Iceland review - 2014, Síða 98

96 ICELAND REVIEW
VoPnafjörður – sCeniC sWiM anD hiking heaVen
Visit Bustarfell, one of the best preserved turf farms in Iceland, ex-
hibiting farming methods from the mid-18th century to the 1960s,
enjoy traditional dishes served at café Hjáleigan and walk along
the river Þuríðará. Other hikes lead through the Fuglabjargarnes
nature reserve, characterized by vertical sea cliffs and rich birdlife,
and down Þverárgil canyon with its colorful rhyolite mountains.
The local culture center, Kaupvangur, in one of Vopnafjörður’s old-
est houses, is well worth a visit. It includes Múlastofa, an exhibition
dedicated to musical brothers Jón Múli and Jónas Árnason. Not
to be missed is the Selárdalslaug swimming pool on the banks of
salmon fishing river Selá. vopnafjordur.com
fljóTsDalshérað – eMBraCing The highlanDs
Fljótsdalshérað stretches from the sandy beaches of Héraðssan-
dar to the mighty Vatnajökull glacier in the highlands. The land-
scape is diverse, offering endless opportunities for activities in
summer and winter. The glacial river Lagarfljót, famous for the
serpent Lagarfljótsormurinn (akin to the Loch Ness Monster),
flows through the entire region. Fljótsdalshérað is part of Vatna-
jökull National Park, with its rugged mountains, geothermal areas
and wild reindeer all within the region’s borders.
The region’s capital, Egilsstaðir, stands on crossroads in the
center of East Iceland. You can enjoy a great variety of restau-
rants and cafés and accommodation options in the region. You’ll
also find all the services you need, including shops, supermarkets,
a pharmacy, banks, swimming pool, international airport, tourist
information center and travel agencies. In winter, it’s the perfect
place to view the northern lights and take day tours to all the in-
teresting places in the local area. visitegilsstadir.is
eaST iCeland
– unique experienCeS
Swim in a pool on the banks of a salmon river, look out for the famous Lagarfljót monster,
visit authentic fishing villages with a bohemian vibe, feel awestruck by narrow fjords and high
mountains and experience everything else east iceland has to offer.
Travel
view of vopnafjörður. fishing in Seyðisfjörður.
east.is