Arctic Iceland

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Self Drive 11 days Arctic Iceland

Lón by Svínafellsjökull 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 Arctic Iceland A few favourites from the trip

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Arctic Iceland Self Drive 3 Day 1: 6 Arrival Akureyri 7 Pick-up your rental car and explore Reykjanes 8 Mývatn 4-5 Peninsula Stykkishólmur Egilsstaðir ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 9 104 km / 64 miles

Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Reykjavík 10 Höfn details about your overnight stay Keﬂavík Kirkjubæjarklaustur 1 2 3 pon your arrival in Iceland you’ll find your Hveragerði Urental car help desk in the arrival hall at Keflavik Airport. The desk is open every day Vík from 5:00am – 5:00pm and again from 9:00pm- If you are not relaxing in the lagoon at the 1:00am. The staff will advise you where to find beginning of your trip you continue on road no. your vehicle. 43 until you find your way to Grindavik. Take a If you are arriving early enough in the day left onto road no. 427 and explore the southern we recommend driving along the southern coastline on your way to Hveragerdi. coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. Start your Follow this winding road along the journey with a soak in the Blue Lagoon. Follow shoreline, past stand-alone houses, lava rock road no. 41 towards Reykjavik until you find formations, and endless sea views. Take a quick road no. 43, leading south towards Grindavik. detour on road no. 42 to Krysuvik Geothermal Before you reach Mt Þorbjorn you make a Area and Kleifarvatn Lake, which are a part of right turn to the Blue Lagoon area. To make it the Reykjanes fissure zone. easier you can just follow the steam rising up Continue on your journey on road no. 427 through the air! At the Blue Lagoon you can until you reach road no. 38 which will take wash of the jet lag and relax in the milky waters you to the charming village of Hveragerdi. of the Lagoon and perhaps enjoy a glass of the The village is one of the few sites in the world famous Blue Lagoon cocktail while you let the located directly on top of a geothermal area algae mask bring out the skin’s inner glow! and because of its many greenhouses heated by Kindly note that the Blue lagoon is very hot water from nearby springs it is often called popular year around and therefore you should the flower village. book ahead.

4 Self Drive Arctic Iceland was in 2004 inscribed upon the List of UNESCO Day 2: World Heritage concerning the Protection of Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Skálholt, Þjórsárdalur, the World Cultural. Hella While in Þingvellir you should visit: National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO), Exploding Geysers, Massive Waterfall. Hekla Volcano Lögberg (The Law Rock), the law speaker, the ➠➠Approximate driving distance: president of Lögrétta (the Low Council) stood 300 km / 186 miles there, facing the gathering below to recite the laws during the period when the old Alþingi Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for was held at Þingvellir. details about your overnight stay oday you’ll drive east out of Hveragerdi Neðrivellir where Lögrétta was, the most Tand drive along road no. 1 and road no. 36 important institution of the ancient parlia- to Þingvellir National Park. ment, the Alþingi, where the “goðar”, the local Þingvellir National Park is of great eco- chieftains, and bishops gathered to debate, logical, geological and historical interest. The pass new law and amend old ones. These two park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic sites are on the eastern side of the Almannagjá landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the gorge. border of Iceland’s largest lake. Surrounding the lake are impressive faults and gorges that Drekkingarhylur (Drowningpool) in Öxará are considered among the finest examples River, where women found guilty of adultery of the results of tectonic movements in the were drowned. world. It is the area where the tectonic plates for Europe and America meet, and one can Öxarárfoss waterfall, a beautiful waterfall in literally see the ridge between the continents. the Öxará River, which falls thunderously over a This is also the former site of the oldest parlia- steep slope at the edge of the Almannagjá rift. ment in the world, Alþingi. It was founded in Þingvellir in 930 and there most of the greatest Þingvallakirkja Church, from 1859, situated moments of Icelandic history took place over on the spot where one of the first churches in a period of 750 years. In the 18th century a Iceland was built around 1016, shortly after the major earthquake took place at this location, Icelanders converted to Christianity in the year after which the parliament was transferred to 1000. Reykjavík. It may interest you that Þingvellir

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 5 From Þingvellir you will drive via Lyngdals erupting at 5–10 minute intervals. The whole heiði on road no. 365 to the lake Laugarvatn area contains a variety of hot springs and bub- area. Laugarvatn is a geothermal area, and it bling pools. Please be careful around the hot is said that when Christianity was legalized in springs and around the waterfall and stick to the year 1000, the chieftains from the north the hiking-paths. who refused to be baptized in the cold water You continue your journey further north of Þingvellir, were brought to Laugarvatn to be to Gullfoss waterfall, the “Golden Waterfall”. baptized in the warm spring. Here at Fontana It is a beautiful double-folding fall that many Spa you can enjoy the sauna, the steambath believe to be the most scenic in Iceland. It and a warm soak in the geothermal pools, tel. thunders 32 m (105 ft) over a fault into a gorge, 486 1400. which measures 2.5 km (1.5 miles) in length You continue your tour to the beautiful Gull- and up to 70 m (230 ft) deep in places. foss and Geysir region. You drive to the Geysir You head back on road no. 35 and then area, which is by road no. 35. It is a colourful take a left on the no. 31. There you find the geothermal field in a 3 km2 (1.2 mi2) area where bishopric at Skálholt, which played a major role hot springs and geysers are abundant. Geysir in Icelandic history from the year 1056 to 1796, spouting spring is the world’s largest geyser, when the bishopric moved to Reykjavík follow- whose name is the generic term for this strange ing a great series of earthquakes. phenomenon. Geysir, believed to have formed Turn into road no. 30 to the north and to in the thirteenth century, has a bowl 18 m (59 road no. 32 to Þjórsárdalur valley, with its ft) in diameter with a 20 m (66 ft) deep cham- landscape of sharply contrasting birch woods, ber below. Its eruptions are majestic and after sandy lava fields, rivers and waterfalls. Follow the big earthquakes in 2000 it has erupted the course of the mighty Þjórsá, Iceland’s several times. A smaller, adjacent hot spout- longest river and the most important source of ing spring, Strokkur, is a popular attraction, electric energy in the country. At the entrance

6 Self Drive Arctic Iceland to the Þjórsárdalur valley, you can stop for a short climb to the top of Gaukshöfði, a rocky crag with the mighty river at its foot and a splendid view of Hekla, Iceland’s most famous volcano. You will find the beautiful waterfall Hjálparfoss by the roadside, framed in twisted basalt columns before heading for Stöng, the excavated ruins of a Viking-age farmhouse in a fair state of preservation. Nearby is the ravine Gjáin, an outstanding beauty spot, with minia- ture landscape, brooks and waterfalls. We recommend a visit to Þjóðveldisbærinn, an ancient Icelandic dwelling. The reconstructed medieval farmhouse in Þjórsárdalur valley is one of Iceland´s hidden treasures. The farmhouse is an exact replica of an 11th century Icelandic manor, who offers the traveler a personal experience of the dwellings and daily life of medieval Icelanders. The recreated ruins are from a farm called Stöng which was destroyed by Mt. Hekla in 1104. The inhabitants of Stöng were chiefs in the district and the most famous of them is the Viking Gaukur Trandilsson. The reconstructed farmhouse is a living monument of the grandiose life

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 7 of ancient Icelanders and a must-see for all Detour to the Westman Islands: travelers to Iceland. Open June to August 10:00–17:00. few kilometres east of Hvolsvöllur, turn Turn back to road no. 32 going north until A right when you see the ferry sign and drive you reach the junction of road no. 26 and no. towards the ocean. The ferry “Herjólfur” offers 32. Take a right turn to road no. 26 and drive several departures per day, please call 481 2800 down that road to road no. 1. Continue your for information about the schedule and prices. tour through the fertile farmlands of the south, You can either leave your car behind at the har- towards the east through the small villages of bour or take it along on the ferry. The duration of Hella and Hvolsvöllur. the trip is about 30 minutes in good weather. In this area you will have frequent view of Once in the Westman Islands, you should visit mountains, including the majestic Mt. Hekla. Eldheimar – a volcano museum of remem Mt. Hekla is without a doubt Iceland’s most brance, tel 488 2700. The exhibition focuses on famous volcano. It is still very active, erupting the 1973 volcanic eruption in Vestmannaeyjar, most recently in 1970, 1980, 1981 and in 1991. without a doubt one of Iceland´s biggest natural The last eruption started on 26th February in disaster. The highlight of the exhibition is a house 2000 and lasted for 12 days; the lava from this that has been delicately excavated. Eldheimar eruption covers approximately 18 km2 (47 mi2). also houses the Surtsey exhibition with all avail- Instead of a classical volcano cone, Hekla is part able information about this unique island, which is of a rather squat series of ridges, although this on the UNESCO World Heritage List. is usually hidden behind a thick bank of clouds A boat tour around the islands is a must for that earned Hekla its menacing name, which all bird and nature lovers, please call Viking Tours means the hooded one. Soon after the settle- for further information, tel. 488 4884. They offer ment period, in 1104, Hekla showed that it was various tours, such as the popular circle tour, whale a presence to be feared as it erupted with- watching and deep sea fishing. out warning and devastated 20 farms in the A visit to the Museum of Natural History is Þjórsárdalur valley. Indeed the volcano’s fame recommended, that offers insight into the bird and grew so much that the Europeans in the middle fish life, houses a rock and minerals collection and Ages believed it was the gateway to hell. The an aquarium. From mid-May until mid-September volcanic eruptions from Hekla are spectacular the museum is open daily from 10:00-17:00 but as the mountain is 1,493 m (4897 ft) high and less in other months, tel. 481 1997. towers over the lowlands of the south. Beautiful walks in Vestmanneyjar includes a This is the region where one of the best walk to the southern tip of the island “Stórhöfði” known Icelandic classical Sagas, the “Story of for puffin- and bird sightseeing and hike up to Brennu Njáll” is set. You have the opportunity Helgafell and/or Eldfell volcano. to visit the Saga Centre in Hvolsvöllur where Back on the ferry and you find yourself again you can learn more about the sagas, tel. 487 on the main-land. 8781. Rising ahead of you now is the cone shaped Continue on road no. 1 and a stop at the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcano, 1666 m spectacular waterfall Seljalandsfoss, 40 m (131 (5465 ft). On a clear day you can see the West ft) high, is recommended. There you can actu- man Islands to your right. ally climb behind the waterfall, but be careful as There is a ferry to the Westman Islands, it might be slippery. sailing from Landeyjarsandur. Therefore it is Shortly after you pass Seljalandsfoss water- easy to take a detour to the Westman Islands, a fall, you can pay a visit to the famous visitor small archipelago with around 15 small islands, centre at Þorvaldseyri farm, tel. 487 5757, the largest one Heimaey has a population of which gained world-wide attention, during around 4.000 inhabitants. the volcanic eruption beneath Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. During the eruption, thick layers of ash

8 Self Drive Arctic Iceland fell to the ground and rivers flooded its banks, Day 3: damaging the farmlands, hot water pipes and water barriers of the nearby farms. The farmer, Hella, Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur Mr Olafur and his family, have extraordinary Thundering Waterfalls, Puffin Colony, Black Sand images on display, showing the farm and its sur- Beaches, Lava Fields rounding before, during and after the eruption. Drive onwards to Skógar, where you can ➠➠Approximate driving distance: visit the Folk museum and Skógafoss waterfall, 160 km / 99 miles 60 m (197 ft) high, one of the most impressive Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for waterfalls in the country. The popular Folk details about your overnight stay museum is open daily from 09:00-18:00 during June-August but less in other months, tel. 487 ýrdalsjökull is Iceland’s fourth largest 8845. Mglacier. Glacier tongues creep down its sides to the lowlands, the most prominent Fun things to do being Sólheimajökull. Under the south- River Rafting on the river Hvítá eastern side of the glacier is Katla, a sub glacial Duration: 3- 4 hours central volcano, buried deep under 400 m Arctic Rafting, tel. 562 7000. (1312 ft) of ice. The caldera is 10 km (6.3 miles) Snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier in diameter. Since the settlement of Iceland, Duration: 2,5-3 hrs Katla has erupted 16–20 times at an average Mountaineers of Iceland, tel. 562 7000. interval of 40–80 years, melting the glacial cap

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 9 and causing catastrophic floods in the plains walking on top of Dyrhólaey, as no fences below. All of this has in the course of time protect you from falling, so do not walk close created the vast Mýrdalssandur desert on the to the edge. south-eastern side of the glacier. Katla last Before reaching Vík, there is another recom- erupted in 1918. mended detour to the so-called Reynishverfi Continue the journey and pass Dyrhólaey, by turning right on road no. 215. Reynishverfi a magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs. offers a beautiful black beach and impres- It is the southernmost point of Iceland and at sive basalt column. At one place you can even the tip of it, is a huge wave cut gap which boats see and go into a cave called Hálsanefshellir can sail through. The headland is known for its formed by the sea through the thousands of bird life and is certainly worth a visit. It is about years. Depending on the tides the cave may not 5 km (3 miles) from road no. 1 on road no. 218, always be accessible. about 8 km (5 miles) before you arrive to Vík village. Dyrhólaey is a bird sanctuary and traffic Please note: during breeding season from ca. 15th of May As much as this stretch of black sand until 25th of June can be limited. Please note looks innocent, it’s open to the Atlantic that the road to the top is not always recom- Ocean and is known for extremely mendable as it is very steep. If it has been vicious waves and strong currents. You raining severely, the road turns muddy and is should therefore be extra careful, com not recommended for smaller cars and inex- ply with warning signs at all times and perienced drivers. One has to be very careful keep away from the shore line.

10 Self Drive Arctic Iceland You will drive onwards to the quiet village protective of their eggs and their young ones. of Vík, which is situated in the mild and fertile Intruding those areas one can expect dive- Mýrdalur valley which is the southernmost bombing attacks, where they do not hesitate to borough in Iceland. The western border is pick with their pointed beak on one’s head. To marked by the glacial river, Jökulsá, to the avoid getting hurt, please put a stick, umbrella east by the river Blautakvísl, and to the south or something long above your head since they by black, volcanic beaches and the Atlantic attack the highest point. Ocean. Mýrdalur is a farming area with about Reynisdrangar: These are high rocks or 600 inhabitants, 330 of them in the village of needles in the sea at the base of Reynisfjall Vík. It is an area of great contrasts. Lush green Mountain, supposedly formed when two trolls pastures lie between vast black volcanic sands. were trying to drag a three-mastered ship to Rugged mountains, scarred by deep gullies, rise land. When daylight broke they turned into from the sands and are topped by the Mýrdals- stone. The needles rise 66 m (216 ft) above sea jökull glacier. The area has rich birdlife with the level and can be seen from Vík. country’s largest nesting colony of arctic terns Heiðarvatn: A lake that lies not far from just east of the village. In the cliffs west of the Vík. It offers good trout fishing and is a nice village you will see countless puffins, kittiwakes area for walking. Please note that you will need and fulmars mainly during the months of May, a permit for fishing. June and July. You continue your trip to Kirkjubæjar Please be careful when walking in the nest- klaustur, an area of great beauty, a growing ing area of the arctic terns as they are very resort with a number of historical spots. You

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 11 drive on road no. 1 across the south-eastern part of Iceland through the impressive Skaftár Day 4: eldahraun lava field, which was created in the Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Höfn, Egilsstaðir volcanic eruption at Laki Craters, supposedly Europe’s Largest National Park and Glacier, Glacial the biggest lava field on earth coming from Lagoon with Icebergs only one eruption, and which is now all covered with moss. ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 450 km / 280 miles Fun things to do Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Snowmobile Tour of Mýrdalsjökull glacier details about your overnight stay Duration: 1 hour Arcanum, tel. 487 1500 / 893 3445. irkjubæjarklaustur was the site of a Glacial Walk on Crampons from Sólheima- Kconvent in earlier times, a fact reflected jökull, with the possibility of some ice-climb- in place name like Systrastapi, Systrafoss and ing for those willing enough to try Systravatn, meaning Sister’s Rock, Sisters’ Fall Duration: 1.5 or 3.5 hours and Sisters’ Lake, respectively. You can have a Icelandic Mountain Guides, tel. 587 9999 or look at the famous Kirkjugólf or church floor, 899 9982. at the northern part of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, although it was never a floor in a church. It is the surface of huge basalt columns. It is worth a closer look. Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur you will see numerous hills, Landbrotshólar, but they make up the biggest area of pseudo craters in Iceland.

12 Self Drive Arctic Iceland The area has a lot to offer the visitor; Hiking, two months after the eruption. Some of the swimming in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and sight- icebergs that the flood carried with it were as seeing are some of the options. The Tourist large as three story houses. Information Center in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, tel. Skaftafell National Park is a masterpiece of 487-4620 can give further information on what seemingly impossible contrasts of nature. On to do in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. the one hand you have the Skeiðarársandur On the way from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to plains, vast stretches of black sandy waste- Skaftafell National Park you will have a great land and volcanic debris borne from volcanic opportunity to see an interesting basalt column eruptions from underneath the icecap of formation at Dverghamrar, please look for a Vatnajökull. On the other hand you have the sign on the right hand side of the road. Then enormous icecap of Vatnajökull with its valley drive past Núpsstaður, an old farm surrounded glaciers descending like fingers in all direc- by magnificent cliffs, where you will find one of tions. In the middle lies Skaftafell plateau, like the oldest churches in Iceland with a turf-cov- a verdant oasis, where you can see gorges with ered roof. You will also drive past Lómagnúpur; clear brooks and beautiful waterfalls, birch an impressive 688 m (2.257 ft) high precipice. woods, a wealth of wild flowers and lush veg- After passing Lómagnúpur, Skeiðarár etation. A walk on the marked paths along the sandur sand plains will appear. Following a vol- gorges for a look at the waterfalls is a must for canic eruption in Vatnajökull glacier in October all visitors. The most majestic is Svartifoss, 1996, millions of tons of water and ice flooded “Black Fall” plunging over a wall of symmetri- over Skeiðarársandur. The flood washed away cal basalt columns that recall organ pipes. large parts of the road and destroyed two There is an alternative for those who have bridges. Preliminary repairs were made and difficulty walking up to the Skaftafellsjökull the road opened again in December, only glacier (wheelchair accessible). For further

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 13 information please ask at the information seabirds, arctic terns and possibly seals out on centre in Skaftafell. the cliffs. Continue your tour and drive from Skaftafell You then drive east through the Almanna- on to Jökulsárlón where it is possible to take a skarð tunnel. If the weather is good an option is breathtaking cruise amongst floating icebergs to drive to a view point on the east side of the on the fantastic 180 m (590 ft) deep glacial tunnel. There you can enjoy the beautiful scen- lagoon. The icebergs break off enormous ice ery towards the west. You will see the glacial lobes, advancing down deep valleys from the tongues running down from the main icecap to Vatnajökull icecap. The ice from the glacier is the lowlands. over 1000 years old, but the lagoon has largely Continue through the Lón area, which many been formed last century, as the glacier has consider to be one of the most beautiful sites in retreated in the warmer climate. Sometimes Iceland. The road then leads north to Djúpi- you can see seals by the coastline of the lagoon. vogur, at the southern opening of Berufjörður At the travel service in Hólmur, before fjord, which is known for its zeolite-crystals. reaching Höfn, you can visit a café and Mini Djúpivogur is a beautifully situated, pic- Zoo with all the usual Icelandic farm animals, turesque fishing town. If you can, take a walk horses, sheep, dogs, cats and more. Open around this beautiful area, please ask for a daily, 09:00-17:00, tel. 478 2063. hiking map of the area in the shops. Djúpivogur Brunnhóll farm and guesthouse makes a might be an interesting choice for birdwatchers delicious stop on the way to Höfn, since the because there you can experience unspoiled farm is known for its own production of home- nature where you can see the bulk of Icelandic made ice-cream. birds in their natural environment without dif- Höfn is a bustling fishing and fish process- ficulties such as long walks or extra travelling. ing port, as well as a commercial centre, with Mammals such as seals and reindeer can also be considerable farming in the neighbouring area. seen there frequently. In Djúpivogur are two In Höfn there is an interesting local exhibition birdwachting houses that every birdwatcher worth seeing. The visitors have the opportunity can use to take a closer look. You can get more to experience and learn about the area, the information in their information centre in nature and the basic glaciology. Langabúð. Eastern Iceland is a very mountainous Please note that you have 3 different region of deep fjords isolated from each other routes to choose from depending on the time by sheer mountains. There is very little volcanic you have. First option is to drive via the rugged or geothermal activity there as the region is fjords of the East Coast, on road no. 96, after geologically the oldest part of Iceland. The passing Breiðdalsvík village. The second option region is heavily eroded and therefore there are is to travel the short mountain road Öxi no. many interesting minerals and semi-precious 939 from Djúpivogur village (depends on road stones to be found there. conditions, please inquire locally) or thirdly to The Eastern Fjords are renowned for the continue on road no. 1, crossing Breiðdalsheiði history of brave French, Belgian and Spanish heath. fishermen who fished cod in the seas off the coast of the eastern shores from the beginning Detour via the rugged Fjords of the 17th century. An Icelandic farmer com- of the East coast: piled the world’s first dictionary of the Basque language in the 17th century in order to be able ontinue the journey through Breiðdalsvík to communicate with some of them. C and on to Stöðvarfjörður, where you Before you come to the Almannaskarð tun- can visit the famous Rock Collection of Petra nel you can take a little detour down the road Sveinsdóttir, tel. 475 8834. Over 90% of the stones to the right marked “Stokksnes”. At the end in her collection were found in Stöðvarfjörður and of that road, down at the shore, you will find the surroundings.

14 Self Drive Arctic Iceland From Stöðvarfjörður drive north to Fáskrúðs Fun things to do fjörður. Fáskrúðsfjörður used to be the base for the French fishermen. The French built a hospital Trout fishing, close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur and a chapel there and 49 French and Belgian Duration: Variable fishermen lie buried in the cemetery at Krossar, Efri-Vík farm, tel. 487 4694. situated on the seashore on the northern outskirts Glacial Walk in Skaftafell of the town. Duration: 2.5 hours From Fáskrúðsfjörður continue your journey to Icelandic Mountain Guides, tel. 587 9999 or Reyðarfjörður. On the road no. 96 to Reyðar- 899 9982. fjörður you should see seabirds and possibly also Boat Tour on the Jökulsárlón Glacial seals. The road runs through a steep river valley Lagoon lined by many smaller waterfalls at irregular Duration: 30-40 min intervals. You also have the option of taking the Jökulsárlón, tel. 478 2222 or 899 5920. shortcut through the tunnel straight to Reyðar- Jeep tour or Snow Scooter Tour on Vatna fjörður. jökull Glacier Reyðarfjörður fjord is the largest one of the Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes Eastern Fjords. It served as one of the largest Allied Jöklajeppar (Glacier Jeeps), tel. 478 1000 or bases during World War II. In the village at the 894 3133. base of the fjord where there is a small museum 4wd Quad Biking in Hoffell of war memorabilia called the Icelandic Wartime Duration: 1.5 hours Museum. It is open from mid May until mid Sep- Vatnajökull Travel, tel. 894 1616. tember from 10:00-18:00, tel. 470 9063. Boat Tour to Papey from Djúpivogur Continue your tour to Egilsstaðir. Duration: 4 hours, boat leaves at 1 pm every day Papeyjarferðir tel., 862 4399 or 478 8119.

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 15 Day 5: tiful town worth visiting, situated in a deep, 18 km (11 miles) long fjord of the same name. Egilsstaðir and Surroundings Trading started in Seyðisfjörður in 1834 and in the latter part of the 19th century it became, East Fjords, Legendary Lake Monster, Largest for a while, one of the largest towns in Iceland. Forest in Iceland Many beautiful Norwegian-style houses date ➠➠Approximate driving distance: from that time. Variable Another option today is to drive to Bakka gerði or Borgarfjörður Eystri, a rather isolated Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for village, driving through steep slopes. First drive details about your overnight stay road no. 94 north of Egilsstaðir, passing Eiðar gilsstaðir is situated some distance inland, and Lake Eiðavatn, where it is possible to fish Eon a fertile plain on the border of Lake trout. Drive through the mountain pass Vatns Lagarfljót, which is a huge glacial river. Accord- skarð and continue to Borgarfjörður fjord, ing to local legends, similar to those about Loch passing the steep scree slope, Njarðvíkur Ness in Scotland, you might expect to see a sea skriður. serpent called Lagarfljótsormurinn reputedly Njarðvíkurskriður were formerly a very dan- living in the lake. Egilsstaðir is a natural centre gerous route, where the many accidents that for regional social services and transportation occurred were at one time attributed to an evil to many of the towns and villages in the eastern spirit named Naddi. He is said to have dwelt in part of Iceland. Taking advantage of the gener- Naddagil (Naddi’s canyon), at the northern end ally fine weather in this part of the country, of the scree, where there is a cave in the cliffs summer attractions include an outdoor market at sea level. When they finally exorcised him in and evening programs of theatre and music. 1306, a cross was erected, with an inscription You can make an interesting visit to Hall directing travelers to pray at the cross before ormsstaður driving road no.1 south from continuing across the scree. The cross has been Egilsstaðir and then road no. 931. It is a regularly renewed ever since. It is worthwhile government forestry station in the beautiful to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Hallormsstaðaskógur, where 80 species of trees Borgarfjörður is a short wide fjord and in from various parts of the world are growing. the Borgarfjörður valley you will see colorful Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest forest mountains, and many rare and beautiful stones plantation in Iceland. From Egilsstaðir to Hall- are also found there. The village Bakkagerði, ormsstaður the distance is 26 km (16 miles), also called Borgarfjörður Eystri, is a small but if you have the time to drive around the fishing village in the fjord. In the middle of the lake, which is altogether 84 km (52 miles), we town there is a small, beautiful church. At the recommend a stop on the other side of the lake, altar of the church is a painting by the most 20 km (12,5 miles) from Hallormsstaður, called loved son of the area, Jóhannes Kjarval. If you Skriðuklaustur. The building was designed by drive through the village, over to the new har- the German architect Fritz Höger and built in bor, you can leave your car for a while, and walk 1939 for the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson. Today to the cape where you can see the Icelandic it is an institute which enables artists, writers puffins flying around. The outermost farm on and scholars to stay temporarily to work, but a the east side of Borgarfjörður is Höfn (3 km / 2 part of it is open for the public. If you are here miles) from Bakkagerði, where there is a harbor in the afternoon, you will have the opportu- and a small island with a puffin colony. You can nity to enjoy one of the finest refreshments in drive through the town to the farm Hvannstóð Iceland. Everything is home-made and served by road F946, where the mountain scene is by the local women. extraordinary. Seyðisfjörður is only 27 km (17 miles) away Continue your journey and drive the same from Egilsstaðir on the road no. 93. It is a beau- road you came, but make a right hand turn onto

16 Self Drive Arctic Iceland road no. 944 and take road no. 926 to Húsey, Digranes and Kollumúli. The fjord opens out which is near the confluence of the rivers into two large bays, Bakkaflói and Héraðsflói. Jökulsá and Lagarfljót. It once had the greatest On the south side of the fjord is a mountain amount of seal hunting in the district, and you range, with Krossavíkurfjöll Mountain most can see seals rest on the sand banks, accompa- prominent at 1,079 meters (3539 ft) high. The nied by various species of birds on the plain. three rivers, Selá, Hofsá and Vesturdalsá that flow along the valleys are among the Day 6: best salmon-fishing rivers in Iceland, regularly attracting such well-known patrons as Charles, Vopnafjörður, Langanes Prince of Wales. Many trout-fishing lakes are in the moors around Vopnafjörður, some not far Glacial Rivers, Small Fishing Villages, from the road. With short notice, one can be Northernmost Point in Iceland fishing, and travelers can also quickly purchase ➠➠Approximate driving distance: permission to fish the trout areas of the Hofsá. 140 km / 87 miles Travelers can also try sea fishing, and if they are lucky may catch a shark. Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Selárdalur Swimming Pool is one of the details about your overnight stay sights that no visitor should miss. It stands on oday you will continue the journey to the banks of the Selá River in a rocky ravine Texplore some of the least populated and north of Vopnafjörður, about 3 km (2 miles) most isolated areas of Iceland. along a tar road, off road no. 85. Drive north on the road no. 1 and then Travel further north on the road no. 85 no. 917 to Vopnafjörður, a fishing port and a across the heath Sandvíkurheiði to the town of service center for the surrounding farm district Bakkafjörður at the wide inlet Bakkaflói. Few with about 700 inhabitants. Vopnafjörður locations like Bakkafjörður have so much open is a wide fjord separating the headlands of space while viewing such massive mountains

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 17 nearby at Langanes-peninsula to the west. The fjord is wide and the heaths of Bakkafjörður Day 7: to the south are fairly low, so that they do not Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, Lake Mývatn, Akureyri shade off the sun as in so many other fjords Glacier Carved Gorge, Whale Watching, Waterfall around the turn of the year. The main industries of the “Gods”, Iceland’s Second Largest City in this area are seasonal inshore fisheries and farming. An excellent overview of the region ➠➠Approximate driving distance: can be enjoyed at Sandvíkurheiði, at a height of 240 km / 149 miles 275 meters (902 ft). Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Now you continue north on no. 85 along details about your overnight stay Langanesströnd coastline on your way to the Langanes peninsula. For the more active oday you travel to the Jökulsárgljúfur travelers there is a chance of a mountain TCanyons National Park. You can either climb up Gunnólfsvíkurfjall, located at Lan travel the new road no.85, Hófaskarðleið, ganesströnd, south of the old farm Gunnólf across Melrakkaslétta peninsula or continue svík which is now deserted. It rises up to 719 to the tip of Melrakkaslétta peninsula on road meters (2358 ft) above sea level with spectacu- no. 870, via Raufarhöfn and Kópasker villages. lar view. The road up the mountain to the radar If you are not travelling between mid June station is closed to public traffic. and mid September, please note that the roads You can finish the day with a detour out to to Jökulsárgljúfur and Dettifoss waterfall are the Langanes peninsula, where you can hope- closed. Please ask locally for information on fully find a spot to enjoy a moment of solitude road conditions before leaving Egilsstaðir. and silence, except maybe for the whistling of If the roads to Dettifoss are closed, you the wind. must continue to Húsavík by road no. 85.

18 Self Drive Arctic Iceland If the roads are open, continue your journey by taking road no. 862 (4x4), until you reach Day 8: Jökulsárgljúfur Canyons National Park, the Akureyri and Surroundings largest and most rugged gorge in Iceland, Botanical Gardens, Volcanic Area, Lava Form- through which flows Jökulsá, one of the ations country’s mighty glacial rivers. Once there, you should visit: ➠➠Approximate driving distance: Ásbyrgi, at road no. 861, a natural horse- Variable shoe-shaped rock enclosure, whose impressive Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for walls reach a height of 90 m (295 ft), sheltering details about your overnight stay fertile and lush vegetation. The Nature Reserve of Hljóðaklettar (The oday’s high-light is Lake Mývatn, one of Echo Cliffs) on road F862 from Ásbyrgi, a great Tthe country’s most fascinating places. The labyrinth of crags and rock formations which, unique ecology of the lake and its unusual envi- like other strange rock formations and canyons ronment has made it one of northern Iceland’s in the National Park, is the result of cata- greatest attractions. Lake Mývatn is famous strophic floods and water erosion for many things, such as rich bird life, beautiful Hólmatungur Nature Reserve, also at road landscape influenced by volcanic activity and F862 with beautiful, colourful rock formations boiling sulfates. In and near the lake, all the and rich flora. Icelandic duck species, apart from the eider, Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful water- breed annually, all together 15. During the fall, contrasting strikingly with the smaller summer the lake is covered with birds, which waterfalls of Hafragilsfoss and Selfoss. utilize the rich fauna and flora in the lake. The You drive road no. 85 round the Tjörnes area is protected by international law as a very peninsula, famous for its fossiliferous layers important breeding place for different birds. and bird life, to Húsavík. Birds to look out for, apart from the ducks, are Húsavík is situated in a picturesque fjord great northern divers, red-necked phalaropes, surrounded by majestic mountains white with Slovenian grebes, red-throated divers, merlins snow, even in summertime, and is a commercial and gyrfalcons. Bring bug repellant / nets. centre for the agricultural area, as well as a busy fishing port. The Húsavík Whale Museum There are several remarkable natural phenom- which is a museum on cetaceans in Iceland ena in the district worth visiting, such as: provides information on whale species, their 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. Shorter opening hours in the accessible from there by foot. autumn and winter months., tel. 414 2800. Recommended cafés and restaurants in Höfði, Nature Park: With rich flora, fauna and Húsavík are Gamli Baukur located right at 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”, Continue on road no. 85 in the Lake Myvatn a landscape of rugged crags and strange lava direction, for overnight stay. 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 Please call Norðursigling at 464 7272. like a giant circular stadium with a crater bowl

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 19 of 1,040 – 1,200 m (3.411-3.936 ft) in diameter hot viscous mud of amazing patterns and col- and 140 m (459 ft) in depth. It stands only 150 ours. Please be very careful here and do not get m (492 ft) above its surroundings so it is not too close to the bubbling pools as they might difficult to hike to the top. Well worth visiting splash hot mud. and exploring by foot. Grjótagjá: One of Iceland’s most well known Vogafjóscafé: A small café located inside chasms, half full of hot water, which made it a a cowshed where you can see the milking of popular bathing spot for a long time, but has the cows. It is possible to taste the fresh milk reached too high temperature today for that and even try to do some milking. The cows are purpose. Please watch your step if you walk milked twice per day. The emphasis is on home- down to the water. made local food such as smoked trout, Moz- zarella cheese from their own milk and geyser Krafla: A high temperature field with active bread baked in geothermal heat in the earth. volcanic craters, where a steam-powered elec- You will find Vogafjós by road no. 1 where it tricity generating station has been built. surrounds Lake Mývatn, 10 minutes drive from the village of Reykjahlíð. The NatureBaths: The geothermal spa called, Mývatn Nature Baths is the latest addition to Gamli Bær is a small café with a nice atmos- the region’s many visitor attractions and are phere close to Hotel Reynihlíð, where you can well worth visiting. It contains a unique blend sit outside on a good day during summer. of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro- organisms. It’s open all year around: 1 June - 31 Námafjall: A mountain ridge singed and boiled August from 09:00 to 24:00 and from 12:00 to by sulphurous vapours. The area is famous for 22:00 in the wintertime. For directions you can the colourful solfataras and bubbling pools of call the baths directly tel. 464 4411, or ask local

20 Self Drive Arctic Iceland hotels and service-centres in the Mývatn area. and industry. Akureyri has a whole street in its centre, Listagil (Art Gorge), devoted to arts, Bird Museum (Fuglasafn Sigurgeirs): An crafts and design, where it is ideal to visit the impressive private collection of birds, now open Akureyri Art Museum. This charming town is to the public. For directions you can call the located inland at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord, museum directly, 464 4477. the longest fjord in Iceland, which means that Akureyri, together with Egilsstaðir, is one of Leirhnjúkur: Part of the Krafla fissure com- the two towns in Iceland closest to the centre plex. It is one of the most interesting sights in of the country. This provides Akureyri with a cli- the Mývatn area. A highly active volcano and mate, which is more continental than oceanic, a small but very colourful high-temperature with colder winters and warmer summers than geothermal field situated west of Krafla, which in most other towns in Iceland. Therefore, in last erupted in a series of nine eruptions from spite of its location, about 70 km (44 miles) 1975–1984. south of the Arctic Circle, the town is verdant with a public park and botanical garden, Lysti West of it are a series of craters and volcanic garðurinn, which was opened in 1912. It was fissures of the same name. In this area you can originally only planted with various kinds of also see the lava fields from 1984, which are trees, but it now also includes over 400 to 450 still hot. A vast magma chamber lies under the Icelandic vascular plants. region, in some parts as close to the surface There are many other interesting places as 3 km (1.9 mile). From the car park, a circular and museums in Akureyri. One is Nonnahús, a footpath leads you around the volcano and up museum and former home of children’s writer to its summit from where there is a beautiful and Jesuit priest Jón Sveinsson, “Nonni”. (It view over the impressive volcanic landscapes is located at Aðalstræti 54b). Next-door, and surrounding it. This is a very interesting walk equally interesting, is the Akureyri Museum. but one has to be very careful when crossing Akureyri also has a new swimming pool with the high-temperature area. It is important to indoor, outdoor and children’s pools, jacuzzis wear good walking boots. On rainy days there and slides. is considerable mud in the geothermal area and At the Tourist Information Center at the cul- it can become very slippery there, so one has to turhouse Hof, right in the center, you are able take extra care when crossing it. to get yourself a map of Akureyri and find other After exploring the Myvatn area, head for interesting information about Akureyri. Akureyri, via road no 1. On the way to Akureyri, If you drive road no. 821 and pass the the “capital” of northern Iceland, you will pass airport you will soon reach the so called Santa Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most beau- House (Jólahúsið), a Christmas store which tiful and renowned waterfalls. operates all year round. This is a nice way to Driving 18 km (11 miles) from Goðafoss learn about the Christmas celebration in Ice- towards Akureyri you could make a detour by land, get the Icelandic Christmas smell, songs taking road no. 835 to visit the Laufás Museum. and feel the spirit. They offer a wide selection Here you can see one of the country’s best of souvenir; both hand-made from Iceland as preserved turf/sod farmhouses. The museum well as imported. This is especially worth visit- is open from mid May to mid September from ing for huge Christmas fans and children. 09:00 – 18:00. From Laufás you would continue on road no. 83 to drive to Akureyri. Fun things to do Akureyri boasts some of the finest timber Ferry to the Island of Hrísey buildings in the country, beautifully restored. Duration: 15 min. in the ferry to the island Because of its excellent natural harbour and The ferry line, Hríseyjarferjan Sævar, tel. 695 good communications, Akureyri has become 5544. the northern centre of education, culture, trade

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 21 industries in Dalvík are fishing, fish processing Day 9: and trading. In Dalvik, recreations such as whale Akureyri, Stykkishólmur watching and horse rental are available and there is always the option of visiting the museums in Fertile Farmland, Viking Horses, Quaint Fishing town or try the local swimming pool. The museum Villages is a traditional folk museum with an unusual twist, ➠➠Approximate driving distance: representing Jóhann Svarfdælingur, known as 350 km / 217 miles “the Giant”, once being the tallest man in the world. You can try on his huge shoes and view his Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for especially made bicycle and chair, amongst other details about your overnight stay things. hen you leave Akureyri, you can either Continue driving the coastline, through Wdrive directly to Varmahlíð village via the tunnel, to the famous herring town of Öxnadalsheiði heath on road no. 1, or take Siglufjörður. Siglufjörður was an important her- a detour through the small fishing villages ring centre from 1904 to recent times, when the of Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, Siglufjörður and herring disappeared. A very interesting museum, Sauðárkrókur on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. offering a glimpse into the glory days is the “Her- ring Museum”, recreating the town’s bustling Detour to Tröllaskagi peninsula: harbour of the 1950s. You might be lucky enough to witness a show of salting herring into barrels, f you decide to take the detour, drive on road singing and dancing to accordion music on the I no. 1 and then turn into road no. 82, heading museum dock. The museum is open June-August north. Just before reaching Dalvík village, you from 10:00-18:00 but less in other months. will pass a bird-sanctuary by the river. The main From Siglufjörður you will drive on road no.

22 Self Drive Arctic Iceland 76 and then on road no. 75 to Sauðárkrókur. On are the result of a landslide, the uncountable the way you will pass Hofsós village, where you Vatnsdalshólar hills. Approximately, 16 km (10 will find beautiful columnar basalt by the coast miles) further west we suggest that you drive and also the Emigration Museum. If you still along road no. 718 and go to the spectacular have time, a visit to the old bishopric in the north, Kolugil canyon. You can take road no. 715 on Hólar, is recommended, on road no. 767. The the way back to road no. 1. Hólar Cathedral is beautiful, with many objects dating all the way back to Catholic times (before Detour to Vatnsnes peninsula: 1600 A.D.) From Sauðárkrókur drive towards Skaga- ake road no. 711 to Vatnsnes peninsula. fjörður fjord and the small village of Varmahlíð T The distance from road no. 1 and back to on road no. 75 and you can pick up the itinerary road no. 1 again is approximately 82 km (51 mile) from below. more or less on a gravel road. The main attraction here is the Hvítserkur (White Cowl) cliff standing If you are not taking the detour, drive on right at the shore. It resembles a fantasy animal road no. 1 via Öxnadalsheiði heath, towards that is having a drink and reaches a height of 15 Skagafjörður fjord and valley where the small meters (50 ft). The name is probably derived from village Varmahlíð is situated. Skagafjörður the white colour of the bird droppings that cover stretches from the Arctic Ocean to the high- Hvítserkur. This area is very peaceful and seals can lands and is one of the “cradles of Icelandic his- often be spotted here on the peninsula. tory” playing a leading role in the events on the 13th century civil war and in cultural develop- In Hvammstangi (on road no. 72) you can ments for centuries afterwards. Skagafjörður pay a visit to the Icelandic Seal Centre, open is one of the most important areas for river daily from 09:00 to 19:00, June-August, please rafting in the country, as there are several large call tel. 451 2345. glacial rivers originating from the highland You will continue driving on road no. 1 to interior, ideal for that purpose. Staðarskáli, a popular rest-stop, where you Varmahlíð is a small village situated at the can stop for light refreshments and use the junction of road no. 1 and road no. 75. washrooms, before continuing your tour to We suggest you visit Glaumbær Museum, Snæfellsnes peninsula. Take road no. 68 north located on road no. 75 only about 14 km (9 to the junction of road no. 59. Drive road no. miles) from Varmahlíð - watch out for a sign- 59 until you come to road no. 60. Then take a post. This is an old farm with turf buildings in turn in direction west to road no. 54 which will traditional style, some parts of which date back take you onto Snæfellsnes, Iceland’s longest to the 18th century. Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir, peninsula, jutting 100 km (62,5 miles) into the the first woman to go to America and who gave North Atlantic. birth to the first American of European decent, Before you go to Snæfellsnes you can take a lived at Glaumbær in the 11th century. A part detour on the road no. 586 along the lake Hau of the museum is a charming café called Áskaffi kadalsvatn to the Eiríksstaðir Museum, where serving traditional pastries in grandmother’s you will find an exact replica of a Viking farm. style of a living room. This is the birthplace of Leifur Eiríksson, the Heading towards Blönduós and discoverer of America according to Icelandic Hvammstangi on road no. 1, you will pass sources. The museum is open every day from some of the finest salmon rivers in Iceland. You 9:00-18:00 from June 1 - August 31, but call will drive past the small town of Blönduós situ- ahead to verify, 434 1118. ated on both sides of the glacial river Blanda. Snæfellsnes is bounded on the north by Þingeyrar Church (road no. 721) is worth a Breiðafjörður, Iceland’s largest and widest visit. At the junction of road no. 721 and road bay and to the south by Faxaflói Bay. The no. 1, you will see numerous small hills, which peninsula is renowned for its unspoiled nature,

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 23 interesting geological features, the magical overlooking the ocean on one side and the Snæfellsjökull glacier, its bird colonies and harbour and town on the other. Ice from 24 magnificent golden sandy beaches which con- glaciers around Iceland was extracted and the trast dramatically with bizarre, black, basaltic results are stored in liquid form inside glass lava rock formations. columns scattered through the building. This is Drive on to Stykkishólmur. a work created by American artist Roni Horn in collaboration with Art Angel as a multi–faceted Fun things to do long-term installation and community centre in Horse Show in Skagafjörður the town of Stykkishólmur. Duration: 1 hour Continuing from Stykkishólmur, you take Varmilækur Farm, tel. 898 7756 or 453 8021. road no. 58 and road no. 54 along the northern Horseback Riding in Skagafjörður coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It is a good Duration: 1.5 -2 hours idea to take the short detour on road no. 577 to Hestasport Tours, tel. 453 8383 or 453 8211. the farm and museum of Bjarnarhöfn, where Seal Watching and Sea Angling from you may learn how to take care of shark once Hvammstangi pulled out of the water, tel. 438 1581. Duration: 1 hours and 45 min for Seal Watch- Continue your journey through the small ing, 3 hours for Sea Angling fishing villages on the northern shores of the Selasigling, Tel. 897 9900. peninsula, Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík. Hellissandur, a busy fishing village 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 Reykjavik that faces the open sea. In medieval times, Rif was an important trading port. Coastal Villages, Sea Cliffs with Birdlife, Volcanic The Snæfellsnes peninsula is volcanic in Crater, Picturesque Fjord many places, with older rock types in between. ➠➠Approximate driving distance: At the western end you will find the strato 200 km / 130 miles volcano Snæfellsjökull. Snæfellsjökull is considered to be one of the most beautiful Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for glaciers in Iceland, and believed by many to details about your overnight stay have supernatural powers. Snæfellsfjökull first tykkishólmur is the largest town of the became famous after the publication in 1864 SSnæfellsnes peninsula. It has a fine natural of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the harbor sheltered amongst beautiful rock Earth. The glacier itself and its surroundings formations. Fishing is the main occupation with were established as a National Park in the year emphasis on shellfish. Trade began in Stykk- of 2001. ishólmur in the late 16th century. Iceland’s first Take road no. 574 going west. At the tip meteorological measurements were made here of the peninsula, near Dritvík, look for a sign in 1845 by Árni Thorlacius, who in 1832 built saying “Djúpalónssandur”, a small inlet used the Norwegian house, a fine timber building as a landing for small fishing boats in earlier that has been beautifully renovated and houses centuries. The fishermen got wages according the local folk museum. to their strength; measured on weight-stones, The Café Narfeyrarstofa is located in the still to be seen down by the landing. Here the centre of the village in one of those older roar of the ocean cannot cover the sound of the houses. seagulls constantly on the move. While in Stykkishólmur, we recommend the You drive by the romantic little fishing museum Vatnasafn or “Library of Water”, villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, both tel. 433 8154, in the former library building, known for their rock formations in the shapes

24 Self Drive Arctic Iceland of arches, caves, stacks, as well as cliffs alive Drive further along road no. 574 and road with huge colonies of birds. At Hellnar there no. 54 to Búðir, which is picturesquely situated is a small café by the seashore, worth visiting. by the shore, surrounded by Búðahraun lava. Here in Hellnar you can visit the Snæfellsjökull This is a unique place to walk in the sandy National Park’s Visitor Centre, which displays lava fields, see the charming black church and a part of the country’s trade history and the stroll on one of the few yellow beaches of geology, geography and animal life of the park. Iceland. Here you get endless possibilities for It also serves as an information centre and is photographing. You continue on road no. 54 open daily from mid May to mid September eastwards. At the junction of roads no. 54 and 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. A haven’t seen basalt column so far you should suggested walk is from one of the islands 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 1 hour. Snæfellsás. Another recommended walk, Keep on going in direction to Borgarnes . especially for bird watchers is from Arnarstapi Borgarnes is the largest coastal community to Hellnar. Approx. 45 min. walk. in Iceland that is not dependent on fishing. The

Arctic Iceland Self Drive 25 town is built on a scenic headland jutting into For those that have some time to spare in the picturesque fjord Borgarfjörður, close to Reykjavik we suggest that you visit Laugardal the spot, Borg, where the Viking poet and war- slaug swimming pool or one of the many swim- rior, Egill Skallagrímsson, the main character of ming pools in Reykjavík. There is also a botani- one of Iceland’s most famous Sagas, Egil’s Saga, cal garden and family park in the Laugardalur lived in the 10th century. area you might enjoy visiting. You can also It’s a good idea to visit the Icelandic Settle browse around the old city center of Reykjavík, ment Centre in Borgarnes, tel. 437 1600, which with its many shops, galleries, museums, cafés opened in 2006. The museum is operated in and restaurants. Recommended sites to visit if three buildings. The main floor of the centre walking are: Hallgrímskirkja Church, the City houses an exhibition entitled “The Settlement Hall, Tjörnin Lake, the harbour area, Harpa of Iceland”. conference and music hall, and the sculpture You have the choice between either tak- Sun Voyager. A little bit outside of the center ing the tunnel (ISK 1000 per car), or con- you can visit Perlan and the Höfði House. tinuing south along the beautiful coastline of Hvalfjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords (30 km / 19 miles), on road no. 47. During Fun things to do World War II, Hvalfjörður became one of the Snow Scooter tour to Snæfellsjökull Glacier most important Allied naval bases in the North from Arnarstapi Atlantic as a refuelling station for the Allied Duration: 1.5 hours fleet. The many large oil tanks around the Snjófell, tel. 435 6783. village of Miðsandur, often the cause of much tourist curiosity, are indeed remnants of this If you have not planned any extra activities refuelling station. Here you also find Iceland’s in Reykjavik and would like to add an experi- only whaling station, which operated until ence to your stay there, be sure to take a look 1986. Leaving Hvalfjörður you will drive along at our day tours selection on our web the base of the beautiful Mt. Esja (918 m or www.icelandtravel.is. 3.011 ft) into the city of Reykavík.

26 Self Drive Arctic Iceland Day 11: 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 extra to make sure you’ll have ample time at Dis recommended 3 hours before the the lagoon. departure of your flight, as it takes approx. 1 The rental car should be returned to the hour to drive to the airport and check in will airport service area which is located only 2 start 2 hours before your departure. minutes from the airport building. 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 be great to hear how your holiday went when you get back home! You can either log onto our website’s comment section at www.icelandtravel.is/comment/ or visit our TripAdvisor profile.

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