Reykjavík Grapevine - nóv. 2019, Blaðsíða 43

Reykjavík Grapevine - nóv. 2019, Blaðsíða 43
Th e Re yk ja ví k G ra pe vi ne Be st o f I ce la nd 2 01 9 43 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
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