Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.05.2018, Page 43

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BEST OF ICELAND 2018
North
Where the wildlings are
Best Bathing Spot
Beer Baths
Ægisgata 31, Árskógssandur
If you’re looking for something different from the classic Icelandic
pools and geothermal spas, you’re in for a treat at the Beer Baths.
Soak in a mixture of beer, water and yeast to feel as decadent as a
modern Cleopatra. If soaking in fizzy beer is not your thing, howev-
er, you can always hop into the water-filled hot tub that overlooks
the harbour and get lost in your thoughts. Map square: F7
Runner Up
Mývatn Nature Baths
Jarðbaðshólar, Mývatni
The Mývatn Nature Baths is a smaller,
quieter version of the Blue Lagoon, with
silky white water that seems to coat
your skin with geothermal goodness.
It’s a bit more expensive than your
average municipal pool, but it’s an
experience that’s worth it, and it makes
for a scenic and relaxing final stop
after a drive around Mývatn or the
Diamond Circle. I9
Runner Up
Geosea Sea Baths
Vitaslóð 1, Húsavík
This new luxury spa, opening in Húsavík
in June, takes the concept of healing
geothermal water to a whole new level.
The baths, in fact, are filled with geo-
thermally heated seawater. The place
has all the facilities you need, from geo-
thermal water to affordable food, but
it’s the view over the Arctic Ocean that
will captivate you. Try to spot a whale
while you soak in a hot tub. H7
Best Hike
Jökulsárgljúfur
Ásbyrgi
Regardless of what shape you’re in,
you’ll be able to find a hiking trail
around this majestic canyon in a
northern tract of the Vatnajökull Nation-
al Park. There are all kinds of routes to
choose, from the full 30-plus kilometres
between Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi, to the
loops starting in the parking lot at
Vesturdalur. Make sure you see both the
basalt rocks of Hljóðaklettar and the
red hills of Rauðhólar as well as many
raw vistas along the river gorge. I7
Advanced Option
Fjörður, Grenivík-Skjafandi
A four to seven-day long hike, the valley
of Fjörður is not for the faint of heart.
There are no facilities in the area,
which is mostly available on foot, on
horseback or with a jeep during the
summer—with no bathrooms, restau-
rants or showers until the end of the
line. If you’re looking for long, solitary
hike in the middle of nowhere, start
from Grenivík and begin hiking North.
You’ve got a long week ahead. F-G7
Easy Option
Langanes, Near Þorshöfn
The narrow peninsula of Langanes
stretches East of Þórshöfn, in one
of the wildest and least accessible
areas in Iceland.
Known for its rich wildlife, this is a
particularly great spot for travellers
who enjoy birdwatching and the
silence that comes with it. Enjoy the
low light shining on these desolated
cliffs and feel at peace with the
surrounding nature. F3
Best Road Trip
Diamond Circle
All around the north
This 260 Km circuit in the North East
of Iceland is a similar concept to the
Southern Golden Circle, but with more
stops. It includes classic sights like
Góðafoss and Dettifoss, as well as the
area around Lake Mývatn, the stunning
Ásbyrgi canyon and Dimmuborgir. This
is not a tour you can do in one day, how-
ever, so take your time, hike as much as
you can and enjoy a classic Icelandic
camping experience in the Jökulsárgl-
júfur area. ALL OVER
Runners Up
Tröllaskagi Peninsula
“The troll peninsula” is not too far from
Siglufjörður, but it still has the feeling
of a remote, fantastical land. From the
iconic orange lighthouse to the spec-
tacular snowy mountains, this peninsu-
la is a maze of valleys and hills carved
by ancient glaciers moving to sea. All
that’s left now is the breathtaking view
of the coast and the surrounding fjörds
as you drive South to Dalvík. C7
Skagafjörður
The land that lies inland from Tröllaskagi
has everything from adventurous trips
to interesting food and lovely swimming
pools. After passing Siglufjörður, you can
loop around into the neighbouring fjord
of Skagafjörður by driving along the
stunning coastline. Then, visit Hofsós
swimming pool and enjoy the view over
the ocean, take a bite to eat in the cute
town of Sauðarkrókur, and head back
to Akureyri. C7