Reykjavík Grapevine - nov. 2019, Síða 43

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Must-See Spot
Mývatn-Laxá Conservation Area
Mývatn
Experience this spectacular volcanic nature
reserve, nominated as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Mývatn is the fourth-larg-
est freshwater lake in Iceland, and easily
the most otherworldly. You’ll find unusual
geologic and volcanic features, including
pseudocraters and lava pillars. The lake
itself is the summer home of fifteen migra-
tory boreal and arctic duck species, and
the only European breeding ground for Bar-
row’s goldeneye ducks. Extremely rare and
endangered moss balls known as marimo
also inhabit the lakebed. G10-H10
Runners Up
Dettifoss
Vatnajökull National Park
The most powerful waterfall in Europe,
Dettifoss tumbles 193 m³/s of glacial river
over its lip. Our panellists recommend visit-
ing the nearby hexagonal basalt columns at
Hljóðaklettar, and the horseshoe-shaped
canyon Ásbyrgi. There’s a new road, mak-
ing it more accessible, but check road.is in
advance of your visit to be safe. H9
Dimmuborgir
Mývatn
Dimmuborgir, or the “Black Fortress,” is
a 1km stretch of erratically shaped lava
columns. They formed when hot lava cas-
caded over the ponds trapped beneath,
causing the rising steam to form vents in
the lava. The resulting cavern then col-
lapsed, leaving behind a maze of rubble
and strange, contorted pillars. They’re
imposing structures, with pockmarked
frames that twist chaotically. G12
Best Bathing Spot
Hofsós Swimming Pool
Hofsósbraut, Hofsós
Hands-down our panel’s favourite, Hofsós
Swimming Pool was praised for its spec-
tacular views across the North Atlantic to
the island Drangey. Built into the hillside
and designed by the same architect as the
Blue Lagoon, Hofsós includes a 25m pool,
hot pots, and a sauna. “I love the relaxing
atmosphere,” said the panel. “It’s priced
like a municipal pool, but this amazing
bathing spot is a design classic with an
infinity pool that makes you feel like you’re
swimming into the horizon.” D9
Runners Up
Mývatn Nature Baths
Jarðbaðshólar, Mývatn
The striking blue hue of Mývatn Nature
Baths’ geothermal water invites calm
just by looking at it. This lagoon is situ-
ated in the fragile lava ecosystem sur-
rounding Lake Mývatn. While the lagoon
itself ranges in temperatures between
36°C to 40°C, the steam baths clock in
at 50°C, with near-100% humidity. H10
Geosea Sea Baths
Vitaslóð 1, Húsavík
Bathe in Geosea’s geothermally heated
seawater with views onto the mountains
surrounding Skjálfandi Bay. The serpen-
tine architecture of this spa will invite a
supple sigh from your spine as you relax.
Skjálfandi Bay is one of the best to spot
whales around Iceland, so keep your eyes
on the water. G8
Best Hike
Kverkfjöll
Vatnajökull National Park
Iceland’s largest geothermal area meets
Europe’s largest ice cap. An advanced
pick for serious hikers, start your hike at
the northeast corner of Vatnajökull. You’ll
pass between two glacial tongues, famed
for the constant volcanic activity, threaten-
ing eruption. Along the way, visit wild mud
pools and hot springs. Kverkfjöll also fea-
tures the genesis of Jökulsá á Fjöllum, the
glacial river from which Dettifoss tumbles.
The route goes deep into the Highlands so
it’s closed for the winter, but put it on your
list for your next voyage north. H13
Runner Up
Tröllaskagi
Near Siglufjörður
With the highest mountains in North Ice-
land (towering over 1400m), Tröllaskagi
offers gorgeous views of the Arctic Ocean
and a variety of hiking terrains. For an easy
option, consider Svarfaðardalur Nature
Reserve as your target destination. Time
your hike right and you might catch the
Northern Lights. E8
Easy Option
Leirhnjúkur
Near Mývatn
Start your hike at Leirhnjúkur Mountain and
make your way towards the nature baths in
Mývatn. You’ll experience hot springs, boil-
ing mud pools and fumaroles in this vol-
canic region. Our panel says, “The nature
completely changes from volcanic fields to
green Icelandic trees and nature. Drop by
the Nature Baths afterwards!” H10
Best Road Trip
The Diamond Circle
All around the north
This powerhouse road trip features the
best of the north. Visit Húsavík, famed for
its whale-watching tours and Whale Mu-
seum. Continue to Ásbyrgi, canyon of the
Norse gods. Take in the roaring power of
Dettifoss, Europe’s most voluminous wa-
terfall. Explore the volcanic region of Lake
Mývatn, replete with rare-in-the-world
volcanic formations (pseudocraters) and
critters (marimo a.k.a. moss balls). As one
panellist exulted, “It has been called the
Diamond Circle because the landscape is
like a multiplication of beauty.” G8-H10
Runners Up
The Highlands
Central Iceland
Accessible only in summer months, the
Highlands are a vast volcanic desert pop-
ulated by glaciers, geothermal hot spots,
gushing rivers (some of which you’ll have
to carefully cross) and stunning mountains.
The Kjölur road threads down to the west,
and the Sprengisandur the east. Both are
unpaved: take a rugged 4x4. All around
Langanes Peninsula
Northeast Iceland
The northeasternmost point in Iceland,
Langanes translates from Icelandic as
“Long Peninsula.” This remote region is
perfect for watching puffins, gannets, and
guillemots live their best seabird lives.
You’ll even find a ghost town: Skálar! If
you’re seeking “off the beaten path” as a
hallmark of your road trip, Langanes is your
answer. J7