Reykjavík Grapevine - 13.07.2007, Síða 26

34_REYKJAVÍK_GRAPEVINE_ISSUE 10_007_DESTINATIONS
two ca. 490 km three ca. 155 km four ca. 620 km five ca. 545 km
The natural wonder Dimmuborgir (Dark For-
tress) is a small, preserved area east of Lake
Mývatn. What used to be an ancient lava
pond now features very bizarre volcanic cre-
ations that are hardly found anywhere else in
the world. Several walking paths will lead you
around the breathtaking landscape where
interesting lava formations, rock pillars and
small caves are among the many attractions.
The most famous cave is known as Kirkjan
(The Church), a large walk-through vault that
resembles an ancient cathedral. Visitors are
advised not to leave the marked paths.
six ca. 500 km
Dimmuborgir
In the centre of the Icelandic highlands, at the
northern part of the road Kjölur, you will find
the area Hveravellir, a large high-temperature
geothermal spot located between two large
glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Rich in co-
lour, unspoiled nature, steep mountains and
a variety of steam and water hot springs with
the glaciers towering in the background, the
area offers many diverse and scenic hiking
trails and provides good accommodations for
travellers. After exploring the area, bathing
in the natural hot pool positioned right next
to one of the sleeping huts guarantees an
amazing relaxation.
seven ca. 200 km
Hveravellir
The highland area Landmannalaugar is only
reachable by car during the summer months.
This stunningly beautiful and colourful place
is an area of high contrasts where red craters,
blue lakes and yellow mountains meet rugged
lava fields, warm springs, green valleys and
unbridged rivers. Activities for travellers are
numerous, and horse riding around the area
comes recommended. For those into some
cross-country travelling, hiking the four-day
trail between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk
(called Laugavegurinn) is an extremely popular
trek where the amazing view one will experi-
ence along the way is almost indescribable.
eight ca. 195 km
Landmannalaugar
Skaftafell is Iceland’s second largest National
Park, covering about 4,800 square kilometres
of a highly diverse area in the south of Iceland.
Comprising some of Iceland’s most renowned
natural pearls, including two-thirds of the
Vatnajökull glacier, the Lakagígar craters, the
sandy wasteland Skeiðarársandur and the im-
pressive Svartifoss waterfall, the park is truly
an outstanding treasure. Travellers can easily
spend days exploring the area and all the pan-
oramic views of the unique rugged landscape
and majestic glaciers it has to offer. A nice
campsite with good facilities is located in close
proximity to the Skaftafellsjökull glacier.
nine ca. 330 km
Skaftafell
If this is not your first-time in Iceland you’ve
probably made a trip to the Þingvellir National
Park already. If not, you should definitely take
a day tour to this oldest national park in the
country, founded in 1928. A place of great
significance to Icelanders due to its role in the
country’s history, the park is a protected na-
tional heritage and is on the UNESCO World
Heritage List. In 930, Alþingi, the oldest
parliament in the world, was established at
Þingvellir. Other historically important events
took place here as well, for example the
adoption of Christianity in 1000 and the cel-
ebration of Iceland’s independence in 1944.
Understandably, there are numerous histori-
cal sites and buildings to explore and marked
paths will lead the way. You will be able to
explore old ruins, an ancient drowning pool
(Drekkingarhylur) where women who had
children out of wedlock were drowned for
their crime, and the Þingvellir church. The
park, with the country’s largest lake, Þingval-
lavatn, as its centrepiece, is renowned for its
natural attractions such as Almannagjá fis-
sure and Öxarárfoss waterfall.
one *ca. 50 km
Þingvellir
1
2
3
4
98
7
6
5
*distance from Reykjavík in kilometres.
Lake Mývatn, created by an eruption more
than 2000 years ago, is one of the larg-
est lakes in the country, covering about 37
square kilometres and surrounded by unique
landscape. One of the most popular tourist
spots in the country, the vast volcanic area
is rich with a striking scenery, diverse fauna,
varied birdlife, numerous small islets and
hordes of extremely annoying midges, which
the lake draws its name from. The lake and
its surrounding wetlands and lava fields are a
nature reserve. The area boasts endless sight-
seeing options as well as good services and
facilities for travellers.
Mývatn
For anyone eager to experience the country’s
natural beauty, the Þórsmörk Natural Park,
situated in the south, is definitely a must-see.
Hidden between two glaciers, Eyafjallajökull
and Tindafjallajökull, the grassy valley is sur-
rounded by mountains, lagoons, and glacial
rivers and numerous scenic hiking trails can
be enjoyed. Þórsmörk is among the country’s
most touristy spots during the summer, but
nevertheless worth at least a weekend stay.
Several tourist companies organise guided
excursions around the area.
Þórsmörk
One of the country’s majestic volcanoes,
the caldera Askja has erupted several times
over the last centuries. Surrounded by the
Dyngjufjöll Mountains, Askja is an active vol-
cano, which was declared a natural monu-
ment in 1978. A powerful eruption in 1875
changed the scenery immensely, forming the
large blue lake Öskjuvatn, right in the middle
of the caldera. The 220 metre deep lake is
the deepest one in Iceland. The same explo-
sion created the volcanic crater Víti contain-
ing a geothermal warm lake where bathing
is quite popular. Just beware of the slippery
slopes leading down to the ‘pool’.
Askja
Noted as one of the most picturesque places
in Iceland, Ásbyrgi canyon is truly a magical
site and a popular getaway for hikers and
campers. Less than a two-hour drive East
from Akureyri, the canyon is 3,5 kilometres
long and 1 kilometre wide. Steep cliffs ris-
ing up to 100 metres surround the horseshoe
shaped and wooded canyon, formed by two
glacial floods thousands of years ago. The
whole area offers spectacular scenery, espe-
cially if you take the short hike up the large
rock Eyjan (The Island) in the middle of this
peaceful oasis.
Ásbyrgi
Photos by Thorsten Henn.
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