Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.05.2018, Síða 29

Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.05.2018, Síða 29
29 Th e R ey kj av ík G ra pe vi ne Be st o f I ce la nd 20 18 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

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