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Akrafjall is a mountain located on the Akranes Peninsula on the West Coast of Iceland. Explore this region on a self drive tour in Iceland, or take a tour of the Westfjords. 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 His

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. Explore these areas while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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

Akurey is an island in Kollafjörður Bay in West Iceland. It is best known for its puffin watching opportunities in summer. Explore a wide range of puffin watching tours in Iceland. 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

Akureyrarkirkja, of Akureyri Church, is a Lutheran church in the town Akureyri in North Iceland. It is one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks. Browse a wide range of Akureyri tours. 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 Laugardal

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 a

Akureyri Airport is an airport in north Iceland. Facilities at Akureyri Airport Akureyri airport is the third largest airport in Iceland, after Keflavík and Reykjavík. Unlike many others dotted around the country, it has facilities such as a bistro and a duty-free shopping area. Though largely a domestic airport connected to Reykjavík and other local ports, there are seasonal international flights connecting to Greenland, Britain and the Netherlands.  Even so, it is still very small, with j

The Akureyri Botanical Gardens, or Lystigarðurinn, 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

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 cultures around the world cel

Aldeyarfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, found within the northern highlands in the Skjálfandafljót river. Visit this incredible waterfall while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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 perfectl

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. Explore this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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 character

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit Chmee2/Valtameri Álftavatn is a beautiful lake in the southern Icelandic highlands, renowned for its beautiful birdlife. Browse a wide range of tours of the Highlands of Iceland. 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

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. Visit Thingvellir National Park on a Golden Circle Tour. 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

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. Explore this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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

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 an

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.  Explore this area of Iceland on a self drive tour. 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 rea

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 to erup

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.  Explore this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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 Westfjo

Arnarhóll is a hill, situated on the eastern end of Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, and a district in the capital’s downtown area.  Visit Arnarhóll on a tour of Reykjavik. As a district, Arnarhóll lies east of streets Lækjargata and Kalkofnsvegur, north of Laugavegur and west of Frakkastígur. The Centr

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.  Explore this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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 sect

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 seve

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 to visitors. Whale-watching, day hikes, and even

Ásbyrgi Canyon is a spectacular horseshoe-shaped depression in the northeast of Iceland, steeped in folklore. The canyon can be accessed by booking certain self-drives, such as this 10-Day Winter R

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. Browse a wide range of tours of the Highlands of Iceland. 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 r

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. Explore this area of Iceland on a self drive tour. 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 870 and 9

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.  Explore this area of Iceland on a self drive tour. 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 thro

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 varied. Explore this area on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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

Austurvollur is a public square in the centre of Reykjavik and a popular gathering place. Visit Austurvollur on a tour of Reykjavik. 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. Th

Bakkafjörður is a small village located in a fjord of the same name in north-east Iceland. Life in Bakkafjörður Like many settlements in the Eastfjords of Iceland, Bakkafjörður is a far-flung, tiny village; its year-round population is just 72. The closest settlement, Vopnafjörður, is over 30 kilometres away, whereas the only town in the region with wide-ranging services, Egilsstaðir, is 93 kilomteres away. It should be noted that even then, the quickest route to the ‘Capital of the East’ is

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. Explore this region on a self drive tour. 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 chu

The stratovolcano Bardarbunga is Iceland’s second-highest mountain and lies under the icecap of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Explore this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland or discover a wide range of mountain tours. 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

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. Explore this region on a tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 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

Berufjörður is a fjord in east Iceland. Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, photo by Chensiyuan Geography of Berufjörður Berufjörður is located in the south of the Eastfjords of Iceland; it is 20 kilometres long, and five kilometres wide at its widest. The fjord is most notable for being home to the village of Djúpivogur. Though home to less than 500 people, Djúpivogur is a major attraction, largely due to its public works of art, most notably ‘The Eggs of Merry Bay’ which sits along the

  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 t

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.  Explore this area on a self drive tour in Iceland. History Despite its diminutive population size today (around 200 inhabitants), the development of  Bíldudalur was once prospering

Bjarnarfjörður is a 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. Explore this area on a self drive tour in Iceland. The Sorcerer's Cottage  The Sorcerer’s Cottage, locally known as Kotbýli kuklaran

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. Explore this location on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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 r

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. Browse a wide range of Snaefellsnes Peninsula tours. 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 washe

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 welcome to try this fou

Bjarteyjarsandur is a family farm in West Iceland, where visitors can enjoy an authentic, rural Icelandic experience. Explore this area on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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

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. Take a self drive tour in Iceland to explore this region. The Blue Mountains are located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Reykjavík, by the lava plateau of Hellisheiði. Geology of the Blue Mountains

Blahnjukur (a.k.a. Blahnukur) is a volcano in the area of Landmannalaugar, in the South Highlands of Iceland.  Browse a wide range of tours of the Highlands of Iceland. Blahnjukur's name ('

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

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 Blue Lagoon i

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 a

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.   Explore this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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, he cla

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. Explore this region at your own pace on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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 t

Borgarfjordur eystri is a fjord with a population of around 130 people, located in East Iceland. Its main settlement is Bakkagerdi. The area is renowned for its natural beauty. Explore this region on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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

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. Visit it on a self drive tour package. 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

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. Borgarvirki is a volcanic plug in North Iceland that historically has been used as a fortress. The best way to visit Borgarvirki is on a relaxed self drive tour. One of the best options for doing so is this 7-day Arctic Coast Way self drive, available in the summer months. 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) a

Breiðafjörður is a nature reserve and bay between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords in West Iceland. Explore this area on a tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Geography of Breiðafjörðu

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 enormous icebergs, which perpetually break from off its tip a

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. Explore this location while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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 second favourite amongst guests d

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by: Jóna Þórunn. Breiðavík is a beach in the Westfjords, near the very popular Látrabjarg birdwatching cliffs.  Spend some time in this area while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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. Sta

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. Explore a wide range of tours of the Highlands of Ice

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Christian Bickel Breiðdalsvík is a tiny hamlet in East Iceland, within the incredible valley of Breiðdalur.  Browse a wide range of Eastfjords tours. 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. Within the old co-o

Brennisteinsalda (ca. 855 m) is a volcano in the area of Landmannalaugar National Park, in the South Highlands of Iceland. Explore this region on a tour of the Icelandic Highlands. 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 Bl

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. Explore the affected areas while on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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

Brimketill is a coastal rock pool on the Reykjanes Peninsula, renowned for its differing beauty between the seasons and its folklore. Explore this area on a self drive tour in Iceland. 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 was a

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.  Explore this area on a self drive tour in Iceland. History Brúará translates to Bridge River and gets its name from a natural stone arch that used to go across it, over the waterfall Brúar