Sights Along the Ring Road

One of the greatest natural attractions of Iceland and part of the famous "Golden Circle Tour," The Great Geysir, or Stori-Geysir, has been dormant since 1916 when it suddenly ceased to spout. It came to life only once in 1935 and quickly went back to sleep. Since then, its repose has sporadically been disturbed by the dumping of tons of carbolic soap powder into its seething orifice to tickle it to spout.  It is not exactly known when Geysir was created. It is believed that it came into existence around the end of the 13th century when a series of strong earthquakes, accompanied by a devastating eruption of Mt. Hekla, hit Haukadalur. In this geothermal valley, Geysir is located. What is known is that it regularly spouted every third hour or so up to the beginning of the 19th century and, after that, progressively at much longer intervals until it completely stopped in 1916. Whether its silence is eternal or temporary, no one knows.  When it was alive and shooting, it could thunderously blast a spectacular jet of superheated water and steam into the air as high as 60 to 80 meters, according to different sources. Its opening is 18 meters wide and its chamber 20 meters deep. One reason for cessation is believed to be the accumulated rocks and foreign objects thrown into it by thousands of tourists throughout the years. Though definitely damaging, this could not be the only reason for its dormancy.  The Great Geysir was among the most notable geysers in the world, such as those in Yellowstone Park, New Zealand, and North Iceland. The English word "geyser" is derived from the Icelandic word "geysir," which means gusher. Though the Great Geysir itself is now more or less inactive, the area surrounding it is geothermically very active with many smaller hot springs.  The attraction of the area is now Strokkur (The Churn), another geyser 100 meters south of the Great Geysir, which erupts at regular intervals every 10 minutes or so, and its white column of boiling water can reach as high as 30 meters. The whole area is a geothermal park sitting on top of a vast boiling cauldron. Belching sulfurous mud pots of unusual colors, hissing steam vents, hot and cold springs, warm streams, and primitive plants can all be found here.  A short distance away to the west stands the small Laugarfjall Mountain with a panoramic view overlooking the Geysir area. King Christian IX of Denmark visited the area in 1874 and by the foot of the mountain are the rocks where he leaned while his hosts tried to impress and amuse him by boiling eggs in the hot springs. The rocks are now called Konungssteinar ("The King's Stones").

Gullfoss is two separate waterfalls; the upper one has a drop of 11 meters and the lower one 21 meters. The rock of the river bed was formed during an interglacial period. Water flows over Gullfoss at an average rate of 109 cubic meters per second. The heaviest floods have recorded a flow of 2000 cubic meters per second. During the summer, the flow is 130 cubic meters per second, which would take only 3 seconds to fill this building. People were eager to exploit the power potential of Gullfoss, and many plans for hydroelectric developments on the river Hvítá have been proposed. The trails by Gullfoss can be closed, so it's good to check the conditions before going. To check whether it is open or closed to visitors, check out the website of Safetravel.is.  

Þingvellir National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most important places in Icelandic history, as well as being famous for its unique geological features. It is among the three key locations on The Golden Circle.  The parliament plainsThe site has historical importance spanning over 1000 years. In 930, the Alþingi, one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world, was founded. In fact, Þingvellir literally translates to "parliament plains". The Alþingi met annually, and the Lawspeaker recited the law to all the gathered people and resolved disputes as well. This is where Christianity was made the official religion of Iceland around the year 1000. On June 17th, 1944, the independence of The Republic of Iceland was proclaimed in Þingvellir.Where Eurasia meets North AmericaÞingvellir has been a national park since 1928 because of its special tectonic and volcanic environment. The effect of the continental drift can be clearly seen in the cracks and faults traversing the region, the most famous one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. By Iceland's largest lakeÞingvellir is situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the biggest lake in Iceland. The river Öxará traverses the national park and forms a waterfall at the Almannagjá called Öxaráfoss. Together with Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area, Þingvellir is part of the famous Golden Circle travel route. What to seeThe national park contains several points of interest, including Almannagjá Gorge, which showcases the effects of continental drift; Lögberg cliff, where the assembly of Alþing met; Öxarárfoss waterfall; and Peningagjá, a deep fissure with crystal clear water where visitors like to throw a coin and make a wish. A quaint wooden church stands in a picturesque location, and the national park offers a network of walking paths. Activities and servicesGuests may opt to enter the park's visitor center and exhibition to learn more about Þingvellir's unique history and nature. Along with varied hiking options, visitors may enjoy bird-watching or angling. Fishing permits can be bought on location. Another popular activity at Þingvellir is snorkeling or diving with experienced local tour operators. CampingÞingvellir is ideal for camping. There are several camping grounds at the national park, some of which offer showers and electricity.

Urriðafoss is a waterfall in the Þjórsá River. Þjórsá is Iceland's longest river, 230 km, and Urriðafoss is the most voluminous waterfall in the country. This mighty river drops down (360 m3/sec) by the edge of the Þjórsárhraun lava field in beautiful and serene surroundings. Þjórsárhraun lava field is the result of the greatest lava flow on earth since the Ice Age. It is located right off highway 1. 

A unique waterfall in the river Seljalandsá, about 30 km west of Skógar: it is 60 meters high with a footpath behind it at the bottom of the cliff, but with a thin cascade. It is the only known waterfall of its kind where it is possible to walk behind it. The waterfall is very picturesque; therefore, its photo can be found in many books and calendars. Access to the waterfall is from the farm of Seljaland along the Ring Road, Iceland's main highway. Several falls a little further to the west, including the interesting Gljúfrabúi, partially masked by its canyon. Access to it is from Hamragarðar farm along the road, east of Markarfljót. These "do-not-miss" attractions lie very close to the main Ring Road at the base of the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier, on the road leading into Thorsmörk. During winter, the area around Seljalandsfoss waterfall can be dangerous as paths can be slippery and large pieces of ice fall, making it extremely dangerous to venture too close to the cliffs and particularly dangerous to walk behind the waterfall. The fine mist from the waterfall freezes on the cliffs and the ceiling of the path behind the waterfall, but when the weather warms, and the ice begins to thaw, it can fall off in large chunks, which can be dangerous. People are advised to show caution and respect the closure of the paths. More information can be found on www.safetravel.is  

Only a few kilometers away from the south shores of Iceland lies the village of Skógar along the Southern Ring Road. It is a popular summer resort center surrounded by unusual scenic beauty. The breathtaking view of Skogáfoss waterfall and picturesque surroundings and the snow-capped heights of two towering glaciers are Skógar's major summer attractions. There are two settlements by this name. One is Ytri-Skógar (outer or western Skógar) and the other Eystri-Skógar (eastern Skógar), located at a short distance from each other. Ytri-Skógar, commonly referred to as Skógar, is the main settlement. It is an old farm and has a church from 1890. It is located between the Skógá and Kverná rivers. The greatest attraction of Skógar is, of course, the beautiful 60-meter high Skogáfoss waterfall in the river Skógá. Like the legends of buried treasures of Egill Skallagrímsson in Mosfell near Reykjavík and Ketilbjörn in Mosfell near Skálholt, there is a similar legend about the settler Þrasi who is believed to have buried his chest of gold under the Skogáfoss waterfall. If the sun conditions are favorable - one can see a vivid rainbow in front of the waterfalls. The river below the falls holds a large salmon and char population, and fishermen are seen here fishing from July - October. The path leading to the top of the waterfalls continues following the river upstream - where numerous more dramatic waterfalls of sheer beauty are found. A great hike - to say the least! One of the finest folk museums in Iceland is situated in extraordinarily beautiful natural surroundings. The fascinating local folk museum has a collection of over 6000 artifacts and examples of various types of dwellings in Iceland since the early times. The collection of tools and equipment used on land and sea is outstanding. The museum also has an old turf farmhouse, where guests can experience the standards of living in Iceland in past centuries. From Skógar, the Ring Road runs eastwards along the foot of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, across the southern sandy plains and over glacial rivers, passes Seljavellir, and continues along with the soaring glaciated massive of Eyjafjöll and the two waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. From here runs a 10 km long trek along the river Skógá over the Fimmvörðuháls Pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers to the mountain oasis of Þórsmörk. Skógar is a place to explore the natural diversity of the south or, if the weather is good, to spend a holiday amid beautiful and rugged landscapes. It is also very close to the ocean and the unique black beach.

Reynisfjall is a 340 m high tuff mountain arising out of a volcanic eruption from under a glacier in the penultimate Ice Age, near the village of Vik.  Alternating in an irregular manner are layers of tuff, pillow lava and columnar basalt veins and loops.  Reynisdrangar stacks are a collection of 66 m high rock pillars that rise out of the sea and are of the same geological formation as Reynisfjall. On Reynisfjöru beach, very beautiful basalt formations in the south part of the mountain can be seen, and there you will find an exceedingly beautiful cave called Hálsanefshellir.  The waves here are deceiving and have caused the death of a number of visitors in recent years, even in the best of weather. Please take great care and keep a good distance from the sea.

Scenic nature, favorable weather conditions, and a network of hiking trails make Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park an ideal destination to enjoy outdoor activities in Icelandic nature. Short and easy trails lead to the waterfall Svartifoss and Skaftafellsjökull glacier. Still, those who want to reach further out Morsárdalur valley and Kristínartindar mountain peaks are perfect in terms of distance and labor. Skaftafell is also the ideal base camp for those who seek to climb Iceland‘s highest mountain peak, Hvannadalshnúkur. During the summer months, the national park offers interpretive tours with rangers. Ask for information at the desk or check the park´s website. Private travel companies operate in Skaftafell and offer guided hikes on the nearby glaciers and mountains. Also on offer are sightseeing flights over the Vatnajökull glacier and other renowned attractions. Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður 

Fjallsárlón is a glacial lagoon at the southern edge of Vatnajökull glacier, about 10 km west of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The lagoon lies within Vatnajökull National Park and is reached from Road 1. The lagoon sits below Fjallsjökull, a steep glacier tongue that descends from Vatnajökull into the water. Visitors can stop for views of the glacier, floating ice, and the surrounding moraine landscape. Fjallsárlón is often a quieter alternative to nearby Jökulsárlón, although conditions and visitor numbers vary by season. Boat tours are available on the lagoon, and there is a bistro on site. As with all glacier areas, visitors should stay on marked paths, keep away from unstable ice, and check local conditions before traveling in winter. 

Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon beside the Ring Road, within Vatnajökull National Park. It is fed by Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, and is known for the icebergs that drift across the lagoon before floating towards the Atlantic Ocean. The area is one of the most popular stops in South Iceland, with views of blue-tinted ice, the glacier edge, and the nearby black sand beach where ice is often washed ashore. Seals can sometimes be seen in the lagoon or resting on the ice, but sightings vary by season and conditions. Jökulsárlón is accessible year-round from Road 1, and there is a café by the lagoon. Visitors can also follow a marked hiking trail between Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón. Never step onto floating ice in the lagoon, as it can roll over or break apart without warning. Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður 

Haukafell is a forestry and outdoor recreation area east of Fláajökull glacier in southeast Iceland. The forestry project began in 1985 and now provides shelter for low-growing vegetation, including berry bushes that are usually ripe in August. The area is used by locals and visitors for hiking and nature enjoyment. Several trails lead through the sheltered landscape, and a marked hiking route connects Haukafell with Fláajökull, crossing the Kolgrafardalsá river on a footbridge. Haukafell is close to Road 1 and has a campsite in a scenic setting. Visitors planning to hike towards Fláajökull should check the weather and trail conditions before setting out, as conditions can change quickly near glacier areas.

Hoffell is a farmland and glacier area about 20 km from Höfn in southeast Iceland, and partially within Vatnajökull national park. The area is known for Hoffellsjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, as well as gabbro rock, geothermal water, rivers, outwash plains, and mountain views. Visitors can explore several hiking routes around Hoffellsjökull and Geitafellsbjörg, with views of the glacier and its lagoon. From Road 1, a 3 km paved road leads to Hoffell Guesthouse and Hoffell geothermal Baths. To reach the Hoffellsjökull car park, visitors continue along a 4 km gravel road. The road is rough and can be difficult for ordinary cars, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Overnight stays are not allowed at the Hoffellsjökull car park, and hikers should check trail, road, and weather conditions before setting out. 

Vestrahorn is a 454-metre mountain on the Stokksnes peninsula, about a ten-minute drive from Höfn. The area is known for its dark sand beaches, rocky shoreline, and views of the mountain rising above the coast. Vestrahorn is also a notable geological site, made mainly of gabbro with some granophyre. East of the mountain is Brunnhorn, a distinctive outcrop that extends towards the sea. The area has historical connections to one of Iceland’s early settlement farms, Horn. During the Second World War, it was used as a British army base, and a NATO radar station was later built at Stokksnes. Visitors may also see seals on the sand, but sightings are not guaranteed. 

In Lón District, the most eastern area of the Vatnajökull Region, lie the Stafafellsfjöll mountains, also called Lónsöræfi. They dominate the skyline east of the Vatnajökull glacier and have long comprised one of Iceland’s most extensive protected areas. Besides the deep, rugged canyons, the landscape displays a wide range of colors owing to the presence of rhyolite and other colorful rocks. In contrast, there are also lushly vegetated and sheltered valleys offering a very good chance of spotting reindeer. The numerous hiking trails make this area perfect for hiking. Keep in mind that getting there can be very difficult and one should seek advice from a visitor- or information center before attempting to go there.