest part of Iceland. The of the stones in her collection were found in region is heavily eroded and therefore there are Stöðvarfjörður and the surroundings. From many interesting minerals and semi-precious Stöðvarfjörður follow road no. 96 north to stones to be found there. Fáskrúðsfjörður. Fáskrúðsfjörður used to be The Eastern Fjords are renowned for the the base for the French fishermen. The French history of brave French, Belgian and Spanish built a hospital and a chapel there and 49 fishermen who hunted whales and fished for French and Belgian fishermen lie buried in the cod in the seas off the coast of the eastern cemetery at Krossar, situated on the seashore shores from the beginning of the 17th century. on the northern outskirts of the town. An Icelandic farmer compiled the world’s first From Fáskrúðsfjörður continue your journey dictionary of the Basque language in the 17th to Reyðarfjörður. On the way to Reyðarfjörður century in order to be able to communicate on road no. 96 you should see seabirds and with some of them. possibly also seals. You also have the option of Before you come to the Almannaskarð taking the shortcut through the tunnel straight tunnel you can take a little detour down the to Reyðarfjörður. Reyðarfjörður is the largest road to the right marked “Stokksnes”. At the of the Eastern Fjords. It served as one of the end of that road, down by the shore, you will largest Allied bases during World War II. In the find seabirds, arctic terns and possibly seals out village at the base of the where there is on the cliffs. You then drive east through the a small museum of war memorabilia called the Almannaskarð tunnel. If the weather is good Icelandic Wartime Museum, tel. 470-9063. A an option is to drive to a viewing point on the little bit outside of the town a big aluminium east side of the tunnel. There you can enjoy the smelter producing annually 350.000 tons beautiful scenery towards the west. You will of aluminium, owned and run by Alcoa, was see the glacial tongues crawling down from the opened in 2007 providing jobs for 400 people. main icecap to the lowlands. Continue your tour to Egilsstaðir. Continue through the Lón area, which many Egilsstaðir is situated some distance inland, consider to be one of the loveliest locations in on a fertile plain on the border of Lake Lagar- Iceland. The road then leads north to Djúpi­ fljót, which is a huge glacial river. According vogur, at the southern opening of Berufjörður to local legends, similar to those about Loch fjord, which is known for its zeolite-crystals. Ness in Scotland, you might expect to see a sea Djúpivogur is a beautifully situated, pic- serpent called Lagarfljótsormurinn reputedly turesque fishing town. If you can, take a walk living in the lake. Egilsstaðir is a natural centre

14 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey for regional social services and transportation to the public. If you are here in the afternoon, to many of the towns and villages in the eastern you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of part of Iceland. the finest refreshments in Iceland. Everything You can make an interesting visit to Hall­ is home-made and served by local women. ormsstaður, a government forestry plantation Seyðisfjörður is only 27 km (17 miles) away in the beautiful Hallormsstaðaskógur, where from Egilsstaðir along road no. 93. It is a beauti- 80 species of trees from various parts of the ful town worth visiting, situated in a deep, 18 world are growing. Hallormsstaðaskógur is km (11 miles) long fjord of the same name. the largest forest plantation in Iceland. From Trading started in Seyðisfjörður in 1834 and in Egilsstaðir to Hallormsstaður the distance is the latter part of the 19th century it became, 26 km (16 miles), but if you have the time to for a while, one of the largest towns in Iceland. drive around the lake, which is altogether 84 Many beautiful Norwegian-style houses date km (52 miles), we recommend a stop on the from that time. Every week the Smyril Line car other side of the lake, 20 km (12,5 miles) from ferry Norröna docks in Seyðisfjörður. Hallormsstaður, called Skriðuklaustur. The building was designed by the German architect Fun things to do Fritz Höger and built in 1939 for the writer Boat Tour to Papey from Djúpivogur Gunnar Gunnarsson. Today it is an institute Duration: 4 hours, boat leaves at 1 pm every day which enables artists, writers and scholars to Papeyjarferðir at 478 8119 or 862 4399. stay temporarily to work, but a part of it is open

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 15 Day 6: If you take road no. 901 instead of no. 1, you can take F907 and drive few kilometres Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, Mývatn in a southerly direction. There you will find the small turf farmhouse, Sænautasel, which Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall, Glacier Carved is worth the visit.It dates from 1843 and was Gorge, Whale Watching farmed until 1943, except for the period 1875- ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 80 when ash from the Askja eruption deci- 310 km / 193 miles mated the area. Farming on this high heath was difficult and mostly consisted of trying to keep Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for the livestock alive. The farm has been restored details about your overnight stay by the local community and is kept open in oday you will continue your journey summer, showing artefacts from bygone times Tand drive on road no.1 over the eastern in their proper setting. Traditional refresh- highlands, heading for Lake Mývatn. You drive ments are also available at Sænautasel. over the desolation of Jökuldalsheiði heath, a You continue over the barren highlands mountain pastureland containing many lakes, of Möðrudalsfjallgarðar, renowned for their at a mean altitude of 500m (1640 ft), and mystical beauty. Stefán from Möðrudalur, a where you will be able to see fine examples of beloved naïve-style painter, used to live here. tundra. Remains of settlements dating from Möðrudalur and its charming Mountain Café is 1841–1946 can be seen on the plateau, for just a little detour from the main road on road many of the inhabitants of this area emigrated no. 901. to America after a volcanic eruption in the Askja caldera in 1875.

16 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey Please note! waterfalls of Hafragilsfoss and Selfoss. △ If you are not travelling between mid June Hólmatungur Nature Reserve, also at road and mid September, please note that road 862 with beautiful, colourful rock formations no. 901 can be closed. and rich flora. △ The roads to Dettifoss are usually just The Nature Reserve of Hljóðaklettar (The open from mid June to mid September, Echo Cliffs) on road 862 from Ásbyrgi, a great because of wet and muddy conditions labyrinth of crags and rock formations which, caused by melting snow and ice. like other strange rock formations and canyons △ Please ask locally for information on road in the National Park, is the result of cata- conditions before leaving Egilsstaðir. strophic floods and water Ásbyrgi, on road no. 861, a natural horse- If the roads to Dettifoss are closed, you shoe-shaped rock enclosure, whose impressive must take road no. 1 to Lake Mývatn and on to walls reach a height of 90m (295 ft), sheltering Húsavík by road no. 87 and no. 85. fertile and lush vegetation. If the roads are open, continue your journey You drive road no. 85 round the Tjörnes northwards by taking road no. 862 (4x4), until peninsula, famous for its fossiliferous layers you reach Jökulsárgljúfur Canyons National and bird life, to Húsavík. Park, the largest and most rugged gorge in Húsavík is situated in a picturesque fjord Iceland, through which flows Jökulsá, one of surrounded by majestic mountains capped with the country’s mighty glacial rivers. Once there, snow, even in summertime, and is a commercial you should visit: centre for the agricultural area, as well as a Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful water- busy fishing port. The Húsavík Whale Museum fall, contrasting strikingly with the smaller provides information on whale species, their

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 17 evolution and biology, whale stranding and the Skútustaðargígar pseudo craters: A cluster history of whaling. Open June, July, August: of colourful and beautifully formed pseudo 08:30 – 18:30 daily. May and September: 9:00 craters situated close to Skútustaðir and easily – 18:00 daily. October: 10 – 16 daily. November accessible from there on foot. – April: 10 – 16 weekdays. Tel. 414 2800. Recommended cafés and restaurants in Höfði, Nature Park: With rich flora, fauna and Húsavík are Gamli Baukur located right on the a beautiful view of the lake. pier in a charming house made mainly of drift wood and Salka restaurant. Dimmuborgir: Translated as “Black Castles”, Take road no. 85 and 87 or 845 to Lake a landscape of rugged crags and strange lava Mývatn depending on your accommodation. formations. There are 3 different routes marked for walking. Please stay on the paths, as this Fun things to do area is like a labyrinth. Whale Watching from Húsavík Duration: 3 hours Hverfjall: A huge explosive tuff crater. It looks Norðursigling at 464 7272. like a giant circular stadium with a crater bowl of 1,040–1,200m (3.411–3.936 ft) in diameter Day 7: and 140m (459 ft) in depth. It stands only 150m (492 ft) above its surroundings so it is not dif- Lake Mývatn, Akureyri ficult to hike to the top. Well worth visiting and exploring on foot. Bizarre Lava Formations, Geothermal Activity, Rich Birdlife Vogafjós­café: A small café located inside a ➠➠Approximate driving distance: cowshed where you can see the milking of the 100 km / 62 miles cows. It is possible to taste the fresh milk and even try your hand at milking. The cows are Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for milked twice a day. The emphasis is on home details about your overnight stay made local food such as smoked trout, Moz- ývatn is one of the country’s most fasci- zarella cheese from their own milk and geyser Mnating places. The unique ecology of the bread baked in the hot ground. You will find lake and its unusual environment has made it Vogafjós by road no. 1 where it where it goes one of northern Iceland’s greatest attractions. round Lake Mývatn, a 10 minute drive from the Lake Mývatn is famous for many things, such village of Reykjahlíð. as rich bird life, beautiful landscape influenced by volcanic activity and boiling solfataras. In Gamli Bær is a small café with a nice atmos- and near the lake, all the Icelandic duck species, phere close to Hotel Reynihlíð, where you can apart from the eider, breed annually, in all 15 sit outside on a good day during summer. species. During the summer the lake is teeming with birds, which feed on the lake´s rich nutri- Námafjall: A mountain ridge singed and boiled ents. The area is protected by international law by sulphurous vapours. The area is famous for as a very important breeding place for different the colourful solfataras and bubbling pools of birds. Birds to look out for, apart from the hot viscous mud of amazing patterns and col- ducks, are great northern divers, red-necked ours. Please be very careful here and do not get phalaropes, Slovenian grebes, red-throated too close to the bubbling pools as they might divers, merlins and gyrfalcons. splash hot mud.

There are several remarkable natural phenom- Grjótagjá: One of Iceland´s best known chasms ena in the district worth visiting, such as: with a pool of natural hot water. In the past it was a popular bathing spot, but today the tem-

18 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey perature is too high for such. Please watch your collection of birds, now open to the public. For step if you climb down to the water. directions you can call the museum directly, tel. 464 4477. Krafla: A high temperature field with active volcanic craters, where a steam-powered elec- Leirhnjúkur: Part of the Krafla fissure complex. tricity generating station has been built. It is one of the most interesting sights in the Mývatn area. A highly active volcano and a The Nature­Baths: The geothermal spa called, small but very colourful high-temperature Mývatn Nature Baths is the latest addition to geothermal field situated west of Krafla, which the region’s many visitor attractions and is last erupted in a series of nine eruptions from well worth visiting. It contains a unique blend 1975–1984. of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro- organisms. It’s open all year around: 1 June – 31 West of it are a series of craters and volcanic August from 09:00 to 24:00 and from 12:00 to fissures of the same name. In this area you can 22:00 in the wintertime. For directions you can also see the lava fields from 1984, which are call the baths directly tel. 464 4411, or ask local still hot. A vast magma chamber lies under the hotels and service-centres in the Mývatn area. region, in some parts as close to the surface as 3 km (1.9 miles). From the car park, a circular Bird Museum (Fuglasafn Sigurgeirs): A private footpath leads you around the volcano and up

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 19 to its summit from where there is a beautiful view over the impressive volcanic landscapes surrounding it. This is a very interesting walk but one has to be very careful when crossing the high-temperature area. It is important to wear good walking boots. On rainy days there is considerable mud in the geothermal area and it can become very slippery there, so one has to take extra care when crossing it. After exploring the Mývatn area, head for Akureyri, via road no. 1. On the way to Akureyri, the “capital” of northern Iceland, you will pass Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most beautiful and renowned waterfalls. Driving 18 km (11 miles) from Goðafoss towards Akureyri you could make a detour to Akureyri by taking road no. 835 to visit the Laufás Museum. Here you can see one of the country’s best preserved turf/sod farmhouses. The museum is open from mid May until mid September from 10:00–18:00. From Laufás you would continue on road no. 83 to drive to Akureyri.

Day 8: Akureyri Iceland’s Second Largest City, Botanical Gardens, Local Museums, Arctic Circle ➠➠Approximate driving distance: Variable

Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for details about your overnight stay ou have the day at leisure in Akureyri. closest to the center of the country. This Y Akureyri boasts some of the finest provides Akureyri with a climate, which is more timber buildings in the country, beautifully continental than oceanic, with colder winters restored. Because of its excellent natural and warmer summers than in most other towns harbour and good communications, Akureyri in Iceland. Therefore, in spite of its location, has become the northern centre of education, about 70 km (44 miles) south of the Arctic culture, trade and industry. Akureyri has a Circle, the town is verdant with a public park whole street in its centre, Listagil (Art Gorge), and botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, which devoted to arts, crafts and design, where it is was opened in 1912. It was originally only ideal to visit the Akureyri Art Museum. This planted with various kinds of trees, but it now charming town is located inland at the base of also includes over 400 to 450 Icelandic vascular Eyjafjörður Fjord, the longest fjord in Iceland, . which means that Akureyri, together with There are many other interesting places Egilsstaðir, is one of the two towns in Iceland and museums in Akureyri. One is Nonnahús, a

20 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey museum and former home of children’s writer operates all year round. This is the perfect way and Jesuit priest Jón Sveinsson, “Nonni”. (It to learn about local Christmas traditions. They is located at Aðalstræti 54b). Next-door, and offer a wide selection of souvenirs, both locally equally interesting, is the Akureyri Museum. made and imported. This is especially worth Akureyri also has a new swimming pool with visiting for Christmas enthusiasts and kids. indoor- and outdoor swimming pool, along with a a children´s pool, jacuzzis and slides. Fun things to do At the Tourist Information Centre located in Ferry to the Island of Hrísey the Hof Culture House, you can pick up a town Ferry line, Hríseyjarferjan Sævar, map and find other interesting information tel. 695 5544 about Akureyri. Duration: 15 min. in the ferry to the island If you drive road no. 821 and pass the air- port you will soon reach the the so-called Santa House (Jólahúsið), a Christmas store which

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 21 the way you will pass Hofsós village, where you Day 9: will find beautiful columnar basalt by the coast Akureyri – Laugarbakki ­ Stykkisholmur and also the Emigration Museum. If you still have time, a visit to the old bishopric in the north, Fertile Farmlands, Folk Museum, Viking Horses Hólar, is recommended, on road no. 767. The ➠➠Approximate driving distance: Hólar Cathedral is beautiful, with many objects 352 km / 218 miles dating all the way back to Catholic times (before 1600 A.D.) Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for From Sauðárkrókur drive towards Skaga- details about your overnight stay fjörður fjord and the small village of Varmahlíð hen you leave Akureyri, you can either on road no. 75 and you can pick up the itinerary Wdrive directly to Varmahlíð village via from below. Öxnadalsheiði heath on road no. 1, or take a detour through the small fishing villages If you are not taking the detour, drive on of Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, Siglufjörður and road no. 1 via Öxnadalsheiði heath, towards Sauðárkrókur on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Skagafjörður fjord and valley where the small village Varmahlíð is situated. Skagafjörður Detour to Tröllaskagi peninsula: stretches from the Arctic Ocean to the high- lands and is one of the “cradles of Icelandic his- f you decide to take the detour, drive on road tory” playing a leading role in the events of the I no.1 and then turn onto road no. 82, heading 13th century civil war and in cultural develop- north. Just before reaching Dalvík village, you ments for centuries afterwards. Skagafjörður will pass a bird-sanctuary by the river. The main is one of the most important areas for river industries in Dalvík are fishing, fish processing rafting in the country, as there are several large and trading. In Dalvik, recreations such as whale glacial rivers originating from the highland watching and horse rental are available and there interior, ideal for that purpose. is always the option of visiting the museums in Varmahlíð is a small village situated at the town or trying the local swimming pool. The junction of road no. 1 and road no. 75. museum is a traditional folk museum with an unu- We suggest you visit Glaumbær Museum, sual twist, representing Jóhann Svarfdælingur, located on road no. 75 only about 14 km (9 known as “the Giant”, once being the tallest man miles) from Varmahlíð - watch out for a sign- in the world. You can try on his huge shoes and post. This is an old farm with turf buildings in view his specially-made bicycle and chair, amongst traditional style, some parts of which date back other things. to the 18th century. Guðríður Þorbjarnardót- Continue driving the coastline, through tir, the first woman to go to America and who the tunnel, to the famous herring town of gave birth to the first American of European Siglufjörður. Siglufjörður was an important her- descent, lived at Glaumbær in the 11th century. ring centre from 1904 to recent times, when the A part of the museum is a charming café called herring disappeared. A very interesting museum, Áskaffi serving traditional pastries in an old- offering a glimpse into the glory days is the style parlour. “Herring Era Museum”, recreating the town’s Heading towards Blönduós and bustling harbour of the 1950s. You might be on road no. 1, you will pass some of the finest lucky enough to witness a show of salting herring salmon rivers in Iceland. You will drive past the into barrels, singing and dancing to accordion small town of Blönduós situated on both sides music on the museum dock. The museum is open of the glacial river Blanda. Blönduós is a long June-August from 10:00–18:00 but less in other established trading and service town, and the months. Tel. 467 1604. administrative centre of the region. From Siglufjörður you will drive on road no. Þingeyrar Church (road no. 721) is worth a 76 and then on road no. 75 to Sauðárkrókur. On visit. At the junction of road no. 721 and road

22 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey no. 1, you will see numerous small hills, which You will continue driving on road no.1 to are the result of a landslide, the uncountable Staðarskáli, a popular rest-stop, where you can Vatnsdalshólar hills. Approximately, 16 km (10 get light refreshments and use the washrooms, miles) further west we suggest that you drive before continuing your tour to the Snæfells­ along road no. 718 and go to the spectacular nes peninsula. Take road no. 68 north to the Kolugil canyon. You can take road no. 715 on junction of road no. 59. Drive road no. 59 until the way back to road no. 1. you come to road no. 60. Then take a turn westwards to road no. 54 which will take you Short detour to on to Snæfellsnes, Iceland’s longest peninsula, Vatnsnes peninsula: jutting 100 km (62,5 miles) into the North Atlantic. ake road no. 711 to the Vatnsnes penin- Before you go to Snæfellsnes you can take a T sula. The distance from road no. 1 and back detour on road no. 586 along the lake Hau­ again is approximately 82km (51 miles) mainly kadalsvatn to the Eiríksstaðir Museum, where on a gravel road. The main attraction here is the you will find an exact replica of a Viking farm. Hvítserkur (White Cowl) stack standing right at This is the birthplace of Leifur Eiríksson, the the shore. It resembles a fantastical animal drink- discoverer of America according to Icelandic ing and reaches a height of 15 meters (50 ft). The sources. Please call the museum before making name is probably derived from the white colour of that detour to make sure it is open: tel. 434 the bird droppings that cover Hvítserkur. This area 1118. is very peaceful and seals can often be spotted here Snæfellsnes is bounded on the north by as well as in Hindisvík, which is right on the end of Breiðafjörður, Iceland’s largest and widest the peninsula. bay and to the south by Faxaflói Bay. The In Hvammstangi (on road no. 72) you can pay peninsula is renowned for its unspoiled nature, a visit to the Icelandic Seal Centre, open daily interesting geological features, the magical from 09:00 to 19:00, June-August. With shorter Snæfellsjökull glacier, its bird colonies and mag- hours in other months of the year. Tel. 451 2345. nificent golden sandy beaches which contrast

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 23 dramatically with bizarre, black, basaltic lava multi–faceted long-term installation and com- rock formations. Drive on to Stykkishólmur. munity centre in the town of Stykkishólmur. Continuing on from Stykkishólmur, you take Fun things to do road no. 58 and road no. 54 along the north- Horse Show in Skagafjörður ern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It is a Duration: 1 hour good idea to take the short detour on road no. Varmilækur Farm, tel. 898 7756 or 453 8021 577 to the farm and museum of Bjarnarhöfn, Horseback Riding in Skagafjörður where you can see a small church and can learn Duration: 1.5 -2 hours how they cured shark meat, which is a national Hestasport Tours, tel. 453 8383 or 453 8211 delicacy, tel. 438 1581. Seal Watching from Hvammstangi Continue your journey through the small Duration 3 hours fishing villages on the northern shores of the Tel. 897 9900 peninsula, Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík. Hellissandur, a busy , stands Day 10: on the edge of the sea on an elevated coastal plateau near the outermost tip of the peninsula Stykkishólmur, Arnarstapi, Borgarfjörður adjacent to another seaside fishing village Rif that faces the open sea. In medieval times, Rif Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson, Sea Cliffs with Birdlife, was an important trading port. Volcanic Crater The Snæfellsnes peninsula is volcanic in ➠➠Approximte driving distance: many places, with older rock types in between. 344 km / 213 miles At the western end you will find the strato volcano Snæfellsjökull. Snæfellsjökull is Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for considered to be one of the most beautiful details about your overnight stay glaciers in Iceland, and believed by many to tykkishólmur is the largest town on the have supernatural powers. Snæfellsfjökull first SSnæfellsnes peninsula. It has a fine natural became famous after the publication in 1864 of harbour sheltered amongst beautiful rock Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. formations. Fishing is the main occupation with The glacier itself and its surroundings were emphasis on shellfish. Trade began in Stykk- established as a National Park in 2001. ishólmur in the late 16th century. Iceland’s first Take road no. 574 going west. At the tip meteorological observations were made here in of the peninsula, near Dritvík, look for a sign 1845 by Árni Thorlacius, who in 1832 built the saying “Djúpalónssandur”, a small inlet used Norwegian House, a fine timber building that as a landing for small fishing boats in earlier has been beautifully renovated and houses the centuries. The fishermen got wages according local folk museum. to their strength; measured by weight-stones, The Café Narfeyrarstofa is located in the still to be seen down on the beach. Here the centre of the village in one of those older roar of the ocean cannot drown out the sound houses. of the seagulls constantly on the move. While in Stykkishólmur, we recommend the You drive by the romantic little fishing vil- museum Vatnasafn or “Library of Water”, tel. lages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, both known 433 8154 , in the former library building, over- for their rock formations in the shapes of looking the ocean on one side and the harbour arches, caves, stacks, as well as cliffs teeming and town on the other. Ice from 24 glaciers with huge colonies of birds. At Hellnar there around Iceland was extracted and the speci- is a small café by the seashore that´s worth mens results are stored in liquid form inside visiting. Here in Hellnar you can visit the glass columns scattered through the build- Snæfellsjökull National Park’s Visitor Centre, ing. This is a work created by American artist which displays a part of the country´s com- Roni Horn in collaboration with Art Angel as a mercial history and the geology, geography and

24 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey fauna of the park. It also serves as an informa- photographing. You continue on road no. 54 tion centre and is open daily from 20. May to 9. eastwards. At the junction of roads no. 54 and September 10:00- 18:00. 56, you will find a small shop and a cafeteria. In Arnarstapi local fishermen can be seen It might be a good place for a break. If you fishing and landing the catch of the day. haven’t seen basalt columns so far you should A suggested walk is from one of Iceland´s stop at Gerðuberg, which is an interesting rock most picturesque harbours along the basalt face with high uniform basalt columns. It is one cliffs, ravines and grottoes, which surround of the longest rock faces in the country. Look Arnarstapi pier, towards the man-made stone for a sign with Ytri-Rauðamelur on the left hand troll Bárður Snæfellsás. There are myriads of side. An interesting site on the right-hand side birds in the ravines, especially kittiwakes. Be is Eldborg, a perfectly-shaped crater; there is a careful of two things; walk only on the path marked hiking path all the way to the top of the to avoid falling into the ravines and be aware crater from the farm Snorrastaðir. The walk is of the arctic terns nesting close to Bárður relatively comfortable and takes about 2 hours. Snæfellsás. Another recommended walk, Keep on going iin the direction of Borganes. especially for bird watchers is from Arnarstapi to Hellnar. Approx. 45 min. walk. Fun things to do Drive further along road no. 574 and road Viking Sushi Boat Tour no. 54 to Búðir, which is picturesquely situated Duration: 2-2.5 hours by the shore, surrounded by Búðahraun lava. Seatours, tel. 433 2254 This is a unique place to walk in the sandy Snow Scooter Tour to Snæfellsjökull lava fields, see the charming black church and Glacier from Arnarstapi stroll on one of the few yellow beaches of Duration: 1.5 hours Iceland. Here you get endless possibilities for Snjófell, tel. 435 6783

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 25 projects and provides reception, souvenirs and Day 11: information for tourists. Borgarfjörður, Reykholt, Hvalfjörður, A little bit further than Reykholt there Reykjavík are the picturesque waterfalls Hraunfos­ sar, as they pour from under a lava field, in a Picturesque Waterfalls, Europe’s Most Powerful succession of cascades, into the river Hvítá. Hot Spring, the Blue Lagoon Barnarfoss waterfall is nearby. ➠➠Approximate driving distance: You have the choice between either taking 220 km / 137 miles the tunnel (ISK 1000 per car), or continu- ing south along the beautiful coastline of Please see your IT confirmation for a detailed Hvalfjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords description to your overnight stay (30 km / 19 miles), on road no. 47. During orgarnes is the largest coastal community World War II, Hvalfjörður became one of Bin Iceland that is not dependent on fish- the most important Allied naval bases in the ing. The town is built on a scenic headland jut- North Atlantic as a refuelling station for the ting into the picturesque fjord Borgarfjörður, Allied fleet. The many large oil tanks around close to the spot, Borg, where the Viking poet the village of Miðsandur, often the cause of and warrior, Egill Skallagrímsson, the main much tourist curiosity, are indeed remnants character of one of Iceland’s most famous of this refuelling station. Here you also find Sagas, Egil´s Saga, lived in the 10th century. Iceland’s only whaling station, which is still It’s a good idea to visit the Icelandic operational. Leaving Hvalfjörður you will drive Settlement Centre in , tel. 437 along the base of the beautiful Mt. Esja (918m 1600, which opened in 2006. The museum is or 3.011 ft) into the city of Reykjavík. operated in three buildings. The main floor of For those that have some time to spare in the centre houses an exhibition entitled “The Reykjavik we suggest that you visit Laugard­ Settlement of Iceland”. alslaug swimming pool or one of the many Turn to road no.1 and then take road no. 50 swimming pools in Reykjavík. There is also towards Reykholt in Borgarfjörður, and stop a botanical garden and family park in the at the hot spring Deildartunguhver on the Laugardalur area you might enjoy visiting. way. Deildartunguhver is probably the largest You can also stroll around the old city centre hot spring in the world with a volume of 180 of Reykjavík, with its many shops, galleries, litres of 98°C (208 Fahrenheit) hot water every museums, cafés and restaurants. Recom- second. It is located a bit north of the junction mended sites to visit if walking are: Hallgrím­ of road no. 50 and road no. 518, which lead skirkja Church, the City Hall, Tjörnin Lake, to Reykholt. At the car park you can purchase the harbour area, Harpa conference and fresh tomatoes, grown in the local green- music hall, and the sculpture Sun Voyager. houses and packed for travellers who stop at A little bit outside of the center you can visit Deildartunguhver. the Höfði House. Your next stop will be Reykholt. Reykholt If you have not planned any extra activities is an educational centre today and one of in Reykjavik and would like to add an experi- Iceland’s most noteworthy historical sites. ence to your stay there, be sure to take a look Snorri Sturluson (1178–1241), the best known at our day tours selection on our web Icelandic Saga writer and scholar, lived in www.icelandtravel.is. Reykholt, where he wrote famous works such as Heimskringla, Snorra Edda and perhaps Egil’s Saga. In Reykholt you will find the exhibition Snorrastofa, which is a culture- and medieval centre founded in memory of Snorri Sturlu- son. Snorrastofa manages various research

26 Self Drive Iceland Odyssey Day 12: way to the city on day one, but have time to spare today you might want to use the oppor- Departure tunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2-2.5 hours eparture from your accommodation is rec- extra to ensure you’ll have ample time at the Dommended 3 hours before the departure lagoon. of your flight, as it takes approx. 1 hour to drive The rental car should be returned to the to the airport and check in will start two hours airport service area which is located only 2 min- before your departure. utes from the airport terminal. A shuttle will If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your then transport you to the departures hall.

We at Iceland Travel hope you have enjoyed your stay in Iceland and wish you a safe journey back home.

It would great to hear how your holiday went when you get back home! You can either log on to our website’s comment section at www.icelandtravel.is/comment/ or visit our TripAdvisor profile.

Iceland Odyssey Self Drive 27 Iceland Travel Skógarhlíð 12 Tel +354 585 4300 icelandtravel.is IS-105 Reykjavík Fax +354 585 4390 Iceland