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Self Drive 19 days Grand Discovery

Eldhraun 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 sug- gested. 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 Grand Discovery A few favourites from the trip

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Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 3 Day 1: 13-14 Arrival. 10 8-9 15 Seyðisfjörður 12 Pick up your rental car and explore Reykjanes 11 Mývatn Peninsula. Stykkishólmur Egilssstaðir 6-7 16 ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 17 104 km / 64 miles. 5 Reykjavík 18 Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Höfn Keflavík 1 2 3-4 details about your overnight stay Hveragerði Kirkjubæjarklaustur pon your arrival in Iceland you’ll find your Urental car help desk in the arrival hall at Vík Keflavik Airport. The desk is open every day the beginning of your trip you continue on from 5:00am – 5:00pm and again from 9:00pm- road number no. 43 until you find your way to 1:00am. The staff will advise you where to find Grindavik. Take a left onto road no. 427 and your vehicle. explore the southern coastline on your way to If you are arriving early enough in the day Hveragerdi. we recommend driving along the southern Follow this winding road along the coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. Start your shoreline, past stand-alone houses, rock journey with a soak in the Blue Lagoon. Follow formations, and endless sea views. Take a quick road no. 41 towards Reykjavik until you find detour on road no. 42 to the Krysuvik Geother- road no. 43, leading south towards Grindavik. mal Area and Kleifarvatn Lake, which are a part Before you reach Mt Þorbjorn you make a right of the Reykjanes fissure zone. turn to the Blue Lagoon area. To make it easier Continue on your journey on road no. 427 you can just follow the steam clouds rising into until you reach road no. 38, which will take you the air. At the Blue Lagoon you can soothe to the charming village of Hveragerdi. The vil- away the jet lag and relax in the milky waters lage is one of the few sites in the world located of the Lagoon and perhaps enjoy a glass of the directly on top of a geothermal area and famous Blue Lagoon cocktail while you let the because of the numerous greenhouses using mask bring out the skin’s inner glow! geothermal heat it is often called the flower If you don´t plan on visiting the lagoon at village.

4 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery Reykjavík. In 2004 Þingvellir was placed on the Day 2: UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Flúðir/ While in Þingvellir you should visit: National Park of Geological Wonders (UNESCO), Spouting Geysers, Massive Waterfall Lögberg (The Law Rock), the law speaker, the ➠➠Approximate driving distance: president of Lögrétta (the Law Council) stood 170 km / 106 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 ecologi- chieftains, and bishops gathered to debate, cal, geological and historical interest. The park pass new laws and amend old ones. These two itself is situated in a stunning volcanic landscape sites are on the eastern side of the Almannagjá of mountains and lava flows, on the border of gorge. Iceland’s largest lake. Surrounding the lake are impressive faults and gorges that are consid- Drekkingarhylur (Drowning Pool) on the ered among the finest examples of the results Öxará River, where women found guilty of of tectonic movements in the world. It is the adultery were drowned. area where the tectonic plates for Europe and America meet, and one can literally see see the Öxarárfoss waterfall, a beautiful waterfall in rift valley between the continents. This is also the Öxará River, which falls thunderously over a the former site on the oldest parliament in the steep slope at the edge of the Almannagjá rift. world, Alþingi. It was founded here in 930 and this is where all the greatest events in Icelandic Þingvallakirkja Church, from 1859, situated history have taken place in the past thousand on the spot where one of first churches in years. In the 18th century. In the 18th century Iceland was built around 1016, shortly after the a major earthquake took place at this location, Icelanders converted to Christianity in the year after which the parliament was transferred to 1000.

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 5 From Þingvellir you will drive via Lyngdals­ heiði on road no. 365 to the lake Laugarvatn area. Laugarvatn is a geothermal area, and it is said that when Christianity was adopted in the year 1000, the chieftains from the north who refused to be baptized in the cold water of Þingvellir, were brought to Laugarvatn to be baptized in the warm spring. You continue your tour to the beautiful Gullfoss and Geysir region. The Geysir area is a colourful geothermal field where you find geothermal pools and a spectacular erupting hot spring or geyser. In fact the Icelandic word "geysir" is the commonly used generic term for this natural phenomenon. Every 5-10 minutes the geyser Strokkur (the Churn) erupts send- ing water and vapour shooting skywards in a spectacular display. Please be very careful near the hot pools and geyser and keep to the hiking paths. You continue your journey further north to Gullfoss waterfall, the “Golden Waterfall”. It is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall that that many believe to be the most scenic in Iceland. It

6 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery thunders 32 m (105 ft) over a fault into a gorge, (394 ft) high Háifoss, Iceland’s second highest which measures 2.5 km (1.5 miles) in length and waterfall, falling thunderously into a sheer- up to 70 m (230 ft) deep in places. walled gorge (please note you must hike some You head back and return to road no. 35 and distance to see Háifoss). turn south. Turn left at a junction to the road Turn back to road no. 32 going north until no. 31 to visit the bishopric at Skálholt, which you reach the junction of road no. 26 and no. 32. played a major role in Icelandic history from Now you have two possibilities, you can the year 1056 to 1796, when the bishopric was take an optional detour to Landmannalaugar moved to Reykjavik following a series of power- or head straight to road no. 1. ful earth tremors. Please note! Fun things to do △ The road to Landmannalaugar and Eldgjá Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths is usually open from mid-June till the end Tel. 486 1400 of August. △ The road to Landmannalaugar is not suit- Day 3: able for small cars, a 4WD jeep is needed, as you need to ford (cross) rivers. Þjórsárdalur, Skógar, Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur △ Please make sure that your petrol tank is full and that you have packed a picnic , Thundering Waterfalls, lunch before taking the road. Colony, Black Sand Beaches, Lava Fields ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 300 km / 186 miles Detour to Landmannalaugar: Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for f you decide to take the optional detour to details about your overnight stay I Landmannalaugar, drive road no. 26 north rom your accommodation turn onto and take a turn to road F208. Landmannalaugar, Froad no. 30 and then take road no. 32 one of Iceland’s natural jewels, has streams of to Þjórsárdalur valley, with its landscape of geothermal and spring water coming from under a sharply contrasting birch woods, sandy lava high wall of lava and mixing to make streams and fields, rivers and waterfalls. Follow the course pools having the perfect temperature for bathing. of the mighty Þjórsá, Iceland’s longest river Though the altitude is over 600 m, the river banks and the most important source of electricity in are covered in grass and flowers. The very colour- the country. At the entrance to the Þjórsárdalur ful mountains surrounding it make this valley, you can stop for a short climb to the top area quite unique. Just before reaching Landman- of Gauks höfði, a rocky crag with the mighty nalaugar you could drive right up to the side of river at its foot and a splendid view of Hekla, Ljótipollur, which is an impressive explosion crater Iceland’s most famous volcano. You will see with a lake inside. the beautiful waterfall Hjálparfoss, framed After the stop in Landmannalaugar you keep by twisted columns before heading for on going on road F208 leading to Eldgjá. Eldgjá Stöng, the excavated ruins of a Viking-age is a 40 km long volcanic rift reaching from the farmhouse in a fair state of preservation. If Mýrdalsjökull to the mountain Gjátindur. you follow the path alongside the brook you It is most impressive at the northern end where it will enter a beautiful ravine called Gjáin. The is 600 m (1968 ft) wide and 200 m (656 ft) deep. landscape here is heavenly, with brooks and Extensive lava fields have come from Eldgjá and waterfalls where harlequin ducks can often be spread over the lowlands of Meðalland, Landbrot spotted. This is the perfect place to unwind and Álftaver. The lava at Álftaver is the oldest. and enjoy the wonderful solitude. If you have Continue to road no. 1. You will come back to time continue on a rugged road to the 120 m road no. 1 about 23 km west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 7 If you do not take the detour, take a right the Þjórsárdalur Valley. Indeed the volcano was turn to road no. 26 and drive down that road to so infamous that in Medieval times Europeans road no. 1. While driving on road no. 26 you will believed it to be the very gateway to hell. The be passing through some dramatic scenery as volcanic eruptions from Hekla are spectacular you are in the proximity of the volcano Hekla as the mountain is 1,493 m (4897 ft) high and (to your left). The lunar-like landscape is in towers over the lowlands of the south most parts covered with thick layers of ash and Continue your tour through the fertile farm- lava. There is an interesting Hekla exhibition at lands of the south, towards the east through Leirubakki on road no. 26 where you can learn the small villages of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, about volcanism in general and the history of where trade and services are the main occupa- mount Hekla. Open daily 10:00-22:00, tel. 487 tions. 8700. This is the region where one of the best Mt. Hekla is without a doubt Iceland’s most known Icelandic family Sagas, Njal´s Saga is set. famous volcano. It is still very active, erupting You have the opportunity to visit the Viking most recently in 1970, 1980, 1981 and in 1991. and Saga Exhibition in Hvolsvöllur where you The last eruption started on 26th February can learn more about the sagas, tel. 487 8781. in 2000 and lasted for 12 days; the lava from Rising ahead of you now is the cone shaped this eruption covers approximately 18 km2 (47 Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcano, 1666 m mi2). Instead of a classic volcano cone, Hekla is (5465 ft). On a clear day you can see the West­ part of a rather squat series of ridges, although man Islands to your right. this is usually hidden behind a thick bank of There is a ferry to the Westman Islands, clouds that earned Hekla its menacing name, sailing from Landeyjarsandur. Therefore it is which means the hooded one. Soon after the easy to take a detour to this archipelago of settlement period, in 1104, Hekla showed that around 15 small islands. The largest island, it was a presence to be feared as it erupted , has a population of around 4.000 without warning and devastated 20 farms in inhabitants.

8 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery Detour to the Westman islands: Drive onwards to Skógar, where you can visit the Folk museum and Skógafoss waterfall, few kilometres east of Hvolsvöllur, turn 60 m (197 ft) high, one of the most impressive A right when you see the ferry sign and drive waterfalls in the country. The popular Folk towards the ocean. The ferry “Herjólfur” offers Museum is open daily from 09:00-18:00 from several departures per day, please call 481 2800 June to August but less in other months, tel. for information about the schedule and prices. You 487 8845. can either leave your car behind at the harbour or Mýrdalsjökull is Iceland’s fourth largest gla- take it along on the ferry. The duration of the sail- cier. Glacier tongues creep down its sides to the ing is only 30 minutes in good weather. lowlands, the most prominent being Sólheima­ Once in the Westman Islands, you should visit jökull. Under the south-eastern side of the “The Pompeii of the North” – the ruins of the glacier is , a sub glacial central volcano, town´s houses after the 1973 volcanic eruption, buried deep under 400 m (1312 ft) of ice. The the southern tip of the island “Stórhöfði” for caldera is 10 km (6.3 miles) in diameter. Since puffin- and watching and hike up to Helgafell the , Katla has erupted and/or Eldfell volcano. 16–20 times at an average interval of 40–80 A boat tour around the islands is a must for years, melting the glacial cap and causing all bird and nature lovers, please call Viking Tours catastrophic floods in the plains below. All of for further information, tel. 488 4884. They offer this has in the course of time created the vast various tours, such as the popular circle tour, Mýrdalssandur desert on the south-eastern whale watching, and deep sea fishing. A visit to the side of the glacier. Katla last erupted in 1918. Museum of Natural History offers insights into Continue the journey and pass Dyrhólaey, a the islands´ bird and marine life, houses a rock and magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs. It minerals collection, an aquarium and a remarkable is the southernmost point of Iceland and at the exhibition on the creation of island. From tip of it, is a huge wave-cut arch which boats mid-May until mid-September the museum is open can sail through. The headland is known for its May through the end of September, 10:00-17:00 bird life and is certainly worth a visit. It is about daily. Tel. 481 1997. 5 km (3 miles) from road no. 1 on road no. 218, Back on the ferry and you find yourself again about 8 km (5 miles) before you arrive to Vík on the main-land. village. Dyrhólaey is a bird sanctuary and closed to all traffic during the nesting season from ca. Continue on road no. 1 and a stop at the 1st of May until 25th of June each year. Please spectacular waterfall , 40 m (131 note that the road to the top is not always pass- ft) high, is recommended. There you can actu- able as it is very steep. If it has been raining ally walk behind the waterfall, but be careful as severely, the road turns muddy and is not at it might be slippery. all suitable for smaller cars and inexperienced Shortly after you pass Seljalandsfoss water- drivers. One has to be very careful walking on fall, you can pay a visit to the famous Þorvald­ top of Dyrhólaey, as no fences protect you from seyri farm, tel. 487 8815, which gained world- falling, so do not walk close to the edge. wide attention, during the volcanic eruption Before reaching Vík, there is another recom- beneath Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. During the erup- mended detour to the so-called Reynishverfi tion, thick layers of ash fell to the ground and riv- by turning right on road no. 215. Reynishverfi ers flooded their banks, damaging farmland, hot offers a beautiful black beach and impressive water pipes and flood barriers on nearby farms. basalt columns. At one place you can even The farmer, Ólafur Eggertsson, and his family, see and go into a cave called Hálsanefshellir have extraordinary images on display, showing chiselled out by the sea over thousands of the farm and its surrounding before, during and years. Depending on the tides the cave may not after the eruption. He has now opened a visitors´ always be accessible. Please bear in mind that centre in Þorvaldseyri that is worth visiting. this is the open Atlantic sea and the waves are

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 9 needles in the sea at the base of Reynisfjall Mountain, supposedly formed when two trolls were trying to drag a three-masted ship to land. When daylight broke they turned into stone. The stacks rise 66 m (216 ft) above sea level and can be seen from Vík. Heiðarvatn: A lake that lies not far from Vík. It offers good trout fishing and is a nice area for walking. Please note that you will need a permit for fishing. You continue your trip to Kirkjubæjarklaus­ tur, an area of great beauty, a growing resort with a number of historical spots. You drive on road no. 1 across the south-eastern part of Ice- land through the impressive Skaftáreldahraun lava field, which was created in the volcanic eruption at the Craters, supposedly the biggest lava field on earth coming from a single extremely strong and treacherous, so be on eruption, and which is now all covered with your guard. . You will drive onwards to the quiet village of Vík, which is situated in the mild and fertile Fun things to do Mýrdalur valley which is the southernmost Snowmobile Tour of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier borough in Iceland. The western border is Duration: 1 hour marked by the glacial river, Jökulsá, to the Arcanum, tel. 487 1500 / 893 3445. east is the river Blautkvísl, and to the south Glacial Walk with Crampons from Sólheima- are the black volcanic beaches and the Atlan­ jökull, with the possibility of some ice-climb- tic Ocean. Mýrdalur is a farming area with ing for those willing enough to try about 600 inhabitants, 330 of them in the Duration: 1.5 or 3.5 hours village of Vík. It is an area of great contrasts. Icelandic Mountain Guides, tel. 587 9999 or Lush green pastures lie between vast black 899 9982 volcanic sands. Rugged mountains, scarred by deep gullies, rise from the sands and are Day 4: topped by the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The area has rich birdlife with the country’s largest Fjaðrárgljúfur ­ Lakagígar nesting colony of arctic terns just east of the Gorge Hike - Volcanic Fissures village. In the cliffs west of the village you will see countless , kittiwakes and fulmars ➠➠Approximate driving distance: mainly during the months of May, June and 200 km / 124 miles. July. Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Please be careful when walking in the nesting details about your overnight stay area of the arctic terns as they are very protec- tive of their eggs and and their chicks. If you njoy a day at leisure. intrude you can expect the adult to dive E We recommend a hike in the magnifi- bomb on your head with their sharp beaks. To cent Fjaðrárgljúfur, one of the most spectacu- avoid getting hurt, please put a stick, umbrella lar canyons in Iceland, but if you are travelling or something long above your head since they in June, July, or August a longer detour to the attack the highest point. volcanic Laki craters (Lakagigar) is a great Reynisdrangar: These are tall stacks or option. The drive, for which you’ll need a rental

10 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery car category 5.0 or higher, takes you to the this stunning canyon until it makes it down into site of a catastrophic eruption in 1783-84, and Skaftá river. Fjaðrá has changed throughout the includes beautiful sights such as Laki, the larg- ages. Today Fjaðrá‘s water level is often rather est of the craters, which is 818 metres (2684 low and therefore hikers can safely walk inside feet) high and affords a breathtaking view over the canyon. However, wading is necessary fairly the craters. often and you have to hike the same way out. To get to Fjaðrárgljúfur turn right onto road Most people choose to walk along a walking no. 1 as if you are returning to Vik but take the path up on the canyon’s edge while simultane- next right onto the road towards Hunkubakkar ously enjoying the view above the canyon. Guesthouse. Drive past Hunkubakkar and to Laki Craters (Lakagígar) is a series of craters the parking lot at the end of the road. formed in a massive eruption in 1784. Lava Fjaðrárgljúfur is a gorgeous and impressive flowed across the flat land and destroyed mul- canyon, about 100 meters deep and about 2 titudes of farms before stopping just outside km long. The canyon has sheer vertical walls, of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. To get there, turn right and is somewhat narrow and meandering. The onto F206 from the Hunkubakkar road, before bedrock is mostly palagonite from the Ice Age you get to Fjaðrárgljúfur, and continue up to and is thought to be about two million years Laki. You may have to cross a few rivers so a car old. The river Fjaðrá has its source in the moun- SUV 4wd is a must here. tain Geirlandshraun and falls off the edge in Overnight stay in Kirkjubaejarklaustur area.

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 11 after the eruption. Some of the icebergs that Day 5: the flood carried with it were as large as three Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn storey houses. Skaftafell National Park is a masterpiece Europe’s Largest National Park and Glacier, Gla- of seemingly impossible contrasts of nature. cial Lagoon with Icebergs On the one hand you have the Skeiðarársandur ➠➠Approximate driving distance: plains, vast stretches of black sandy waste- 200 km / 124 miles land and volcanic debris borne from volcanic eruptions from underneath the icecap of Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Vatnajökull. On the other hand you have the details about your overnight stay enormous icecap of Vatnajökull with its valley irkjubæjarklaustur was the site of a descending like fingers in all directions. Kconvent in earlier times, a fact reflected In the middle lies Skaftafell plateau, like a ver- in place name like Systrastapi, and dant oasis, where you can see gorges with clear Systravatn, meaning Sisters’ Rock, Sisters’ brooks and beautiful waterfalls, birch woods, Falls and Sisters’ Lake, respectively. You can a wealth of wild flowers and lush vegetation. A have a look at the famous Kirkjugólf or church walk on the marked paths along the gorges for floor, at the northern part of Kirkjubæjarklaus- a look at the waterfalls is a must for all visitors. tur, although it is believed that it was never The most majestic is , the "Black a floor in a church. It is the surface of huge Falls", plunging over a wall of symmetrical basalt columns. It is worth a closer look. Near basalt columns that recall organ pipes. Kirkjubæjarklaustur you will see numerous hills, There is an alternative for those who have Landbrotshólar, which comprise the largest difficulty walking up to the Skaftafellsjökull area of pseudo craters in Iceland. glacier (wheelchair accessible). For further The area has a lot to offer the visitor; hik- information please ask at the information ing, swimming in the local swimming pool or centre in Skaftafell. sightseeing are some of the options. The Tour- Continue your tour and drive from Skaftafell ist Information Centre in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, on to Jökulsárlón where it is possible to take a at Klausturvegur 29, tel. 487-4620 can also breathtaking cruise amongst floating icebergs give you further information on what to do in on the fantastic 180 m (590 ft) deep glacial Kirkjubæjarklaustur. lagoon. The icebergs break off enormous ice On the way from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to lobes, advancing down deep valleys from the Skaftafell National Park you have a great Vatnajökull icecap. The ice from the glacier is opportunity to see an interesting basalt column over 1000 years old, but the lagoon has largely formation at Dverghamrar, please look for a been formed over the last century, as the sign on the right hand side of the road. Then glacier has retreated in the warmer climate. drive past Núpsstaður, an old farm surrounded Sometimes you can see seals by the coastline of by magnificent cliffs, where you will find one of the lagoon. the oldest churches in Iceland with a turf-cov- At the travel service in Hólmur, before ered roof. You will also drive past Lómagnúpur; reaching Höfn, you can visit a café and Mini­ an impressive 688 m (2.257 ft) high precipice. Zoo with all the usual Icelandic farm animals, After passing Lómagnúpur, Skeiðarársan­ horses, sheep, dogs, cats, and more. Open dur sand plains will appear. Following a volcanic daily, 09:00-17:00, tel. 478 2063. eruption in Vatnajökull glacier in October 1996, Brunnhóll farm and guesthouse makes a millions of tons of water and ice flooded over delicious stop on the way to Höfn, since the Skeiðarársandur. The flood washed away large farm is known for its own production of home- parts of the road and destroyed two bridges. made ice-cream, tel. 478 1029. Preliminary repairs were made and the road Höfn is a bustling fishing and fish process- opened again in December, only two months ing port, as well as a commercial centre, with

12 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery considerable farming in the neighbouring area. Day 6: In Höfn there is an interesting local exhibition worth seeing. The visitors have the opportunity Djúpivogur, Reyðarfjörður, Egilsstaðir to experience and learn about the area, the Narrow , Steep Mountains, Picturesque nature and the basic glaciology. It's located in Coastline, Mineral Collection the visitors centre in Höfn, tel. 470 8330. ➠➠Approximate driving distance: Fun things to do 300 km / 186 miles Trout Fishing, close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Duration: Variable details about your overnight stay Efri-Vík farm, tel. 487 4694. Glacial Walk in Skaftafell. oday you will drive the Eastern Fjords Duration: 2.5 hours Tonwards to Egilsstaðir. Icelandic Mountain Guides, tel. 587 9999 or Eastern Iceland is a very mountainous 899 9982. region of deep fjords isolated from each other Boat Tour on the Jökulsárlón Glacial by sheer mountains. There is very little volcanic Lagoon or geothermal activity there as the region is Duration: 30-40 min geologically the oldest part of Iceland. The Jökulsárlón, tel. 478 2222 or 899 5920. region is heavily eroded and therefore there are Jeep Tour or Snow Scooter Tour on Vatna­ many interesting minerals and semi-precious jökull Glacier. stones to be found there. Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes The Eastern Fjords are renowned for the Jöklajeppar (Glacier Jeeps), tel. 478 1000 or history of brave French, Belgian, and Spanish 894 3133. fishermen who hunted whales and fished for 4WD Quad Biking in Hoffell. cod in the seas off the coast of the eastern Duration: 1.5 hours shores from the beginning of the 17th century. Vatnajökull Travel, tel. 894 1616. An Icelandic farmer compiled the world’s first dictionary of the Basque language in the 17th

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 13 century in order to be able to communicate possibly also seals. You also have the option of with some of them. taking the shortcut through the tunnel straight Before you come to the Almannaskarð to Reyðarfjörður. tunnel you can take a little detour down the Reyðarfjörður is the largest of the Eastern road to the right marked “Stokksnes”. At the Fjords. It served as one of the largest Allied end of that road, down at the shore, you will bases during World War II. In the village at the find seabirds, arctic terns and possibly seals out base of the there is a small museum of on the rocks. You then drive east through the war memorabilia called the Icelandic Wartime Almannaskarð tunnel. If the weather is good Museum, tel. 470-9063. Just outside the town an option is to drive to a view point on the east there is a big aluminium smelter producing annu- side of the tunnel. There you can enjoy the ally 350.000 tons of aluminium, owned and run beautiful scenery towards the west. You will by Alcoa, was opened in 2007 providing jobs for see the glacial tongues crawling down from the 400 people. Continue your tour to Egilsstaðir. main icecap to the lowlands. Egilsstaðir is situated some distance inland, Continue through the Lón area, which many on a fertile plain on the border of Lake Lagar­ consider to be one of the most beautiful sites in fljót, which is a huge glacial river. According Iceland. The road then leads north to Djúpiv- to local legends, similar to those about Loch ogur, at the southern opening of Berufjörður Ness in Scotland, you might expect to see a sea fjord, which is known for its zeolite-crystals. serpent called Lagarfljótsormurinn reputedly Djúpivogur is a beautifully situated, pic- living in the lake. Egilsstaðir is a natural centre turesque fishing town. If you can, take a walk for regional social services and transportation around this beautiful area, please ask for a to many of the towns and villages in the eastern hiking map of the area in the shops. Djúpivogur part of Iceland. might be an interesting choice for birdwatchers You can make an interesting visit to Hall­ because there you can experience unspoiled ormsstaður, a state forestry plantation in the nature where you can see the bulk of Icelandic beautiful Hallormsstaðaskógur, where 80 birds in their natural environment without dif- species of trees from various parts of the world ficulties such as long walks or extra travelling. are growing. Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest Mammals such as seals and can also be forest plantation in Iceland. From Egilsstaðir seen there frequently. In Djúpavogur there are to Hallormsstaður the distance is 26 km (16 two birdwatching shelters open to the public. miles), but if you have the time to drive around You can get more information at the local infor- the lake, which is altogether 84 km (52 miles), mation office in Langabúð. we recommend a stop on the other side of the You will continue your journey through lake, 20 km (12,5 miles) from Hallormsstaður, Breiðdalsvík and on to Stöðvarfjörður, where called Skriðuklaustur. The building was you can visit the famous Rock Collection of designed by the German architect Fritz Höger Petra Sveinsdóttir, tel. 475-8834. Over 90% and built in 1939 for the writer Gunnar Gun- of the stones in her collection were found in narsson. Today it is an institute which enables Stöðvarfjörður and the surroundings. From artists, writers and scholars to stay temporarily Stöðvarfjörður follow road no. 96 north to to work, but a part of it is open to the public. Fáskrúðsfjörður. Fáskrúðsfjörður used to be If you are here in the afternoon, you will have the base for the French fishermen. The French the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest built a hospital and a chapel there and 49 refreshments in Iceland. Everything is home- French and Belgian fishermen lie buried in the made and served by local women. cemetery at Krossar on the seashore on the northern outskirts of the town. Fun things to do From Fáskrúðsfjörður continue your journey Boat Tour to from Djúpivogur. to Reyðarfjörður. On the way to Reyðarfjörður Duration: 4 hours, boat leaves at 1 pm every day on road no. 96 you should see seabirds and Papeyjarferðir at 478 8119 or 862 4399 .

14 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery mountains in the area are light and exception- Day 7: ally beautiful in colour. It is one of the largest Seydisfjordur and Borgarfjordur Eystri rhyolite areas in Iceland, but volcanic basalt is also very common. Eastern Towns The small town of Bakkagerði is situated on ➠➠Approximate driving distance: the coast of the fjord. The two major industries 140 km / 86 miles have long been agriculture and small boat fishing. On the edge of the town is Álfaborg, a Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for unique set of cliffs reported to be the home of details about your overnight stay elves, including Iceland’s Queen of the Elves. eyðisfjörður is only 27 km (17 miles) away Álfaborg is a protected site and there is a view- Sfrom Egilsstaðir along road no. 93. It is a ing platform at the top. beautiful town worth visiting, situated in a Overnight at Egilsstaðir. deep, 18 km (11 miles) long fjord of the same name. Trading started in Seyðisfjörður in 1834 Day 8: and in the latter part of the 19th century it became, for a while, one of the largest towns , Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, Mývatn in Iceland. Many beautiful Norwegian-style Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall, Glacier Carved houses date from that time. Every week the Gorge, Whale Watching Smyril Line car ferry Norröna comes to Seyðis- fjöður. ➠➠Approximate driving distance: Borgarfjörður Eystri has only 130 inhabit- 310 km / 193 miles. ants, the area has plenty to offer, including Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for some of the most populated elfin settlements details about your overnight stay in Iceland and a wide selection of hiking routes. The area boasts a spectacular landscape which oday you will continue your journey is a dream for every outdoor enthusiast. There Tand drive on road no.1 over the eastern is great natural beauty in the area, as it is highlands, heading for Lake Mývatn. You drive still untouched by mass tourism. Many of the across the desolation of Jökuldalsheiði heath,

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 15 a mountain pastureland containing many lakes, through which flows Jökulsá, one of the at a mean altitude of 500 m (1640 ft), and country’s mighty glacial rivers. Once there, you where you will be able to see fine examples of should visit: tundra. Remains of settlements dating from 1841–1946 can be seen on the plateau, for Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, many of the inhabitants of this area emigrated contrasting strikingly with the smaller water- to America after a volcanic eruption in the falls of Hafragilsfoss and Selfoss. caldera in 1875. If you take road no. 901 instead of no. 1, Hólmatungur Nature Reserve, also at road you can take F907 and drive a few kilometres F862 with beautiful, colourful rock formations in a southerly direction. There you will find the and rich flora. small turf farmhouse, Sænautasel, which is worth the visit. It dates from 1843 was farmed The Nature Reserve of Hljóðaklettar (The until 1943, except for the period 1875-1880, Echo Cliffs) on road F862 from Ásbyrgi, a great when ash from the Askja eruption made the labyrinth of crags and rock formations which, farm uninhabitable. Farming and life on this like other strange rock formations and canyons high heath was tough and mainly consisted in the National Park, is the result of cata- of trying to keep the livestock alive. The farm strophic floods and water . has been restored by the local community and is kept open in summer, showing artefacts Ásbyrgi, on road no. 861, a natural horseshoe- from bygone times in their proper setting. shaped rock enclosure, whose impressive walls Traditional refreshments are also available at reach a height of 90 m (295 ft), sheltering Sænautasel. fertile and lush vegetation. You continue over the barren highlands of Möðrudalsfjallgarðar, renowned for their You drive road no. 85 round the Tjörnes mystical beauty. Stefán from Möðrudalur, a peninsula, famous for its fossiliferous layers beloved naïve-style painter, used to live here. and bird life, to Húsavík. Möðrudalur and its charming Mountain Café is Húsavík is situated in a picturesque fjord just a little detour from the main road on road surrounded by majestic mountains capped with no. 901. snow, even in summertime, and is a commercial centre for the agricultural area, as well as a Please note! busy fishing port. The Húsavík Whale Museum △ If you are not travelling between mid­ provides information on whale species, their June and mid­September, please note evolution and , whale stranding and the that road no. 901 can be closed. history of whaling. Open from 8:30-18:30 in △ The roads to Dettifoss are usually just May-September but less in other months, tel. open from mid­June to mid­September, 414 2800. because of wet and muddy conditions Recommended cafés and restaurants in caused by melting snow and ice. Húsavík are Gamli Baukur located right on the △ Please ask locally for information on road pier in a charming house made mainly of drift conditions before leaving Egilsstaðir. wood and Salka restaurant. Take road no. 85 and 87 or 845 to Lake If the roads to Dettifoss are closed, you Mývatn depending on your accommodation. must take road no. 1 to Lake Mývatn and on to Húsavík by road no. 87 and no. 85. Fun things to do If the roads are open, continue your journey Whale Watching from Húsavík. northwards by taking road no. 862, until you Duration: 3 hours reach Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon National Park, Norðursigling at 464 7272. the largest and most rugged gorge in Iceland,

16 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery Day 9: ducks, are great northern divers, red-necked phalaropes, Slovenian grebes, red-throated Lake Mývatn divers, merlins and gyrfalcons. Bizarre Lava Formation, Geothermal Activity, Rich There are several remarkable natural phenom- Birdlife, Lunar Landscape ena in the district worth visiting, such as: ➠➠Approximate driving distance: Varies Skútustaðargígar pseudo craters: A cluster of colourful and beautifully formed pseudo Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for craters situated close to Skútustaðir and easily details about your overnight stay accessible from there on foot. ývatn is one of the country’s most fasci- Mnating places. The unique ecology of the Höfði, Nature Park: With rich flora, fauna and lake and its unusual environment has made it a beautiful view of the lake. one of northern Iceland’s greatest attractions. Lake Mývatn is famous for many things, such Dimmuborgir: Translated as “Black Castles”, as rich bird life, beautiful landscape influenced a landscape of rugged crags and strange lava by volcanic activity and boiling solfataras. In formations. There are 3 different routes marked and near the lake, all the Icelandic duck species, for walking. Please stay on the paths, as this apart from the eider, breed annually, in all 15 area is like a labyrinth. species. During the summer the lake is teeming with birds feeding on the lake´s rich food sup- Hverfjall: A huge explosive crater. It looks ply. The area is protected by international law like a giant circular stadium with a crater bowl as a very important breeding place for different of 1,040 – 1,200 m (3.411-3.936 ft) in diameter birds. Birds to look out for, apart from the and 140 m (459 ft) in depth. It stands only 150

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 17 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 best known chasms Vogafjós­café: A small café located inside a that is half full of hot water, making it a popular cowshed where you can see the milking of the bathing spot for a long time. Today the tem- cows. It is possible to taste the fresh milk and perature is too hot and so bathing is no longer even try your hand at milking. The cows are possible. Please watch your step if walking milked twice a day. The emphasis is on home down to the pool. made local food such as smoked trout, Moz- zarella cheese from their own milk and geyser : A high temperature field with active bread baked in the warm earth. You will find volcanic craters, where a steam-powered elec- Vogafjós by road no. 1 where it goes round tricity generating station has been built. Lake Mývatn, a 10-minute drive from the vil- lage 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 hot viscous mud of amazing patterns and col- hotels and service-centres in the Mývatn area. ours. Please be very careful here and do not get

18 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery Bird Museum (Fuglasafn Sigurgeirs): A private towards Akureyri you could make a detour to collection of birds, now open to the public. For Akureyri by taking road no. 835 to visit the directions you can call the museum directly, tel. Laufás Museum. Here you can see one of the 464 4477. country’s best preserved turf/sod farmhouses. The museum is open from mid May until mid Leirhnjúkur: Part of the Krafla fissure complex. September from 10:00 – 18:00. From Laufás It is one of the most interesting sights in the you would continue on road no. 83 to drive to Mývatn area. A highly active volcano and a Akureyri. small but very colourful high-temperature Akureyri boasts some of the finest timber geothermal field situated west of Krafla, which buildings in the country, beautifully restored. last erupted in a series of nine eruptions from Because of its excellent natural harbour and 1975–1984. good communications, Akureyri has become the northern center of education, culture, trade West of it are a series of craters and volcanic and industry. Akureyri has a whole street in its fissures of the same name. In this area you can centre, Listagil (Art Gorge), devoted to arts, also see the lava fields from 1984, which are crafts and design, where it is ideal to visit the still hot. A vast magma chamber lies under the Akureyri Art Museum. This charming town is region, in some parts as close to the surface located inland at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord, as 3 km (1,9 mile). From the car park, a circular the longest fjord in Iceland, which means that footpath leads you around the volcano and up Akureyri, together with Egilsstaðir, is one of to its summit from where there is a beautiful the two towns in Iceland closest to the centre view over the impressive volcanic landscapes of the country. This provides Akureyri with a cli- surrounding it. This is a very interesting walk mate, which is more continental than oceanic, but one has to be very careful when crossing with colder winters and warmer summers than the high-temperature area. It is important to in most other towns in Iceland. Therefore, in wear good walking boots. On rainy days there spite of its location, about 70 km (44 miles) is considerable mud in the geothermal area and south of the Arctic Circle, the town is verdant it can become very slippery there, so one has to with a public park and botanical garden, Lysti­ take extra care when crossing it. garðurinn, which was opened in 1912. It was Overnight stay in Myvatn area. originally only planted with various kinds of trees, but it now also includes over 400 to 450 Day 10: Icelandic vascular . There are many other interesting places Akureyri and the North of Iceland and museums in Akureyri. One is Nonnahús, a museum and former home of children’s writer Bizarre Lava Formation, Geothermal Activity, Rich and Jesuit priest Jón Sveinsson, “Nonni”. (It Birdlife, Iceland’s Second Largest City is located at Aðalstræti 54b). Next-door, and ➠➠Approximate driving distance: equally interesting, is the Akureyri Museum. 91 km / 57 miles Akureyri also has a new swimming pool with an indoor- and outdoor swimming pool, along with Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for a children´s pool, jacuzzis and slides. details about your overnight stay At the Tourist Office in the Hof Cultural fter exploring the Myvatn area, head for Centre you can pick up a map and get further AAkureyri, via road no 1. On the way to information. Akureyri, which is the “capital” of northern Overnight stay in Akureyri. Iceland, you will pass Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most beautiful and renowned waterfalls. Driving 18 km (11 miles) from Goðafoss

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 19 times (before 1600 A.D.) Day 11: From Sauðárkrókur drive towards Skaga­ Siglufjordur, Varmahlíð/Hvammstangi/ fjörður fjord and the small village of Varmahlíð Laugarbakki on road no. 75 and you can pick up the itinerary from below. Troll Peninsula, Fertile Farmlands, Folk Museum, In Skagafjörður fjord and valley you will Viking Horses find a small village called Varmahlíð. Ska- ➠➠Approximate driving distance: gafjörður stretches from the Arctic Ocean 250 km / 155 miles to the highlands and is one of the “cradles of Icelandic history", playing a leading role in Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for the events in the 13th century civil war and in details about your overnight stay cultural developments for centuries afterwards. rive on road no.1 and then turn onto road Skagafjörður is one of the most important Dno. 82, heading north. Just before reaching areas for river rafting in the country, as there Dalvík village, you will pass a bird-sanctuary are several large glacial rivers originating from by the river. The main industries in Dalvík are the highland interior, ideal for that purpose. fishing, fish processing and trading. In Dalvik, Varmahlíð is a small village situated at the recreations such as whale watching and horse junction of road no. 1 and road no. 75. rental are available and there is always the We suggest you visit Glaumbær Museum option of visiting the museums in town or try- on this day, as you have a long drive ahead the ing the local swimming pool. The museum is a next day. Glaumbær is located on road no. 75 traditional folk museum with an unusual twist, only about 14 km (9 miles) from Varmahlíð - representing Jóhann Svarfdælingur, known as watch out for a signpost. This is an old farm “the Giant”, once being the tallest man in the with turf buildings in traditional style, some world. You can try on his huge shoes and view parts of which date back to the 18th century. his specially made bicycle and chair, amongst Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir, the first woman to other things. go to America and who gave birth to the first Continue driving the coastline, through American of European descent, lived at Glaum- the tunnel, to the famous herring town of bær in the 11th century. A part of the museum Siglufjörður. Siglufjörður was an important is a charming café called Áskaffi serving tradi- herring centre from 1904 to recent times, tional pastries in an old parlour setting. when the herring disappeared. A very interest- Before you head off on road no. 1 to ing museum, offering a glimpse into the glory Húnaflói, we suggest a visit to the small turf days is the “Herring Era Museum”, recreating church Víðimýri, located very close to Var- the town’s bustling harbour of the 1950s. You mahlíð, but on the other side of road no. 1. It is might be lucky enough to witness a show of open 09:00 – 18:00 from 1. June - 31. August. salting herring into barrels, singing and dancing Heading towards Blönduós and to accordion music on the museum dock. The Hvammstangi on road no. 1, you will pass museum is open in June-August from 10:00- some of the finest salmon rivers in Iceland. You 18:00 but less in other months. Tel. 467 1604. will drive past the small town of Blönduós situ- From Siglufjörður you will drive on road no. ated on both sides of the glacial river Blanda. 76 and then on road no. 75 to Sauðárkrókur. Blönduós is a long established trading and On the way you will pass Hofsós village, where service town, and the administrative centre of you will find beautiful columnar basalt by the the region. coast and also the Emigration Museum. If you Þingeyrar Church (road no. 721) is worth a still have time, a visit to the old bishopric in the visit. At the junction of road no. 721 and road north, Hólar, is recommended, on road no. 767. no. 1, you will see numerous small hills, which The Hólar Cathedral is beautiful, with many are the result of a landslide, the uncountable objects dating all the way back to Catholic Vatnsdalshólar hills. Approximately, 16 km (10

20 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery miles) further west we suggest that you drive pay a visit to the Icelandic Seal Centre, open along road no. 718 and go to the spectacular daily from 09:00 to 19:00, June-August, please Kolugil canyon. You can take road no. 715 on call tel. 451 2345. the way back to road no. 1.

Short detour to Fun things to do Vatnsnes peninsula: Ferry to the Island of Hrísey Ferry line, Hríseyjarferjan ake road no. 711 to Vatnsnes peninsula. Sævar, tel. 695 5544 T The distance from road no. 1 and back is Duration: 15 min. in the ferry to the island approximately 82 km (51 miles) mostly on a gravel Horse Show in Skagafjörður road. The main attraction here is the Hvítserkur Duration: 1 hour (White Cowl) stack standing right at the shore. Varmilækur Farm, tel. 898 7756 or 453 8021 It resembles a fantastical animal drinking and Horseback Riding in Skagafjörður reaches a height of 15 meters (50 ft). The name is Duration: 1.5 -2 hours probably derived from the white colour of the bird Hestasport Tours, tel. 453 8383 or 453 8211. droppings that cover Hvítserkur. This area is very Seal Watching and Sea Angling from peaceful and seals can often be spotted here as Hvammstangi. Tel. 897 9900. well as in Hindisvík, which is right on the end of Duration: 1 hours and 45 min for Seal Watch- the peninsula. ing, 3 hours for Sea Angling In Hvammstangi (on road no. 72) you can

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 21 centre with a local supermarket, a bank and a Day 12: service station. Strandir, Hólmavík, Drangsnes On the way up Strandir you will find a number of rivers, rivulets, and small lakes and

in many places the shoreline is dotted with ➠➠Approximate driving distance: driftwood from Siberia. There are quite many 250 km / 155 miles and large eider colonies along the coastline and the inhabitants collect the down from the Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for nests, hunt seals, process the drift wood and do details about your overnight stay some fishing. ou will continue driving on road no.1 to Continue your drive up the magical coast of YStaðarskáli, a popular rest-stop, where you Strandir until you reach the town Hólmavík, can get light refreshments and use the wash- a small village in Steingrímsfjörður fjord. Its rooms before taking road no. 61 (in 2010 road inhabitants are mainly employed in the fishing 61 changed to road 68, road 68 then changes industry, agriculture and commerce. Trade back to 61 upon approaching Hólmavík) to the began in Hólmavík just before the turn of the town of Hólmavík. century and the town grew rapidly afterwards. In Hólmavík you can visit the “Witchcraft Please note! Museum”, which tells the story of sorcery and △ General road conditions in the western witchcraft in the Strandir area from the 17th fjords are not as good as in other parts of century, tel. 451 3525. the country, so please drive safely, espe- Overnight in the Hólmavík area. cially on gravel roads. Fun things to do On the way you should stop at Borðeyri, Puffin Watching on Grímsey Island the smallest village in Iceland! Borðeyri is on Vesturferðir, tel. 456 5111. Hrútafjörður’s west side, a hamlet on a small Duration: 3-4 hours sandbank. Borðeyri is the district’s service

22 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery Day 13: Day 14: Ísafjörður – Capital of the Ísafjörður and Surroundings Scenic Coastline, Striking Fjords, Steep Mountains, West Fjords, Local Museums, Hiking in Horn- Seals and Birdlife strandir Natural Reserve ➠➠Approximate driving distance: ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 221 km / 137 miles Variable

Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for details about your overnight stay details about your overnight stay ou will drive from Hólmavík across the high oday you have the day at leisure in Ypass of Steingrímsfjarðarheiði heath into TÍsfjörður and its surrounding. the spectacular region of Ísafjarðardjúp. The beautiful town of Ísafjörður, the The 75 km-long Ísafjarðardjúp stretches all regional capital of the West Fjords and the the way from the mountains around Bolun- major centre of commerce and culture, is situ- garvík at its mouth to the shores of Ísafjörður ated by Ísafjarðardjúp fjord which is the larg- fjord, the most easterly of the nine smaller est of the West Fjords. Eight narrow and long fjords that make up the southern coastline inlets cut its southern coast while its north- of this extended arm of the Strait. eastern coast has only one prominent inlet. On Approaching from the southeast, descending its northern coast, near its mouth, it is deeply from the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði on road no. cut by the magical Jökulfirðir or “glacier’s 61, the views of Ísafjarðardjúp are spectacu- fjords”, so called because of the Drangjökull lar. Look across the bay and, on the northern glacier situated at their centre. shoreline, you’ll see the snowcapped mountains Northeast of Jökulfirðir is the Hornstrandir of Langadalsströnd and Snæfjallaströnd, them- Nature Reserve where nature becomes selves divided by the glacial lagoon Kaldalón, breathtaking in its rawness and astonishingly which is fed by meltwater from the only glacier rich vegetation. Abandoned by a farming com- in the West Fjords, Drangajökull. Until just a munity during the first decades of this century, couple of decades ago these coasts were dot- and free from the destructive grazing of sheep, ted with isolated farms making an uncertain plants and wildlife alike thrive on a scale living from sheep farming and the odd crop. unknown elsewhere in the country. In some In addition to working the land, many farm- areas, as for example in Aðalvík bay, you can ers also eked out an existence as fishermen wade knee-deep in meadows of wild flowers on Ísafjarðardjúp. Nowadays, the bay is better fertilized by the of countless seabirds, known for the rich shrimping grounds found at and in the tranquillity of the fjords you can its mouth, as the whitefish have moved further listen at sundown to the music of nature, the out to sea. sound of seabirds and, if you are very lucky, to You drive along the countless uninhabited the haunting bark of the arctic fox. This is now fjords with beautiful coastlines, teeming with one of the most popular areas for hiking in the seals and bird life, to Ísafjörður, the largest country. town in this area. Ísafjörður boasts a lovely old town centre Overnight stay in Ísafjörður. with some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored. Some of these old buildings are now a part of the Ísafjörður Mari- time and Folk Museum. Ísafjörður is a popular ski resort in wintertime; while in summer tour- ists visit the town, not just for its charm and beautiful surroundings, but also for the popular

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 23 trips to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Jökul- through the tunnel and over Gemlufallsheiði firðir and the Island of . heath on to Þingeyri village, the oldest trading The island Vigur has earned a great reputa- post in the western Ísafjörður district. The tion and has become a “must” for visitors to name “Þing” indicates an ancient assembly the area. It’s like time stands still on the island. site. Just before reaching Þingeyri you drive A leisurely walk around the island gives you an through Dýrafjarðarbotn, which is a beautiful opportunity to see an abundance of birds in area with a majestic mountain range and con- their natural environment. The island is home siderable flora. Fisheries are the main activity to thousands of birds e.g. eider ducks, arctic of Þingeyri, but there is some commerce and terns, puffins and more. farming. The area around Þingeyri is of particu- After exploring Ísafjörður you can take lar natural beauty, with high mountains and road no. 61 to the north to the nearby town of beautiful scenery. The highland area between Bolungarvík. The harbor in Bolungavík is often Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður to the south is bustling with life; boats arriving and people often referred to as the Alps of the West Fjords. busy landing the fish, while seagulls and other For all the above tours, please call Vesturf- birds are flying around. Close to Bolungarvík is erðir, Aðalstræti 7, tel. 456 5111. The Tourist the restored fishermen’s hut, Ósvör Museum Information Centre is housed in the same build- tel. 456 7379. ing, tel. 450 8060. You continue on road no. 60 and drive

24 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery Rauðisandur (“Red Sand”) is an extensive, Day 15: white sandy coastal area southeast of Látrabjarg, Bíldudalur, Látrabjarg, Flókalundur thought by many to be one of the most pictur- esque places in Iceland. It is ideal for strolling Small Picturesque Villages, Striking Waterfall, Red along its amazing golden sands and beautiful Sand Beaches, Sea Cliffs with Birdlife shore. Access is from road no. 614. The distance ➠➠Approximate driving distance: from the junction of road no. 614 and road no. 287 km/ 178 miles 612 is about 17 km, driving on a rough gravel road and not for those who fear heights. Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for Please contact Sæferðir, tel. 438 1450 details about your overnight stay and confirm your seat on the ferry Baldur for he tour continues along the West Fjords, tomorrow. Twhich geologically speaking contain some of the oldest parts of Iceland with rock forma- Day 16: tions 13 - 14 millions years old. You continue your drive over Hrafnseyrar­ Ferry Baldur, Breiðafjörður, Stykkishólmur heiði heath to Hrafnseyri, a church farm in Ferry across the Bay, Picturesque Islands with Arnarfjörður and the birthplace of independ- Birdlife, Quaint Fishing Villages ence movement leader Jón Sigurðsson (the anniversary of whose birthday, June 17th in ➠➠Approximate driving distance: 1811, is Iceland’s National Day) and where 50 km / 31 miles. there is a memorial museum to this great Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for statesman. Arnarfjörður abounds with natural details about your overnight stay wonders and should not go unexplored. The most famous of its natural wonders is ime is your own until noon. This is an excel- probably the waterfall , a 100 m high Tlent opportunity to go on an easy hike in cataract of unusual beauty. the surrounding area. Some kilometres beyond here the road Then you sail on the ferry Baldur from splits in two. Turn onto road no. 63 which Brjánslækur, across the bay of Breiðafjörður, leads you through the small fishing villages of with a short stop in Flatey Island, and on to the Bíldudalur, Tálknafjörður and the larger town village Stykkishólmur, ca. a three-hour sailing. of Patreksfjörður, named after an Irish bishop called Patrick, whose foster son was its first Detour to Flatey: settler. Trade began here in 1570 so it is one of the oldest trade posts in the Western Fjords eautifully kept old houses in cheerful colours and is now the trade and service centre for Bline the path through the settlement of Flatey west Barðarstrandasýsla district. island. Walk through it, and at the end of the settle- Across the fjord from Patreksfjörður there is ment, the path becomes even narrower and more a small museum, Hnjótur in Örlygshöfn, where crooked, taking you through a dense colony of birds. it is well worth taking a break and having some Two families stay on the island throughout the win- refreshments. ter, but many more migrate during the summer. Take road no. 62 and then road no. 612 to In a charming way, it feels very much like a Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland. movie set. And so it is. A number of movies were Látrabjarg is a 14 km long and up to 450 m high shot on the island, most notably The Honour of the cliff teeming with different species of nesting House based on a short story by Nobel Prize win- seabirds. In Breiðavík Bay, seals can often be ner Halldór Laxness, and White Night Wedding, spotted in the crashing waves. a movie by Baltasar Kormákur. In fact, Baltasar’s Please be careful, there are no safety rails father painted the unusual altar piece in the and the soil can be slippery near the edges. island’s church, making it worthy of a visit.

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 25 Stykkishólmur is the largest town of the a work created by American artist Roni Horn in Snæfellsnes peninsula. It has a fine natural collaboration with Art Angel as a multi–faceted harbour sheltered amongst beautiful rock long-term installation and community centre in formations. Fishing is the main occupation with the town of Stykkishólmur. emphasis on shellfish. Trade began in Stykk- Overnight stay in Stykkishólmur. ishólmur in the late 16th century. Iceland’s first meteorological observations were made here in Day 17: 1845 by Árni Thorlacius, who in 1832 built the Norwegian House, a fine timber building that Snæfellsnes, Borgarfjörður has been beautifully renovated and houses the Picturesque Waterfalls, Europe’s Most Powerful local folk museum. Hot Spring The Café Narfeyrarstofa is located in the centre of the village in one of those older ➠➠Approximate driving distance: houses. 272 km / 170 miles While in Stykkishólmur, we recommend the Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for museum Vatnasafn or “Library of Water”, details about your overnight stay tel. 433 8154, in the former library building, overlooking the ocean on one side and the ontinuing from Stykkishólmur, you take harbour and town on the other. Ice from 24 Croad no. 58 and road no. 54 along the glaciers around Iceland was extracted and the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. results are stored in liquid form inside glass It is a good idea to take the short detour on columns scattered through the building. This is road no. 577 to the farm and museum of Bjar­

26 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery narhöfn, where you can see a small church and lished as a National Park in the year of 2001. may learn how shark meat was cured in the old Take road no. 574 going west. At the tip days, tel. 438 1581. of the peninsula, near Dritvík, look for a sign Continue your journey through the small saying “Djúpalónssandur”, a small inlet used fishing villages on the northern shores of the as a landing for small fishing boats in earlier peninsula, Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík. centuries. The fishermen got wages according Hellissandur, a busy fishing village stands to their strength; measured by weight stones, on the edge of the sea on an elevated coastal still to be seen down on the beach. Here the plateau near the outermost tip of the peninsula roar of the ocean cannot drown out the sound adjacent to another seaside fishing village Rif of the seagulls constantly on the move. that faces the open sea. In medieval times, Rif You drive by the romantic little fishing vil- was an important trading port. lages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi, both known The Snæfellsnes peninsula is volcanic in for their rock formations in the shapes of arches, many places, with older rock types in between. caves and stacks, as well as cliffs teeming with At the western end you will find the strato huge bird colonies. At Hellnar there is a small volcano Snæfellsjökull. Snæfellsjökull is con- café by the seashore, worth visiting. Here in sidered to be one of the most beautiful glaciers Hellnar you can visit the Snæfellsjökull National in Iceland, and believed by many to have super- Park’s Visitor Centre, which displays a part of the natural powers. Snæfellsfjökull first became country´s commercial history and the geology, famous after the publication in 1864 of Jules geography and fauna of the park. It also serves Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. The as an information centre and is open daily from glacier itself and its surroundings were estab- 20. May to 9. September 10:00- 18:00.

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 27 In Arnarstapi local fishermen can be seen At the junction of roads no. 54 and 56, you fishing and landing the catch of the day. A will find a small shop and a cafeteria. It might suggested walk is from one of Iceland´s most be a good place for a break. picturesque harbours along by the basalt If you haven’t seen basalt columns so far you cliffs, ravines and grottoes, which surround should stop at Gerðuberg, which is an interest- Arnarstapi pier, towards the man-made stone ing rock face with high uniform basalt columns. troll Bárður Snæfellsás. There are myriads of It is one of the longest rock faces in the coun- birds in the ravines, especially kittiwakes. Be try. Look for a sign with Ytri-Rauðamelur on the careful of two things: walk only on the path left-hand side. to avoid falling into the ravines and be aware An interesting sight on the right-hand side of the arctic terns nesting close to Bárður is Eldborg, a perfectly-shaped crater; there is a Snæfellsás. Another recommended walk, marked hiking path all the way to the top of the especially for bird watchers, is from Arnarstapi crater from the farm Snorrastaðir. The walk is to Hellnar. Approx. 45 min. walk. relatively comfortable and takes about 1 hour. Drive further along road no. 574 and road no. Keep on going in the direction of Bor­ 54 to Búðir, which is picturesquely situated by ganes, the largest coastal community in the shore, surrounded by Búðahraun lava. This Iceland that is not dependent on fishing. The is a unique place to walk in the sandy lava fields, town is built on a scenic headland jutting into see the charming black church and stroll on one the picturesque fjord Borgarfjörður, close of the few yellow beaches of Iceland. Here you to the spot, Borg, where the Viking poet and get endless possibilities for photographing. You warrior, Egill Skallagrímsson, the main char- continue on road no. 54 eastwards. acter of one of Iceland’s most famous Sagas,

28 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery Egil´s Saga, lived in the 10th century. Snorri Sturluson (1178–1241), the best known It’s a good idea to visit the Icelandic Settle­ Icelandic Saga writer and scholar, lived in ment Centre in , tel. 437 1600, which Reykholt, where he wrote famous works such opened in 2006. The museum is operated in as Heimskringla, Snorra Edda and perhaps Egil’s three buildings. The main floor of the centre Saga. In Reykholt you will find the exhibition houses an exhibition entitled “The Settlement Snorrastofa, which is a culture- and medieval of Iceland”. centre founded in memory of Snorri Sturluson. Turn onto road no.1 and then take road no. Snorrastofa manages various research projects 50 towards Reykholt in Borgarfjörður, and stop and provides reception, souvenirs and informa- at the hot spring Deildartunguhver on the tion for tourists. way. Deildartunguhver is probably the largest A little bit further than Reykholt there are hot spring in the world with a volume of 180 the picturesque waterfalls , as litres of 98°C (208 Fahrenheit) hot water every they pour from under a lava field, in a succes- second. It is located a bit north of the junction sion of cascades, into the river Hvítá. Barna­ of road no. 50 and road no. 518, which lead foss waterfall is nearby. to Reykholt. At the car park you can purchase Return to Borgarfjörður for your overnight. fresh tomatoes, grown in the local greenhouses and packed for travellers who stop at Deildar- Fun things to do tunguhver. Snow Scooter Tour to Snæfellsjökull Your next stop will be Reykholt. Reykholt Glacier from Arnarstapi is an educational centre today and one of Duration: 1.5 hours Iceland’s most noteworthy historical sites. Snjófell, tel. 435 6783

Iceland Grand Discovery Self Drive 29 Day 18: operation. Leaving Hvalfjörður you will drive along the base of the beautiful Mt. Esja (918 m Reykjavik or 3.011 ft) into the city of Reykjavík. We suggest a visit to Laugardalslaug swim- Picturesque Fjord ming pool or one of the many swimming pools ➠➠Approximate driving distance: in Reykjavík. There is also a botanical garden 118 km / 74 miles and family park in the Laugardalur area you might enjoy visiting. You can also stroll around Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for the old city centre of Reykjavík, with its many details about your overnight stay shops, galleries, museums, cafés and restau- ontinue south along the beautiful coastline rants. Recommended sites to visit if walking Cof Hvalfjörður, one of Iceland’s longest are: Hallgrímskirkja Church, the City Hall, fjords (30 km / 19 miles), on road no. 47. During Tjörnin Lake, the harbour area, Harpa confer­ World War II, Hvalfjörður became one of the ence and music hall, and the sculpture Sun most important Allied naval bases in the North Voyager. Just outside the city centre you can Atlantic as a refuelling station for the Allied visit the Höfði House. fleet. The many large oil tanks around the If you have not planned any extra activities village of Miðsandur, often the cause of much in Reykjavik and would like to add an experi- tourist curiosity, are indeed remnants of this ence to your stay there, be sure to take a look refuelling station. This was later converted into at our day tours selection on our web Iceland’s only whaling station, which is still in www.icelandtravel.is

30 Self Drive Iceland Grand Discovery way to the city on day one, but have time to Day 19: 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 make sure you’ll have ample time at Dommended 3 hours before the departure the 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- prior to 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.

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