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Almost everywhere where there is old lava by the Icelandic shores, there are also spectacular waves, particularly in the southwest parts of the country.  In the northwest, north and east, high seacliffs (up to 500 meters high) can widely be found, popular nesting places for seabirds, that gather there around april.  Among the sea cliffs in Iceland most known for birdlife are Latrabjarg in the Westfjords, Drangey and Grimsey in the north, and the Westman Islands, Krysuvikurberg (see K

Illugastaðir farm can be found on the west side of the Vatnsnes Peninsula. The area has truly stunning views of the eastern Westfjord coastline and is blessed with gorgeous hiking trails, fields of nesting birds and seal colonies. It is an area of sublime beauty; a beauty that could easily distract from the farm’s infamous, yet fascinating, place in Icelandic history. History Natan Ketilsson (1792 - 1828) was the original resident of Illugastaðir. An Icelandic tail-doctor (s

The Imagine Peace Tower is a memorial to John Lennon from Yoko Ono, located on the island of Viðey, just off the coast of Reykjavík. She described it as the tower’s inauguration as the best thing that they have ever done. The name of the tower is a reflection of John Lennon’s song ‘Imagine’, as well as he and Yoko’s greater mission. Description of the Imagine Peace Tower The base of the Imagine Peace Tower is white stone, and around it are the words

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Bromr. Ingólfsfjall is a 551 metre (1807 feet) tall tuff mountain, named after the country’s first official settler, Ingólfur Arnarson, and is said to be his burial place. It is located in south Iceland, just north of the town of Selfoss and east of the town Hveragerði. Both of these are popular tourist destinations due to their high levels of geothermal activity, allowing for hot springs and greenhouses, and their prox

Ingofshofdi is a cape and a nature reserve in Southeast Iceland, located south of Vatnajokull. Ingolfshofdi is encircled by rocky cliffs but a sand dune lies to its north west, wherefrom the cape can be reached. Part of the cape is well vegitated and it is rich with birdlife, including puffins, seafowl, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and kittiwakes.  Ingolfshofdi has a lighthouse and ruins of an old fishingmen’s huts can be seen. The cape is named after Iceland’s first settle

Ísafjarðardjúp is a large fjord in the Westfjords. It means ‘Icefjord’s Deep’. Ísafjörður Ísafjarðardjúp is best known for having the ‘Capital of the Westfjords’, Ísafjörður, within it. This is the largest settlement in the Westfjords, with about 2,600 people living here. Ísafjörður is the cultural, economic and touristic hub of the region; many tours to remote locations such as

Ísafjörður is a town in the northwest of Iceland and the largest settlement of the Westfjords of Iceland. It is considered the capital of the region, and is the centre of trade, commerce, fishing and tourism. Ísafjörður is located on a spit within the fjord Skutulsfjörður, which is part of the larger fjord Ísafjarðardjúp. The settlement is one of the few large enough in the Icelandic Westfjords to be considered a town, with a populati

  At Jokulheimar, close to Tungnarjokull glacier in Vatnajokull National Park are two cabins run by the Icelandic Glacier Research Association. Accommodation can be had at the cabins, as long as the Glacier Research Association is contacted about it in due time. For a number of years the cabin was also used as a weather station and it is still used as a center for research expeditions to Vatnajokull glacier. The area of Jokulheimar is quite barren and scarce growth can be found there but

Jokulsa a Fjollum is a glacier river at the east of the vast Odadahraun lava field in the north-east of Iceland. It is Iceland's second largest river. Its source is Vatnajokull glacier. The river runs through the waterfalls Selfoss, Hafragilsfoss and Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall and through the canyon at Jokulsargljufur National Park. The horse shoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon was formed by a massive waterflood (glacier burst), due to eruptions in Vatnajokull. 

Jökulsárgljúfur is a canyon in Iceland that was once its own national park; now, it is part of the greater Vatnajökull National Park. This ravine is best known for holding spectacular waterfalls. The Waterfalls of Jökulsárgljúfur Jökulsárgljúfur canyon is best known for being home to the most powerful waterfall in Europe, the almighty Dettifoss. With a waterflow of 183 cubic metres (1970 cubic feet) per second, it is awe-inspiring

Jökulsárlón is Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon. Conveniently located in the southeast by Route 1, about halfway between the Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Höfn, it is a popular stop for those travelling along the South Coast or around the Ring Road of the country. Geography As a glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón is a lake that is filled with the meltwater from an outlet glacier. In this case, it is Breiðamerkurjökull, a tongue of Europe

Kaldbakur is the highest mountain in the Westfjords. The mountain, located beween the fjords Arnarfjordur and Dyrafjordur, rises to 998 meters. From the top one has an excellent view of the area, sometimes referred to as the 'Icelandic Alps'.

The road of Kaldidalur valley  is a highland road, stretching from Thingvellir to Husafell (in Borgarfjordur district),  between Langjokull glacier and Ok shield volcano. It is Iceland's second-highest pass. The Kaldidalur road was a common horse route in former times but was made available for cars around 1930, though only passable for a few months of summer. One can continue to the north through the barren sand area of Storisandur. South of the valley is a cairn wherei

Kapelluhraun is a young lava field housing the ruins of a Catholic chapel, situated on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland.  The lava stretches from port town Hafnarfjörður to Straumsvík cove, surrounding, for example, the Straumsvík Aluminium Smelter. Before Kapelluhraun got its current name, it was known as Nýjahraun or the New Lava Field. Kappelluhraun translates to Chapel Lava Field. Geology Kapelluhraun is rugged and barren, except that the l

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Christoph Hess Karahnjúkur describes two mountains and a power plant, found beside each other in east Iceland. The power plant, Karahnjúkavirkjun, is the largest hydroelectric dam in Iceland and is largely used to bring electricity to the Fjarðaál aluminium smelter. While the environmental impact of both of these features has been a storm of controversy, Karahnjúkar is still a popular site for the scale of both

Karahnjukavirkjun is a Hydropower plant in Eastern Iceland, designed to 4600 GWh annually to serve Alcoa's aluminium smelter east of Reydarfjordur in Northeast Iceland.  The Karahnjukar plant takes its energy from the dam at Jokulsa a Dal/Bru glacier river and Jokulsa in Fljotsdalur  with five dams altogether and three reservoirs. The largest dam is also the largest of its kind in Europe, 193 m high and 730 m long and comprised of 8.5 million cubic meters of material. Former irri

Katla is one of Iceland’s most explosive volcanoes, located underneath Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap, Mýrdalsjökull. Since settlement, it has erupted, on average, once every fifty years, with the last eruption in 1918. It is long overdue. Katla is connected to Eyjafjallajökull, which erupted in 2010 and caused widespread disruption to air traffic, as well as changes in climate. Usually, Katla is triggered by an eruption here, usually going off within the decade

Katla Global Geopark is a project of UNESCO and the European Geoparks Network, with the aims of promoting sustainable development and protecting the natural environment within a designated space surrounding one of Iceland’s most active and known volcanoes, Katla.  Katla Global Geopark is the first Geopark designated in Iceland. Its borders lie between the rivers Eystri Rangá and Núpsvötn in the south, and stratovolcano Bárðabunga underneath Vatnajö

Katla (meaning “Kettle”) is one of Iceland's largest and most active volcanos. Situated in south Iceland, Katla is partially buried underneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier and has a summit of 1512 metres.​ Geography The volcano sits within Katla Geopark, a nature reserve covering 9542 square kilometres (roughly 9% of the country), stretching east from Hvolsvöllur to the black desert sands of Skeiðarársandur, and south from Vatnajökull to Reynisfj

Keflavík (meaning “Driftwood Bay”) is a town in southwest Iceland, positioned along the Reykjanes coast, 47km from Reykjavík. In 1995, Keflavík merged with Njarðvík and Hafnir to form the municipality of Reykjanesbær, which has a collective population of 15,500. The town is referred to as both Keflavík and Reykjanesbær. History Founded in the 16th century by Scottish entrepreneurs, Keflavík developed on account of its fishin

Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is Iceland’s only international airport and the port of arrival for the vast majority of visitors to the country. In 2016 alone, almost seven million passengers went through its gates. The History of Keflavík International Airport Keflavík International Airport is a relic from the ‘invasion of Iceland’ in World War Two, when Allied troops took over the island nation following the defeat of its colonial ruler, Denmark

Mt. Keilir is a volcanic mountain, southwest of Hafnarfjörður, and is the most recognisable landmark on the Reykjanes Peninsula. For visitors travelling from Keflavik Airport, it is arguably their first introduction to the beautiful landscapes around Iceland.  Formation Mt. Keilir is a hyaloclastite mountain, meaning it is made from angular, glassy rock formed by volcanic eruptions underneath an ice sheet. These rock formations can create dazzling shapes and colours. Mt. Kei

Photo from Minibus tour of the Golden Circle | The Classic Sites and Kerid Crater. Kerið is a volcanic crater lake in Grímsnes, South Iceland. It is close to the three major sites that comprise Iceland’s world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, and makes for the perfect detour. Kerið and the Golden Circle The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular tourist route, which it is possible to explore on many tours in many different ways, or to traverse yourself.

Kerlingarfjoll is a beautiful and colourful mountain range in the Icelandic highlands that hosts the third largest geothermal area of the interior. This is a young range of mountains, unusually created from rhyolite and both dark and bright tuff stone, about 10,000 years old. A few small glaciers grace a number of their tops. The mountains constantly change colours depending on the light, the sun and the time of day. Kerlingarfjoll are operated as a highland resort, p

Kirkjubolsdalur is a valley in the Westfjords. The river Kirkjubolsa runs through the valley. The valley  is a good hiking or biking trail, as it offers a great view of the majestic surrounding mountains, such as Breidhorn, Gongudalshorn, Hadegishorn and Grjotskalarhorn.The valley lies not far from Kaldbakur, the highest mountain of the Westfjords, and is a common trail for those who travel the mountain. 

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir Kirkjubæjarklaustur (referred to locally as ‘Klaustur’) is a village of approximately 120 inhabitants in the Skaftárhreppur municipality of south of Iceland. Situated by the Ring Road, approximately 250 km (155 miles) east of Reykjavík, Klaustur is one of the few villages providing amenities such as fuel, shops, a bank and a supermarket between Vík í Mýrdal and Höfn. History

Kirkjufell, or 'Church Mountain', is a distinctly shaped peak found on the north shore of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, only a short distance away from the town of Grundarfjörður. It is often called ‘the most photographed mountain in Iceland’, due to its dramatic formation and perfect coastal location. Kirkjufell takes its name from its resemblance to a church steeple, sharpened at the top with long curved sides. From other angles, the mountain has

Kistufell is a mountain in north Iceland, with a highest point of 1450 metres (4757 ft). Hiking and super jeep tours run up the mountain slopes. From here, you can attain spectacular views over Vatnajökull glacier and National Park, as well as the tallest freestanding mountain in Iceland, Mount Snæfell.  Kistufell is part of the Bárðabunga volcanic system, which is renowned for its many earthquakes. An eruption is expected in this area at any time.

Kjarnaskógur is a forest just outside Akureyri Township, and one of the largest forests in the country. It belongs to the Akureyri Municipal Council and is under the guardianship of the Eyjafjörður Forestry commission.  To look at Kjarnaskógur woods today, one would never think that just over half a century ago there was not a tree in sight. Thanks to the reforestation efforts of Iceland, however, Kjarnaskógur has bloomed across 800 hectares and is n

Kjolur/Kjalvegur is 600-700 m high mountain pass in the highlands, located east of Langjokull glacier and west of Hofsjokull. It starts by the popular rafting river Hvita (home of Gullfoss) in Arnessysla in the south and the Svartakvisl stream by Hveravellir in the North.  The area is mainly barren, consisting of gravel, sands and lava, though it was better grown in former times. Some high mountains are in the area, such as Hrutfell and Kjalfell. To the north is the geothermal area Hverave

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, photo by Emstrur Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, located in the south-west of Iceland. It covers an area of 9.1 square kilometres (3.5 square miles) and is one of Iceland's deepest lakes, reaching a depth of 97 metres (318 feet). Geography of Kleifarvatn Kleifarvatn is located in the centre of the Reykjanes Peninsula, near the Krýsuvík and Gunnhver geothermal areas. This region is renowned for its geothermal and geolo

Klettshellir is the largest and best known cave in the Westman Islands. The cave lies innermost of sea rock Ystiklettur. It is quite high and has a deep sea level. Brass concerts in the cave are popular, as the cave gives off fantastic accoustics.

Knútsstaðaborg hollow is an open cave, or lava chamber, about 10 square metres (107 square ft.) in size. It is a site surrounded by beauty; birch trees and heather grow all around, and the 2000-year-old lava fields, from the largest eruption in the area since the Ice Age, form fascinating and dramatic shapes across the landscape. Many have compared the lava to the famous Dimmuborgir in the Mývatn area, which is nicknamed ‘the Dark Fortress’ due to the scale of

  Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir Kolugljúfur is a gorge that contains a waterfall in north Iceland. It is relatively unknown, but by no means less impressive as a result.  At approximately 1 kilometre long and up to 60 metres (197 ft) wide, the gorge contains the river Víðidalsá, renowned for its salmon. It can be found in between the northern towns of Hvammstangi and Blönduós, by following Route 715 off of Route 1. Both

Kópavogur is a municipality in the Capital Region of Iceland. It is the largest town of those surrounding Reykjavík City, as well as being the second most populated municipality in the country at over 32.000 residents.  The name of the town translates to 'Seal Pup Bay' and refers to the seals that reside in the ocean by the shoreline of the town's oldest part.  The town's Sigil is green and white and displays the Church of Kópavogur, the

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit: Earthquakes Krafla Krafla is a caldera, part of a greater volcanic system of the same name, located north of Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. It is one of the country’s most explosive volcanoes, having gone off approximately 29 times since the country was first settled. Proportions of Krafla The crater of Krafla’s caldera is about ten kilometres (seven miles) wide, although its fissure zone extends for 90 kilometres (56 miles). The V&

  Krakatindur is a 858 m volcano in Rangarvallasysla in South Iceland. The volcano is located in the Nyjahraun lava field and belongs to the Hekla volcanic system.

  The Krauma Spa is a geothermal bath and spa resort in West Iceland. It is located near Europe's highest flowing hot spring, Deildartunguhver. Krauma Spa was opened to the public in late 2017 and offers five hot tubs, one cold tub and two steam baths, as well as a relaxation room where you can unwind to soothing music next to a crackling fireplace. On-Site Facilities To create the perfect bathing temperature, the spa pumps hot water straight from Deildartunguhver hot spring and coo

Kristnitökuhraun is a lava field to the west of Hellisheiði plateau in southwest Iceland. The lava field formed during an eruption in the year 1000, when Icelanders were debating the christening of the nation at national parliament Alþingi at Þingvellir. The story goes that when the eruption started, believers in the old gods claimed that was a token of the wrath of the gods, to which chieftain Snorri Goði is said to have responded "So what were the gods angry abou

Krýsuvík is a geothermal area, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in south-west Iceland. Geothermal activity at Krýsuvík The Krýsuvík Geothermal Area is defined by mud pots, hot springs and steaming vents, as well as the multi-coloured mineral deposits that stain the earth. The reason for so much geothermal activity here is because of Iceland’s tectonic plates. The Mid-Atlantic Rift runs all the way through Iceland; the western part of the cou

Krýsuvíkurbjarg is a bird cliff in the southern part of the Reykjanes peninsula.  During summer, this sea cliffs host over 60,000 seabirds, with species such as puffins, sandpipers, guillemots and peewits all making it their home. It is, therefore, a paradise for birdwatchers. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, this 15 kilometre (49,212 ft.) stretch of cliffs is easily accessible from Reykjavík, and at 40 metres tall, with a face that drops sheerly into the ocean, i

Kúalaug is a set of two small, natural pools, both around 40°C (104°F), in the Bláskógabyggð area. Though they are little, there is enough room for four to six people to bask and enjoy. Please note that the area is delicate and you need to tread carefully not to ruin the flora. The springs are right beside the road, noticeable as the smaller one is surrounded by a ring of stones. There are no changing facilities, but you may leave your clothing on the grass ne

Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Pietro Kverkfjöll is a sub-glacial mountain range on the northern side of the Vatnajökull glacier. Its highest point is 1,764 metres (5787 feet). The mountains here are volcanically active; they cover an enormous magma chamber, the heat of which has led to glacial melting and thus the creation of ice caves. Unlike the ice caves on the southern side of Vatnajökull, however, these are not stable enough to enter. This heating also

Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir. Kvernufoss is a waterfall with a drop of 30 metres (98 feet) in South Iceland. Considered a hidden gem, it rests in a gorge on the South Coast, close to one of Iceland’s most visited waterfalls Skógafoss.  Surroundings  After having visited the highly popular South Coast attractions of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, most people continue along the Ring Road to their next destination. East of Skógafoss,

Lagarfjlót is a narrow lake in the east of Iceland, also known as Lögurinn. This feature is best known for its natural beauty, its fishing, and its folklore. Folklore at Lagarfjlót No doubt the most fascinating thing about Lake Lagarfjlót is its folklore, and the feature has long attracted the superstitious to East Iceland. According to legend, the deep lake is said to hold a beast called the Lagarfljót Wyrm, a cousin of the Loch Ness Monster with a lot mor

Lakagígar, in the south of the Icelandic highlands, is a row of craters, formed during one of the largest eruptions in recorded history, known as the fires of the River Skafta, or ‘Skaftareldar’ in Icelandic. The area has some of the most stunningly attractive landscapes in Iceland. The majority of the craters are today covered in moss.The total area of the lava field is 565 km² and the estimated volume of volcanic material is over 12 km&sup

Landmannalaugar, or the 'People's Pools', is a vast area of stunning and unique beauty in the heart of Iceland's southern Highlands. Throughout the summer, it is one of the most popular places for hiking -- either over one day or several -- and natural hot spring bathing. Geology Landmannalaugar is a truly rare area, both geologically and aesthetically. The dramatic region can be found nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field, a sweeping expanse of dried mag

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Pietro Landmannaleið, or the F225, is a highland road that leads to the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and towards Landmannalaugar, a region of rhyolite mountain, hot springs and hiking trails. This route is well-known for being much more adventurous than the standard routes into these areas; it crosses rivers, is surrounded by lunar landscapes, and is pretty bumpy. While a two-wheel-drive should never be taken down here, a super jeep can allow you to e

  Langisjor is among the clearest highland lakes in the country. Its altitude is 670 meters and at its deepest it’s 75 meters. The lake lies southwest of Vatnajokull, between the mountains Tungnarfjoll and Fogrufjoll. The beautiful Fogrufjoll mountains (literally 'The Beautiful Mountains'), to the east of the lake, are a popular hiking place and the waters allow for trout fishing.

  The mighty Langjökull, the ‘Long Glacier’, is the second-largest glacier in Iceland, at 935 square kilometres (361 square miles). For jeep and snowmobile trips, Langjökull is the most popular glacier in Iceland, and skiing and hiking here is possible as well. Highland tracks Langjökull is located in the Highlands, and two main highland tracks, connecting the north and the south of Iceland, lie alongside it. The Kaldidalur road stretches from Þingve

The Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords mark both the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe. Hosting millions of birds, it is Europe’s largest bird cliff, 14 km (9 mi) long and 441 (1,444 ft) high. It takes around six hours to reach Látrabjarg from Reykjavík, so it is recommended that visitors travel there as part of a wider trip around the beautiful Westfjords. Birdwatching at Látrabjarg Látrabjarg is home to a wide variety of birds, in large

Laufas, in Eyjafjordur in North Iceland, is a unique turf farmhouse, built in the 19th century and a prime example of the old architecture. Laufas is located a short drive from Akureyri and Grenivik village. The turfhouse functions as a folk museum, bearing great witness to the old ways of farm living. Laufas also has a beautiful church, built in 1865.

  Laugafell is a small mountain to the north-east of the glacier Hofsjokull, in the Icelandic mid-highlands. On the north-western slopes of Laugafell are geothermal hot springs, mountain huts that are operated in the summer and a cozy natural pool. It is thus a good destination for hikers.

Photo from Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir Laugardalur, or ‘the hot spring valley’, is an area in Reykjavík best known for its recreational activities. History of Laugardalur The city of Reykjavík got its name, which translates to ‘smokey bay’, from the many hot springs seen here by Iceland’s first settler, Ingolfúr Arnarson, when he first reached the land. Many of these hot springs were concentrated in what is now called L

Laugarfell is a small mountain in the eastern part of the Icelandic Highlands, with a peak of 827 m (2,713 ft) above sea level. Environment and Surroundings Laugarfell is located in a very desolate area, where the population is less than two inhabitants per square kilometre. Laugarfell, meaning ‘pool mountain’, gets its name from the hot springs that surround it. The many hiking paths around the mountain will lead to two such frequented hot springs, safe for bathing,

Laugarvalladalur is a beautiful, verdant oasis, best known for the many hot springs that sit around the abandoned farm on site. Located west of the river Jökulsá á Dal, and north of the great dam Karahnjúkur, it is a site that very few know of due to its remoteness. Even so, it can be accessed in a four-wheel-drive in summer and has a special appeal to visitors who want to immerse themselves in nature far from the crowds. Within the Laugarvalladalur valley, there is

Photo from Golden Circle with Northern Lights, Fontana Spa & Traditional Cuisine Laugarvatn is a hamlet of around 200 people, by the lake of the same name. Originally formed around the boarding school there, it is now best known for being a detour on the Golden Circle with a geothermal pool. It is located in South Iceland, around 93 kilometres (56 miles) from Reykjavík. Laugarvatn is popular as a summer resort and as a stop for travelers, as it is located near many of Iceland&

Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit: Marek Ślusarczyk Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavík, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Laugavegur in Reykjavík Laugavegur is one of the oldest streets in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Its name roughly translates to ‘the Water Road’, as it was up and down this area where women used to bring their laundry to be washed in the hot pools. It was properly constructed in 1885. T

The Laugavegur is one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland. The scenery is breathtaking in its beauty and extremely varied, displaying examples of most all that Icelandic nature has offer. The trail connects the nature reserves Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork. The most common route is to set off from Landmannalaugar, stopping by the huts at Hrafntinnusker, Alftavatn, Hvanngil, Laugahraun and Emstrur (Botnar). People usually divide the hike into 5-6 days. The whole trail is about 55 km.

Laxnes is a farm in Mosfellsdalur Valley. Nobel author Halldor Laxness was partly brought up here and adopted the farm's name as his surname. Laxness later moved back to Laxnes and made his home in a new house he called Gljufrasteinn, which now functions as a museum in his memory. Laxnes has a hotel and a horse rental, taking you through the beautiful landscape of the valley.