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Snæfells -jökull Hveragerði: Hot Springs Capital of the World

A large number of people pass through Hveragerði in LANGJÖKULL South each year. Located 45 km east of Reykjavik, Hveragerði is the charming gateway town Geysir to South Iceland. Laugarvatn Gullfoss On the way from the capital area, Hveragerði is the Þingvalla Reykjavík vatn first town welcoming visitors to South Iceland. Laugarás Flúðir

Keflavík Throughout the year pillars of steam from the town’s HVERAGERÐI Öræfa numerous hot springs can be seen rising up out of the ground. In summer the town is truly a green Hella community, abounding in trees. A green revolution is Hvolsvöllur taking place here as areas of woodland in and around M†RDALS- Hveragerði expand, with the locals working together to further cultivate their blossoming town.

Without a doubt Hveragerði’s most precious gem is its Geothermal Park. There aren’t many towns in the world with hot springs right in people’s backyards. Centrally located, the geothermal park is open every day. Dip your toes in the natural, clay foot bath before soaking your feet in one of the hot springs. The locals use a natural, in-ground oven powered by geothermal heat to bake the area’s famous black bread. Visitors can even boil an egg in the hot springs and later enjoy warm with the local black bread. Information and guidance is available in the park. Note that during the off-season opening hours are subject to change. Check with the South Iceland Tourist Information Center in Hveragerði for more information. In 1946 Hveragerði became its own municipality, and has proven a highly productive town in recent years. The town is expanding with new construction as more and more people are choosing to visit and live in the town, attracted by its tranquillity and proximity to the great outdoors.

Hveragerði and Surroundings: Gateway to Central South Iceland

Hveragerði and the surrounding Ölfus area have warm in some areas, its source lying in the sulphur and become a popular destination for visitors year round. copper tinted mountains in the distance. The During winter days the sun is reflected on the pearly surrounding mountainous area is spectacular and white snow, while during the long, dark winter nights, easily accessible for exploration by way of a good you may see the Northern Lights dance around the network of well-marked hiking paths and riding trails. sky. At such times beauty, peace and quiet reign In the summer the heath to the west of town is flush supreme, an unforgettable memory for those who with berries for picking. Among the most popular experience it. Trips across the highlands as well as the activities is the Hveragerði swimming complex, which coastal areas are an indescribable adventure during was for years home to the country’s largest pool. both summer and winter. There you’ll find hot tubs, whirlpools, a natural sauna Aside from hot springs, Hveragerði has much to offer. and a fitness center, all set against a strikingly beautiful The Varmá river is rife with trout and salmon and runs backdrop. The swimming pool is open year round.

Hótel Örk [email protected] www.hotelork.is DRANGA

Snæfells -jökull

Reykjadalur Valley – Hot Spring Eldhestar Horseback Riding Reykjadalur valley is the most popular and arguably Eldhestar takes special pleasure in showing visitors to LANGJÖKULL the most beautiful hiking trail in Ölfus with the Iceland the unique wilderness together with the geothermal stream trickling down the slopes of the country’s one-of-a-kind horse. You’ll get a perspective valley. Reykjadalur has always been a popular spot on Iceland you’re not likely to have seen before—the among locals and in recent years visitors have Iceland of 100 or even 1000 years ago—endless discovered its appeal as well. The valley is a pristine meadows, rushing glacial streams, hidden valleys, natural treasure filled with hot springs and bubbling dormant volcanoes and towering mountains. Iceland

Öræfa mud pots. The hike is 3 km and takes about 45-60 by horseback puts you in touch with nature in a way minutes one way. Guided tours of the valley are also you’ll not soon forget. Itineraries range from 1 or available. 7 min. by car, 45 min. by foot 2-hour outings to several days to suit riders of all ages and abilities. M†RDALS- Sólhestar Horseback Riding Sólhestar is a horseback riding outfit that operates various types of fun and exciting riding tours, from short 1-hour tours up to 5 hours in the saddle. They have operations in Ölfus (near Hvergerði) as well as a location about 20 minutes from downtown Reykjavík. They offer a wide range of lovely horses for every type of rider, from beginner to more advanced levels.

Golden Circle LÁ Art Museum LÁ Art Museum is jointly owned by the eight The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route in municipalities in Árnessýsla county and puts together South Iceland and for good reason. This day tour visits a calendar known for its ambitious exhibitions of three of Iceland’s must-see sites: Þingvellir National contemporary art in four large galleries. The Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss exhibitions reflect the area’s cultural heritage as well waterfall. as contemporary changes that have impacted Árnessýsla. The museum is also home to a small café. Laugarskarð Swimming Pool Ranking among the top pools in Iceland, this The Quake 2008 swimming complex attracts many visitors every year. The Quake 2008 exhibition in Hveragerði presents the The pool is heated with steam directly from the causes and the huge impact of the powerful 2008 ground and because of this many consider the water earthquake that struck the southern part of Iceland. to be especially good for your health. The complex is Through images, videos, stories and other collected open all year round. data, the exhibition demonstrates how greatly it affected residents and their lives, since the earthquake’s epicentre was so close to inhabited areas. In the earthquake simulator, visitors can experience a powerful earthquake (6+ on the Richter scale), which is comparable to the strength of the 2008 quake.

Hótel Örk [email protected] www.hotelork.is Iceland Activities Southwest Iceland A family company that has extensive experience, over 25 years, of the area surrounding Hveragerði. Skálholt They specialize in steering visitors away from the Skálholt is the site of the ancient bishop seat of South heavily touristed areas and towards Iceland’s unique Iceland and is of great historical and cultural nature. Here you’ll experience some of the importance. The area has become a popular tourist remarkable phenomena that make Iceland so destination and hosts many concerts and other amazing: hiking and biking tours, surfing, bike rentals cultural events. For seven centuries it was the scene and sightseeing tours. of the most dramatic events that shaped the political, spiritual and cultural life of Iceland. Today visitors can Hveragerði Golf Club view the new cathedral, the tomb of the bishops, the The golf course in Hveragerði enjoys an excellent archeological exhibit, the collection of ancient books location situated just above the town. Just like the in the tower and a replica turf house, Iceland’s rest of Hveragerði, hot springs feature strongly in the heritage building style. 40 min. from Hotel Örk town’s golf course, with a variety of different holes and beautiful scenery in all directions. Kerið Kerið is a volcanic crater lake in Grímsnes and a popular stop when traveling the Golden Circle. The Kerið caldera is composed of red volcanic rock and is around 55m deep, 170m across and 270m wide. There is a small admission fee to visit Kerið. 19 min. from Hotel Örk

Secret Lagoon Secret Lagoon natural hot springs are located in the small village of Flúðir in the Golden Circle area. The pool’s natural surroundings and steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm maintains a temperature of 38-40°C year round. Stone & Mineral Museum During winter, the Northern Lights often make for a The Ljósbrá Stone Exhibit is one of the largest great light show above the Secret Lagoon. Open all privately-owned stone collections in Iceland. The year round. 49 min. from Hotel Örk collection is located inside the N1 gas station (just by the roundabout into Hveragerði). Admission is free but Lava Centre for a fee you can have a guided tour. Experience the raw powers of the Earth unleashed. The Lava Centre is the largest volcano and The Geothermal Exhibition earthquake exhibition in Iceland. The Lava The Geothermal Energy Exhibition at Hellisheiði exhibition aims to provide a basic understanding of Power Plant offers an interesting look into the volcanic and tectonic activity in Iceland. The state-of-the-art methods Iceland uses to harness its exhibition is spread out over four halls, each geothermal energy. The exhibition is presented via presenting a different perspective. Located in interactive multimedia installations, wall displays and Hvolsvöllur, about 49 min. from Hotel Örk other presentations. It allows visitors to examine how Iceland uses its geothermal energy in a clear and illuminating way. 13 min. from Hotel Örk

Hótel Örk [email protected] www.hotelork.is Raufarhólshellir | The Lava Tunnel The Museums of Eyrarbakki Explore the magnificent lava tunnel Raufarhólshellir, In the charming seaside village of Eyrarbakki you’ll one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in find three small museums. The Húsið house is one of Iceland. It is located about 15 km from Hveragerði Iceland’s oldest homes built in 1765 and houses the or about 30 minutes from Reykjavík and is easily Árnessýsla Heritage Museum. Nearby is Kirkjubær, accessed year round. A journey into Raufarhólshellir another preserved historical home, and finally there is a unique experience and a great opportunity to is the Eyrarbakki Maritime Museum. The exhibitions witness the inner workings if a volcanic eruption as are open from May to September and a small one walks in the path of lava. They offer two kinds admission fee is charged. 22 min. from Hotel Örk of tours to The Lava Tunnel; The standard tour and the extreme tour. Arctic Rafting – Rafting in the South Arctic Rafting is an eco-adventure rafting company Ljósafoss Power station based in South Iceland, North Iceland and Reykjavík. The oldest power station in the River Sog is located Their roots lie in Iceland’s first adventure company, near Ljósafoss by Lake Úlfljótsvatn‘s outflow. The and they have been rafting the same river from the station is located on the river bank east of the same basecamp for 28 years! Arctic Rafting is the waterfall, and the water runs through pipes to the heart of the Arctic Adventure family, a large, unified station‘s turbines and from there into the river family of adventurers who all share in the same below the waterfall. 24 min. from Hotel Örk passion for nature and the great outdoors. If you are touring the Golden Circle, their popular “River Fun” Reykjanes Peninsula Trip trip makes a great addition with the tour starting Reykjavík Peninsula a geological phenomenon with about 7 km down river from Gullfoss waterfall. many exciting places to visit. Spectacular hot springs sites, vast fields of lava, stunning surroundings and wonderful lakes, magnificent cliffs and the most famous landmark in Iceland; the Blue Lagoon. Simply a great day tour. From Hotel Örk: drive southwest towards Thorlakshöfn and take road #427 and #425 along the scenic south coast of the peninsula via Grindavik.

South Coast of Iceland Iceland River Jet Iceland River Jet offers Riverjet tours from its rafting base at Drumboddstaðir, the only whitewater jet Icelandic Wonders museum in boat company in Europe. It’s a thrilling adventure The Icelandic Wonders museum is dedicated to that will get your adrenaline pumping! Come aboard, elves, trolls and the Northern Lights. The museum, take a seat and discover some of Iceland’s most encompassing approximately 1200 square meters, is amazing landscapes from a truly unique perspective. unique in Iceland. Guests will get a glimpse of how This is a sightseeing trip like none other. The rafting the elves and the hidden people live. Walk inside a base is located at Drumboddstaðir, about 15 minutes troll’s cave and see a troll baby. Last but not least from Geysir geothermal area, so it’s an exciting guests will get the chance to see the Northern addition for adventure-seekers visiting the Golden Lights in a 200 square meter winter space. Circle. 53 min. from Hotel Örk 24 min. from Hotel Örk

Hótel Örk [email protected] www.hotelork.is