Reykjavík Grapevine - 10.10.2008, Side 24

24 | REYKJAVÍK GRAPEVINE | ISSUE 16—2008
DESTINATIoN
Although the Golden Circle tour may include
the most popular places of interest with Gulfoss,
Þingvellir and the geysers, there are still a lot of
things left to see in Iceland's countryside. A great
opportunity to see a whole bunch of beautiful
places is to travel the south shore.
Half an hour drive to the southeast from
Reykjavík is the village of Hveragerði. A hot spring
provides the heat for various greenhouses, where
vegetables and flowers are grown. The town is like
an oasis in the harsh landscape that surrounds it.
Another 50 kilometres from there you will
spot Hekla, amidst the grass-farmland. The active
volcano thrones majestically over green hillsides;
its top is hidden by greyish clouds. It's an impres-
sive view, which makes you understand why peo-
ple in the Middle Ages assumed the entrance to
hell to be under the mountain. Ascending Hekla
in the summer is a popular daytrip that can be
done either on foot or even better by super-jeep.
Yet be aware that the time span between signal-
ling earthquakes and an actual eruption could be
less than half an hour.
Close by are the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss
and Skógafoss. The 66 meter high Seljalandsfoss
is especially popular, because you can walk be-
hind it. Skógafoss is not too far from the village
of Skógar. It is embedded in a colourful red and
green mountainscape. If you take the adventure of
following the small path to the top of the waterfall
you will be rewarded with an overwhelming view
of the crushing water.
Iceland's southernmost town, Vík, is located
about 30 kilometres from here. The town itself has
not much to offer, but its hinterland has all the
more. Within a few minutes’ drive, you can take
a walk at the black beach with a view of Reynis-
drangar – black cliffs that rise sharply from the
sea. You can also go trekking on Iceland's fourth
biggest glacier, Mýrdalsjokull. Guided hiking tours
are available all year. Thus there are good reasons
to take a to the south, when leaving the capital.
Reykjavík Excursions
BSI Bus Terminal
www.re.is
The Tour is available daily from 09:00–19:00
South Shore
Adventure
BY fLoRIAn züHLKe — pHoTo BY gAS
Fly and discover
/ tel. 570 3030
Air Iceland
destinations
Get your action-packed day tour brochure
at hotels, airports or any travel agent.
www.airiceland.is
FAROE ISLANDS
REYKJAVÍK
AKUREYRI
EGILSSTAÐIR
WESTMAN ISLANDS
ÍSAFJÖRÐUR
VOPNAFJÖRÐUR
ÞÓRSHÖFN
GRÍMSEY
CONSTABLE POINT
Greenland
KULUSUK
Greenland
NUUK
Greenland
NARSARSSUAQ
GreenlandÍS
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