Reykjavík Grapevine - Nov 2019, Page 16

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
16 BEST OF ICELAND 2019
South
Over volcanoes and under a glacier
Best Road Trip
The South Coast
Route One South
Iceland’s south coast is the road trip dreams are made of, and there are
countless things to experience and discover along the way. “The whole
shoreline is spectacular, and no one spot is like another,” said the panel.
“You’ll see waterfalls, lava fields, active volcanoes, black beaches, glacier
tongues, flood plains, natural bathing spots, wildlife, and all the local life
of the lovely seaside villages.” Whether it’s your first time of your fiftieth,
it just never gets old. E2-S1
Advanced Option
Friðland að Fjallabaki
The Highlands
If you’re driving a 4x4 and it’s summer-
time, head to the one-off region of Friðland
að Fjallabaki. “This exuberant drive takes
you along an unforgettable road up into
the Highlands,” said the panel. “You’ll see
views that are hard to put into words.”
Camp at Landmannalaugar to extend the
adventure. J3
Easy Option
Reykjanes Ring
Reykjavík-Grindavík-Sandgerði
The Reykjanes peninsula is a treasure trove
in its own right, with many thrilling tucked
away secrets—and it’s easily doable in a
single day. “Drive past the Kleifarvatn lake
to the Seltún geothermal area,” said the
panel. “Loop past Grindavík, Gunnuhver,
Reykjanesviti, Sandgerði, and back to Rey-
kjavík. A perfect day.” J3
Best Sightseeing Tour
Ice Cave Tour
Vatnajökull
Close to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the
ice caves of Vatnajökull are a sight to be-
hold. As the summer meltwater begins
to freeze, the caves assume new shapes,
each in its own unique way. When it has
recently snowed, the textured walls are
breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera or
your warmest clothes. D2
Runners Up
Glacier Hike
Various locations and suppliers
The best way to get up close and personal
with a glacier is an guided ice hike. With an
experienced glacier guide, a helmet and
crampons provided, it’s safe to hike up a
glacier tongue, taking in the deep blue hues
and shining icefalls, and learning about gla-
ciers’ features. Sólheimajökull and Skaf-
tafellsjökull are both ideal.
Inside The Volcano
Operated by 3H-Travel
After a short hike, descend into the
dormant Þríhnjúkagígar volcano and wit-
ness a side of the earth one could rarely
experience. “There’s something bizarrely
humbling and emotional about standing
in the Rothko-esque empty belly of a vol-
cano,” said one panellist after seeing this
natural wonder. E2
Best Action Tour
Snorkelling at Silfra
Þingvallavatn
Going snorkelling in the rift between the
Eurasian and North American tectonic
plates took our panel’s collective breath
away. “It’s overwhelming in the most mag-
ical way,” they said. “There are so many
sights and sensations all around you—it’s
truly something you won’t be able to expe-
rience anywhere else.” The tour is tailored
to individual preferences, and can be made
more athletic or relaxed, with divers hov-
ering in the sub-zero water in their thick
floatation suits. H1
Runners Up
ATV Tour & Snowmobiling
Sólheimar, various suppliers
From the Arcanum tours reception at Sól-
heimajökull you can either go snowmobil-
ing on the top of Mýrdalsjökull, or motoring
over the black sands of Sólheimajökull on
an ATV. Both are just stunning—highlights
include a view of the distant Westman Is-
lands, or the famous DC-3 plane wreck,
respectively. J5
Ice Climbing
Various locations and suppliers
Another way to get close to a glacier is
to take an ice climbing trip. With expert
guides, you’ll soon master the technique
of scaling an ice wall. “There are plenty of
places to do it,” said the panel. “It’s harder
than it looks, but thoroughly rewarding.”
Note: never venture onto a glacier without
an experienced guide.
Browse these tours and more at
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