Lake Mývatn Conservation Area
The Mývatn region was set aside as a special Conservation area in
I974 and since then the area has become one of the top tourist
attractions due to the selection of natural attractions in the area.
It is one of the most geologically active and stunningly beautiful
areas in Iceland. Check out the bubbling mud flats, volcanic
craters, newborn lava fields, teeming birdlife, and crystal blue
lake. The waterfall of the Gods is one of Europe’s most powerful
waterfalls (163 metres) and is also located in the park.
Website: Lake Myvatn
The Westmann Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
The Westmann Islands are a paradise at the end of the world.
Teeming with wildlife, they are the place where Free Willy (Keiko)
has chosen to make his home. Back in November 1963, a fresh volcano
broke through the waves, creating the world’s youngest island,
Surtsey. Tours of the islands can be arranged.
Website: Westmann Islands
Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Snaefellsjokull glacier
Despite lying 60 miles away from Reykjavik, Snaefellsjokull
glacier is visible from the city on a clear day. The Glacier was
mentioned in Jules Verne's book, Journey to the Center of the Earth.
The Snaefellsnes peninsula is a magical landscape dotted with lava
caves, waterfalls, and hot springs. The Peninsula is home to many
charming fishing towns and farms. Enjoy the stunning coastal views
of this extraordinary part of the world.
Thingvellir
Thingvellir is located about 50km east of Reykjavík and is one of
the most important sites in Iceland. Iceland’s parliament, the
Althing, first met here in AD930 at a time when most of the rest of
the world was involved in feudalism and conflict. The parliament met
here to resolve conflicts and make laws for more than 300 years.
Check out the cliff overlooking the Althing where speakers stood to
address the parliament gatherings from the top. You can fish in lake
Thingvallavtn, the largest natural lake of the country or hike
through the wonderful natural landscape of the Thingvellir National
Park.
Website: Thingvellir
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the most photographed natural feature in
Iceland and probably the most ghostly looking body of water in the
world. Blue-green algae and white Silica mud form a light natural
sediment on the bottom of the lagoon giving it its gentle, opaque,
aquamarine colour. This man-made lagoon has a water temperature of
40C, and is reputed to have curative powers, especially for
psoriasis. Whether you choose to bathe surrounded by snow in
mid-winter or during the long summer nights, a visit to the Blue
Lagoon will be a truly unique experience.
The Árnesinga Folk Museum
The Árnesinga Folk Museum is located in Húsiđ in the village of
Eyrarbakki. Húsiđ, dating back to 1765, is one of the oldest and
most remarkable buildings in Iceland. It was originally the
residence of the Eyrabakki trading post merchants and their staff,
and was for a long time considered one of the most cultivated homes
in the country. Part of the museum is dedicated to the history of
Húsiđ and its inhabitants. The museum also traces the history of the
Árnessýsla (Árnes region).
Website: Arnesinga Folk Museum
The Geysers (Stóri-Geysir)
Located close to the capital, the Great Geyser was once the
greatest natural attraction in Iceland. 19th-century tourists
marveled at its 80-meter-high eruption. Today, the great Geyser lies
almost dormant and has done so since 1916. Several attempts to bring
it to life using soap have temporarily induced an eruption, but
probably have damaged its workings even further. Now an 18 meter
hole with a 20 meter chamber is all that is left. When the Great
Geyser was active it sent a 60-80 meter jet of boiling water and
steam into the air. However, Strokkur - one of the most famous and
predictable geysers in Iceland - is located only 20 meters from the
Great Geyser. It erupts every 5 to 10 minutes and the spout reaches
up to 20 meters' high. The whole area around the Geyser is literally
a boiling sulphurous landscape dotted with steaming vents and hot
and cold springs as well as specimens of rare and primitive plant
life.
The Vidimyri Turf Church
Vidimyri is considered to be one of the finest examples of
Icelandic architecture. Built in 1834 from a mixture of driftwood
and turf, it is probably one of the strangest buildings that you
will ever see. The pulpit dates back to an earlier church and the
Danish altar dates from 1616. This strange architectural style stems
from a lack of natural resources. The Vidimyri turf church is one of
the six so-called turf churches that are still standing in Iceland.
It has been preserved as a monument and still functions as a parish
church.
Skógar Folk Museum
The Skógar Folk Museum is a very interesting museum with a
collection of over 6,000 artifacts and examples of various types of
Icelandic dwellings from earliest times.
Reykjavik
Check out our guide to the top ten attractions in
Reykjavik.
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