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Akrafjall is a mountain located on the Akranes Peninsula on the west coast of Iceland. Mount Akrafjall is a lone and eye-catching mountain that rises between the coastlines of Hvalfjörður Fjord and Leirárvogur Bay. The mountain covers most of its hosting peninsula’s landmass, as it rises close to the coastlines on each side. Its highest summit is Geirmundartindur with a peak of 643 metres. Geology and History The distinctive shape of Akrafjall is due to periods of

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo by Helgarun Akranes is a port town in the west of Iceland, approximately 42 kilometres (26 miles) from Reykjavík. It sits at the tip of the peninsula separating the fjords of Hvalfjörður and Borgarfjörður. History Settled in the 9th Century by Irish brothers, Þormóður and Ketill, the town of Akranes only began to take full shape in the mid-1700s. In 1942, the town was officially chartered and saw a great surge in i

Akurey is an island in Kollafjörður Bay in west Iceland. It is best known for its puffin watching opportunities in summer. Location of Akurey Kollafjörður bay borders Reykjavík, and is part of the greater Faxaflói bay. Akurey is one of several islands here, the most popular being Viðey, which is home to the Imagine Peace Tower and the Milestones artwork. It can be seen from land in clear weather; the best place to see it is from the Seltjarnarnes Peninsul

Akureyrarkirkja is a Lutheran church in the town Akureyri in North Iceland. It is one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks. The church towers over the town and was designed by the state architect Gudjon Samuelsson and consecrated in 1940.  Its opaque central window stems from the Coventry Cathedral in England. The church has bas-reliefs by Asmundur Sveinsson (who‘s work can be further seen at the Asmundarsafn museum in Laugardalur, Reykjavik) and the font i

Akureyri, ‘The Capital of the North’ is a town in the fjord Eyjafjörður in North Iceland. It lies just 100 kilometres (62 miles) away from the Arctic Circle. It is Iceland’s second-largest urban area with a population of about 17,800. Economy Akureyri is an important fishing centre and port, but in the last few years, tourism, industry, higher education and services have become the fastest growing sectors of the economy. An airport is located about three kilo

The Akureyri Botanical Gardens are the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, sitting just 50 kilometres shy of the Arctic Circle. Features of the Akureyri Botanical Gardens The Akureyri Botanical Gardens are, the name suggests, located in the capital of north Iceland, Akureryri. They were established in 1957, within a city park that had been created by local women in 1912. The gardens, which now cover 3.6 hectares, are home to over 7,000 species of plant; around 400 are native, but t

The Akureyri Christmas House, or Jólahúsið, is a shop and tourist attraction by the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri. For Sale at the Akureyri Christmas House The Akureyri Christmas House is open year-round and has two floors packed with Christmas trinkets. Amongst the extensive range of goods are decorations, food, music, artworks, books, toys, homeware and ornaments, all associated with the Yuletide.  Many of the products are international, representing how cultur

Aldeyarfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, found within the north highlands in the Skjálfandafljót river. Geology of Aldeyjarfoss Aldeyarfoss stands at twenty metres tall, and plummets into a beautiful blue lagoon. It is best known for its surrounding geology, as on either side of it are rows of hexagonal basalt columns, features found in few places around the world. These columns are so perfectly formed and symmetrical that they seem to be carved by hand.

Álftanes is a town and former municipality in Iceland, located roughly twenty minutes drive from the capital, Reykjavik, on the northeastern point of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Álftanes now makes up part of the Capital Region and has an estimated population of 2600 people. Despite being so close to the city, Álftanes feels like a natural oasis. Surrounded on all sides by the lapping waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the peninsula is characterised by rolling farmlands, distant hi

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit Chmee2/Valtameri Álftavatn is a beautiful lake in the southern Icelandic highlands, renowned for its beautiful birdlife. Álftavatn is located in a remote location, on the Laugavegur hiking trail; it therefore can only be reached by those taking a multi-day hike. These hikes usually go from Landmannalaugar, one of the nation’s most popular highland areas, to Þórsmörk, a beautiful forested valley. This route is

Almannagjá is a gorge within Þingvellir National Park, which marks the edge of the North American tectonic plate. It is possible to hike through and has a beautiful waterfall within it. Geology of Almannagjá Almannagjá marks the boundary of the Mid-Atlantic Rift, which runs through Iceland. This rift is the space between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Nowhere in the country is this remarkable feature more distinct than in Þingvellir Nationa

Almannaskarðsgöng is a 1312m (roughly 1.3km) tunnel along Route 1, located near Höfn (Hornafjörður) in the eastern region of Iceland. The tunnel pushes through 1150m of rock and 162m of concrete. The tunnel is two lanes wide with three passing spots for emergency traffic. History Icelandic winter has always made travelling the roads of Iceland’s countryside a daunting and, very often, time-consuming experience. Regular heavy snowfall in the Almannaskarð region

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo by Sikeri The Alþingi is Iceland’s parliament, and the longest-running ongoing representative assembly in the world. It is located in Reykjavík. History The Alþingi was formed in 930 AD, originally in Þingvellir National Park (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park for this fact, found on the Golden Circle). Its creation marked the end of the Settlement Era, and began the Commonwealth Era. The Alþingi came to

Wikimedia. Creative Commons. Credit: Ymblanter. Árbæjarsafn is an open-air museum in Reykjavík dedicated to providing guests with an insight into the daily lives of the capital's earliest settlers.  The museum was founded in 1957 after local concerns grew that 'Old Reykjavik' was beginning to disappear amidst modern development.  Prior efforts had been made to establish the museum as far back as 1942, and yet, despite positive reaction to the prop

Árhver (and nearby Vellir) is a geological feature which consists of six to eight vents on small sand flats, some slightly elevated but most just beneath the surface of the water. Lucky visitors might be able to see it erupt, shooting water up to 1.5 metres (5 ft) into the air, although the activity has been slowing down in recent years. However, the ever-changing landscape of Iceland means there are no guarantees it will stop. In fact, after some major earthquakes in 1896, it started

Arnarfjordur is the second-largest fjord of the Wesfjords and is known as one of the most beautiful of the fjords, due to its diverse landscape, majestic mountains and the breathtaking Dynjandi ('Thunderous') waterfall.  The fjord is 30 km long and 10 km at its widest and features several smaller fjords and inlets. It borders on Slettanes to the north and Kopur to the south.  Between Arnarfjordur and Dyrafjordur lies the Westfjord's highest mountain, Kaldbakur (not to be

Arnarhóll is a hill, situated on the eastern end of Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, and a district in the capital’s downtown area.  As a district, Arnarhóll lies east of streets Lækjargata and Kalkofnsvegur, north of Laugavegur and west of Frakkastígur. The Central Bank of Iceland building is situated north of the hill itself, while east of it lies the Culture House or Safnahúsið.  Today, the hill is often utilised as a live music v

Arnarker is a 515 m (1,693 ft) long cave in the Leitarhraun lava field, north of the old road leading from Þrengsli towards Selvogur.  Although its original name is Arnarker (Eagle's Basin), the cave is almost always locally referred to as "Kerid". It takes about an hour to drive from Reykjavik to Arnarker and a marked path leads to it from a sign by the road.  Arnarker is spacious, wide and high, although the cave’s northern section is severely damaged; i

Arnarstapi is a village on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, once a fishing hub and now a place for travellers to refuel before entering Snæfellsjökull National Park. The area has several old and charming houses with interesting stories to them and is renowned for its beautiful nature. History of Arnarstapi Records of settlements around Arnarstapi date back to the Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss, an ancient Icelandic Saga that tells of the half

Photo above from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Bromr Árskógssandur is a small community in north Iceland, nestled against the fjord Eyjafjörður. Located between the larger settlements of Dalvík and Akureyri, Árskógssandur has more to it than its humble population of just around 130 people may suggest. It is the departure point for those taking the ferry over to Hrísey Island, and the location of the Kaldi brewery and beer spa, which are open

Ásbyrgi Canyon is a spectacular horseshoe-shaped depression in the northeast of Iceland, steeped in folklore. It is found only fifty miles east of Húsavík along the popular Diamond Circle route. Geography of Ásbyrgi Canyon This beloved natural feature measures approximately 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) in length and 1.1 kilometres (0.7 miles) in width. It is only a small corner of the extensive and dramatic Vatnajökull National Park, but undoubtedly one of its

Askja is a caldera in the central Highlands of Iceland, just north of Vatnajökull glacier. It is best known for its dramatic eruptions, as well as the training grounds for Apollo astronauts because of its otherworldly, lunar landscapes. The highest point of the mountains forming the crater is 1,510 metres (4.954 feet), which is remarkably tall for an Icelandic peak. Askja is a popular destination for hikers, with mountain huts to reside in, although can only be accessed in summer with

  Asmundarsafn in Laugardalur valley in Reykjavik is a museum dedicated to the works of Icelandic sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson. Along with the sculptures, the Asmundarsafn building itself is interestingly shaped and was mostly designed by the sculptor, drawing inspiration from Arabic domes and Egyptian pyramids.

Located in the east of Iceland, Atlavík is a small cove in Hallormsstaðarskógur forest, on the shores of the lake Lagarfljót. A once popular meeting place for locals and visitors, today Atlavík is a popular camping area due to the surrounding trees and the great view of the lake. History Atlavík is named after Graut-Atli Þiðrandason who came from Norway to Iceland’s east coast with his brother during the country’s settlement between

  Austari-Jokulsa (East Jokulsa River), 'The Beast of the East', is a glacier river in Skagafjordur district. With its strong stream, wild canyon scenery and heart-pumping whitewater, it is considered one of the best rivers in Europe for rafting.  The river has its source near the glacier Hofsjokull through several rivulets north to Asturdalur valley, with several tributaries joining it along the way. Inner off the valley it flows through river islands, later falling int

  Austurdalur is a valley in Skagafjordur district in Northwest Iceland. The mighty glacier river Austari Jokulsa runs through the valley and puts its mark on the whole area. The river is popular for rafting and the flora in the area is varid. Innermost of the valley is a deep gully through which the river runs down and joins Vestari Jokulsa to form Heradsvotn. This gully in particular is highly popular for rafters. In Fagrahlid there's a natural forest of birch and willow. River Bea

  Austurvollur is a public square in the centre of Reykjavik and a popular gathering place. Around the square are cafés, clubs, shops and hotels, the parliament house and the small and charming Domkirkja church, the central Lutheran church in Iceland. The tall statue at Austurvollur's centre is of national hero Jon Sigurdsson.  Austurvollur has also been a central point for demonstrations and protests, particularly following the economic collapse in 2008.

  Barnafoss is a rapid waterfall in West Iceland, just a short walk away from the serene Hraunfossar falls. It is best known for its dark history in folklore, and for how much it contrasts with its neighbour. Folklore of Barnafoss Barnafoss translates to ‘the Children’s Falls’ because of a legend long told about it. Back in Iceland’s early days, it was said that a family with two boys lived at the nearby farm of Hraunsás. The parents left home for chur

The stratovolcano Bardarbunga is Iceland’s second-highest mountain and lies under the icecap of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Bardarbunga lies on the glacier’s northwest side and rises to a height of 2009 meters. It is Iceland’s largest volcanic system, around 200 km long and up to 25 km wide. Bardarbunga’s caldera measures 70 km2, up to 700 m deep and 10 km wide. The base is on average about 1100 meters but the surrounding edges may rise as high as 1850 m

Berserkjahraun is a 4000-year-old lava field situated on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It covers the western part of Helgafell, between the towns of Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður. History The name Berserkjahraun comes from one of the Icelandic Sagas, Eyrbyggja-Saga. According to the saga a farmer brought two berserkers from Sweden to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. He later gave the berserkers to his brother, Víga-Styr, who lived on the other side of the lava

  Bessastadir is the official residence of the president of Iceland and is situated in Alftanes, near Reykjavik. In the 19th century Iceland's only educational institution from 1805-1846 was the school at Bessastadir, Bessastadaskoli. The Reykjavik Gymnasium ('MR') traces its roots to Bessastadaskoli.

Surrounded by layered, flat top mountains, Bíldudalur is an attractive fishing village settled on the fjord, Arnarfjörður. This fjord-side location is responsible for the village’s envious reputation as “the good weather capital” of the Westfjords, and is a well tread spot for hikers, skiers and deep sea anglers.  History Despite it’s diminutive population size today (around 200 inhabitants), the development of  Bíldudalur was once prosp

Bjarnarfjörður is fjord in the Westfjords, south of Veiðileysufjörður and north of Steingrímsfjörður. Bjarnarfjörður is known for its untouched isolation, its stunning hiking trails and the playful seals who colonise the fjord’s waters. Visitors to the region can also take the opportunity to visit the Sorcerer’s Cottage and the fabled Lambatindur mountain. The Sorcerer's Cottage  The Sorcerer’s Cottage, locally know

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo by LV Corporate Bjarnarflag is the oldest geothermal power station in Iceland, having been first opened nearly fifty years ago in 1969. The station can be found near Námafjall, a mountain renowned for its hot spring area, Námaskarð, in the north of the country. It is used to power the Mývatn region, in particular, the Mývtan Nature Baths.  Because Bjarnarflag is located in the rift valley that runs through Ic

Bjarnarhofn is a farmstead on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Many notable Icelanders lived here. Bjarnarhofn's church and shark museum are listed as the nr. 1 Snaefellsnes attractions by Lonely Planet travellers. Also don't miss the colourful Berserkjahraun lava field. At the shark museum you can learn about the habits and biology of the Greenland shark and the seafarers who risked their lives hunting it. Try a bit of shark, best washed down with a nice portion of Brennivin. Above Bjarnar

Photo above from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Xfigpower The Bjarnahöfn Shark Museum is a fascinating exhibition on the processing of traditional Icelandic fermented shark. Located on the northern shores of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this site gives you the opportunity to learn all about how the sharks have always been caught, buried, hung and prepared, an operation that takes months of work and results in something that seems just revolting.  Here, you are more than we

Bjarteyjarsandur is a family farm in west Iceland, where visitors can enjoy an authentic, rural Icelandic experience. Located in Hvalfjörður, just north of Reykjavík, the farm offers guests to help them with traditional activities such as sheep-shearing, mussel-collecting from the shore, and wild berry picking. Different activities are available at different times of the year. Food tours are also available here. Bjarteyjarsandur prides itself on its environmental sustainability

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, photo by Reykholt The Blue Mountains, otherwise known as Bláfjöll, are a beautiful mountain range in the south-west of Iceland. They hold some of the most popular skiing slopes in Iceland, and well as the potential for other activities such as caving and hiking. The Blue Mountains are located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Reykjavík, by the lava plateau of Hellisheiði. Geology of the Blue Mountains The Blue Mountains partially cover t

  Blahnjukur (a.k.a. Blahnukur) is a volcano in the area of Landmannalaugar, in the south highlands of Iceland.  Blahnjukur's name ('Blue Peak') comes from its blue-black colour, due to lava flows and volcanic ash. Next to Blahnjukur is the volcano Brennisteinsalda. Blahnukur is popular for hiking and offers a magnificent view from the top, wherefrom five glaciers may be sighted.

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo by Debivort Blönduós is the largest urban area of Húnaflói bay in northwest Iceland. It has a population of around 880 people. It is a service centre for the local area and a common stop for travellers of the Ring Road. Economy, accommodation and services Blönduós’s main economy is acting as a serving centre, particularly for dairy products, as well as fishing, light industry and tourism. A creamery and a butchery

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is the most popular attraction in Iceland drawing people from all across the world. The Lagoon is just a fifteen-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport, or a thirty-minute drive from Reykjavík, located between the two. It is thus often visited straight after arrival to the country or right before departure. There are few better ways to recharge after a long-flight

Bolungarvík is the second-largest town in the Westfjords, as well as being its second-largest municipality, with around 950 people. The town hosts one of the oldest fishing stations in the country and is close to good fishing grounds. Bolungarvík is surrounded by large coastal mountains and has been populated since the age of settlement. The town features a national history museum and an open air fishing museum. Bolungarvík has apartments for rent and all basic facilities.

Borg á Mýrum is a farm and church estate just west of the town of Borgarnes in Iceland.  The estate is especially rich in settlement history and is home to a famous church built in the 1800s, as well as a monument of Egill Skallagrímsson of Egils Saga.   History  The recorded history of Borg á Mýrum dates back to the Age of Settlement. Skallagrímur Kveldúlfsson was one of the country's very first settlers, and as he arrived,

Borgarfjörður is a fjord and a district in south western Iceland, by Faxaflói bay. It covers the coastal land between Reykjavík and the Snӕfellsnes Peninsula. Economy, History & Culture Though mostly rural, several townships are in the fjord, the largest being the town Borgarnes, with a population of around 1763 people. This is a commerce and service centre for a large part of the southwest. Of particular note  here for travellers are the Settlement Centre and

Borgarfjordur eystri is a fjord of about 130 people, located in East Iceland. It's main settlement is Bakkagerdi. The area is renowned for its natural beauty. Sheep farming, fishing and fish work is the Bakkagerdi's main economy, as well as tourism, though this is only during the summer months.  Hiking is highly popular in the area and many great routes are available, but the most notable hiking destination is beyond doubt Stórurð ("The Giant Boulders") a

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Chensiyuan Borgarnes is a town of fewer than 2000 people, located on a peninsula at the shore of Borgarfjörður. It is a historical settlement, a cultural hub and an essential commerce centre for a large part of western Iceland. Getting to Borgarnes Borgarnes is located to the north of Reykjavík, reached by travelling Route 1, otherwise known as the Ring Road which encircles the country. This journey takes you through a six-kilometre t

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. Borgarvirki is a volcanic plug in north Iceland that historically has been used as a fortress. Description of Borgarvirki Borgarvirki can be found on the Vatnsnes Peninsula in north Iceland. It stands at 177 metres (580 feet) above sea-level, and 10 to 15 metres (33 to 49 feet) above its surroundings. Made of volcanic strata in a columnar shape, it is little wonder why early Vikings saw that it was a perfect place to utilise as a fortre

Breiðafjörður is a nature reserve and bay between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords in west Iceland. Geography of Breiðafjörður Breiðafjörður is 125 kilometres (78 miles) long and 50 kilometres (31 miles) wide at its widest. Its surroundings are mountainous, and the Snæfellsjökull glacier can be seen on the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, at the southern side of the entry to the bay. In clear weather, it is possible

Breiðamerkurjökull is the glacial tongue that extends from southern Vatnajökull and into the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, creating the icebergs that define this beautiful landmark. Breiðamerkurjökull is constantly retreating, breaking and melting, causing the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon to increase in size; it is less than a century old, but already the deepest lake in Iceland. This glacier tongue provides the lagoon with all of its

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Bromr. Breiðárlón is a gorgeous, yet often overlooked glacier lagoon, that can be found at the south end of  Vatnajökull glacier, just five minutes drive from its more famous counterpart, Jökulsárlón. Jökulsárlón has long been declared "The Crown Jewel of Iceland", but it is far from being the only glacial lagoon in the country. Breiðárlón is, arguably, the s

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by: Jóna Þórunn. Breiðavík is a beach in the Westfjords, near the very popular Látrabjarg birdwatching cliffs.  Unlike many of Iceland’s beaches, the sands here are golden, giving it an ambience that is differs from the rest of the country; in bright weather, it almost looks tropical. By the shore, there is a quaint church, and there are options for accommodation here in summer. Staying in this area is

Breidbakur, in the Icelandic highlands, is a mountain west of Langisjor lake and near Vatnajokull glacier. The scenery in this area is magnificent. Along with Breidbakur, the Fogrufjoll mountains (lit. 'Beautiful Mountains') are popular for hiking and, as you may have guessed by the name, very beautiful. The mighty Vatnajokull is Europe's largest glacier and Langisjor is renowned as one of Iceland's clearest mountain lakes.

Photo above from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Christian Bickel Breiðdalsvík is a tiny hamlet in east Iceland, within the incredible valley of Breiðdalur.  With a population of just around 140 people, Breiðdalsvík encapsulates small-town Icelandic life. Many popular hikes lead away from the settlement, such as through the Jórvíkurskógur Forest and around the fjords of the east. It is also a great location to look out for wild reindeer. Wit

  Brennisteinsalda (ca. 855 m) is a volcano in the area of Landmannalaugar National Park, in the south highlands of Iceland. Brennisteinsalda is a highly colourful mountain, coloured by suplhur (wherefrom it gets is name, 'Sulphur Wave'), blue and black lava and ashes, green mosses and red iron. In front of the mountain is an obsidian lava field.  The popular Laugavegur hiking trail passes Brennisteinsalda and nearby is the Blahnukur volcano.

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo by Chris 73 The Bridge Between the Continents is a bridge on the Reykjanes Peninsula that connects the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Mid Atlantic Rift in Iceland The Bridge Between the Continents exists because the mid-Atlantic rift runs through Iceland. This rift separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, meaning west Iceland, much of the north and much of the Highlands is North American land, and the rest is on Eurasia.

Brimketill is a coastal rock pool on the Reykjanes Peninsula, renowned for its differing beauty between the seasons and its folklore. Folklore at Brimketill Brimketill’s current name translates to ‘whitewater cauldron’, although it was not always named such. Historically, it was known as Oddnýjarlaug, or ‘Oddný’s Pool’, named after a giantess or troll. According to legend, Oddný used the pool to bathe and wash her clothes; as such it

Brúará is a spring-fed river in west Iceland which runs by the boundaries of municipalities Biskupstungur and Grímsnes.  The river’s source is the Laugardalsfjöll mountains, Úthlíðarhraun lava field and the Highland area of Brúarskörð. Brúará is a tributary of Hvítá river and a popular spot for angling.  History Brúará translates to Bridge River and gets its name from a natu

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Axel Kristinson. Brúardalir is a series of valleys in Brúaröræfi in East Iceland.  Surroundings The valleys that make up Brúardalir are Laugarvalladalur, Sauðárdalur, Sauðárdalur’s continuation Vesturdalur, as well as Fagridalur and a few other smaller glens and hollows. There are tracks that reach this area from the village Brú, the settlement Möðrudalur an

Brúarfoss ('Bridge Falls') is a relatively small waterfall compared to many of its Icelandic counterparts, but its diminutive size does nothing to take away from its staggering beauty. Both locals and seasoned travellers regard Brúarfoss as one of the country’s hidden gems, often labelling it 'Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall.'  The glacial river Brúará falls 2-3m, ending in a U-turn at the base of the waterfall, where the river

Wikimedia. Creative Commons. NASA.  Brúarjökull is a 1600 sq km (617 sq mi) glacier tongue extending from Iceland's largest ice-cap, Vatnajökull.  Brúarjökull is the largest glacier tongue of its kind, extending 55 km (34 mi) down into the Central Highlands, reaching such low elevations as 700 m (2297 ft) above sea level.  As with all ice-caps, Brúarjökull is capable of extending and retreating, depending on the circumstances. The fi