Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.05.2018, Side 29

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BEST OF ICELAND 2018
West
Go West, in the open air
Best Bathing Spot
Lýsuhólslaug
Lýsuhóli, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Lýsuhólslaug, a.k.a. the Green Lagoon, was the unanimous choice
of the panel for best bathing spot. “It’s an organic pool that’s cosy,
locally run, and has no chemicals,” one panel member says. “I rec-
ommend it to anyone that wants to swim in Snæfellsnes.” The pool
is, like its name, green, which is caused by algae naturally found in
the carbonated water called Chlorella. Chlorella is full of silica and
iron, so if you suffer from things like psoriasis, eczema, and acne,
the Green Lagoon might become your magic pill. Map square: D12
Runner Up
Borgarnes Pool
Þorsteinsgata 1, Borgarnes
The family-friendly Borgarnes swim-
ming pool boasts a clean and modern
feel as well as a great view out to the
ocean. With an indoor and outdoor
pool, hot pools, a sauna, a steam bath,
lap wading pools and more, you’ll be
wanting for nothing. “It is probably the
most well-known part of Borgarnes,”
one of the panel members who grew
up in Borgarnes says. “And it has three
slides, which was very exciting for us
as kids.” E13
Newcomer

Krauma
Deildartunguhver, Borgarfjörður
You can’t miss Krauma—the steam from
the bubbling geothermal vent pours
skywards into a column that’s visible
for miles around. The complex contains
five outdoor hot pots of various sizes
and temperatures, a cold plunge pool,
a scented sauna, a steam room, and a
lounge area with an open fire that can
be turned around to face a circle of
reclining loungers. F13
Best Hike
Arnarstapi to
Hellnar
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This leisurely coastal walk takes you
past lava fields and ocean outlooks on
the southern shore of the peninsula.
Surrounded by basalt columns, and
ravines, the old path meanders around
fishermen relics and through nests
with enough seabird eggs to make
a large omelette. The hike is great
for birdwatching—you'll glimpse
kittiwakes, Arctic terns and fulmars. It
could take an hour, or you could lounge
to the sound of the waves on the pier.
Take your time, and make sure to grab a
coffee and cake at Fjöruhusið before or
after your journey. B12
Runners Up

Helgafell, Stykkishólmur
The Holy Mountain of Helgafell was
long-thought to be a gateway to the af-
terlife—a place so sacred that visiting
it respectfully could grant you three
wishes. While we can’t promise you’ll
receive your heart’s desire, we can
assure you that the summit will supply
a breathtaking vista of Stykkishólmur
and Breiðafjörður bay. The jaunt takes a
max of fifteen minutes. “It’s a beautiful
place,” one panel member says before
pausing. “And I did get my wishes.” D11

Ok Glacier, Borgarfjörður
According to Ifolk tales, Ok was one of
the breasts of a giantess that turned
into stone, the other being Skjald-
breiður. The former-glacier-now-moun-
tain sits at 1200m—the hike is about
10-15km and relatively easy. “It’s a nice
but comfortable hike up the glacier
that was,” said one panel member. G13
Best Road Trip

Snæfellsnes
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes peninsula is often
referred to as “Iceland In Miniature.”
Why? Well, a one-day road trip grants
you access to essentially every notori-
ous Icelandic topography in one spot,
including a sub-glacial volcano, ancient
lava fields, geothermal hot springs,
black sand beaches, waterfalls, can-
yons, and, of course, the Snæfellsjökull
glacier. Follow Route 54 to circle around
the area, but make sure to check out
Stykkishólmur—it’s a gem of a coastal
fishing village. You can easily make it
there and back again from Reykjavík in
twelve hours. B-D12
Runners Up
Borgarfjörður
If you turn right just before Borgarnes,
you’ll come upon a less-traveled fjord
that’s rich with sights. This is Borgar-
fjörður, a lava land filled with rivers,
streams, and some of the most awe-in-
spiring waterfalls in the country. Don’t
miss the powerful Deildartunguhver
hot spring, the historical town of the
Reykhólt, the impressive Hraunfossar
and Barnafoss waterfalls, the top-notch
restaurant at Hotel Húsafell, and, of
course, the Langjökull glacier. E-G13

Hvalfjörður
If you’re pushed for time, Hvalfjörður
will give you the biggest bang for your
buck as far as road trips go. There’s the
creepy fenced-off whaling station, an
abandoned mine, the Glymur waterfall
hike, the remains of a British WWII base,
and loads more. Plus, it’s only thirty
minutes away from Reykjavík. F14