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Travel ideas
Here you can find travel ideas for South Iceland. Those are just to give ideas and it is also possible to use just one day out of the itinerary.
South Iceland Along the coast
South Iceland - Along the coast
This tour offers you all what Iceland is about. History, nature, geothermal power, waterfalls, glaciers and much more. This tour is suited for individuals and smaller groups.
Day 1
Out and about
Once you have had your breakfast and packed your luggage you will be ready for a walk to Reykjadalur near Hveragerði. In Reykjadalur you can find a geothermal area and a warm river where you can take a nature bath. After the walk you can have lunch in or nearby Hveragerði. After lunch it is ideal to have a short walk around the Geothermal Park in the center of Hveragerði. After that you drive to Sólhestar and take a two hour long horse ride in the Ölfus area. In Fákasel you can have dinner and see the horse theatre. In the evening you will hopefully see the northern lights.
9:00 – Walk to Reykjadalur
Somewhat to the north of Hveragerði there is one of the country’s largest geothermal areas, Hengill, where plumes of steam can be seen for miles. Hiking and riding trails stretch from the town throughout Ölfusdalur valley, into the Hengill volcanic area and all the way to Nesjavellir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park. Along the way there is a hot river where bathing is possible.
12: 30 - Lunch in Hveragerði
In and near Hveragerði you can choose between different range of restaurants and price.
Restaurant Varmá – www.frostandfire.is
14:00 – Walk in the Geothermal area in Hveragerði
Hveragerði is undoubtedly one of the few populated places in the world located in a geothermal area of this kind. At the centre visitors are invited to take a guided walk around the hot springs and learn a little about the geological history surrounding this unique area. Visitors can experience at first hand the benefits of therapeutic clay by enjoying a clay bath for their hands and feet.
15:00 – Riding tour at Sólhestar or Eldhestar
This is a 2 hour Icelandic horse riding tour in a beautiful setting around the Olfus area. This tour is suited for beginners and is one hour long. Make sure you bring your This tour includes outdoor clothing, protection helmet and footwear.
Website: www.solhestar.is or www.eldhestar.is
18:00 – Dinner and Horse theatre in Fákasel
Experience Iceland's only horse park where you can mingle with locals, dine on fresh Icelandic food and, most importantly, get to know our unique breed of horse. Fákasel Horse Park is Iceland's leading tourist attraction for all things "Icelandic horse" and one of the country's best equine competition facilities. This is a fun, entertaining and educational place for the whole family to visit all year round.
Website: www.fakasel.is
20:00 – Check-in at your accommodation near Selfoss
Near Selfoss and Hveragerði you can choose between different range of accommodation and prices.
Accommodation near Selfoss and Hveragerði
Hotels:
Hótel Selfoss – www.hotelselfoss.is
Hótel Grímsborgir – www.grimsborgir.is
Frost & Fire Hotel – www.frostandfire.is
Hótel Eldhestar – www.eldhestar.is
Guesthouses and other accommodation:
Hjarðarból Guesthouse – www.hjardarbol.is
Selfoss Hostel – www.selfosshostel.is
Guesthouse Selfoss – www.gesthus.is
22:00 – Northern light hunt
If the weather is good and some chance of seeing the northern lights you can go for drive in the neighbourhood and try to see them. The northern lights are a natural phenomenom and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Day 2
Upcountry of Árnes county
After breakfast you will drive to Þingvellir which is a site of historical, cultural, and geological importance and is one of the most popular destinations in Iceland. Þingvellir became a national park in 1928 due to its historical importance, as well as the special tectonic and volcanic environment as a rift valley. The continental drift between the North American and Eurasian Plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region, the biggest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. After Þingvellir you’ll drive to Laugarvatn and directly to Fontana Geothermal baths. Since 1929 has the locals bathing in a geothermal baths and it is a good place to relax and enjoy the atthentic Icelandic nature while bathing in a geothermal pools and natural steam rooms. After Fontana geothermal baths you will have lunch at a restaurant of your choise. When you have eaten you will see Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall, two of the most popular destinations in Iceland. After Geysir and Gullfoss you drive towards your accommodation in or around Hvolsvöllur. After dinner you could see the northern light if the weather is promising.
8:00 – Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel/accommodation
10:00 – Þingvellir
No single place epitomises the history of Iceland and the Icelandic nation better than Þingvellir by the Öxará river. At Þingvellir – literally “Parliament Plains” the Alþingi (Parliament) general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Today Þingvellir is a protected national shrine. According to the law, passed in 1928, the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the auspices of the Alþingi. In the last few decades, research has made it clear that Þingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale, with the geologic history and the biosystem of Lake Þingvallavatn forming a unique entity, a magnificent sight.
11:30 - Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal baths
Laugarvatn Fontana is a place where you come to relax and experience authentic Icelandic nature while relaxing in the warm geothermal pools and natural steam rooms. The baths vary in depth, size and temperature and the steam rooms that have been built over natural hot springs that has been used in this purpose since 1929. Fontana is located by a beautiful lake Laugarvatn and you can enjoy the spectacular views from the sauna or the pools.
Website: www.fontana.is
13:30 – Lunch
You can either have lunch in Laugarvatn Fontana or in the nearest restaurant of your choise
Restaurants in or around Laugarvatn
Restaurant Lindin – www.laugarvatn.is
Gallerí Laugarvatn Café – www.gallerilaugarvatn.is
Héraðsskólinn Hostel & Travel Centre – www.heradsskolinn.is
Efsti-Dalur 2 – www.efstidalur.is
15:00 - Geysir geothermal area
Walk around the Geysir area and see the geothermal springs, the famous Geysir and its smaller brother, Strokkur, which spouts every 7 to 10 minutes.
16:00 – Gullfoss
Gullfoss is one of the most popular attractions in the country and part of the famous Golden Circle. It is in the wide Hvítá river which rushes southwards from the highlands. Gullfoss is actually 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.
18:00 – Check-in at your accommodation in or around Hvolsvöllur
In and around Hvolsvöllur you can choose between different range of accommodation and prices.
Accommodation in and around Hvolsvöllur and Hella
Hotels.
Stracta Hótel Hella – www.stractahotels.is
Hótel Rangá – www.hotelranga.is
Hótel Hvolsvöllur – www.hotelhvolsvollur.is
Hótel Lækur – www.hotellaekur.is
Hótel Fljótshlíð – www.smaratun.is
Guesthouses and other accommodation:
Hestheimar - www.hestheimar.is
Eldstó Guesthouse – www.eldsto.is
Hellishólar – www.hellisholar.is
19:00 – Dinner
You can either choose to have your dinner at your hotel or in a restaurant nearby.
Restaurants of choise
Stracta Hótel Hella – www.stractahotels.is
Hótel Rangá – www.hotelranga.is
Hótel Hvolsvöllur – www.hotelhvolsvollur.is
Hótel Lækur – www.hotellaekur.is
Hótel Fljótshlíð – www.smaratun.is
Hellishólar – www.hellisholar.is
Björk, Mini-market and restaurant
22:00 – Northern light hunt
If the weather is good and some chance of seeing the northern lights you can go for drive in the neighbourhood and try to see the them. The northern lights are a natural phenomenom and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Day 3
Waterfalls and the ice
After breakfast you drive to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the only waterfall known of its kind, where it is possible to walk behind it. After Seljalandsfoss will drive to Landeyjaharbour where you will take Island cruise with Viking Tours. You will see Elliðaey island and Bjarnarey island along with millions of seabirds. You might even try out sea angling. After the Island cruise you drive to Gluggafoss waterfall, beautiful little waterfall. After being outside for the whole day you stop by The Saga Centre where guests are introduced to two periods of Iceland history that have influenced the southern communities. After the Saga centre you’ll drive back to your accommodation.
8:00 – Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Enjoy it!
10:00 – Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Stop by Seljalandsfoss waterfall. A unique waterfall in the river Seljalandsá, about 30 km west from Skógar. It is 60 meters high with a foot path 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 and therefore its photo can be found in many books and calendars.
11:30 – Island tour by Viking tours
Dring the Viking Tour boat cruise you will see Elliðaey island and Bjarnarey island. Colourful ocean caves, millions of seabirds and, occasionally during the summer, groups of whales. On the return from the cruise you can try out sea angling. The crystal clear air and the excitement of catching a fish in the happy company of first-timers and experienced fishermen makes this a must-do trip. The most commonly caught fish on our tours are cod, haddock, pollock and catfish. If you are lucky, you might even catch a giant halibut! We provide all the equipment needed for fishing and assistance by experienced guides.
Website: www.vikingtours.is
15:00 – Gluggafoss waterfall
The Merkjá River has several beautiful waterfalls but the most outstanding is called Gluggafoss or Window Falls. The upper half of the cliff is palagonite or tuff rock and the lower ledge is basaltic rock. The river has formed tunnels and grooves through the soft rock, which over time has carved a series of “windows” in the tunnels, thereby earning the name “Gluggafoss”. At the very top of the falls, the river passes under a stone arch.
16:00 - Saga Centre
At the Saga Centre guests are introduced to two periods of Iceland history that have influenced the southern communities. In the exhibitions you will take a glance back to the Viking Age, with the well-known Njáls saga, and the last 100 years of trade in South Iceland ans the Icelandic cooperative society. Audio-guides are provided.
Website: www.njala.is/en/
19:00 – Dinner
You can either choose to have your dinner at your hotel or in a restaurant nearby.
Restaurants of choise
Stracta Hótel Hella – www.stractahotels.is
Hótel Rangá – www.hotelranga.is
Hótel Hvolsvöllur – www.hotelhvolsvollur.is
Hótel Lækur – www.hotellaekur.is
Hótel Fljótshlíð – www.smaratun.is
Hellishólar – www.hellisholar.is
Björk, Mini-market and restaurant
22:00 – Northern light hunt
If the weather is good and some chance of seeing the northern lights you can go for drive in the neighbourhood and try to see the them. The northern lights are a natural phenomenom and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Day 4
South shore
After breakfast you will drive to Þorvaldseyri Visitor centre where you will see an exhibitions on the volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull. Close to the visitor centre is Skógafoss waterfall and that will be your next stop. Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland with a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres. From Skógafoss waterfall you will drive to Vík í Mýrdal where you will have your lunch. After lunch you will explore Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara. Dyrhólaey is a 510 acre promontory south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and is the southernmost point of the country. Reynisfjara is a black beach outside of the town Vík and features an amazing cliff of regular basalt columns resembling a rocky step pyramid, which is called Garðar.After Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara you will drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur which is a magnificent and massive canyon, about 100 meters deep and about two kilometres long. The canyon has sheer walls, and is somewhat serpentine and narrow. After Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon you check-in at your accommodation of choise.
8:00 – Breakfast
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
10:00 – Eyjafjallajökull Erupts Visitor Centre
The Þorvaldseyri Visitor Centre opened on April 14, 2011, exactly one year after the Eyjafjallajökull eruption started. As a family-run facility, the goal is to give visitors a personal look at what it is lika to have a volcano at one’s back door. A short film portrays the spectacular natural event, and the hectic times and incredible challenges met by the family farm of Þorvaldseyri.
Website: www.icelanderupts.is
11:00 – Skógar og Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland with a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days. According to legend, the first Viking settler in the area, Þrasi Þórólfsson, buried a treasure in a cave behind the waterfall. The legend also says that local people found the chest years later, but were only able to grasp the ring on the side of the chest before it disappeared again. The ring was allegedly given to the local church. The old church door ring is now in a museum, though whether it gives any credence to the folklore is debatable.
12:30 – Lunch in Vík
In Vík í Mýrdal you can choose between a few restaurants.
Restaurants in Vík
Halldórskaffi – www.halldorskaffi.is
Restaurant Ströndin, Bistro and Bar – www.strondin.is
14:00 – Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a 510 acre promontory south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and is the southernmost point of the country. Dyrhólaey was formed about one hundred thousand years ago in the warm-up period of the last ice age in an underwater eruption that has its similarities to Surtsey, the famous volcanic island south-west of the Westman Islands. Dyrhólaey is an important bird nesting site and the area has been protected since 1978.
15:00 – Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is a black beach outside of the town Vík and features an amazing cliff of regular basalt columns resembling a rocky step pyramid, which is called Garðar. Out in the sea you see the spectacularly shaped basalt sea stacks Reynisdrangar. The area has rich birdlife, including fulmars and guillemots. At Reynisfjara beach you need to be careful because of the strong waves. The waves can catch you and easily suck individuals out to the cold Atlantic ocean.
17:00 – Fjaðrárgljúfur
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent and massive canyon, about 100 meters deep and about two kilometres long. The canyon has sheer walls, and is somewhat serpentine and narrow. The bedrock in Fjaðrárgljúfur is mostly palagonite from cold periods of the Ice Age and is thought to be about two million years old. The river Fjaðrá has its source in the mountain Geirlandshraun and falls off the heath edge in this stunning canyon until it makes it down into Skaftá river. Fjaðrá has changed a lot in the course of time. Today Fjaðrá is often rather low in water and therefore hikers can safely choose to walk inside the canyon. However, wading is necessary fairly often. Deep in the canyon there are waterfalls so one needs to walk the same way back. Most people choose to walk along a walking path up on the canyon’s edge while simultaneously enjoying the view above the canyon.
18:30 – Check-in at your accommodation in or around Kirkjubæjarklaustur
In and around Kirkjubæjarklaustur you can choose between different range of accommodation and prices.
Accommodation in and around Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Icelandair Hótel Klaustur – www.icelandairhotel.com
Fosshótel Núpar - http://www.fosshotel.is/hotels/fosshotel-in-the-south/fosshotel-nupar/
Guesthouse Hunkubakkar – www.hunkubakkar.is
19:00 – Dinner
Dinner at your choise of accommodation
Day 5
Vatnajökull region
After breakfast you drive to Vatnajökull region. Yoy will begin your day by taking a glacial hike. You will hike in Svinafellsjökull glacier tounge in Skaftafell national park. After the glacial hike you have lunch in Skaftafell and then afterwards you will walk to Svartifoss waterfall and around Skaftafell area. After Skaftafell you will drive to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Jökulsárlón is one of Icelands most visited places and for a good reason. The large glacier lagoon is a unique place with icebergs constantly breaking off from the glacier and eventually drifting through the short river to the sea. You can go for a sight seeing tour around the lagoon or just enjoy the spectacular scenery. After Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon you will drive to Höfn í Hornafirði. After dinner it is lovely to walk around the neighbourhood and enjoy Höfn and hopefully you will see some northern light if the weather is good.
8:00 – Breakfast
Today will be eventful so make sure you eat well
10:00 – Glacial walk
Walk on Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell National Park.
Icelandic Mountain Guides – www.mountainguides.is
Glacier Guides – www.glacierguides.is
Arctic Adventures – www.adventures.is
13:00 – Skaftafell and Svartifoss waterfall
Skaftafell is definitely a must-see for all visitors of the Vatnajokull Region. Skaftafell is known as one of Iceland´s most beautiful places with its magnificent contrasts of white glaciers, black sands and green meadows.
You will find Svartifoss waterfall by walking 250 meters from the visitor centre through the campsite take you slightly upwards into the mountain heath in Skaftafell (elevation is 140 meters in 1.5 kilometers). From that point the path will take you down into the ravine below the waterfall). After enjoying the waterfall and its surroundings you should walk up the basalt column steps on the other side of the ravine and follow that path all the way down to the campsite via Lambhagi.
16:00 – Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is one of Icelands most visited places and for a good reason. The large glacier lagoon is a unique place with icebergs constantly breaking off from the glacier and eventually drifting through the short river to the sea. The waves turn some of the icebergs back to the black sand beach where they lie scattered like gems.
Jökulsárlón is extremely popular amongst photographers due to its spectacular scenery. Jökulsárlón was the setting for the Hollywood films A View to a Kill, Die another Day, Tomb Raider and Batman Begins - in addition to the reality-TV series Amazing Race.
There are hundreds of seals in the lagoon during winter and plenty of birds live by the lagoon.
Website: www.jokulsarlon.is/
18:30 – Check-in at your accommodation in or around Höfn
In and around Höfn you can choose between different range of accommodation and prices.
Accommodation in and around Höfn
Hotels:
Fosshótel Vatnajökull - http://www.fosshotel.is/hotels/fosshotel-in-the-south-east/fosshotel-vatnajokull/
Hótel Jökull – www.hoteljokull.is
Guesthouses and other accommodation:
Guesthouse Hólmur – www.holmurinn.is
Brunnhóll Guesthouse - www.brunnholl.is
Guesthouse Hoffell – www.hoffell.com
Höfn Camping – www.campsite.is
19:30 – Dinner
You can either choose to have your dinner at your hotel or in a restaurant nearby.
Restaurants of choise:
Humarhöfnin Restaurant – www.humarhofnin.is
Kaffi Nýhöfn – www.nyhofn.is
Fosshótel Vatnajökull - http://www.fosshotel.is/hotels/fosshotel-in-the-south-east/fosshotel-vatnajokull/
Hótel Jökull – www.hoteljokull.is
Guesthouse Hólmur – www.holmurinn.is
Brunnhóll Guesthouse - www.brunnholl.is
Guesthouse Hoffell – www.hoffell.com
22:00 – Northern light hunt
If the weather is good and some chance of seeing the northern lights you can go for drive in the neighbourhood and try to see the them. The northern lights are a natural phenomenom and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Day 6
City life
After breakfast you drive to Höfn í Hornafirði domestic airport and take the morning flight. You will fly from Höfn to Reykjavík. Once you are in Reykjavík you check-in at your accommodation and you can choose to spend the day in Reykjavík city centre or swim in the Blue Lagoon. You can spend the rest of the day and evening exploring Reykjavík city and all that it has to offer. The are a lof of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafés. A good day to enjoy the city or the Blue Lagoon before heading back home.
Educational Tour Katla Geopark
Educational tour –Katla Geopark
Katla Geopark is Iceland´s first geopark and it opens up a natural wonderland to the visitor. A top priority of the park is to protect the natural environment, promote local sustainable development, introduce local culture and place a strong emphasis on nature tourism.
Katla geopark is located in the southern part of the country and covers 9542 km2 or around 9,3 % of the total area of Iceland with population around 2700. The Geopark got its name from one of its most known volcanoes, Katla which is under the glacier Mýrdalsjökull.
Katla Geopark is in every sense the land of ice and fire, with its towering glaciers and active volcanoes. These forces have been shaping the land for thousands of years and the nearest examples of that are the powerful eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull 2010 and Grímsvötn 2011. But there is also more amazing landscapes in the area, mountains, lakes, black sandy beaches, green pastures and meadows, powerful glacial rivers, beautiful waterfalls and vast lava fields.
Katla Geopark´s Educational tours are tailor-made for school groups at highschool and university levels of education. Our Educational tours include all you need for an enjoyable schooltrip; a guide, a bus, warm and welcoming places to sleep and our best quality local food.
DAY 1
Thorsmörk Nature Reserve – The Land of the Thundergod Thor
Topic: Icelandic Sagas, settlement, protected sites, team building, experience the wilderness, improving confidence
Once you have landed in Keflavik Airport a bus and a local guide from Katla Geopark will be waiting for you to welcome your to Iceland. The bus will take you directly to Katla Geopark, along the south coast, which is only one and a half hour drive away. This day offers you a broad panorama of the history, culture and nature and how it all connects in a constantly changing earth. The afternoon we spend in the land of the thundergod Thor, Thorsmörk nature reserve, where we do team building activities, hot sauna and northern lights hunt, far away from civilization.
1. The Icelandic Saga Centre – 1 hour
The Saga Centre is located in Hvolsvöllur and gives you a chance to explore the fascinating world of one of Icelands best known Sagas- Njal´s Saga which takes place in the area. Njal's saga tapestry is a new way to display Njal's saga and an opportunity to introduce the saga to visitors. The tapestry is sewed with refilsaum (bayeux stitch), a special type of stitch that was used in the Viking age. Visitors have a opportunity to sew a part of the tapestry with help and advice from the guards. The Njal's saga tapestry will be around 90 m long and the yarn that is used is an Icelandic wool yarn, dyed with herbs. The plan is that the tapestry will take 6 - 10 years in making.
2. Efra-Hvolshellar – 1 hour
Efra-Hvolshellar are three man-made caves dug into rather rough sediment breccia, which is likely tillite in origin. Below it, there is the “fine” rock, made out of stratified, cross-bedding sandstone. One of the caves is 42 meters in length and is considered to be the second longest man-made cave in Iceland. It is believed that cave digging has been done in Iceland ever since the settlement period until the mid 20th century. Efra-Hvolshellar, sometimes called Írahellar, are even believed to have been constructed before settlement. Man-made caves are unique relics and some of them can even be counted among the oldest remaining houses in Iceland.
3. Nauthúsagil – 1 hour
Nauthúsagil is known for the rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) that grows on its ridge and whose multiple trunks lean over the ravine, some almost horizontally. Although the ravine is deep and narrow, you can walk along the river while keeping your feet relatively dry until you come to a waterfall which is a sight to behold. Nauthúsagil has a combination of geological layers, carved into tuff at the bottom, with hackly jointed lava further up and interglacial lava at the top of the ridge. Rain and wind has caused much erosion in the area so ravines and gullies frequently cut across the tuff. Hackly jointed lava and pillow lava are more resistant to erosion and many peculiar formations can be seen in the areas where these are dominant.
4. Þórsmörk Nature Reserve – overnight
Þórsmörk (Thórsmörk, land of the thundergood Thor) is a natural gem that sits between Mýrdalsjökull to the east, the river Krossá in the south, with Markárfljót and Þröngá Rivers to the north. Its diverse landscape is characterized by impressive gorges, ravines and scruby slopes and a wide variety of vegetation that is unique to the area.
From Þórsmörk is a beautiful view over the mighty Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The place is isolated and quiet and has good facilities for team building games. During the night it is a good place for northern lights hunt.
DAY 2
Eyjafjallajökull - Nature and power
Topic: The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, volcanic risk management, consequenses of volcanic eruptions, sustainable farming
In 2010 two eruptions took place in this area, Fimmvörðuháls and Eyjafjallajökull. The eruptions attracted worldwide attention as it affected tens of thousands of people all around the world by stopping flight transportation. The eruption was accompanied by a glacial outburst flood and substantial ash fall so that many inhabitants had to evacuate and relocate. This day is all about the volcanic activity and a good reminder of the dynamic earth we live in. We visit farmers living at the foot of the giant volcano Eyjafjallajökull and find out how it is to live next to a volcano.
1. Magni and Móði, Eyjafjallajökull hike – 4 to 5 hours
The craters Magni and Móði were formed in the Fimmvörðuháls eruption that began on 20 March 2010. The eruption produced a 300 m volcanic fissure with a number of craters and a lava flow. Here is a unique opportunity to see a newly formed lava which is still hot beneath the surface. The names Magni, Móði and the lava Goðahraun come from Nordic mythology, Magni and Móði being the sons of Þór, who had already been referenced in the nearby area of Þórsmörk, and Goðahraun named after Goðaland, to where the lava flow was heading.
2. Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi falls – 1 hour
Seljalandsfoss is a 65m high waterfall which cascades over ancient sea cliffs into a pool below. It is possible to walk around behind the falls and come out the other side – the only one of its kind in Iceland. At night and in winter, the falls are illuminated. Just a few hundred meters north of Seljalandsfoss is another waterfall called Glúfrabúi which is partially obscured behind giant tuff rock formations. It is also possible to climb up the rocks called the ´French Nose´ for an impressive view over the falls at close range. Both Seljalandsfoss and Glúfrabúi are protected national sites.
3. Eyjafjallajökull, Living next to a volcano – 1.5-2 hours
Þorvaldseyri farm has been in the same family for over a century and is situated at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. At Þorvaldseyri Visitor Centre we feel at first-hand what it is like to have a huge volcano looming over their shoulders. A short film portrays the incredible power and scope of the eruption as well as how they met the challenges of clean-up and recovery. In addition of being a traditional sheep and milk producers, the farm is working towards self-sufficiency, with their own hydro-electirc generator, on-site hot and cold water sources and growing barley, wheat and rapeseed (canola).
4. Skógafoss – overnight
Skógafoss is widely considered to be one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. It is situated on the river of Skógá, which originates from both Eyjafjallajökull glacier and the westernmost part of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. As Skógá approaches the edge of the moor, the river runs over a layer of hard rock until rushing down in a beautifully shaped, 15-metre-wide and 62-metre-high waterfall. The cliffs are ancient coastal cliffs, which were formed by marine erosion at the end of the last ice age when the sea level was much higher than it is now. According to legend, a settler named Þrasi hid his chest of gold behind Skógafoss.
DAY 3
Mýrdalsjökull glacier– Disappearing giant?
Topic: Erosion, glacier and glacier formation, rivers, sandur plains, table mountains, basalt columns, global warming
Glaciers and glacier rivers were thought to pose a significant problems for transportations here in previous years. While there were no bridges over the rivers, one had to trust the horses competence to cross the rivers or even the glaciers. In recent years we are experiencing drastic change in global temperature causing severe retreat of glaciers. Today we will take a walk on an outlet glaciers and learn all about those disappearing giants, their past, present and the future. How many years until glaciers are all gone and what are the consequences?
1. Skógar Folk Museum - 1 hour
The museum was founded in 1949 on the initiative of Þórður Tómasson. The museum is divided into three parts: the folk museum which offers a huge variety of tools and implements used for fishing and farming, as well as artifacts dating back to the Viking age. In the rebuilt turf houses in the open-air museum you can catch the atmosphere of times long gone and experience how Icelanders lived through the centuries. The museum of transport tells the story of technology and transportation and its development in Iceland in the 19th and 20th century.
2. Glacier walk - 3 to 4 hours
Glacier walk is a great way to understand the power and behaviour of glaciers and an adventure where you can try for yourself how it feels to walk on ice. After a lesson in ice walking we will head onto the glacier to experience this unique environment with some amazing terrain with crevasse, sink holes, ice ridges and dirt cones. In front of the glacier we can see many glacier formation as moraines and drumlins. The glacier walk does not require any special skills and the tour can be enjoyed by people of all levels in good health.
3. Reynisfjara - 1 hour
Reynisfjara is a black beach and features an amazing cliff of regular basalt columns. To the east are Dyrhólaey a table mountain formed in a submarine eruption when the low-lying coastal plains were fully submerged. In the sea are the spectacular shaped basalt sea stacks Reynisdrangar. The area has also a rich birdlife, including puffins, fulmars and guillemots.
4. Vík í Mýrdal - 1 hour
In Vík we take an hour long guided hike around Vík and we hear its story. In former times, transportation were extremely difficult in South Iceland. There were hardly any ports of the coast, and wide rivers made transportation on land difficult. Prior to 1900, the residents of Vík and surroundings bought their supplies and sold their wares in Eyrarbakki. The first indicator that a town would form in Vík was when a fishing company started operations there in 1876. The fishing operations died out mostly with their originators. Vík became a certified market town in 1887.
DAY 4
Katla and Grímsvötn – natural disasters
Topic: Outburst flood, lava flood, rootless cones, pahoehoe-lava, tephra layers, primary succession, natural treasure
Katla and Grímsvötn are the most active volcanoes in Iceland. Katla is the most dangerous volcano, famous for its large eruptions happening on average every 50-100 years. The subglacial caldera of Katla produces mainly basaltic explosive eruptions that have heen among the largest tephra-producers in Iceland and causes devastating glacial floods (jökullhlaups). Grímsvötn erupts frequently most often followed with glacial floods and ashfall. However, Laki eruption in 1783-1784, originating from Grímsvötn, left one of the largest basalt lava floods in the world, accompanied with fatal haze. Today we learn about the geological existence of the powerful volcanoes surrounding the area as well as we try to understand how people lived and adjusted to those natural disasters. What happens if this kind of a natural event would happen today?
1. Katla outbursts - 1 hour
Höfðabrekkujökull (jökull=glacier) is not a glacier as such but a gravel dome believed to have formed in the Katla outburst in 1721. After the outburst, icebergs lay on top of the dome for decades, and as a result, it was given the name Höfðabrekkujökull. Múlakvísl has eroded it considerably on the east side where we can have wonder about its original, understand the power of Katla outbursts, the damage that such outbursts cause and impact on the environment. Höfðabrekkujökull is a natural protective barrier and probably the only protective barrier that is likely to be of significant use as protection for Vík in connection with the predicted Katla outburst
2. Hjörleifshöfði -2 hour
Hjörleifshöfði is a 221 meter high tuff promontory it was actually once an island, but during the period of settlement it became attached to the mainland while a fjord, called Kerlingarfjörður, ran along it. Today it is surrounded by sand and stands approximately two kilometres away from the sea. Glacial outburst floods from Katla caused these alterations to the landscape. Although the Hjörleifshöfði area was thought to be difficult for farming, it was rich in
other resources such as flotsam and jetsam, birds and eggs. For a long time there was a farmstead to the west below the promontory. However, the eruption of Katla in 1721 was followed by the largest flood in Katla's history, wiping away the farm along with it. Then the farmstead was moved up to the south side of the promontory and was there until the last inhabitant left in 1936, after which it was deserted.
3. Laki lava field and Fjaðrárgljúfur – 3 to 4 hours
We start by watching the film Eldmessan (15 min) at Kirkjubæjarklaustur information center. Then we head to the massive canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur and Laki lava field where we take a walkand wonder about the eruption, affection on people, animal and plants. How would it affect our life today? We also explore the vegetation and compare the vegetation on Laki lava field, witch is now covered with a thick moss), to the succession of plants on the rootless cones originating from the Eldgjá eruption.
4. Tepra layer - 1 hour
Icelandic soils differ from most other soils of Europe and the world because of a unique soil environment. Icelandic soils form in parent materials that are of recent volcanic origin, usually consisting of basaltic tephra. Soils that form in volcanic materials develop distinctive characteristics that separate them from other types of soils as Andosols. At the farm Efri-Vík a holes have been dug into the soil where we can take a look at the tephra and see how the tephra can be used to date archaeological remains.
5. Natural Treasure
The turf house by the lake is filled with natural treasures from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and its surroundings. The treasures are sustainable and have been collected with approval. In the end of the day you will receive a special glass bottle as a gift from the Geopark and fill it with a treasure from the turf house of your choosing. This unique-to-Iceland tourism concept has been created by the Icelandic design team at HAF Studio in collaboration with Visitklaustur.is.
Educational Packages in Katla Geopark
Katla Geopark provides an exciting five days educational tour in the Geopark. The tour offers you a broad panorama of the history, culture and nature and how it all connects in a constantly changing earth. Therefore it is ideal for students in geology, anthropology and environmental sciences.
Our Educational tours include all you need for an enjoyable schooltrip; a guide, transportation, warm and welcoming places to sleep, various activities and our best quality local food.
Prices are variable and depend on the length of stay, group sizes, class of accommodation etc.
Katla Geopark´s also povides tailor-made educational tours for school groups at any levels of education.
For further information, special requests and prices please contact us at: info@katlageopark.is
South Iceland A Bit of This and That
South Iceland - A Bit of This and That
This tour is tailored for groups on a coach with a guide. You will travel around the up-country of South Iceland. This is an educational and historical tour with amazing waterfall sights.
Day 1 - Rivers and waterfalls
After breakfast you drive to Þjórsá visitor centre. There you can view an exhibition about Þjórsá river and get information about the land and its nature, the people and the history of the Þjórsá region, and the services available there, with the principal focus on the great Þjórsá river itself. After Þjórsá visitor centre you will drive to Búrfell power plant and there you will see an interactive energy exhibition about renewable energy and the history of its usage. Near Búrfell power plant we have Þjóðveldisbær (a reconstructed farm based on the excavated farmhouse Stöng from the commonwealth era in Iceland). It provides visitors with an opportunity to study the buildings of our ancestors and learn about their background and daily life. Later you will have the chance to see the farmhouse Stöng. After experiencing a bit of history you will see a couple of waterfalls on your way back to the hotel. They are Háifoss and Hjálparfoss.
10:00 – Þjórsárstofa
Þjórsárstofa – the Þjórsá visitor centre at Árnes – is a collaborative project of the Skeið and Gnúpverjahreppur local authority and Landsvirkjun.
The objective of the Þjórsá visitor centre is to provide information on the land and nature, the people and history of the Þjórsá region, and the services available there, with the principal focus on the great Þjórsá river itself.
Website: www.thjorsarstofa.is
11:30 - Gaukshöfði / Búrfell
All around the world there is increasing demand for renewable energy. At Búrfell power plant there is an interactive energy exhibition showing renewable energy opportunities linked to that and the history of the use of energy in Iceland.
12:30 - Þjóðveldisbærinn – Packed lunch
This reconstructed farm is based on the excavated farmhouse of Stöng from the commonwealth era in Iceland. It provides visitors with an opportunity to study the building sof our ancestors and learn about their background and daily life.
14:00 - Stöng – Gjáin
In 1104, Mt. Hekla erupted for the first time in the recorded history of Iceland. The eruption destroyed, for instance, an entire district of at least 20 farms in the valley Þjórsárdalur in Árnessýsla.
Over eight centuries later, in 1939, a team of Nordic archaeologists excavated several of these farms. In one location the exceptionally well-preserved remains of an early medieval farmhouse, unparallelled elsewhere in the Nordic cultural area, were discovered under a thick layer of pumice. It was formerly known as Stöng.
15:30 - Háifoss waterfall
The waterfall Háifoss is situated near the volcano Hekla in the south of Iceland. The river Fossá, a tributary of Þjórsá, drops here from a height of 122 m. This is the second highest waterfall of the island.
From the historical farm Stöng, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Hekla in the Middle Ages and reconstructed, it is possible to hike to the waterfall along the Fossá (5 to 6 hours both directions). Above the waterfall, there is also a parking lot, so the hiking can also be made in the other direction.
16:30 – Hjálparfoss waterfall
Hjalparfoss is a beautiful, two stepped waterfall near the confluence of Rivers Thjorsa and Fossa in the Thjorsa Valley. The surrounding area is called Hjalp (Help), because the travellers across the Sprengisandur Route found great help in reaching a vegetated area to graze their horses after a long journey in the barren interior.
As elsewhere in the valley, the signs of the eruptions of Mt. Hekla are very prominent by the waterfall, ashes everywhere.
20:00 – Check-in at your accommodation in or near Flúðir
Near Flúðir you can choose between different range of accommodation and prices.
Accommodation near Selfoss and Hveragerði
Hotels:
Icelandair Hótel Flúðir – http://www.icelandairhotels.com/is/hotelin/fludir
Hótel Hekla – www.hotelhekla.is
Guesthouses and other accommodation:
Syðra-Langholt – www.sydralangholt.is
Day 2 – Icelandic production and history
After breakfast you will drive to Friðheimar. They residents of Friðheimar are proud to invite their guests to a treat, both for body and mind, presenting to them how it is possible to grow tomatoes all the year round. You will visit their greenhouse, see the horse show they offer and have lunch. After Friðheimar you will visit Skálholt. Skálholt is one of the most important cultural and historic places in Iceland.
8:00 - Breakfast
10:00 – Friðheimar – visit the greenhouse, horse show and lunch
A visit to the greenhouse in Friðheimar offers an educational and pleasant experience and an insight into a vivid place of work in the Icelandic countryside. They are proud to invite their guests to a treat, both for body and mind, presenting to them how it is possible to grow tomatoes all year round in our dark and cold country.
We invite our guests to a short presentation of our way to grow tomatoes and, through a standing exhibition, we provide an insight into the history of Icelandic horticulture. In a restaurant area next to the plants we serve a delicious warm tomato soup with home-baked bread, a selection of our tomatoes and, on good occasions, tomato-shots!
Website: www.fridheimar.is
13:00 - Skálholt
Skálholtsskóli – the centre for education, culture and dialogue of church and society – welcomes individuals and families as well as larger groups of different kinds for a longer or a shorter stay all year round, offering housing accomodation and restaurant services.
In the summer Skálholt is a much visited place by tourists of many nationalities, some only looking around for a while or staying for a good meal or a cup of coffee in the restaurant. But Skálholtsskóli is also an ideal place for meetings, conferences and similar events during the winter.
At Skálholt you can find religious services, rooms and cottages, a restaurant, a tour of the site the and 12th century dinner, conference facilities, tranquility days during winter months, workshops and retreats, exhibition facilities, Skálholt cathedral museum, hiking trails, a historical exhibit, a souvenir shop and a botanical garden
Website: www.skalholt.is
18:30 - Medieval dinner at Skálholt
Day 3 - The Golden Circle
After breakfast you drive to Gullfoss waterfall. Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. After spending a good bit of time at Gullfoss waterfall you drive to the Geysir hot spring area. The Great Geysir was among the most notable geysers in the world and has been inactive for decades, but there are many other hot springs around it. From Geysir your direction is to the farm at Efsti Dalur where you will have your lunch. At Efsti Dalur there is a restaurant and a café. At the restaurant and café you can see into cowhouse. After lunch you will be driven to Þingvellir. Þingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale, with the geologic history and the biosystem of Lake Þingvallavatn forming a unique entity, a magnificent sight. When you have seen the sights at Þingvellir you will drive towards Keflavík international airport. Along the way you will see a little bit of Reykjavík before travelling back home.
8:00 – Breakfast
10:00 - Gullfoss
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. It is in the wide Hvítá river which rushes southwards. Gullfoss is actually two separate waterfalls, the upper one has a drop of 11 metres and the lower one 21 metres. The rock of the river bed was formed during an interglacial period.
11:00 - Geysir
One of the greatest natural attractions in Iceland and part of the famous Great Geysir, or Stóri-Geysir, which has been dormant since 1916 when it suddenly ceased to spout. The Great Geysir was among the most notable geysers in the world, such as those in Yellowstone Park, New Zealand and North Iceland.
12:30 - Lunch at Efsti Dalur
At Efsti Dalur there is a restaurant and a café. At the restaurant and café you can see into cowhouse. The restaurant and the café are very homey and cozy. They offer local food, for instance vegetables, milk, icecream, etc.
Website: www.efstidalur.is
14:30 - Þingvellir
No single place epitomizes the history of Iceland and the Icelandic nation better than Þingvellir by the river Öxará.
At Þingvellir – literally "Parliament Plains" – the Alþingi general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and therefore the place is held in high esteem by all Icelanders. Today Þingvellir is a protected national shrine. According to the law, passed in 1928, the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the preservation of the Alþingi.
In the last few decades research has made it clear that Þingvellir is a natural wonder on an international scale, with the geologic history and the biosystem of Lake Þingvallavatn forming a unique entity, a magnificent sight.
Website: www.thingvellir.is
