Reykjavík Grapevine - Nov 2019, Page 15

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BEST OF ICELAND 2019
South
Floating glaciers and steamy hikes
Must-See Spot
Svartifoss
Skaftafell National Park
It may not be the biggest in Iceland, but Svartifoss is without a doubt an
iconic waterfall. Located in Skaftafell National Park, the 45-minute walk to
get to the waterfall is enchanting, and seeing these surreal, stunning basalt
columns flanking the graceful cascade of Svartifoss is truly breathtaking in
person. In the winter, Svartifoss takes on a whole new appearance; framed
in bare trees, highlighted with snow, encased in the comforting silence of a
winter’s day. No matter the snow and ice conditions, the walk to Svartifoss
is easy to navigate. Map square: O2
Runner Up
Jökulsárlón
Vatnajökull National Park
This icy lagoon is a true wonder. The effects
of climate change have been very visible in
recent years and the size of the icebergs
have greatly diminished, but it’s worth see-
ing while one has the chance. Take public
or group transport to reduce your environ-
mental impact. Q2
Runner Up
Svínafellsjökull
Vatnajökull National Park
After a bumpy drive up to the viewpoint,
you arrive at the edge of the Svínafells-
jökull glacier. Sitting quietly on the hill with
a stunning view over the rich blue ice of the
glacier tongue, this place brings a sense of
true zen and an endless feeling of contem-
plation. P2
Best Bathing Spot
The Secret Lagoon
Hvammsvegur, Flúðir
“Of all the geothermal pools, this is the
one where you see the process most,” said
our panel of this remarkable bathing spot.
“There’s a mini geysir, and you can hear
the bassy gurgling fumaroles and feel the
temperature fluctuations in the water.”
While the “secret” of this popular outdoor
bathing lagoon is out in recent times, our
panel was impressed by the investment
into better facilities. “It’s clean and organ-
ised, but still not too manicured—you’re
right there in the landscape.” H2
Runners Up
Sundlaugin Laugaskarði
Reykjamörk, Hveragerði
An understated architectural classic,
Laugaskarði stands head and shoulders
above the municipal pools in South Ice-
land, boasting a reception building that’s
perfectly curved to shield the water from
the wind. “This retro beauty has a straight-
from-the-earth steambath,” said the panel.
“It’s a Wes Anderson dream of symme-
try.” F3
Seljavallalaug
Seljavellir, Route 242
Originally built as a training pool in 1923,
this curious unmanned pool juts directly
from the mountainside, making it a popular
tourist attraction. “It’s lost that secluded
vibe over recent years,” said the panel. “But
it’s still a stunning place to visit, and a great
place to go for a dip.” Note: there are no
toilet facilities. I5
Best Hike
Reykjadalur
Hveragerði
Located just a 40-minute drive from
Reykjavík near Hveragerði, this is one of
the most popular hiking trails in Iceland.
An hour-long hike (you’ll need crampons,
hiking poles and probably a guide in win-
ter) brings you to the Reykjadalur valley,
which has a warm geothermal stream run-
ning down its centre. Steam billows up into
the air, making it a truly mystical spot, and
the hike has the add- ed reward of a dip
at the end. In summer, Iceland has longer
and grander hikes, but in winter, this is the
perfect length. F2
Runners Up
Eldfell
Vestmannaeyjar
This hulking volcano became one of the most
infamous in the world when it erupted sud-
denly and unexpectedly in 1973, forcing an
evacuation of the Westman island and engulf-
ing part of the town. The easy 40-minute hike
to the summit crosses ash plains and bright
red, orange, white and maroon volcanic rocks,
to deliver a dramatic view. H5
Þórsmörk
Highlands. Road F261
This huge area of hiking trails encompass-
es a number of hikes from short climbs to
multi-day adventures. Some circuits are
relaxed and low impact for inexperienced
hikers. In winter, it’s a very remote and hard
to get to place, so only visit on a guided
tour. J4