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All Regions - Attractions
Glaciers
Eyjafjallajökull
Glacier
By the southcoast betwen Hvolsvöllur and Skógar
A volcano (1,666 m) covered by about 100 km2 of glacier. Two eruptions in historical times, in 1612 and 1821-22. It is comparatively easy to climb this glacier and there is a choice of routes. One of the easiest and sa...
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Mýrdalsjökull
Glacier
Mýrdalsjökull, (1,480 m) the fourth largest glacier in Iceland, about 701 km2. Many glacier tongues protrude from the main glacier towards Mýrdalssandur, such as Öldufellsjökull, Sandfellsjökull and Höfðabrekkujökull. ...
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Snæfellsjökull
An ancient cone volcano, one of finest mountains in Iceland
Snæfellsjökull, (1,446 m) an ancient cone volcano, one of finest mountains in Iceland. An impressive sight from as far away as Reykjavík, from where it can be seen in clear weather, seeming to rise from the sea. Many pre...
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Vatnajökull
The largest Glacier in Europe
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland and Europe, over 8,000 km2, its highest point being Bárðarbunga (2,000 m). The highest point in Iceland is Hvannadalshnúkur (2,119 m) on the Öræfajökull glacier. The road up...
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Historical sites
Aðalstræti ("Main street")
Reykjavík´s oldest street
Down Town Reykjavík,
101 Reykjavík
Aðalstræti, (“Main Street”) is Reykjavík’s oldest street. Ingólfur Arnarson’s farm is generally considered to have been situated at the southern end of the street, which must then have been the path he walked along down ...
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Althingi
The Icelandic Parlament
Kirkjustræti ,
101 Reykjavík
Alþingi the Icelandic parliament is located in this building. Iceland has the oldest parliament in the world dating back to the year 930 a.d. when it was formed in Thingvellir. In 1881 Althingi moved into the house it...
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Arnarhóll
Ingólfur Arnarson´s high-seat posts are said to have been found
By Lækjargata ,
101 Reykjavík
Arnarhóll, is the grassy hill between Kalkofnsvegur, Hverfisgata, Ingólfsstræti and the Central Bank of Iceland. The name is thought to come from Landnámabók (“The Book of Settlements”) where Ingólfur’s high-seat posts a...
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Austurstræti ("East Street")
Many restaurants and cafes
Down Town Reykjavík,
101 Reykjavík
Austurstræti, (“East Street”) was originally a path along the north side of Austurvöllur Green from Aðalstræti to Lækurinn (“The brook”). About 1820 the path was paved with stones and an open drain built alongside it. Th...
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Básendar
Former trading place and fishing centre
By road no. 45 between Sandgerði and Hafnir
Básendar, or Bátsendar, former trading place and fishing centre just south of the Stafnes lighthouse. A record high tide on January 9th 1799 destroyed most buildings but all the people bar one managed to escape.
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Bessastaðir
The presidential resident
The presidential resident, a church place and an ancient chieftain manor. The King of Norway took the place as his own the same year that Snorri Sturluson died in 1241. The property was returned to the Icelandic governme...
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Borg á Mýrum
A church and parsonage
Borg á Mýrum, a church and parsonage. Originally settled by Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson father of the poet Egill Skallagrímsson of Egils saga. Many of his relatives and descendants lived there, including Snorri Sturluson f...
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Búðir
An old anchorage, later a trading centre
Staðarsveit,
356 Snæfellsbær
Búðir, an old anchorage, later a trading centre. The 19th century church is unusual, not only in its setting, but also because it was raised by a woman who did not have the support of the church authorities, but special ...
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Eiríksstaðir
Eric the Red lived here before he went to Greenland
Eiríksstaðir, an abandoned farm on the land of Stóra-Vatnshorn, where Eric the Red lived before he went to Greenland. It is believed that his son Leifur the Lucky Eiríksson was born there. Archaeological research has bee...
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Hafnarnes
An abandoned group of farms
By road no. 96 south from Fáskrúðsfjörður
An abandoned group of farms on the south side of Fáskrúðsfjörður. Formerly a busy fishing centre with 8 farms and a school. The French hospital was moved there from Fáskrúðsfjörður and served as flats and a school.
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Hafnarstræti ("Harbour Street")
Street
Down Town Reykjavík,
101 Reykjavík
Hafnarstræti, (“Harbour Street”) lies east from the northern end of Aðalstræti, north of and parallel to Austurstræti. Originally it was a path along the shoreline from Lækjartorg Square to Vesturgata, but received its p...
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Hallgrímskirkja
Church
Skólavörðuholt,
101 Reykjavík
The church of Hallgrimur is the crown on Iceland's capital with its magnificent 73 m high steeple rising above all other buildings in Reykjavik. It is the largest church in Iceland. It was under construction longer than ...
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Helgafell
Small mountain and a church
Helgafell, (73 m) this small mountain, though not high, is conspicuous in the plain. It was sacred to people of the Saga age, and they hoped to die on it. The story goes that if you start from the grave of Guðrún Ósvífur...
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Höfði
where summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhaíl Gorbatsjov took place
By Borgartún,
105 Reykjavík
Höfði, a large timber house on Borgartún, built 1909 by the French for their consul. Now a hospitality house for the City of Reykjavík. Winston Churchill, the then British prime minister, visited at Höfði in 1941 during ...
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Höfði
Höfði Hofdi House, built in 1909, is probably one of the most beautiful buildings in Reykjavik. It is best known as the location for the 1986 summit meeting of presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov, that effec...
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Hofstaðir
Archaeological Site
By Garðatorg,
210 Garðabær
The Hofsstadir archaeological site is located in Kirkjulund, close to the centre of Gardabær. In 1994, the remains of the second largest building from the period of the Viking settlement were found here. The house was b...
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Ingjaldshóll
A church and ancient manor farm
Ingjaldshóll, a church, ancient manor farm and the main setting of Víglundar saga. Often the residence of sheriffs and other important officials. The church is believed to be the oldest concrete church in the world, bui...
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Írskra brunnur
A well from the time of the settlement
Írskra brunnur, (“Well of the Irishmen”) a well from the time of the settlement, in the fields near Gufuskálar, Írskra kirkja (“Church of the Irishmen”) ruins on the shore and Írskra búðir (“Irishmen’s booth”) ruins at t...
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Kalfatjorn
Church, Parsonage and Golf Course
By road number 420 between Vogar and Hafnarfjörður
Kalfatjorn Church, Parsonage and Golf Course
Kálfatjörn a church and parsonage until 1907. The church is one of the largest country churches in Iceland. At Kálfatjörn is a popular 9 hole golf course.
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Keldur
A manor farm since Saga times
By road number 264
Keldur, a manor farm since Saga times, mentioned in Njáls saga as one of the main farms of the family of Oddi. Over 20 houses are preserved, including the primary living quarters and the accommodation for livestock. ...
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Krýsuvík
Geothermal heat and Ancient Manor
By road number 42 by Kleifarvatn
Ancient manor farm and church now abandoned along with other nearby farms. Much geothermal heat, with drill-holes for possible exploitation. The church is still standing and consecrated anew 1964, in the care of the Nati...
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Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík
The Reykjavík Secondary Grammar School
By Lækjargata ,
101 Reykjavík
When the Bessastaðir School was moved to Reykjavík a site “east of Lækurinn” was selected. The building was designed by Danish State Architect Jörgen Hansen Koch, the building materials imported ready-cut from Norway. Co...
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Oddi
A major historic site
By road no. 266
Oddi, a farm, church and parsonage. A major historic site. It first became famous around the middle of the 11th Century, when a church was built there, and thus is one of the oldest church sites in Iceland. In the year 1...
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Öndverðarnes
Formerly a substantial farm
The extreme tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Formerly a substantial farm with a chapel, now a lighthouse. Deep in the ground is the old well, Fálki, with 18 steps leading down to it. South of Öndverðarnes are cliff...
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Öskjuhlíð
Recreational Area
One of many recreational areas in Reykjavík. In the year 1950 trees were planted for what now is the wide spread forest with walking trails throughout the area. Öskjuhlíð is a link in a system of hiking trails from the o...
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Reykhólar í Breiðafirði
one of biggest and richest of manor farms ever since Saga times
Reykhólar, one of biggest and richest of manor farms ever since Saga times, having an eventful history. Some 300 skerries and islands. Much geothermal heat. Several powerful and wealthy men have lived there. Birthplace ...
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Reykholt
A church and parsonage
Reykholt, a church, parsonage, a medieval institution and a hotel in one of the most famous places in Iceland’s history, the home of Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241), who was murdered there. Snorri was a writer, chieftain an...
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Sænautasel
An moorland farm
Sænautasel, south of the lake Sænautavatn (“Sea-monster lake”), occupied 1843-1942. Its buildings have been renovated and are well worth a visit
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Selatangar
Protected remains of an old fishing-station
By road no. 427 between Grindavík and Krýsuvík
Selatangar, protected remains of an old fishing-station on the coast south of the Núpshlíðarháls ridge. The ghost Tanga-Tómas, or Tumi, was said to haunt the place.
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Skálholt
A farm and a church
By road no. 31
Skálholt, a farm and a church, the seat of bishops 1056-1796, a school after the Reformation and intermittently in Catholic times. A printing press was operated there for several years. Many historical events are con...
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Skeggjastaðir
A church and parsonage
By road no. 85,
between Bakkafjörður and Þórshöfn
A church and parsonage. A little to the west is a strange rock, Stapi, rising straight out of the sea. The churc was built in 1845, the pastor Rev. Hóseas Árnason paying out of his own pocket for all the work, since both...
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Skogar
Waterfall and Museum
By road number 1 between Hvolsvöllur and Vík
Skogar South Iceland
Skógafoss, (60 m) a waterfall in the river Skógaá, one of the highest in Iceland. There are many other falls further up in the river. Legend has it that the settler Þrasi hid his chest ...
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Skriðuklaustur
A substantial farm for centuries
By road no. 933 at the end of Lagarfljót
Skriðuklaustur, a substantial farm for centuries, site of a monastery from 1493 until the Reformation, then a church till 1792. Home of a number of prominent men, e.g. sheriff Hans Wium (1715-88), who is buried there. In...
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Snæhvammur
The outermost farm on the northern side of the Breiðdalur valley
Snæhvammur, the outermost farm on the northern side of the Breiðdalur valley. Late in the 18th century a polar bear was killed right at the front door after having chased a man who was walking there on his way from Stöð...
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Stafnes
Formerly an ancient manor farm with many smaller farms around it
By road no. 45 between Sandgerði and Hafnir
Stafnes, formerly an ancient manor farm with many smaller farms around it. In Stafnes there is a lighthouse. The coast there has proved very dangerous to shipping
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Stöng
Protected ruins of a farm
Stöng, protected ruins of a farm, excavated in 1939, believed to have been buried under pumice and ashes from the Hekla eruption of 1104.
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Strandakirkja
A church
By road number 42 between Þórlákshöfn & Krýsuvík
Strandarkirkja, (“Coast church”) a church in Selvogur, now far from farms and the only remains of the once flourishing community Strönd (“Coast”), at one time the home of some of the richest and most powerful men in Icel...
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Teigarhorn
A farm
By road no. 1 about 5 km north from Djúpivogur
A farm about 5 km from Djúpivogur. Timber house built in 1880-82. A photographic studio was operated there around 1900. In the keeping of the National Museum since 1992. Zeolites found there are said to be the most beaut...
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The University of Iceland
Háskóli Íslands
Sæmundargata 2,
101 Reykjavík
The University of Iceland is situaded in the heart of Reykjavík and was founded in 1911. It is to date Iceland’s largest community of knowledge. It is surrounded by some of Icelands most valuable tresures such as the N...
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Þingeyrar
A manor farm of great historical importance
Þingeyrar, a manor farm of great historical importance, the most important in Húnavatnssýsla county, with more land than most other farms in Iceland, meadows and pastures. Salmon and seal. A stone church built 1864-6...
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Þingvellir
National Park
Þingvellir National Park, (“Parliament plains”) the most important historical site in Iceland. For nearly 9 centuries, from the year 930 the Althing, the legislative body of Icelanders, was held there annually near the n...
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Þjóðleikshúsið
The National Theatre
Þjóðleikhúsið, The National Theatre, is on Hverfisgata, east of Safnahúsið. Construction started in 1928 to a design by State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson. Inside the theatre the walls are decorated with works by Guðmundu...
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Þjóðveldisbærinn ("Farm of the republic")
By Búrfell Power pland
Þjóðveldisbær, (“Farm of the republic”) a farm building below the spur Sámsstaðamúli, constructed in the medieval style in commemoration of the 1,100 years of settlement in Iceland in 1974. A small stave church, enclosed...
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Valþjófsstaður
An ancient manor farm, church and parsonage
By road no. 933,
Few km south of Skriðuklaustur
An ancient manor farm, church and parsonage. The famous Valþjófsstaður church door, one of the finest items in the National Museum at Reykjavík, came from there. The door now on the church is an exact replica. Tröllk...
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Viðey
An Island
It is the largest island in Kollafjörður fjord and covers about 1,5 km2. In the year 1226 a monastery was consecrated there and it later became the richest monastery in Iceland. Among other historical events, Sheriff Skú...
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Hot Springs
Biskupslaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Reykir,
Skagafjörður
There are no changing facilities but you can lay clothes either on the grass surrounding the hot spring or the stones. The spring is laden which makes it into quinte irregular circle but is relatively big or 2,6*3,5 m a...
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Geysir
Hot springs
By road number 35,
Haukadalur
One of the most famous spouting hot springs of the world, its name the source of the English word "Geyser". It is believed that Geysir started spouting in the 13th century. However, at the beginning of this century i...
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Grafarlaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
The hot spring was built in 1956 and is 12.5 m long, 4.9 m wide and the depth is between 0.9 to 1.3 m. The heat in the hot spring is 26°C. The changing room is dived into two and applicable for 3 persons on each side but...
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Grettislaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
The spring is very well made and mostly made by Jón Eiriksson. The spring is in the shape of oval with the diamater of 4,5 and 3,75 m and is 0,8 m deep. The spring fits 15 to 20 people at the same time. The water ente...
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Grjótagjá
A rift with hot water
By road no. 860 by Mývatn
Grjótagjá, a rift with hot water south of Jarðbaðshólar. Formerly a popular bathing place, but in the disturbances 1975-84 the water became too hot for bathing. The water is now over 50°C (122°F) and bathing is strictly ...
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Gunnuhver
Hot Spring
By road number 425 between Grindavík and Hafnir
Much geothermal heat, sulphur and mud springs, the best known is Gunnuhver or Gunna.
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Hellulaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
The location of this hot spring is quite interesting. It is under the rock down by the shore next to the abandoned farm called Hella, which is close to Flókalundur. The hot spring is loaded from rocks and concrete. Th...
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Hólsgerði
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Eyjafjörður,
601 Akureyri
The spring is laden with big rocks into an oval shape. It is not that big but roughly 4.5 m long, 1.9 m wide and 0.6 m deep. Four persons can bathe at the same time and the water flow is really slow and is not measurab...
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Hörgshlíðarlaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Hörgshlíð
The pool is below the road close to tidemark not far from farm Hörgshlíðarbær. The pool is molted and measures as follows 2.15x6.3x0.8 = 11 m3. The water comes from three hoses but one has cold water, which is used to c...
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Hot tubs at Drangsnes
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
520 Drangsnes
The hot springs are located at the tidemark if you enter into Drangnes from the south. There you will find two small tubs and one fish tub, which get their water from the hot water well. It’s been said that the water the...
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Hveraborg
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Fosssel,
Hrútafjörður
The hot spring is next to a cabin which stands on the east side of Sík-river. The cabin is rentet out by Staðarskáli. For people who do not have access to the cabin, can lay their cloths on the grass. The hot spring and...
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Hveravellir
The main hot spring area in Reykjahverfi
on Kjölur (F35) mountain road
Hveravellir, (“Hot spring plains”) a geothermal area to the north of Kjalhraun, about 650 m above sea level, and one of the best known geothermal areas in Iceland. Many beautiful and peculiar hot springs, such as Bláhver...
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Krýsuvík
Geothermal heat and Ancient Manor
By road number 42 by Kleifarvatn
Ancient manor farm and church now abandoned along with other nearby farms. Much geothermal heat, with drill-holes for possible exploitation. The church is still standing and consecrated anew 1964, in the care of the Nati...
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Landbrotalaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
The wellspring is originated at siliceous sinter. The heat in the pool is approximetly 44°C
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Laugarfell
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
The spring has a round shape with 3.5 m in diameter. The depth is 0.7 m. There are no changing facilities but there is a shelter for horses, which is possible to use. The banks around the spring are laid with paving st...
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Marteinslaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Near Geysir hot spring area,
Haukadalur
The area around the hot spring is very delicate. The water comes up from the bottom of the spring and the temperature is 43 °C but if you move a little bit further up the spring the temperature is around 39 °C. The siz...
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Námafjall
Mountain with geothermal heat
By road no. 1 east of Mývatn
Námafjall, the mountain south of Námaskarð, with geothermal heat all over the east side of the mountain, which looks light yellow from a distance. Sulphur was mined there for centuries from the Hlíðarnámur mines and expo...
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Nauteyrarlaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Nauteyri,
Súðavík
The hot spring is above the road that leads to the farm Bær above Nautaeyri. This spring was fairly known for bathing both for visitors as well locals. Not many years ago a fish company drilled for their fish hatchery ...
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Ostakarið
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Above the town of Húsavík,
640 Húsavík
The tub is right outside the town Húsavík. The tub is next to a well around 500 m from the road. This tub was set up by few individuals from Húsavík who use this tub for Psoriasis patients in the area. The water keeps ...
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Pollurinn
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
This hot spring is located up in the hill outside the town of Tálknafjörður (Sveinseyri). This is hot spring is made up from one big pool and two skin deep pools which are only used to lie in. Changing facilities has 3...
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Reykjafjarðarlaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Reykjafjörður fjord,
by Arnarfjörður fjord
The pool was built in 1975. The pool was is 16.6 m, 10 m wide and 1.2-1.8 m deep. The hot spring is open 24/7 all year long. The water comes from a well and a hot spring not far away. There is changing facilities ava...
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Reykjavellir
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
Reykjavellir,
Skagafjörður
The spring is made up from large rock into circle shape. The flow into the spring is 0,5 - 1 l/second and the temperature is 45 °C. The spring is about 2 m long, 1.4 m wide and 0.5 deep. There is a lot of algae flora ...
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Rjúpnabrekkur
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
810 Hveragerði
The creek runs along the side of the hillside and runs into Hengladalsá River but further down it turns into Varmá-river. It is unknown how much it is used to bath in but far down in the creek a small bathing pool. The...
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Seljavellir
Natural hot water & Swimming pool
By road number 1 between Skógar and Hvolsvöllur
Seljavellir South Iceland
Seljavellir, where a swimming pool was built in the mountain side in 1923 by the Youth movement, making use of natural hot water on the spot. One of the shortest climbing routes to...
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Skátalaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
By Kleifarvatn Lake,
Krýsuvík
The water is originated from a hot spring source not far away. The temperature is around 34 °C. The water flow ends in a small hot spring which is about 2.5 m in diameter from there it runs to a bigger hot spring, 10x5x...
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Stóragjá
Hot Spring
By Reykjahlíð,
Mývatn
It is recommended not to bathe in it due to e-coli bacteria. The temerature of the water is around 29° C . The meteoric water runs throught the rift but the flow is really slow.
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Sundlaug
Hot Spring, Possible to bath
810 Hveragerði
Sundlaug is the furthest north of the hot springs that belong to Opnum. The hot spring was made in the beginning of last century and was used to teach children to swim. The hot spring is 10x25 m but it hasn’t been used ...
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Varmá River
Warm river, possible to bath
810 Hveragerði
The river Varmá runs through the town Hveragerði. The temperature is relatively higher in this river than other rivers you will find in Iceland, especially when the flow is low. The average temperature in the summer ti...
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Islands
Eldey
Island
A rock, or island, 77 m high c.a. 14 km off Reykjanes. Home of the biggest gannet colony in the world, protected
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Papey
A large island opposite Búland and Hamarsfjörður
Papey, a large island opposite Búland and Hamarsfjörður, surrounded by islets. Formerly a substantial farm but now deserted. The name indicates that Irish monks lived there before the settlement. A popular tourist attrac...
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Skrúður
A high grassy Island with cliffs
Skrúður (161 m) a high grassy island with cliffs. Many seabirds, including gannet. Famous from a folktale about a giant said to have lived there in a cave. He put a spell on the daughter of the pastor at Hólmur in Reyð...
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Vestmannaeyjar
The Wetman Islands
Vestmannaeyjar, (“The Westman Islands”) a group of 15-18 steep and rocky islands, with green mountain sides and ridges. All the islands come from submarine eruptions, the oldest from about 10,000 years ago and others fro...
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Viðey
An Island
It is the largest island in Kollafjörður fjord and covers about 1,5 km2. In the year 1226 a monastery was consecrated there and it later became the richest monastery in Iceland. Among other historical events, Sheriff Skú...
Read more
Lakes
Elliðavatn
Lake
In 1928 Rafmagnsveita Reykjavíkur power plant built a dam there that raised the surface of the lake considerably. The outlet from Elliðavatn Lake is the Elliðaár river approximately 5 km long and is among top 10 salmon f...
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Mývatn
Among the largest lakes in Iceland
Mývatn, (“Midge lake”) among the largest lakes in Iceland, 36.5 km2, altitude 277 m, with a very indented shoreline, almost cut into two halves by a long peninsula and islands. Rather shallow, the average depth being 2.5...
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Þingvellir
National Park
Þingvellir National Park, (“Parliament plains”) the most important historical site in Iceland. For nearly 9 centuries, from the year 930 the Althing, the legislative body of Icelanders, was held there annually near the n...
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Mountains
Baula
A Rhyolite Mountain
Baula, (934 m) a rhyolite mountain, most likely a lava bulge from the ice age. The mountain is cone-shaped and steep, with screes and boulders on all sides. There are no particular obstacles for climbers but care should ...
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Hekla
Volcano
By road number 26
Hekla, (1,491 m) the most famous volcano in Iceland and one of the best-known volcanoes in the world and has been active for thousands of years. The mountain is a long ridge with a 4 km long crack along the top. Ther...
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Herðubreið
A table mountain with a crater at its top
Herðubreið, (1,682 m) a table mountain with a crater at its top, rising 1,000 to 1,100 m above the surrounding highlands. One of the most majestic mountains in Iceland, with a nearly round base having a circumference of ...
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Hverfjall
A roundish crater
Hverfjall, (312 m) a roundish crater about 140 m deep and 1,300 m diameter. Said to be one of the largest such craters in the world.
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Keilir
Mountain
A cone-shaped (379 m) tuff mountain with fine views. It is usually possible to drive to Höskuldarvellir just east of Keilir. A Hiking trail is from Höskuldarvellir to Keilir. The trail is about 3-4 km and it takes ab...
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Kerlingarfjöll
A cluster of majestic rhyolite peaks
Kerlingarfjöll, a cluster of majestic rhyolite peaks, some of them partially covered by glacier. Lots of geothermal heat in the valleys between the peaks. The highest peaks are Snækollur (1,477 m), Loðmundur (1,432 m) an...
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Kirkjufell (“Church mountain”)
Mountain
By Grundarfjörður on Snæfellsnes
Kirkjufell, (“Church mountain”) (463 m) an impressive mountain, climbable but difficult and tiring because of rocks. One of the most beautiful mountains on Snæfellsnes. Called “Sugarloaf” by the Danes.
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Krafla
a mountain with geothermal heat
By road no. 863,
East of Mývatn
Krafla, (818 m) a tuff mountain north of Námafjall. Considerable geothermal heat on the west side of Krafla with fumaroles and mud-springs (solfataras). At the northwest side is Víti, (“Hell”) an explosion crater, 300 m ...
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Kverkfjöll
magnificent mountain range
Kverkfjöll, (1,920 m) a magnificent mountain range in northern Vatnajökull. One of the largest geothermal areas in the country on the west side of the mountains, creating many beautiful ice caves in the glacier. A good t...
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Mýrdalsjökull
Glacier
Mýrdalsjökull, (1,480 m) the fourth largest glacier in Iceland, about 701 km2. Many glacier tongues protrude from the main glacier towards Mýrdalssandur, such as Öldufellsjökull, Sandfellsjökull and Höfðabrekkujökull. ...
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Námafjall
Mountain with geothermal heat
By road no. 1 east of Mývatn
Námafjall, the mountain south of Námaskarð, with geothermal heat all over the east side of the mountain, which looks light yellow from a distance. Sulphur was mined there for centuries from the Hlíðarnámur mines and expo...
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Sandfell
A 743 m high mountain south of Fáskrúðsfjörður
Sandfell, a 743 m high rhyolite mountain south of Fáskrúðsfjörður. It is a typical laccolith believed to be 600 m thick and one of the best examples of mountains from the tertier period in the northern hemisphere. It can...
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Snæfell
The highest mountain in Iceland after Vatnajökull,
Snæfell, (1,833 m) the highest mountain in Iceland after Vatnajökull, conspicuous, with fine views from the top. An old volcano, the peak snowcovered. Local people say when it is clear over Snæfell in the evening, you c...
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Spákonufell
A former church
Spákonufell, (“Fortune-teller’s fell”) a former church, once the home of Þórdís spákona (“fortune-teller”) mentioned in Kormáks saga.
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Þríhyrningur
A tuff mountain dominating the surrounding
Þríhyrningur, (678 m) a tuff mountain, dominating the surroundings. The hiding place of Flosi of Njáls saga and his men after they set fire to Bergþórshvoll, burning Njáll inside.
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Vindbelgjarfjall
Vindbelgjarfjall, (529 m) it takes about 1 hours to walk from Vagnsstaðir to the top. Great view.
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National Parks
Skaftafell
National Park
By road number 1 between Vík and Höfn
Skaftafell National Park, westernmost estate in Öræfi built high on the southern slopes of Skaftafellsheiði moor because of the destructive forces of Skeiðará. Extensive birch woods, rich vegetation (Saxifraga cotyledon,...
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Snæfellsjökull
An ancient cone volcano, one of finest mountains in Iceland
Snæfellsjökull, (1,446 m) an ancient cone volcano, one of finest mountains in Iceland. An impressive sight from as far away as Reykjavík, from where it can be seen in clear weather, seeming to rise from the sea. Many pre...
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Þingvellir
National Park
Þingvellir National Park, (“Parliament plains”) the most important historical site in Iceland. For nearly 9 centuries, from the year 930 the Althing, the legislative body of Icelanders, was held there annually near the n...
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Vatnajökull
The largest Glacier in Europe
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland and Europe, over 8,000 km2, its highest point being Bárðarbunga (2,000 m). The highest point in Iceland is Hvannadalshnúkur (2,119 m) on the Öræfajökull glacier. The road up...
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Natural wonders
Álfaborg
Elves Rock
Álfaborg, (“Elves’ rock”) a picturesque rock, from which the fjord gets its name. Said to be the home of elves. Public park.
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Asbyrgi
Canyon
By road no. 85 ,
By road no. 85 between Húsavík and Kópasker
Asbyrgi Canyon North East Iceland
Ásbyrgi, a U-shaped depression about 3.5 km long, surrounded by cliffs up to 90 m high with a huge crag (2 km by 250 m) called Eyjan (“The island”) in the open end of the U. I...
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Askja
Caldera in the Dyngjufjöll mountains
Askja, a 50 km2 caldera in the Dyngjufjöll mountains. The bottom, about 1,100 m above sea level, is mostly covered with rough lava. In the southeast corner, in a smaller caldera is the lake, Öskjuvatn, 217 m deep, an...
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Bjargtangar
The westernmost point of Iceland
Bjargtangar, the westernmost point of Iceland and also of Europe. The nearest land due south is the Antarctic.
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Bjarnarflag
Geological disturbances during the Mývatn fires
Bjarnarflag, the area west of Námafjall. Geological disturbances during the My´vatn fires. Many drill holes for steam power, both for the diatomite plant and for an electric station built 1968-69. Capacity of 2,625 kW. ...
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Bjarnarhöfn
The farm of the settler Björn austræni
Bjarnarhöfn, (“Björn’s harbour”) the farm of the settler Björn austræni, now a substantial farm with church. The homeopath Þorleifur Þorleifsson (1801-77) lived there for many years; he was probably the most psychic ...
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Bjólfur
A mountain, named after the first settler to come to this fiord
Bjólfur, (1,085 m) a mountain. Named after the first settler to come to this fiord and make it is home. On the highest peak of the mountain there was supposedly a temple in ancient times. Snow and mud avalanches have oft...
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Blanda
A glacial river
Blanda, glacial river about 125 km long, with a large hydroelectric plant, flowing from the western sides of Hofsjökull. Two bridges, one by Blönduós and the other by Langamýri in Blöndudalur. The magnificent canyon Blön...
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Borgarvirki
A group of rocks on the ridges between the Vesturhóp district and the Víðidalur valley
Borgarvirki, (“Citadel”) (177 m) a group of rocks on the ridges between the Vesturhóp district and the Víðidalur valley, with basalt columns 10-15 m high and a circular depression at the top, open to the east. There a bi...
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Breiðdalsheiði
A mountain road
Breiðdalsheiði, (470 m) a mountain road across the moor between Skriðdalur and Breiðdalur, steep at the Breiðdalur end. A small lake, Heiðarvatn, not far from the road, where trout has been introduced and seems to thrive...
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Breiðdalur
The biggest of the valleys cutting into the eastern mountains
Breiðdalur, the biggest of the valleys cutting into the eastern mountains, wide towards the sea but dividing into two valleys, Norðurdalur and Suðurdalur, further inland. The highway goes through the latter. The valley i...
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Búðir
An old anchorage, later a trading centre
Staðarsveit,
356 Snæfellsbær
Búðir, an old anchorage, later a trading centre. The 19th century church is unusual, not only in its setting, but also because it was raised by a woman who did not have the support of the church authorities, but special ...
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Bustarfell
Sharp-topped mountain - A manor farm through the ages
Bustarfell, sharp-topped mountain, with two lakes on top, Þuríðarvatn and Nykurvatn, good view. View-dial. On December 31st 1990 a youth fell off the cliff by the view-dial to a stream bed in the scree 70 meters below...
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Deildartunguhver
Most powerful hot spring in Iceland if not Europe
Deildartunguhver , this hot water spring is protected by conservation laws and is the most powerful hot spring in Iceland, with 200 l/sec. of 100°C hot water, supplying the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes with hot water. ...
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Dimmuborgir
Magnificent lava landscape
By road no. 1 by Mývatn
Dimmuborgir, (“Dark crags”) a magnificent lava landscape with strange formations, columns, caves, arches, etc. It seems this was formed from a lava-lake, out of which molten lave flowed, causing much upheaval. One of the...
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Djúpalónssandur
Where fisherman tested their strength
Djúpalónssandur, between Dritvík and Einarslón are four well-known lifting-stones, on which the fishermen tested their strength. The biggest is known as Fullsterkur (“Fully-strong”), weighs 155 kg and is very difficult t...
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Dritvík
For centuries on of the best fishing station in Iceland
By road no. 574 ,
between Hellnar and Hellissandur
Dritvík, for centuries on of the best and busiest fishing-stations in Iceland, often as many as 60 boats with 300-400 fishermen rowing from there. Rescue hut. To the east is a large rock, Tröllakirkja (“Giants church”), ...
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Dverghamrar
Rocks with hexagonal columns
By road no. 1 about 15 km from Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Dverghamrar - “Dwarf crags”
Dverghamrar, (“Dwarf crags”) rocks with hexagonal columns by the roadside. Such columns are often found where lava has flowed into water and been abruptly cooled.
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Dynjandi
Waterfall
by road no. 621,
in Arnarfjörður
Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi, an abandoned farm. Above it is the biggest waterfall in the Western fjords and one of finest in Iceland, also named Dynjandi (“Resounding”), also known as Fjallfoss, itself 100 m h...
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Dyrholaey
A cape or headland
By road number 1 between Skógar and Vík,
The South coast
Dyrholahey -“Doorway hill island”
Dyrhólahey (“Doorway hill island”) is a cape or headland 110-120 m high, with perpendicular cliffs on the southern and western sides and a narrow rock rim with an arch-shaped ...
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Eldborg
A nicely shaped crater about 30 min. walk from the highway
Eldborg, a nicely shaped crater about 30 min. walk from the highway, ca. 100 m above sea-level, from which the big Eldborgarhraun (Eldborg lava) flowed. Eldborg is believed to have erupted once many thousand years ago an...
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Elliðaárdalur
The Valley of Elliðaár Rivers
Elliðaárdalur, (“The valley of the Elliðaár Rivers”). The Elliðaár Rivers are mentioned as early as in Landnámabók: “Ketilbjörn went to Iceland when there were a number of settlements on the coast. His ship was named Ell...
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Elliðavatn
Lake
In 1928 Rafmagnsveita Reykjavíkur power plant built a dam there that raised the surface of the lake considerably. The outlet from Elliðavatn Lake is the Elliðaár river approximately 5 km long and is among top 10 salmon f...
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Fagrifoss
A Waterfall
Fagrifoss, a waterfall just below the ford. Access is best from the east. The fords on the rivers Geirlandsá and Hellisá are problematic for smaller cars, and can become suddenly impassable when the rivers rise.
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Fjaðrárgljúfur
A canyon
By road no. F206
A canyon through tuff, 100 m deep, just below the farm Heiðarsel. There is a walking route along the eastern edge, and it is possible to walk up through the canyon, though then one must wade across the river.
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Flatey
The most notable of all the islands in Breiðafjörður
Flatey, the most notable of all the islands in Breiðafjörður. An official trading place since 1777. A monastery erected there in 1172 was later moved to Helgafell. In the early 19th century Flatey was in the forefron...
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Fróðárheiði
A mountain pass
Fróðárheiði, (361 m) a mountain pass and road across the Snæfellsnes range.
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Garðskagi
Birdwatching & Lighthouse
The outermost point of the Miðnes peninsula, the northpointing "toe" of the Reykjanes peninsula. Quite densely populated. Old and new lighthouses, birdwatching station. In the old lighthousem, built 1897, there is a ...
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Gerðuberg
A unique belt of basalt columns
Gerðuberg, a unique belt of basalt columns, massive and spectacular, and a farm of the same name situated below them.
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Geysir
Hot springs
By road number 35,
Haukadalur
One of the most famous spouting hot springs of the world, its name the source of the English word "Geyser". It is believed that Geysir started spouting in the 13th century. However, at the beginning of this century i...
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Godafoss
Waterfall
By road no. 1 about 47 km east from Akureyri
Godafoss Waterfall
Goðafoss, (“Falls of the gods”) among the finest in the country, not very high but cut into two horseshoe-shaped falls, Not far above the falls the river Skjálfandafljót divides in two, formi...
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Grábrókarhraun
A rough lava-field and a crater
By road no. 1 about 37 from Borgarnes
Grábrókarhraun, a rough lava-field about 3,000 years old, covered with moss and birch bushes. The lava came from three craters, Grábrók, which is the largest, Grábrókarfell, and a small crater that has been more or less ...
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Grjótagjá
A rift with hot water
By road no. 860 by Mývatn
Grjótagjá, a rift with hot water south of Jarðbaðshólar. Formerly a popular bathing place, but in the disturbances 1975-84 the water became too hot for bathing. The water is now over 50°C (122°F) and bathing is strictly ...
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Gullfoss
Golden Waterfall
By road number 35
Gullfoss Waterfall south Iceland
Gullfoss, (“Golden falls”) in the river Hvítá, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and a favourite with tourists. It falls 32 m in two cascades. The canyon below the...
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Gunnólfsvík
The northermost farm on the Langanesströnd
Gunnólfsvík, the northernmost farm on the Langanesströnd coast, now abandoned. Once a fishing-station. To north is Gunnólfsvíkurfjall (719 m). Good views. This marks the eastern end of the tuff area of northern Ice...
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Gunnuhver
Hot Spring
By road number 425 between Grindavík and Hafnir
Much geothermal heat, sulphur and mud springs, the best known is Gunnuhver or Gunna.
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Hafnarberg
Sea-Cliffs
By road number 425 between Hafnir & Grindavík
Sea-cliffs with many seabirds. South of the cliffs, the New World meets the Old World, geologically speaking. The European and American plates come together, and the line of their meeting "comes ashore" at this point...
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Hafragil
A deep and imposing gorge
Hafragil, a deep and imposing gorge opening into Jökulsárgljúfur canyon from the south west. A little upstream is the waterfall Hafragilsfoss, 27 m high. The Randarhólar craters cut across the canyon there.
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Hallormsstaður
A manor farm in its time
Hallormsstaður, a manor farm in its time. Church till 1895, parsonage till 1880. Domestic science school founded in 1930, still in use, now as an annex of Menntaskólinn á Egilstöðum (Egilsstaðir College), in cooperation...
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Hamarinn
Cliff
Cliffs overlooking the town with good views and view-disc.
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Heiðmörk
Reservation / Park
A recreation and forestry area bolongin to Reykjavík and the neighbouring communities, a nature reserve since 1948. Millions of trees have been planted there during the last few decades. Heiðmörk is a popular retreive...
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Heiðmörk
A Reservation
A reservation for Reykjavík since 1950. Heiðmörk covers approximately 2800 hectares of land. Heiðmörk is a popular retrieve with hiking paths into various directions. There one can also find Maríuhellar caves. At ...
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Hekla
Volcano
By road number 26
Hekla, (1,491 m) the most famous volcano in Iceland and one of the best-known volcanoes in the world and has been active for thousands of years. The mountain is a long ridge with a 4 km long crack along the top. Ther...
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Helgafell
Small mountain
Helgafell, (73 m) this small mountain, though not high, is conspicuous in the plain. It was sacred to people of the Saga age, and they hoped to die on it. The story goes that if you start from the grave of Guðrún Ósvífur...
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Hellar
Caves
Hellar, (“Caves”) a farm where some man-made caves are used as hay-barns. The Bishop of Iceland celebrated Mass in the cave in 2000 to mark the 1000th anniversary of the conversion of Iceland.
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Hellisgerði
Public Garden
On the corner of Hellisgata and Reykjavíkurvegur,
220 Hafarfjörður
The Hellisgerði public garden, ingeniously made among natural lava formations, is said to be inhabited by elves and other supernatural creatures. In Hellisgerði is the northernmost Bonsai park in the world. See Bonsai Pa...
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Hellisheiði Eystri
Mountain road
(655 m) A mountain road across the moor between Vopnafjörður and Jökulsárhlíð, passable for all cars. Not kept open in the winter. Much used as a trade route to Vopnafjörður in former times, and as an emergency route whe...
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Heydalir
A farm, church and parsonage
Heydalir, often called Eydalir, a farm, church and parsonage, formerly considered one of the richest parishes in Iceland. Community centre Staðarborg, school. Among the best known clergymen of Heydalir was the poet Einar...
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Hjalparfoss - The help falls
Waterfall
By Búrfell power plant
Hjalparfoss Waterfall
Hjálparfoss (“The help falls”) a beautiful waterfall in the river Fossá opposite the power-station.
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Hljóðaklettar
A group of rocks by Jökulsá river
Hljóðaklettar, (“Echo rocks”) a group of rocks by the Jökulsá river that gets its name from strange echoes created by the numerous caves and uncommon rock formation.
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Hólmatindur
One of most majestic mountains off Reyðarfjörður
Hólmatindur, (985 m) one of most majestic mountains off Reyðarfjörður, with the spur Hólmaháls ridge reaching onto the Hólmanes peninsula. Hólmanes and part of the ridge have been a nature reserve since 1973. On the ...
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Hóp
The fifth largest lake in Iceland
Hóp, the fifth largest lake in Iceland, 29-44 km2 depending on the tide which affects the water level. Fed by Víðidalsá and Gljúfurá, it empties out through Bjargaós
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Hrafntinnusker
A convex mountain
Hrafntinnusker, a convex mountain reaching a height of about 1,128 m. The top of the mountain is covered in obsidian and glacial ice conceals the western face all year round. A cabin built by the Touring Club of Icel...
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Hrauneyjarfoss
A 29 m high waterfall
Hrauneyjafoss, a 29 m high waterfall in the river Tungnaá where a new 210,000 kW power station was built in 1981.
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Hraunhafnartangi
The northernmost point of Iceland
Hraunhafnartangi, the northernmost point of Iceland, touches the Arctic Circle. Named for Hraunhöfn (“Lava harbour”), a small inlet nearby. An historical place, where Fóstbræðra saga tells us Þorgeir Hávarsson was slain ...
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Hrísey
The second biggest island off Iceland
Hrísey, the second biggest island off Iceland, 8.0 km2, ca. 2 km from Helluhöfði point on Árskógsströnd. Oblong shape, highest (110 m) at its northern end, grassy. A village (pop. 230) at the southern end is the only...
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Húsafell
A pearl nestled between lava fields and glaciers
Húsafell, the innermost farm in the Hálsasveit district. Formerly a parsonage and church, now a chapel. Made famous among other things by Snorri Björnsson (1710-1803), versifier, poet and strong man, who tried his streng...
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Húsey
The outernmost farm in Hróarstunga
Húsey, the outermost farm in Hróarstunga in the middle of the flat land, near the confluence of the rivers Jökulsá and Lagarfljót. It once had the greatest amount of seal hunting in the Héraðsflói district.
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Hvalfjörður
The longest fjord in the southwest of Iceland
Hvalfjörður, (“Whale fjord”) the longest fjord in the southwest of Iceland, about 30 km long and up to 84 m deep. Formerly a good harbour, and during the Second World War a big naval base run by the Allied Forces, where...
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Hvannalindir
An area where several streams come up from under a lava field
Hvannalindir, an area where several streams come up from under a lava field, surrounded by grasslands and other vegetation not usually seen at that height (650 m). Lindakeilir is a small cone shaped hill in the western p...
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Hveravellir
The main hot spring area in Reykjahverfi
on Kjölur (F35) mountain road
Hveravellir, (“Hot spring plains”) a geothermal area to the north of Kjalhraun, about 650 m above sea level, and one of the best known geothermal areas in Iceland. Many beautiful and peculiar hot springs, such as Bláhver...
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Hvítserkur
A 15 m high basalt crag rising from sea
Hvítserkur, a 15 m high basalt crag rising from the sea near the farm Súluvellir. The action of the surf has eroded it to make it resemble a three-legged monster. On the way to Hvítserkur seal breeding grounds can be see...
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Ingjaldshóll
A church, ancient manor farm and the main setting of Víglundar saga
Ingjaldshóll, a church, ancient manor farm and the main setting of Víglundar saga. Often the residence of sheriffs and other important officials. The church is believed to be the oldest concrete church in the world, buil...
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Ingólfshöfði
A cape
Ingólfshöfði, a cape on the coast 9-10 km south of Fagurhólsmýri, 76 m high, 1,200 m long and 750 m wide, birdcliffs, a shelter and a lighthouse. A jeep-trail goes to it across sands, mud-flats and many rivers. Formerly ...
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Írskra brunnur
A well from the time of the settlement
Írskra brunnur, (“Well of the Irishmen”) a well from the time of the settlement, in the fields near Gufuskálar, Írskra kirkja (“Church of the Irishmen”) ruins on the shore and Írskra búðir (“Irishmen’s booth”) ruins at t...
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Jökulsárgljúfur
The biggest canyon in Iceland
Jökulsárgljúfur, from Dettifoss down to the bridge is the biggest canyon in Iceland, wide and irregular. The land on the western side of Jökulsá to below Ásbyrgi is now a national park. See map on National Parks p. 37. L...
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Jokulsarlon
Glacier Lagoon
By road no. 1 between Skaftafell and Höfn
Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi (Jökulsárlón), the biggest river on the sands, though very short, only about 1,500 m. Comes from a 100 m deep lake, or lagoon, Jökulsárlón, at the foot o...
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Kálfshamarsvík
A small bay, north of which is Kálfshamarsnes
Kálfshamarsvík, a small bay, north of which is Kálfshamarsnes. Around 1900 there was a fishing station there, and a small settlement, but it was finally abandoned around the time of the depression, 1940. Interesting basa...
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Kattarauga
A large deep pool with floating islands
Kattarauga (“Cat’s eye”), a large, deep pool with floating islands. A protected natural feature.
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Kerið
Explosion crater
By road no. 35
Kerið, a 55 m deep explosion crater about 3,000 years old, in Tjarnarhólar, a group of crater-hills. A must for sightseers. The story goes that when the water level rises in Kerið, it falls to an equal extent in the ...
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Kerlingarfjöll
A cluster of majestic rhyolite peaks
Kerlingarfjöll, a cluster of majestic rhyolite peaks, some of them partially covered by glacier. Lots of geothermal heat in the valleys between the peaks. The highest peaks are Snækollur (1,477 m), Loðmundur (1,432 m) an...
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Kjarnaskógur
An attractive wooded area in Akureyri
An attractive wooded area with possibilities for a variety of recreational activities. The area is owned by Akureyri Municipal Council but is under the guardianship of the Eyjafjörður Forestry Commission. There are floo...
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Klofningur
A belt of rock west of the mountain Klofningsfjall
Klofningur, a belt of rock west of the mountain Klofningsfjall, cleft by a deep chasm through which the highroad goes. Klofningsvegur (Road 590) is 83 km long.
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Kotagil
Canyon
By road no. 1 about 47 km east from Akureyri,
between Akureyri and Varmahlíð
One of the most magnificent canyons by the road between Reykjavík and Akureyri.
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Krafla
a mountain with geothermal heat
By road no. 863,
East of Mývatn
Krafla, (818 m) a tuff mountain north of Námafjall. Considerable geothermal heat on the west side of Krafla with fumaroles and mud-springs (solfataras). At the northwest side is Víti, (“Hell”) an explosion crater, 300 m ...
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Króksbjarg
10 km of cliffs, 40-50 m high.
Króksbjarg, 10 km of cliffs, 40-50 m high. At their southern base is a 16 m thick clay layer, on top of which are an 8 m layer of brown sandstone and a thick layer of basalt which has reversed magnetic polarisation.
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Króksbjarg
10 km of cliffs
Króksbjarg, 10 km of cliffs, 40-50 m high. At their southern base is a 16 m thick clay layer, on top of which are an 8 m layer of brown sandstone and a thick layer of basalt which has reversed magnetic polarisation.
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Krossavík
An ancient manor
Krossavík, an ancient manor farm on the east of Vopnafjörður. Home of Geitir and his son Þorkell of Vopnfirðinga saga. The home around 1800 of sheriff Guðmundur Pétursson (1748-1811), a wealthy and enterprising man.
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Krosshólar
Large crags
Krosshólar, large crags. Landnámabók (“The Book of Settlements”) states that Auður djúpúðga had a cross raised there, where she went to pray. The remains of her first farm, Auðartóttir, nearby. A stone cross was erected ...
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Krýsuvík
Geothermal heat and Ancient Manor
By road number 42 by Kleifarvatn
Ancient manor farm and church now abandoned along with other nearby farms. Much geothermal heat, with drill-holes for possible exploitation. The church is still standing and consecrated anew 1964, in the care of the Nati...
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Kverkfjöll
magnificent mountain range
Kverkfjöll, (1,920 m) a magnificent mountain range in northern Vatnajökull. One of the largest geothermal areas in the country on the west side of the mountains, creating many beautiful ice caves in the glacier. A good t...
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Landmannahellir
Cave
Landmannahellir, (cave) a good place for a break on the old Dómadalur pass. The cave itself was once used as accommodation for those who had to travel through the highland pastures. Today at Landmannahellir there are fin...
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Landmannalaugar
Natural jewel
Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland’s natural jewels and popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Streams of geothermal and spring water come from under a high wall of lava and mix to make streams and pools of just the ri...
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Látrabjarg
A 14 km long cliff
Látrabjarg, a 14 km long cliff, one of the biggest birdcliffs in Iceland, where eggs have been gathered by absailing. Shipwrecks have occurred there. The highest point (441 m) is at Heiðnakast east of the canyon Saxagjá...
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Laugarvatn
A Village and a Lake
Laugarvatn, a village that has grown around a number of schools: a junior college, an intermediate school, The College of Physical Education and an elementary school. Sportsgrounds, steam baths, greenhouses. This is ...
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Laugarvatnshellir
Cave
By road no. 365 between Laugarvatn and Þingvellir
Laugarvatnsvellir, dry flatlands to the east of Reyðarbarmur. Two caves on the west side of the flats were often used to house sheep but were the home of people during the first decades of this century. A young coupl...
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Laxárdalur
A fairly long (14 km) grassy but rather narrow valley
Laxárdalur, a fairly long (14 km) grassy but rather narrow valley reaching from the Sævarlandsvík bay to Gönguskörð, the pass behind Tindastóll mountain. Through it flows Laxá, a fishing river.
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Lóndrangar
Two pillar rocks by the sea
Lóndrangar, two pillar rocks by the sea 15 minutes’ walk from road, the taller one being 75 m. The remains of a volcano, scoria with basalt caverns. The higher one to the east has been climbed. Seabirds nest there.
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Lónsöræfi
The lagoon wilderness
Lónsöræfi, (“The Lagoon wilderness”) a broad unbuilt area east of Vatnajökull. In recent years it has become increasingly popular to walk in this area, huts have been put up and footbridges built on the most difficult ...
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Lútetnar & Þrengslaborgir
Row of craters
By road number 1 by Mývatn
Lúdentsborgir, a row of craters east of
Mývatn
. They are a continuation of Þrengslaborgir, having erupted at the same time. Named for the explosion cr...
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Mývatn
Among the largest lakes in Iceland
Mývatn, (“Midge lake”) among the largest lakes in Iceland, 36.5 km2, altitude 277 m, with a very indented shoreline, almost cut into two halves by a long peninsula and islands. Rather shallow, the average depth being 2.5...
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Námafjall
Mountain with geothermal heat
By road no. 1 east of Mývatn
Námafjall, the mountain south of Námaskarð, with geothermal heat all over the east side of the mountain, which looks light yellow from a distance. Sulphur was mined there for centuries from the Hlíðarnámur mines and expo...
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Oddi
A major historic site
By road no. 266
Oddi, a farm, church and parsonage. A major historic site. It first became famous around the middle of the 11th Century, when a church was built there, and thus is one of the oldest church sites in Iceland. In the year 1...
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Olkelda
Mineral Spring
Exit to road no. 571,
About 79 km west from Borgarnes
Olkelda Mineral Spring
Ölkelda, a farm in the Staðarsveit district, taking its name from a mineral spring in the homefield which provides good drinking water – easy access.
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Ölkelda í Staðarsveit
A farm in the Staðarsveit district
Ölkelda, a farm in the Staðarsveit district, taking its name from a mineral spring in the homefield which provides good drinking water – easy access
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Öndverðarnes
The extreme tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula
Öndverðarnes, the extreme tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Formerly a substantial farm with a chapel, now a lighthouse. Deep in the ground is the old well, Fálki, with 18 steps leading down to it
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Öskjuhlíð
Recreational Area
One of many recreational areas in Reykjavík. In the year 1950 trees were planted for what now is the wide spread forest with walking trails throughout the area. Öskjuhlíð is a link in a system of hiking trails from the o...
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Paradísarhellir ("Paradise cave")
A cave up in the cliff-wall
By road no. 1 between Seljalandsfoss ad Skógar
A cave up in the cliff-wall west of the farm Fit, an easy climb. According to folktales the outlaw Hjalti Magnússon, lover of Anna of Stóra-Borg, see previous page (Stóra-Borg), had his hideout there in the 16th century....
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Rauðhólar
What is left of a cluster of pseudo-craters (age about 4600 years) in Elliðaárhraun. Originally there were over 80 craters but the gravel from them was taken and used in constructions. Most of the material was taken arou...
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Rauðisandur
a settled district
Rauðisandur, (“Red sands”) a settled district in an arc between the Skorarhlíðar slopes and the Látrabjarg cliffs, taking its name from the colour of the sand on the coast. A narrow area of flat land, cut across by the ...
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Reykjanes
The southwestern point of Reykjanes peninsula
By road number 425 between Grindavík and Hafnir
The southwestern point of the Reykjanes peninsula, barren, with lava and a much-indented coastline. The shield-volcanoes Skálafell and Háleyjarbunga and the volcanic rifts Stampar. The tuff mountain Valahnúkur where ...
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Saurbær
A farm, church and parsonage.
Saurbær, a farm, church and parsonage. Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614-74), the author of the Passíusálmar (“Passion Hymns”), served there 1651-69 and is buried there. Many local features bear his name, such as Hallgrímslind ...
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Selárdalur
The northernmost of three valleys off Vopnafjörður
Selárdalur, the northernmost of three valleys off Vopnafjörður, ca. 30 km long to the mountain Mælifell (822 m). Shallow with low moors and ridges on both sides. Selá is a good fishing river. 6-7 km from the road is the ...
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Selatangar
Protected remains of an old fishing-station
By road no. 427 between Grindavík and Krýsuvík
Selatangar, protected remains of an old fishing-station on the coast south of the Núpshlíðarháls ridge. The ghost Tanga-Tómas, or Tumi, was said to haunt the place.
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Seljalandsfoss
Waterfall
By road no. F249 about 0,5 km from road no. 1
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall South Iceland
Seljalandsfoss, one of the higher waterfalls in Iceland, though it has little water. A path at the bottom of the cliff makes it possible to walk behind the fall. The water...
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Seljavellir
Natural hot water & Swimming pool
By road number 1 between Skógar and Hvolsvöllur
Seljavellir South Iceland
Seljavellir, where a swimming pool was built in the mountain side in 1923 by the Youth movement, making use of natural hot water on the spot. One of the shortest climbing routes to...
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Sigalda
Power plant
by road number F208
Sigalda, (543 m) low mountain ridges on both sides of Tungnaá. The Sigalda power station was opened in 1977, power 150,000 kW
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Skaftafell
National Park
By road number 1 between Vík and Höfn
Skaftafell National Park, westernmost estate in Öræfi built high on the southern slopes of Skaftafellsheiði moor because of the destructive forces of Skeiðará. Extensive birch woods, rich vegetation (Saxifraga cotyledon,...
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Skeggjastaðir
Skeggjastaðir, a group of farms, in one of which lived the 19th century psychic Ingunn Davíðsdóttir.
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Skogar
Waterfall and Museum
By road number 1 between Hvolsvöllur and Vík
Skogar South Iceland
Skógafoss, (60 m) a waterfall in the river Skógaá, one of the highest in Iceland. There are many other falls further up in the river. Legend has it that the settler Þrasi hid his chest ...
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Snæhvammur
The outermost farm on the northern side of the Breiðdalur valley
Snæhvammur, the outermost farm on the northern side of the Breiðdalur valley. Late in the 18th century a polar bear was killed right at the front door after having chased a man who was walking there on his way from Stöð...
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Sönghellir
Known for its echoes
Sönghellir (“Singing cave”), known for its echoes. Many names are carved in the rock, including those of Eggert Ólafsson and Bjarni Pálsson who travelled the country in the 18th century.
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Sönghellir ("Singing cave")
Cave by Snæfellsjökull
By road no. 574 by Snæfellsjökull
Sönghellir (“Singing cave”), known for its echoes. Many names are carved in the rock, including those of Eggert Ólafsson and Bjarni Pálsson who travelled the country in the 18th century
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Sprengisandur
Sprengisandur, a wide and extensive desert in the centre of Iceland with indistinct boundaries, but usually understood to be between Eyvindarver and Kiðagil and between the glaciers Hofsjökull and Tungnafellsjökull and t...
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Staðarborg
stone-built sheep fold
By road no. 420 by Kálfatjörn.
A severel hundred year old stone-built sheep fold.
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Strandakirkja
A church
By road number 42 between Þórlákshöfn & Krýsuvík
Strandarkirkja, (“Coast church”) a church in Selvogur, now far from farms and the only remains of the once flourishing community Strönd (“Coast”), at one time the home of some of the richest and most powerful men in Icel...
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Surtshellir
One of iceland longest best-known caves
Surtshellir, undoubtedly the most famous cave in Iceland. in the Hallmundarhraun lava field about 7 km from the farm Kalmanstunga along a road (F578) that is slow but passable for all cars as far as the caves. There ...
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The Blue Laqoon
Natural Spa
The Blue Lagoon an internationally popular recreational and therapeutic pool of deliciously warm and mineral rich geothermal water carved out of the Svartsengi lava field. The tectonicallly supercharged brine flows from ...
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Þingvellir
National Park
Þingvellir National Park, (“Parliament plains”) the most important historical site in Iceland. For nearly 9 centuries, from the year 930 the Althing, the legislative body of Icelanders, was held there annually near the n...
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Þjórsá
River
Þjórsá, a glacial river, the longest in Iceland, about 230 km Average flow about 400m3/sec. Its northernmost source is on Sprengisandur east of the glacier Hofsjökull and it collects most of its water from the eastern an...
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Þjórsárdalur
The easternmost valley of Árnessýsla
By road no. 32 between Árnes and Búrfell
Þjórsárdalur, the easternmost valley of Árnessýsla. There are now only two farms in this valley, Ásólfsstaðir and Skriðufell, but ruins of 20 farms have been found. It is believed that the valley was deserted after h...
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Þórisvatn
Lake
By road no. F26 (Sprengisandur)
Þórisvatn, the second largest lake in Iceland, 70 km2, 109 m deep. This lake is regulated and may rise by as much as 5 meters, reaching 80 km2. Its upper end is cut in two by the mountain Útigönguhöfði, forming two bays....
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Þórsmörk
Great variety of natural features
Þórsmörk, the region west of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier between the rivers Krossá and Markarfljót. Famous for having a great variety of natural features and good weather, and therefore a very popular place for outings. Pr...
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Þrístapar
A group of three small hills
Þrístapar, a group of three small hills on the north side of the road, the site of the last execution in Iceland, January 12th 1830, when Natan Ketilsson’ murderers, Agnes and Friðrik, were beheaded.
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Vatnsdalshólar
An area of small hills and hillocks at the mouth of Vatnsdalur
Vatnsdalshólar, an area of small hills and hillocks at the mouth of Vatnsdalur, the debris of a tremendous landslide from Vatnsdalsfjall, covering about 4 km2, supposedly uncountable. Other geographical features in Icela...
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Vatnsdalur
A 25 km long valley
Vatnsdalur, a 25 km long valley. On its eastern side is the mountain Vatnsdalsfjall, steep, with rocks and scree, the highest peak being.
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Vatnsleysustrond
Scenic root with a beautiful view
Road 420 between Vogar and Hafnarfjörður
A community along the coast southwest of Straumsvík to Vogastapi sea cliffs, the farms being close to sea. Little grass except around the farms, otherwise mostly lava all the way to the Reykjanes mountains. Fish ...
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Veiðivötn
"Fishing Lakes" a group of lakes in a volcanic region
Veiðivötn, (“Fishing lakes”) a group of lakes in a volcanic region less than 10,000 years old, some 560-600 m above sea leve. Good tourist huts and a view-dial on Miðmorgunsalda (“Mid-morning ridge”). There is an abund...
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Vestmannaeyjar
The Wetman Islands
Vestmannaeyjar, (“The Westman Islands”) a group of 15-18 steep and rocky islands, with green mountain sides and ridges. All the islands come from submarine eruptions, the oldest from about 10,000 years ago and others fro...
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Víðgelmir
One of the biggest lave-caves in Iceland
Víðgelmir, one of the biggest lava-caves in Iceland, ca. 1 km southeast of Fljótstunga, the uppermost farm in the Hvítársíða district. Many stalagmites and stalacites, some evidence of ancient dwellings there.
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Víðidalsfjall
A mountain 993 meters above sea level
Víðidalsfjall (993 m) on the eastern side. The river Víðidalsá flows through the valley, a good salmon river, coming from north-western Stórisandur, total length 65 km.
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Rivers
Blanda
A glacial river
Blanda, glacial river about 125 km long, with a large hydroelectric plant, flowing from the western sides of Hofsjökull. Two bridges, one by Blönduós and the other by Langamýri in Blöndudalur. The magnificent canyon Blön...
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Elliðaárdalur
The Valley of Elliðaár Rivers
Elliðaárdalur, (“The valley of the Elliðaár Rivers”). The Elliðaár Rivers are mentioned as early as in Landnámabók: “Ketilbjörn went to Iceland when there were a number of settlements on the coast. His ship was named Ell...
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Jökulsá á Brú (Jökulsá á Dal)
River
Jökulsá á Brú (or Jökulsá á Dal), a glacial river, at 150 km the longest river in eastern Iceland. Not fordable at any point because of its depth and strong current. Considered the muddiest of Icelandic rivers, it carrie...
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Lagarfljót
A broad river
Lagarfljót, a broad river, the inner part of which is a lake extending from Fljótsdalur to beyond Egilsstaðir. Deep, max. 112 m, average 50.7 m, at least 30 km long and 2.5 km at its broadest point, area 53 km2. Natural ...
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Laxá
One of the best known and most popular fishing rivers in Iceland
Laxá, one of the best known and most popular fishing rivers in Iceland. Considered the fairest of rivers with its many grassy or wooded islands, deep pools and swift currents. Comes from Lake Mývatn and runs through Laxá...
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Þjórsá
River
Þjórsá, a glacial river, the longest in Iceland, about 230 km Average flow about 400m3/sec. Its northernmost source is on Sprengisandur east of the glacier Hofsjökull and it collects most of its water from the eastern an...
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Vatnsdalsá
A river having its source in numerous streams
Vatnsdalsá, a river having its source in numerous streams on Grímstunga moor and at Stórisandur. Further down it is deep and calm, there called Hnausakvísl (see below), flowing into Húnavatn. A popular salmon river.
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Volcanos
Eldborg
A nicely shaped crater about 30 min. walk from the highway
Eldborg, a nicely shaped crater about 30 min. walk from the highway, ca. 100 m above sea-level, from which the big Eldborgarhraun (Eldborg lava) flowed. Eldborg is believed to have erupted once many thousand years ago an...
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Hekla
Volcano
By road number 26
Hekla, (1,491 m) the most famous volcano in Iceland and one of the best-known volcanoes in the world and has been active for thousands of years. The mountain is a long ridge with a 4 km long crack along the top. Ther...
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Hverfjall
A roundish crater
Hverfjall, (312 m) a roundish crater about 140 m deep and 1,300 m diameter. Said to be one of the largest such craters in the world.
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Lútetnar & Þrengslaborgir
Row of craters
By road number 1 by Mývatn
Lúdentsborgir, a row of craters east of
Mývatn
. They are a continuation of Þrengslaborgir, having erupted at the same time. Named for the explosion cr...
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Vatnajökull
The largest Glacier in Europe
Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Iceland and Europe, over 8,000 km2, its highest point being Bárðarbunga (2,000 m). The highest point in Iceland is Hvannadalshnúkur (2,119 m) on the Öræfajökull glacier. The road up...
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Waterfalls
Barnafoss
Children´s Waterfall
Barnafoss Waterfall
Barnafoss, (“Children’s falls”) waterfalls in the river Hvítá. Two children are said to have once fallen off a natural rock bridge over the river and drowned, hence the name. There is now a ...
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Dettifoss
The most powerful Waterfall in Europe
By road no. 864 about 33 km from Ásbyrgi
Dettifoss the most powerful Waterfalls in Europe
Dettifoss, the greatest and most majestic of Iceland’s waterfalls, 44 m high with volume of 212 tons per second, so the ground shakes with the force of it. Thoug...
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Dynjandi
Waterfall
by road no. 621,
in Arnarfjörður
Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi, an abandoned farm. Above it is the biggest waterfall in the Western fjords and one of finest in Iceland, also named Dynjandi (“Resounding”), also known as Fjallfoss, itself 100 m h...
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Godafoss
Waterfall
By road no. 1 about 47 km east from Akureyri
Godafoss Waterfall
Goðafoss, (“Falls of the gods”) among the finest in the country, not very high but cut into two horseshoe-shaped falls, Not far above the falls the river Skjálfandafljót divides in two, formi...
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Gullfoss
Golden Waterfall
By road number 35
Gullfoss Waterfall south Iceland
Gullfoss, (“Golden falls”) in the river Hvítá, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and a favourite with tourists. It falls 32 m in two cascades. The canyon below the...
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Hengifoss - Hanging falls
Waterfall
By road no. 933
Hengifoss Waterfall
One of highest waterfalls in Iceland, 118 m, in the river Hengifossá near the farm Brekka. In the gorge there, which is pretty and varied, are lignite and fossils. Another waterfall further ...
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Hjalparfoss - The help falls
Waterfall
By Búrfell power plant
Hjalparfoss Waterfall
Hjálparfoss (“The help falls”) a beautiful waterfall in the river Fossá opposite the power-station.
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Hraunfossar
Waterfall
Hraunfossar Waterfall
Hraunfossar, (“Lava falls”) along the northern bank of the Hvítá river gorge. Springwater flows from under the lava for about 1 km, cascading in numerous waterfalls between rocks and trees...
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Seljalandsfoss
Waterfall
By road no. F249 about 0,5 km from road no. 1
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall South Iceland
Seljalandsfoss, one of the higher waterfalls in Iceland, though it has little water. A path at the bottom of the cliff makes it possible to walk behind the fall. The water...
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Skogar
Waterfall and Museum
By road number 1 between Hvolsvöllur and Vík
Skogar South Iceland
Skógafoss, (60 m) a waterfall in the river Skógaá, one of the highest in Iceland. There are many other falls further up in the river. Legend has it that the settler Þrasi hid his chest ...
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Þjófafoss - Thjofafoss
Waterfall
In the river Þjórá by road no. 26 ,
between Galtalækur and Hrauneyjar
Thjofafoss Waterfall
A waterfall in the Þjórsá / Thjorsa river south of Búrfell; a 5 km long jeep-track leads there, sometimes difficult to drive.
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Tröllkonuhlaup - Giant leap
Waterfall
In the river Þjórá by road no. 26 ,
between Galtalækur and Hrauneyjar
Trollkonuhlaup Waterfall
Tröllkonuhlaup, (“Giantess’ leap”) a waterfall in Þjórsá. Giantesses believed to live in Búrfell and Bjólfell used the rocks in the river as stepping stones when they tried to catch Gis...
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