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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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,...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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....
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

Staðarborg stone-built sheep fold

By road no. 420 by Kálfatjörn.
A severel hundred year old stone-built sheep fold.
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

Bjargtangar The westernmost point of Iceland

Bjargtangar, the westernmost point of Iceland and also of Europe. The nearest land due south is the Antarctic.
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

Fróðárheiði A mountain pass

Fróðárheiði, (361 m) a mountain pass and road across the Snæfellsnes range.
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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
Read more

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
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

Skeggjastaðir

Skeggjastaðir, a group of farms, in one of which lived the 19th century psychic Ingunn Davíðsdóttir.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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. ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

Kattarauga A large deep pool with floating islands

Kattarauga (“Cat’s eye”), a large, deep pool with floating islands. A protected natural feature.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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. ...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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”), ...
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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.
Read more

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....
Read more

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.
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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.
Read more

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
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

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...
Read more

Hamarinn Cliff

Cliffs overlooking the town with good views and view-disc.
Read more

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...
Read more

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 ...
Read more