Majestic Fjords Self Drive 14 days - Iceland Travel
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Self Drive 14 days
Majestic Fjords
Dimmuborgir
Welcome to Iceland!
To make your stay in Iceland more enjoyable, we would like to draw
your attention to the following:
△△ This booklet contains a standard itinerary. If you have
Sat Nav
added nights, please note that the itinerary has not been
customized to show such amendments.
△△ This itinerary is a guideline for your travel in Iceland. The Speed Limit
route may vary according to your overnight stay and road
conditions, especially during April/May and September/
October.
Seat Belts
△△ Even with the long daylight, you will not be able to visit
every nook and cranny nor enjoy all the fun things sug-
gested. Please choose between the sites mentioned
Road Map
depending on your interest as time limits your possibilities.
△△ The kilometer/mile distance per day is not precise. The
distance may vary depending on the location of your Bin the Litter
accommodation and the detours you take each day.
△△ On your accommodation itinerary you will find a detailed
address list, describing how to reach your accommoda- One Lane Bridge
tions. The accommodation itinerary also has a reference
number, which is valid as your voucher. Official hotel
check-in time is 14:00-18:00. If you arrive any later, it’s Watch out for Animals
courteous to notify the hotel.
△△ Breakfast is always included during your stay, but no other
meals. Many of the rural hotels and guesthouses offer a Gravel Roads
nice dinner at a reasonable price.
2 Self Drive Majestic Fjords
A few favourites from the trip ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Majestic Fjords Self Drive 3
Ísafjörður Siglufjörður
Day 1:
9-10 7
Arrival 11 6
Akureyri
Mývatn 5
Pick-up your rental car and explore Reykjanes Egilsstaðir
Peninsula
Stykkishólmur 8
12
➠➠Approximate driving distance: 4
104 km / 64 miles
Reykjavík Höfn
Keflavík 13 1 Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
2 3
details about your overnight stay Hveragerði
U pon your arrival in Iceland you’ll find your
rental car help desk in the arrival hall at
Keflavik Airport. The desk is open every day
Vík
algae mask bring out the skin’s inner glow!
from 5:00am – 5:00pm and again from 9:00pm- Kindly note that the Blue lagoon is very
1:00am. The staff will advise you where to find popular year around and therefore you should
your vehicle. book ahead.
If you are arriving early enough in the day If you are not relaxing in the lagoon at the
we recommend driving along the southern beginning of your trip you continue on road
coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. Start your number no. 43 until you find your way to
journey with a soak in the Blue Lagoon. Follow Grindavik. Take a left onto road no. 427 and
road no. 41 towards Reykjavik until you find explore the southern coastline on your way to
road no. 43, leading south towards Grindavik. Hveragerdi.
Before you reach Mt Þorbjorn you make a Follow this winding road along the
right turn to the Blue Lagoon area. To make it shoreline, past stand-alone houses, lava rock
easier you can just follow the steam rising up formations, and endless sea views. Take a quick
through the air! At the Blue Lagoon you can detour on road no. 42 to Krysuvik Geothermal
wash of the jet lag and relax in the milky waters Area and Kleifarvatn Lake, which are a part of
of the Lagoon and perhaps enjoy a glass of the the Reykjanes fissure zone.
famous Blue Lagoon cocktail while you let the Continue on your journey on road no. 427
4 Self Drive Majestic Fjords
until you reach road no. 38 which will take are considered among the finest examples of
you to the charming village of Hveragerdi. the results of tectonic movements in the world.
The village is one of the few sites in the world It is the area where the tectonic plates for
located directly on top of a geothermal area Europe and America meet, and one can literally
and because of its many greenhouses heated by see the ridge between the continents. This is
hot water from nearby springs it is often called also the former site of the oldest parliament in
the flower village. the world, Alþingi. It was founded in Þingvellir
in 930 and there most of the greatest moments
of Icelandic history took place over a period of
750 years. In the 18th century a major earth-
Day 2: quake took place at this location, after which
the parliament was transferred to Reykjavík.
Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Flúðir/Selfoss It may interest you that Þingvellir, in 2004,
was inscribed upon the List of UNESCO World
National Park of Geological Wonders (UNESCO),
Heritage Sites concerning the Protection of the
Exploding Geysers, Massive Waterfall
World Cultural.
➠➠Approximate driving distance:
170 km / 106 miles While in Þingvellir you should visit:
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
Lögberg (The Law Rock), the law speaker, the
details about your overnight stay
president of Lögrétta (the Low Council) stood
T oday you’ll drive east out of Hveragerdi
and drive along road no. 1 and road no. 36
to Þingvellir National Park.
there, facing the gathering below to recite the
laws during the period when the old Alþingi
was held at Þingvellir.
Þingvellir National Park is of great eco-
logical, geological and historical interest. The Neðrivellir where Lögrétta was, the most
park itself is situated in a stunning volcanic important institution of the ancient parlia-
landscape of mountains and lava flows, on the ment, the Alþingi, where the “goðar”, the local
border of Iceland’s largest lake. Surrounding chieftains, and bishops gathered to debate,
the lake are impressive faults and gorges that pass new law and amend old ones. These two
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 5
sites are on the eastern side of the Almannagjá who refused to be baptized in the cold water
gorge. of Þingvellir, were brought to Laugarvatn to
be baptized in the warm spring. Here you can
Drekkingarhylur (Drowningpool) in Öxará enjoy the hospitality of the Fontana Spa.
River, where women found guilty of adultery You continue your tour to the beautiful
were drowned. Gullfoss and Geysir region. You drive to the
Geysir area, which is by road no. 35. It is a
Öxarárfoss waterfall, a beautiful waterfall in colourful geothermal field in a 3 km2 (1.2 mi2)
the Öxará River, which falls thunderously over a area where hot springs and geysers are abun-
steep slope at the edge of the Almannagjá rift. dant. Geysir spouting spring is the world’s
largest geyser, whose name is the generic
Þingvallakirkja Church, from 1859, situated term for this strange phenomenon. Geysir,
on the spot where one of the first churches in believed to have formed in the thirteenth cen-
Iceland was built around 1016, shortly after the tury, has a bowl 18m (59 ft) in diameter with a
Icelanders converted to Christianity in the year 20m (66 ft) deep chamber below. Its eruptions
1000. are majestic and after the big earthquakes in
2000 it has erupted several times. A smaller,
From Þingvellir you will drive via Lyngdals adjacent hot spouting spring, Strokkur, is a
heiði on road no. 365 to the lake Laugarvatn popular attraction, erupting at 5–10 minute
area. Laugarvatn is a geothermal area, and it intervals. The whole area contains a variety
is said that when Christianity was legalized in of hot springs and bubbling pools. Please be
the year 1000, the chieftains from the north careful around the hot springs and around
6 Self Drive Majestic Fjords
the waterfall and stick to the hiking-paths. columns before heading for Stöng, the exca-
You continue your journey further north vated ruins of a Viking-age farmhouse in a fair
to Gullfoss waterfall, the “Golden Waterfall”. state of preservation. If you walk on the path
It is a beautiful double-folding fall that many along the brook you will enter a beautiful ravine
believe to be the most scenic in Iceland. It called Gjáin, which can easily be compared with
thunders 32m (105 ft) over a fault into a gorge, paradise. It offers miniature landscape, brooks
which measures 2.5km (1.5 miles) in length and and waterfalls where harlequin ducks can
up to 70m (230 ft) deep in places. often be spotted and you can have a perfect
You head back and return to road no. 35 relaxation. If you have time continue on a rug-
and turn south. Turn left at a junction to the ged road to the 120m (394 ft) high Háifoss,
road no. 31 to visit the bishopric at Skálholt, Iceland’s second highest waterfall, falling thun-
which played a major role in Icelandic history derously into a sheer-walled gorge (please note
from the year 1056 to 1796, when the bishopric you must hike some distance to see Háifoss).
moved to Reykjavík following a great series of Turn back to road no. 32 going north until
earthquakes. you reach the junction of road no. 26 and no.
32.
Fun things to do Now you have two possibilities, you can
River Rafting on the river Hvítá take an optional detour to Landmannalaugar
Duration: 3- 4 hours or head straight to road no. 1.
Arctic Rafting, tel. 562 7000.
Snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier Please note!
Duration: 2.5-3 hrs △△ The road to Landmannalaugar and Eldgjá
Mountaineers of Iceland, tel. 562 7000 is usually open from mid-June till the end
of August.
Day 3: △△ The road to Landmannalaugar is not suit-
able for small cars, a 4WD jeep is needed,
Þjórsárdalur, Skógar, Vík, as you need to ford (cross) rivers.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur △△ Please make sure that your petrol tank
is full and that you have packed a picnic
Hekla Volcano, Thundering Waterfalls, Puffin
lunch before entering the road.
Colony, Black Sand Beaches, Lava Fields
➠➠Approximate driving distance:
300 km / 186 miles
Detour to Landmannalaugar:
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
details about your overnight stay
F rom your accommodation turn into road
no. 30 and to road no. 32 to Þjórsárdalur
I f you decide to take the optional detour to
Landmannalaugar, drive road no. 26 north
and take a turn to road F208. Landmannalau-
valley, with its landscape of sharply contrast- gar, one of Iceland’s natural jewels, has streams
ing birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers and of geothermal and spring water that comes
waterfalls. Follow the course of the mighty from under a high wall of lava and mix to make
Þjórsá, Iceland’s longest river and the most streams and pools of just the right temperature
important source of electricity in the country. for bathing. Though the altitude is over 600m, the
At the entrance to the Þjórsárdalur valley, you river banks are covered in grass and flowers. The
can stop for a short climb to the top of Gauk very colourful rhyolite mountains surrounding it
shöfði, a rocky crag with the mighty river at make this area quite unique. Just before reaching
its foot and a splendid view of Hekla, Iceland’s Landmannalaugar you could drive right up to the
most famous volcano. You will see the beautiful side Ljótipollur, which is an impressive explosion
waterfall Hjálparfoss, framed in twisted basalt crater with a lake inside.
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 7
After the stop in Landmannalaugar you keep road no. 26 where you can learn about volcanism
on going on road F208 leading to Eldgjá. Eldgjá is in general and the history of mount Hekla. Open
a 40km long volcanic rift reaching from the Mýrd daily 10:00-22:00, tel. 487 8700.
alsjökull glacier to the mountain Gjátindur. Mt. Hekla is without a doubt Iceland’s most
It is most impressive at the northern end where famous volcano. It is still very active, erupting
it is 600m (1968 ft) wide and 200m (656 ft) most recently in 1970, 1980, 1981 and in 1991.
deep. Extensive lava fields have come from Eldgjá The last eruption started on 26th February in
and spread over the lowlands of Meðalland, 2000 and lasted for 12 days; the lava from this
Landbrot and Álftaver. The lava at Álftaver is eruption covers approximately 18 km2 (47mi2).
the oldest. Instead of a classical volcano cone, Hekla is
Continue to road no. 1. You will come back part of a rather squat series of ridges, although
to road no. 1 about 23km west of Kirkjubæjar this is usually hidden behind a thick bank of
klaustur. clouds that earned Hekla its menacing name,
which means the hooded one. Soon after the
If you do not take the detour, take a right turn settlement period, in 1104, Hekla showed that
to road no. 26 and drive down that road to road it was a presence to be feared as it erupted
no. 1. While driving on road no. 26 you will be without warning and devastated 20 farms in
passing through a dramatic scenery as you are in the Þjórsárdalur Valley. Indeed the volcano’s
the proximity of the volcano Hekla (to your left). fame grew so much that the Europeans in the
The lunar-like landscape is in most parts covered middle Ages believed it was the gateway to
with thick layers of ash and lava. There is an hell. The volcanic eruptions from Hekla are
interesting Hekla exhibition at Leirubakki at spectacular as the mountain is 1,493m (4897 ft)
8 Self Drive Majestic Fjords
high and towers over the lowlands of the south fish life, houses a rock and minerals collection and
Continue your tour through the fertile farm- an aquarium. From mid-May until mid-September
lands of the south, towards the east through the museum is open daily from 10:00-17:00 but
the small villages of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, less in other months, tel. 481 1997.
where trade and services are the main occupa- Beautiful walks in Vestmanneyjar includes a
tions. walk to the southern tip of the island “Stórhöfði”
This is the region where one of the best for puffin- and bird sightseeing and hike up to
known Icelandic classical Sagas, the “Story of Helgafell and/or Eldfell volcano.
Brennu Njáll” is set. You have the opportunity to Back on the ferry and you find yourself again
visit the Saga Centre in Hvolsvöllur where you on the main-land.
can learn more about the sagas, tel. 487 8781. Continue on road no. 1 and a stop at the
Rising ahead of you now is the cone shaped spectacular waterfall Seljalandsfoss, 40m (131
Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcano, 1666m ft) high, is recommended. There you can actu-
(5465 ft). On a clear day you can see the West ally walk behind the waterfall, but be careful as
man Islands to your right. it might be slippery.
There is a ferry to the Westman Islands, Shortly after you pass Seljalandsfoss water-
sailing from Landeyjarsandur. Therefore it is fall, you can pay a visit to the famous visitor
easy to take a detour to the Westman Islands, a centre at Þorvaldseyri farm, tel. 487 5757,
small archipelago with around 15 small islands, which gained world-wide attention, during
the largest one Heimaey has a population of the volcanic eruption beneath Eyjafjallajökull
around 4.000 inhabitants. Glacier. During the eruption, thick layers of ash
fell to the ground and rivers flooded its banks,
Detour to the Westman islands: damaging the farmlands, hot water pipes and
water barriers of the nearby farms. The farmer,
A few kilometres east of Hvolsvöllur, turn
right when you see the ferry sign and drive
towards the ocean. The ferry “Herjólfur” offers
Mr Olafur and his family, have extraordinary
images on display, showing the farm and its sur-
rounding before, during and after the eruption.
several departures per day, please call 481 2800 Drive onwards to Skógar, where you can
for information about the schedule and prices. visit the Folk museum and Skógafoss waterfall,
You can either leave your car behind at the har- 60m (197 ft) high, one of the most impressive
bour or take it along on the ferry. The duration of waterfalls in the country. The popular Folk
the trip is about 30 minutes in good weather. museum is open daily from 09:00-18:00 during
Once in the Westman Islands, you should visit June-August but less in other months, tel. 487
Eldheimar – a volcano museum of remem 8845.
brance, tel 488 2700. The exhibition focuses on Mýrdalsjökull is Iceland’s fourth largest gla-
the 1973 volcanic eruption in Vestmannaeyjar, cier. Glacier tongues creep down its sides to the
without a doubt one of Iceland´s biggest natural lowlands, the most prominent being Sólhei
disaster. The highlight of the exhibition is a house majökull. Under the south-eastern side of the
that has been delicately excavated. Eldheimar glacier is Katla, a sub glacial central volcano,
also houses the Surtsey exhibition with all avail- buried deep under 400m (1312 ft) of ice. The
able information about this unique island, which is caldera is 10km (6.3 miles) in diameter. Since
on the UNESCO World Heritage List. the settlement of Iceland, Katla has erupted
A boat tour around the islands is a must for 16–20 times at an average interval of 40–80
all bird and nature lovers, please call Viking Tours years, melting the glacial cap and causing
for further information, tel. 488 4884. They offer catastrophic floods in the plains below. All of
various tours, such as the popular circle tour, whale this has in the course of time created the vast
watching and deep sea fishing. Mýrdalssandur desert on the south-eastern
A visit to the Museum of Natural History is side of the glacier. Katla last erupted in 1918.
recommended, that offers insight into the bird and Continue the journey and pass Dyrhólaey,
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 9
a magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs. from the sands and are topped by the Mýrd-
It is the southernmost point of Iceland and at alsjökull glacier. The area has rich birdlife with
the tip of it, is a huge wave cut gap which boats the country’s largest nesting colony of arctic
can sail through. The headland is known for terns just east of the village. In the cliffs west
its bird life and is certainly worth a visit. It is of the village you will see countless puffins, kit-
about 5km (3 miles) from road no. 1 on road tiwakes and fulmars mainly during the months
no. 218, about 8km (5 miles) before you arrive of May, June and July.
to Vík village. Dyrhólaey is a bird sanctuary and Please be careful when walking in the nest-
closed for any traffic during breeding season ing area of the arctic terns as they are very
from ca. 1st of May until 25th of June each protective of their eggs and their young ones.
year. Please note that the road to the top is Intruding those areas one can expect dive-
not always recommendable as it is very steep. bombing attacks, where they do not hesitate to
If it has been raining severely, the road turns pick with their pointed beak on one’s head. To
muddy and is not recommended for smaller avoid getting hurt, please put a stick, umbrella
cars and inexperienced drivers. One has to be or something long above your head since they
very careful walking on top of Dyrhólaey, as no attack the highest point.
fences protect you from falling, so do not walk Reynisdrangar: These are high rocks or
close to the edge. needles in the sea at the base of Reynisfjall
Before reaching Vík, there is another recom- Mountain, supposedly formed when two trolls
mended detour to the so-called Reynishverfi were trying to drag a three-mastered ship to
by turning right on road no. 215. Reynishverfi land. When daylight broke they turned into
offers a beautiful black beach and impres- stone. The needles rise 66m (216 ft) above sea
sive basalt column. At one place you can even level and can be seen from Vík.
see and go into a cave called Hálsanefshellir Heiðarvatn: A lake that lies not far from
formed by the sea through the thousands of Vík. It offers good trout fishing and is a nice
years. Depending on the tides the cave may not area for walking. Please note that you will need
always be accessible. a permit for fishing.
You continue your trip to Kirkjubæjarklaus
Please note: tur, an area of great beauty, a growing resort
As much as this stretch of black sand looks with a number of historical spots. You drive
innocent, it’s open to the Atlantic Ocean on road no. 1 across the south-eastern part
and is known for extremely vicious waves of Iceland through the impressive Skaftárel
and strong currents. You should therefore dahraun lava field, which was created in the
be extra careful, comply with warning volcanic eruption at Laki Craters, supposedly
signs at all times and keep away from the the biggest lava field on earth coming from
shore line. only one eruption, and which is now all covered
with moss.
You will drive onwards to the quiet village
of Vík, which is situated in the mild and fertile Fun things to do
Mýrdalur valley which is the southernmost Snowmobile Tour of Mýrdalsjökull glacier
borough in Iceland. The western border is Duration: 1 hour
marked by the glacial river, Jökulsá, to the Arcanum, tel. 487 1500 / 893 3445
east by the river Blautakvísl, and to the south Glacial Walk on Crampons from Sólheima-
by black, volcanic beaches and the Atlantic jökull, with the possibility of some ice-climb-
Ocean. Mýrdalur is a farming area with about ing for those willing enough to try
600 inhabitants, 330 of them in the village of Duration: 1.5 or 3.5 hours
Vík. It is an area of great contrasts. Lush green Icelandic Mountain Guides, tel. 587 9999 or
pastures lie between vast black volcanic sands. 899 9982
Rugged mountains, scarred by deep gullies, rise
10 Self Drive Majestic Fjordsor sightseeing are some of the options. The
Day 4:
Tourist Information Center in Kirkjubæjarklaus-
Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Höfn tur, at Klausturvegur 29, tel. 487-4620 can also
give you further information on what to do in
Europe’s Largest National Park and Glacier, Gla-
Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
cial Lagoon with Icebergs
On the way from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to
➠➠Approximate driving distance: Skaftafell National Park you have a great
200 km / 124 miles opportunity to see an interesting basalt column
formation at Dverghamrar, please look for a
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
sign on the right hand side of the road. Then
details about your overnight stay
drive past Núpsstaður, an old farm surrounded
K irkjubæjarklaustur was the site of a
convent in earlier times, a fact reflected
in place name like Systrastapi, Systrafoss and
by magnificent cliffs, where you will find one of
the oldest churches in Iceland with a turf-cov-
ered roof. You will also drive past Lómagnúpur;
Systravatn, meaning Sisters’ Rock, Sisters’ an impressive 688m (2.257 ft) high precipice.
Falls and Sisters’ Lake, respectively. You can After passing Lómagnúpur, Skeiðarársan
have a look at the famous Kirkjugólf or church dur sand plains will appear. Following a volcanic
floor, at the northern part of Kirkjubæjarklaus- eruption in Vatnajökull glacier in October 1996,
tur, although it is believed that it was never millions of tons of water and ice flooded over
a floor in a church. It is the surface of huge Skeiðarársandur. The flood washed away large
basalt columns. It is worth a closer look. Near parts of the road and destroyed two bridges.
Kirkjubæjarklaustur you will see numerous hills, Preliminary repairs were made and the road
Landbrotshólar, but they make up the biggest opened again in December, only two months
area of pseudo craters in Iceland. after the eruption. Some of the icebergs that
The area has a lot to offer the visitor; hik- the flood carried with it were as large as three
ing, swimming in the local swimming pool story houses.
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 11Skaftafell National Park is a masterpiece on to Jökulsárlón where it is possible to take a
of seemingly impossible contrasts of nature. breathtaking cruise amongst floating icebergs
On the one hand you have the Skeiðarársandur on the fantastic 180m (590 ft) deep glacial
plains, vast stretches of black sandy waste- lagoon. The icebergs break off enormous ice
land and volcanic debris borne from volcanic lobes, advancing down deep valleys from the
eruptions from underneath the icecap of Vatnajökull icecap. The ice from the glacier is
Vatnajökull. On the other hand you have the over 1000 years old, but the lagoon has largely
enormous icecap of Vatnajökull with its valley been formed last century, as the glacier has
glaciers descending like fingers in all directions. retreated in the warmer climate. Sometimes
In the middle lies Skaftafell plateau, like a ver- you can see seals by the coastline of the lagoon.
dant oasis, where you can see gorges with clear At the travel service in Hólmur, before
brooks and beautiful waterfalls, birch woods, reaching Höfn, you can visit a café and Mini-
a wealth of wild flowers and lush vegetation. A Zoo with all the usual Icelandic farm animals,
walk on the marked paths along the gorges for horses, sheep, dogs, cats, and more. Open
a look at the waterfalls is a must for all visitors. daily, 09:00-17:00, tel. 478 2063.
The most majestic is Svartifoss, “Black Falls” Brunnhóll farm and guesthouse makes a
plunging over a wall of symmetrical basalt delicious stop on the way to Höfn, since the
columns that recall organ pipes. farm is known for its own production of home-
There is an alternative for those who have made ice-cream, tel. 478 1029.
difficulty walking up to the Skaftafellsjökull Höfn is a bustling fishing and fish process-
glacier (wheelchair accessible). For further ing port, as well as a commercial centre, with
information please ask at the information considerable farming in the neighbouring area.
centre in Skaftafell. In Höfn there is an interesting local exhibition
Continue your tour and drive from Skaftafell worth seeing. The visitors have the opportunity
12 Self Drive Majestic Fjordsto experience and learn about the area, the
Day 5:
nature and the basic glaciology.It's located in
the visitor centre in Höfn, Djúpivogur, Reyðarfjörður, Egilsstaðir
Fun things to do Narrow Fjords, Steep Mountains, Picturesque
Coastline, Mineral Collection
Trout fishing, close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Duration: Variable ➠➠Approximate driving distance:
Efri-Vík farm, tel. 487 4694 300 km / 186 miles
Glacial Walk in Skaftafell
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
Duration: 2.5 hours
details about your overnight stay
Icelandic Mountain Guides, tel. 587 9999 or
899 9982
Boat Tour on the Jökulsárlón Glacial
Lagoon
T oday you will drive the Eastern Fjords
onwards to Egilsstaðir.
Eastern Iceland is a very mountainous
Duration: 30-40 min region of deep fjords isolated from each other
Jökulsárlón, tel. 478 2222 or 899 5920 by sheer mountains. There is very little volcanic
Jeep tour or Snow Scooter Tour on Vatna or geothermal activity there as the region is
jökull Glacier geologically the oldest part of Iceland. The
Duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes region is heavily eroded and therefore there are
Jöklajeppar (Glacier Jeeps), tel. 478 1000 or many interesting minerals and semi-precious
894 3133 stones to be found there.
4WD Quad Biking in Hoffell The Eastern Fjords are renowned for the
Duration: 1.5 hours history of brave French, Belgian, and Spanish
Vatnajökull Travel, tel. 894 1616 fishermen who fished cod in the seas off the
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 13coast of the eastern shores from the beginning on the northern outskirts of the town.
of the 17th century. An Icelandic farmer com- From Fáskrúðsfjörður continue your journey
piled the world’s first dictionary of the Basque to Reyðarfjörður. On the way to Reyðarfjörður
language in the 17th century in order to be able on the road no. 96 you should see seabirds and
to communicate with some of them. possibly also seals. You also have the option of
Before you come to the Almannaskarð taking the shortcut through the tunnel straight
tunnel you can take a little detour down the to Reyðarfjörður.
road to the right marked “Stokksnes”. At the Reyðarfjörður is the largest of the Eastern
end of that road, down at the shore, you will Fjords. It served as one of the largest Allied
find seabirds, arctic terns and possibly seals out bases during World War II. In the village at the
on the cliffs. You then drive east through the base of the fjord where there is a small museum
Almannaskarð tunnel. If the weather is good of war memorabilia called the Icelandic War-
an option is to drive to a view point on the east time Museum, tel. 470-9063. A little bit outside
side of the tunnel. There you can enjoy the of the town a big aluminium smelter producing
beautiful scenery towards the west. You will annually 350.000 tons of aluminium, owned
see the glacial tongues running down from the and run by Alcoa, was opened in 2007 provid-
main icecap to the lowlands. ing jobs for 400 people. Continue your tour to
Continue through the Lón area, which many Egilsstaðir.
consider to be one of the most beautiful sites in Egilsstaðir is situated some distance inland,
Iceland. The road then leads north to Djúpiv- on a fertile plain on the border of Lake Lagar
ogur, at the southern opening of Berufjörður fljót, which is a huge glacial river. According
fjord, which is known for its zeolite-crystals. to local legends, similar to those about Loch
Djúpivogur is a beautifully situated, pic- Ness in Scotland, you might expect to see a sea
turesque fishing town. If you can, take a walk serpent called Lagarfljótsormurinn reputedly
around this beautiful area, please ask for a living in the lake. Egilsstaðir is a natural center
hiking map of the area in the shops. Djúpivogur for regional social services and transportation
might be an interesting choice for birdwatchers to many of the towns and villages in the eastern
because there you can experience unspoiled part of Iceland.
nature where you can see the bulk of Icelandic You can make an interesting visit to Hall
birds in their natural environment without dif- ormsstaður, a government forestry station in
ficulties such as long walks or extra travelling. the beautiful Hallormsstaðaskógur, where 80
Mammals such as seals and reindeer can also be species of trees from various parts of the world
seen there frequently. In Djúpivogur are two are growing. Hallormsstaðaskógur is the largest
birdwachting houses that every birdwatcher forest plantation in Iceland. From Egilsstaðir to
can use to take a closer look. You can get more Hallormsstaður the distance is 26km (16 miles),
information in their information centre in but if you have the time to drive around the
Langabúð. lake, which is altogether 84km (52 miles), we
You will continue your journey through recommend a stop on the other side of the lake,
Breiðdalsvík and on to Stöðvarfjörður, where 20km (12,5 miles) from Hallormsstaður, called
you can visit the famous Rock Collection of Skriðuklaustur. The building was designed by
Petra Sveinsdóttir, tel. 475-8834. Over 90% the German architect Fritz Höger and built in
of the stones in her collection were found in 1939 for the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson. Today
Stöðvarfjörður and the surroundings. From it is an institute which enables artists, writers
Stöðvarfjörður follow road no. 96 north to and scholars to stay temporarily to work, but a
Fáskrúðsfjörður. Fáskrúðsfjörður used to be part of it is open for the public. If you are here
the base for the French fishermen. The French in the afternoon, you will have the opportu-
built a hospital and a chapel there and 49 nity to enjoy one of the finest refreshments in
French and Belgian fishermen lie buried in the Iceland. Everything is home-made and served
cemetery at Krossar, situated on the seashore by the local women.
14 Self Drive Majestic FjordsSeyðisfjörður is only 27km (17 miles) away
Day 6:
from Egilsstaðir along road no. 93. It is a beauti-
ful town worth visiting, situated in a deep, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Húsavík, Mývatn
18km (11 miles) long fjord of the same name.
Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall, Glacier Carved
Trading started in Seyðisfjörður in 1834 and in
Gorge, Whale Watching
the latter part of the 19th century it became,
for a while, one of the largest towns in Iceland. ➠➠Approximate driving distance:
Many beautiful Norwegian-style houses date 310 km / 193 miles
from that time. Every week the car ferry MV
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
Norröna of Smyril Line comes to Seyðisfjörður.
details about your overnight stay
T
Fun things to do oday you will continue your journey
Boat Tour to Papey from Djúpivogur and drive on road no.1 over the eastern
Duration: 4 hours, boat leaves at 1 pm every day highlands, heading for Lake Mývatn. You drive
Papeyjarferðir at 478 8838 or 866 1353. over the desolation of Jökuldalsheiði heath, a
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 15mountain pastureland containing many lakes, of Möðrudalsfjallgarðar, renowned for their
at a mean altitude of 500m (1640 ft), and mystical beauty. Stefán from Möðrudalur, a
where you will be able to see fine examples of beloved naïve-style painter, used to live here.
tundra. Remains of settlements dating from Möðrudalur and its charming Mountain Café is
1841–1946 can be seen on the plateau, for just a little detour from the main road on road
many of the inhabitants of this area fled to no. 901.
America after a volcanic eruption in the Askja
caldera in 1875. Please note!
If you take road no. 901 instead for no. 1, △△ If you are not travelling between mid-
you can take F907 and drive few kilometres June and mid-September, please note
in the south direction. There you will find that the road no. 901 can be closed.
the small turf farmhouse, Sænautasel, which △△ The roads to Dettifoss are usually just
is worth the visit. It dates to 1843 and was open from mid-June to mid-September,
farmed until 1943 except for the period of because of wet and muddy conditions
1875-1880 when the ash from the Askja erup- caused by melting snow and ice.
tion made the site unliveable. The farming
and the life on this high heath was extremely Please ask locally for information on road
difficult and poor and consisted more or less of conditions before leaving Egilsstaðir.
trying to keep the sheep alive from year to year. If the roads to Dettifoss are closed, you
The farm has been restored by the local com- must take road no. 1 to Lake Mývatn and on to
munity and is kept open in summer, showing Húsavík by road no. 87 and no. 85.
antiques from bygone times in their proper set- If the roads are open, continue your journey
ting. Traditional refreshments are also available northwards by taking road no. 862 (4x4), until
at Sænautasel. you reach Jökulsárgljúfur Canyons National
You continue over the barren highlands Park, the largest and most rugged gorge in
16 Self Drive Majestic FjordsIceland, through which flows Jökulsá, one of You drive road no. 85 round the Tjörnes
the country’s mighty glacial rivers. Once there, peninsula, famous for its fossiliferous layers
you should visit: and bird life, to Húsavík.
Húsavík is situated in a picturesque fjord
Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, surrounded by majestic mountains white with
contrasting strikingly with the smaller water- snow, even in summertime, and is a commercial
falls of Hafragilsfoss and Selfoss. centre for the agricultural area, as well as a
busy fishing port. The Húsavík Whale Museum
Hólmatungur Nature Reserve, also at road a museum on cetaceans in Iceland provides
F862 with beautiful, colourful rock formations information on whale species, their evolution
and rich flora. and biology, whale stranding and the history
of whaling. Open from 8:30-18:30 in May-Sep-
The Nature Reserve of Hljóðaklettar (The tember but less in other months, tel. 414 2800.
Echo Cliffs) on road F862 from Ásbyrgi, a Recommended cafés and restaurants in
great labyrinth of crags and rock formations Húsavík are Gamli Baukur located right at the
which, like other strange rock formations and pier in a charming house made mainly of drift
canyons in the National Park, is the result of wood and Salka restaurant.
catastrophic floods and water erosion Take road no. 85 and 87 or 845 to Lake
Mývatn depending on your accommodation.
Ásbyrgi, at road no. 861, a natural horseshoe-
shaped rock enclosure, whose impressive walls Fun things to do
reach a height of 90m (295 ft), sheltering fertile Whale Watching from Húsavík
and lush vegetation. Duration: 3 hours
Norðursigling tel. 464 7272
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 17and 140m (459 ft) in depth. It stands only 150m
Day 7:
(492 ft) above its surroundings so it is not dif-
Lake Mývatn, Akureyri, and Siglufjordur ficult to hike to the top. Well worth visiting and
exploring by foot.
Bizarre Lava Formation, Geothermal Activity, Rich
Birdlife, Iceland’s Second Largest City
Vogafjós-café: A small café located inside
➠➠Approximate driving distance: a cowshed where you can see the milking of
180 km / 112 miles the cows. It is possible to taste the fresh milk
and even try to do some milking. The cows are
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
milked twice per day. The emphasis is on home
details about your overnight stay
made local food such as smoked trout, Moz-
M ývatn is one of the country’s most
fascinating places. The unique ecology of
the lake and its unusual environment has made
zarella cheese from their own milk and geyser
bread baked in geothermal heat in the earth.
You will find Vogafjós by road no. 1 where it
it one of northern Iceland’s greatest attrac- surrounds Lake Mývatn, 10 minutes drive from
tions. Lake Mývatn is famous for many things, the village of Reykjahlíð.
such as rich bird life, beautiful landscape
influenced by volcanic activity and boiling Gamli Bær is a small café with a nice atmos-
sulfates. In and near the lake, all the Icelan- phere close to Hotel Reynihlíð, where you can
dic duck species, apart from the eider, breed sit outside on a good day during summer.
annually, all together 15 species. During the
summer the lake is covered with birds, which Námafjall: A mountain ridge singed and boiled
utilize the rich fauna and flora in the lake. The by sulphurous vapours. The area is famous for
area is protected by international law as a very the colourful solfataras and bubbling pools of
important breeding place for different birds. hot viscous mud of amazing patterns and col-
Birds to look out for, apart from the ducks, are ours. Please be very careful here and do not get
great northern divers, red-necked phalaropes, too close to the bubbling pools as they might
Slovenian grebes, red-throated divers, merlins splash hot mud.
and gyrfalcons.
There are several remarkable natural phe- Grjótagjá: One of Iceland’s most well known
nomena in the district worth visiting, such as: chasms, half full of hot water, which made it a
popular bathing spot for a long time, but has
Skútustaðargígar pseudo craters: A cluster reached too high temperature today for that
of colourful and beautifully formed pseudo purpose. Please watch your step if you walk
craters situated close to Skútustaðir and easily down to the water.
accessible from there by foot.
Krafla: A high temperature field with active
Höfði, Nature Park: With rich flora, fauna and volcanic craters, where a steam-powered elec-
a beautiful view of the lake. tricity generating station has been built.
Dimmuborgir: Translated as “Black Castles”, The Nature-Baths: The geothermal spa called,
a landscape of rugged crags and strange lava Mývatn Nature Baths is the latest addition to
formations. There are 3 different routes marked the region’s many visitor attractions and are
for walking. Please stay on the paths, as this well worth visiting. It contains a unique blend
area is like a labyrinth. of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-
organisms. It’s open all year around: 1 June - 31
Hverfjall: A huge explosive tuff crater. It looks August from 09:00 to 24:00 and from 12:00 to
like a giant circular stadium with a crater bowl 22:00 in the wintertime. For directions you can
of 1,040 – 1,200m (3.411-3.936 ft) in diameter call the baths directly tel. 464 4411, or ask local
18 Self Drive Majestic Fjordshotels and service-centres in the Mývatn area. region, in some parts as close to the surface
as 3km (1,9 mile). From the car park, a circular
Bird Museum (Fuglasafn Sigurgeirs): A private footpath leads you around the volcano and up
collection of birds, now open to the public. For to its summit from where there is a beautiful
directions you can call the museum directly, tel. view over the impressive volcanic landscapes
464 4477. surrounding it. This is a very interesting walk
but one has to be very careful when crossing
Leirhnjúkur: Part of the Krafla fissure com- the high-temperature area. It is important to
plex. It is one of the most interesting sights in wear good walking boots. On rainy days there
the Mývatn area. A highly active volcano and is considerable mud in the geothermal area and
a small but very colourful high-temperature it can become very slippery there, so one has to
geothermal field situated west of Krafla, which take extra care when crossing it.
last erupted in a series of nine eruptions from
1975–1984. After exploring the Myvatn area, head
for Akureyri, via road no 1. On the way to
West of it are a series of craters and volcanic Akureyri, the “capital” of northern Iceland, you
fissures of the same name. In this area you can will pass Goðafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s
also see the lava fields from 1984, which are most beautiful and renowned waterfalls.
still hot. A vast magma chamber lies under the Driving 18 km (11 miles) from Goðafoss
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 19towards Akureyri you could make a detour to ing, fish processing and trading. In Dalvik, rec-
Akureyri by taking road no. 835 to visit the reations such as whale watching and horse rental
Laufás Museum. Here you can see one of the are available and there is always the option of
country’s best preserved turf/sod farmhouses. visiting the museums in town or try the local
The museum is open from mid May until mid swimming pool. The museum is a traditional
September from 10:00 – 18:00. From Laufás folk museum with an unusual twist, representing
you would continue on road no. 83 to drive to Jóhann Svarfdælingur, known as “the Giant”,
Akureyri. once being the tallest man in the world. You
Akureyri boasts some of the finest timber can try on his huge shoes and view his especially
buildings in the country, beautifully restored. made bicycle and chair, amongst other things.
Because of its excellent natural harbour and Continue driving the coastline, through
good communications, Akureyri has become the tunnel, to the famous herring town of
the northern center of education, culture, trade Siglufjörður. Siglufjörður was an important
and industry. Akureyri has a whole street in its herring centre from 1904 to recent times, when
centre, Listagil (Art Gorge), devoted to arts, the herring disappeared. A very interesting
crafts and design, where it is ideal to visit the museum, offering a glimpse into the glory
Akureyri Art Museum. This charming town is days is the “Herring Museum”, recreating
located inland at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord, the town’s bustling harbour of the 1950s. You
the longest fjord in Iceland, which means that might be lucky enough to witness a show of
Akureyri, together with Egilsstaðir, is one of salting herring into barrels, singing and dancing
the two towns in Iceland closest to the center to accordion music on the museum dock. The
of the country. This provides Akureyri with a cli- museum is open June-August from 10:00-18:00
mate, which is more continental than oceanic, but less in other months.
with colder winters and warmer summers than
in most other towns in Iceland. Therefore, in Fun things to do
spite of its location, about 70km (44 miles) Full Day Tour to Askja Caldera
south of the Arctic Circle, the town is verdant Duration: 11-12 hours
with a public park and botanical garden, Lysti Mountain View, tel. 464 4142.
garðurinn, which was opened in 1912. It was
originally only planted with various kinds of Day 8:
trees, but it now also includes over 400 to 450
Icelandic vascular plants. Siglufjordur, Varmahlíð/Hvammstangi/
There are many other interesting places Laugarbakki
and museums in Akureyri. One is Nonnahús, a
Fertile Farmlands, Folk Museum, Viking Horses
museum and former home of children’s writer
and Jesuit priest Jón Sveinsson, “Nonni”. (It ➠➠Approximate driving distance:
is located at Aðalstræti 54b). Next-door, and 200 km / 124 miles
equally interesting, is the Akureyri Museum.
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
Akureyri also has a new swimming pool with
details about your overnight stay
indoor- and outdoor swimming pool, along with
a children’s pools, jacuzzis and slides.
At the Tourist Information Center at the
culturhouse Hof, right in the center, you are
F rom Siglufjörður you will drive on
road no. 76 and then on road no. 75 to
Sauðárkrókur. On the way you will pass Hof
able to get yourself a map of Akureyri and other sós village, where you will find beautiful colum-
information on Akureyri. nar basalt by the coast and also the Emigration
Drive on road no.1 and then turn into road Museum. If you still have time, a visit to the old
no. 82, heading north. Just before reaching bishopric in the north, Hólar, is recommended,
Dalvík village, you will pass a bird-sanctuary by on road no. 767. The Hólar Cathedral is beauti-
the river. The main industries in Dalvík are fish- ful, with many objects dating all the way back
20 Self Drive Majestic Fjordsto Catholic times (before 1600 A.D.) first American of European decent, lived at
From Sauðárkrókur drive towards Skaga Glaumbær in the 11th century. A part of the
fjörður fjord and the small village of Varmahlíð museum is a charming café called Áskaffi serv-
on road no. 75 and you can pick up the itinerary ing traditional pastries in grandmother’s style
from below. of a living room.
Skagafjörður fjord and valley you will find Before you head off on road no. 1 to
a small village called Varmahlíð. Skagafjörður Húnaflói, we suggest a visit to the small turf
stretches from the Arctic Ocean to the high- church Víðimýri, located very close to Var-
lands and is one of the “cradles of Icelandic his- mahlíð, but on the other side of road no. 1. It is
tory” playing a leading role in the events on the open 09:00 – 18:00 from 1. June - 31. August.
13th century civil war and in cultural develop- Heading towards Blönduós and
ments for centuries afterwards. Skagafjörður Hvammstangi on road no. 1, you will pass
is one of the most important areas for river some of the finest salmon rivers in Iceland. You
rafting in the country, as there are several large will drive past the small town of Blönduós situ-
glacial rivers originating from the highland ated on both sides of the glacial river Blanda.
interior, ideal for that purpose. Blönduós is a long established trading and
Varmahlíð is a small village situated at the service town, and the administrative centre of
junction of road no. 1 and road no. 75. the region.
We suggest you visit Glaumbær Museum Þingeyrar Church (road no. 721) is worth a
on this day, as you have a long drive ahead the visit. At the junction of road no. 721 and road
next day. Glaumbær is located on road no. 75 no. 1, you will see numerous small hills, which
only about 14km (9 miles) from Varmahlíð - are the result of a landslide, the uncountable
watch out for a signpost. This is an old farm Vatnsdalshólar hills. Approximately, 16 km (10
with turf buildings in traditional style, some miles) further west we suggest that you drive
parts of which date back to the 18th century. along road no. 718 and go to the spectacular
Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir, the first woman Kolugil canyon. You can take road no. 715 on
to go to America and who gave birth to the the way back to road no. 1.
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 21Short detour to Fun things to do
Vatnsnes peninsula: Ferry to the Island of Hrísey
the ferry line, Hríseyjarferjan Sævar,
T ake road no. 711 to Vatnsnes peninsula.
The distance from road no. 1 and back to
road no. 1 again is approximately 82 km (51 mile)
tel. 695 5544
Ferry to the island
Duration: 15 min.
more or less on a gravel road. The main attraction Horse Show in Skagafjörður
here is the Hvítserkur (White Cowl) cliff standing Duration: 1 hour
right at the shore. It resembles a fantasy animal Varmilækur Farm, tel. 898 7756 or 453 8021
that is having a drink and reaches a height of 15 Horseback Riding in Skagafjörður
meters (50 ft). The name is probably derived from Duration: 1.5 -2 hours
the white colour of the bird droppings that cover Hestasport Tours, tel. 453 8383 or 453 8211
Hvítserkur. This area is very peaceful and seals Seal Watching and Sea Angling from
can often be spotted here as well as in Hindisvík, Hvammstangi
which is right on the end of the peninsula. Tel. 897 9900
Seal Watching
In Hvammstangi (on road no. 72) you can Duration: 1 hours and 45 min
pay a visit to the Icelandic Seal Centre, open Sea Angling
daily from 09:00 to 19:00, June-August, please Duration: 3 hours
call tel. 451 2345.
22 Self Drive Majestic Fjordsfjords are not as good as in other parts of the
Day 9:
country, so please drive safely, especially on
Hólmavík, Ísafjörður gravel roads.
On the way you should stop at Borðeyri,
Scenic Coastline, Striking Fjords, Steep Mountains,
the smallest village in Iceland! Borðeyri is on
Seal and Birdlife
Hrútafjörður’s west side, a hamlet on a small
➠➠Approximate driving distance: sandbank. Borðeyri is the district’s service
360 km / 224 miles centre with a local supermarket, a bank and a
service station.
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
On the way up Strandir you will find a
details about your overnight stay
number of rivers, rivulets, and small lakes and
Y ou will continue driving on road no.1 to
Staðarskáli, a popular rest-stop, where
you can stop for light refreshments and use
in many places the shoreline is dotted with
driftwood from Siberia. There are quite many
and large eider colonies along the coastline
the washrooms before taking road no. 61/ (in and the inhabitants collect the down from the
2010 road 61 changed to road 68, road 68 then nests, hunt seals, process the drift wood and do
changes back to 61 upon approaching Hólma- some fishing.
vík) to the town of Hólmavík. Continue your drive up the magical coast of
Please note! Strandir until you reach the town Hólmavík,
General road conditions at the western a small village in Steingrímsfjörður fjord. Its
Majestic Fjords Self Drive 23inhabitants are mainly employed in the fishing
Day 10:
industry, agriculture and commerce. Trade
began in Hólmavík just before the turn of the Ísafjörður and Surroundings
century and the town grew rapidly afterwards.
West Fjords, Local Museums, Hiking in Horn-
In Hólmavík you can visit the “Witchcraft
strandir, only availble June-August, due to boat
Museum”, which tells the story of sorcery
schedule.
and witchcraft in Strandir area from the 17th
century, tel. 451 3525. ➠➠Approximate driving distance:
You will drive from Hólmavík across the high Variable
pass of Steingrímsfjarðarheiði heath into the
Please see your Iceland Travel Itinerary for
spectacular region of Ísafjarðardjúp. You drive
details about your overnight stay
along countless uninhabited fjords with beauti-
ful coastlines, teeming with seals and bird life,
to Ísafjörður, the largest town in this area. T oday you have the day at leisure in
Ísfjörður and its surrounding.
The beautiful town of Ísafjörður, the
Fun things to do regional capital of the West Fjords and their
Puffin Watching to Grímsey in Strandir major center of commerce and culture, is situ-
Vesturferðir, tel. 456 5111. ated by Ísafjarðardjúp fjord which is the larg-
Duration: 3-4 hours est of the West Fjords. Eight narrow and long
24 Self Drive Majestic FjordsYou can also read
