Reykjavík Grapevine - 24.08.2007, Síða 26

34_REYKJAVÍK_GRAPEVINE_ISSUE 13_007_DESTINATIONS
two ca. 170 km three ca. 200 km four ca. 120 km five ca. 450 km
Located in the western highlands, Langjökull
is the second largest glacier in Iceland at
1,021 square kilometres. The glacier is a
hotbed of geophysical and hydro-physical
activity: not only does Langjökull act as the
supply source for Þingvallavatn, which is the
largest lake in Iceland, but the northern sec-
tion of the glacier is one of the most volcani-
cally active areas in the world. The Langjökull
volcano and its southern basin (Haukadalur
basin) boast a strong lavaflow, which is prob-
ably responsible for the number of prominent
geysers in the area.
six ca. 150 km
Langjökull
seven ca. 450 km eight ca. 330 km nine ca. 480 km
1
2
3
4
9
8
7
6
5
*distance from Reykjavík in kilometres.
Set right on the eastern border with the huge
and unquestionably magical Vatnajökull
glacier (the largest glacier in Europe), the
obscure Lónsöræfi is a vast volcanic preser-
vation area of colourful hills, broad rivers,
gushing waterfalls, and lush vegetation that
is unique for Iceland. The area is surrounded
by sharp and snowy peaks on all sides, and
is often treaded by herds of reindeer. For
visitors who dare the unpopular and rugged
terrain, Lónsöræfi offers several cottages for
accommodation. Also nearby is Skafafell, a
cool abandoned farm-campsite right on the
edge of Lónsöræfi.
Lónsöræfi
When the gushing white Hvítá river runs into
a canyon in the southwest, it creates Gullfoss
(or Golden Falls), one of the most popular
tourist attractions in Iceland. The waterfall
has a series of three steps, with each drop
greater than the next. Where the trail meets
the falls, the volumes of the wide Hvítá can
be witnessed plunging about 32 meters into a
relatively obscured canyon. Fortunately, plans
to utilise the fall for energy were dropped a
long time ago. A trip to the spectacular Gull-
foss is generally included with any “Golden
Circle” package.
Gullfoss
Photos by Thorsten Henn
one *ca. 50 km
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.
Þingvellir
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.
Hveravellir
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.
Skaftafell
The small village of Stykkishólmur is consid-
ered one of the more magical municipalities
in the country. Surrounded by historical sites
and natural beauty, the town is located on
the north shore of the Snæfellsnes penin-
sula. The small and colourful houses are built
around the harbour where fishing boats are
docked alongside cruise ships and ferries. The
town is the gateway to the Breiðarfjörður is-
lands and several companies organise daily
sight-seeing trips among the thousands of
small islands where one can spot wild birds
flying around the boat while tasting freshly
caught scallops.
Stykkishólmur
A trip to the capital of the Westfjords,
Ísafjörður, is a worthwhile journey as the
town and its surroundings offer plenty of ac-
tivities for travellers. The town is renowned
for being a mix of a thriving fishing and mu-
sic community and is for example home to
the annual music festival Aldrei fór ég suður,
growing in size and popularity every year. The
nearby mountains and valleys boast many
scenic hiking trips, after which you can relax
at a downtown café with a drink in hand and
chat with friendly locals.
Ísafjörður
The fishing town Húsavík, which sits at the
shore of Skjálfandi bay, has been experi-
encing a great increase in tourism in recent
years. The biggest draw for travellers is the
fact that the Skjálfandi bay is known for be-
ing an excellent whale-watching spot and
many companies offer daily whale-watching
excursions from the harbour. Visitors should
also check out the Whale Museum, located
by the harbour. The museum was founded in
1997 and provides information on cetaceans
and Iceland’s whaling history. The Húsavík
church, which is one of the oldest wooden
churches in Iceland, is also worth a look.
Húsavík
(USA)
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