TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
ICELAND
In one word, Iceland is MAGICAL! The continuously changing scenery around every corner will have your head spinning. This country is filled with an endless number of waterfalls, scenic cliffside views, jagged mountains, and icy blue glaciers (yes, there is actually ice in Iceland!). It truly does feel like another planet.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Rent a Camper Van
There’s no better way to get around than in your own home on wheels. Go where you want, when you want! If time permits, take a road trip around the entire Ring Road to experience the never-ending scenery changes in this magnificent country.
Skogafoss Waterfall
Iceland has so many waterfalls you won’t be able to keep track of which one was where. Skogafoss can be viewed from the base, just a short walk from the parking lot, or you can climb up the staircase to the upper platform for a different viewing perspective.
Jokulsarlon Glacier
Jokulsarlon means ‘Glacier’s River Lagoon’ and is Iceland’s deepest glacial lake reaching a depth of 248m. The icebergs in the lake are over 1,000 years old and the lagoon gets it’s stunning colour from a mixture of freshwater and sea water since it is connected to the ocean. The large ice chunks lying on the beach resemble diamonds sparkling in the sun.
Kirkjufell
Located on the western side of Iceland, Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed spots in the country. A view of the mountain from the beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss (Kirkjufell Falls) provide the perfect spot to capture a memorable photo.
Svartifoss Waterfall
Not only is Svartifoss (‘Black Falls’) beautiful, it’s the stunning black wall of vertical basalt columns that they tumble down which makes it even more magnificent. Getting here requires a bit of a hike (about 45 minutes – one hour) but it is so worth the hike to see this gem. Best of all there were no people here upon arriving (non-peak tourist season of course)!
Arnarstapi Cliffs
These incredible seaside cliffs, located in Iceland’s Western Peninsula stretch beyond the eyes can see. Enjoy the 3km trail which runs along the cliffs edges and admire the strange basalt formations along the way.
Djupalon Beach
The black-sand beach of Djúpalónssandur is dramatic and eerie (especially on an overcast day). Portions of the beach are still covered with rusted metal pieces that washed up from an English fishing boat back in 1948. You can also still see four lifting stones that were used to test the strength of fishing boat crews. The smallest stone weighed in at 23kg, followed by a 54kg stone, a 100kg stone, and the heaviest stone weighing 154kg.
Glymer Waterfall
Glymer is the second highest waterfall in Iceland, with a cascade of 198m. It was long regarded as the tallest until being surpassed by Morsarfoss (a newly measured waterfall near Morsarjokull in 2011). Getting to Glymer is one of the most physically challenging waterfalls to reach and requires about a one hour hike that starts off easy and becomes more challenging as you attempt to get to the best view points.
Reykjadalur
Hot Springs
Iceland is home to several hot spring options that provide a great opportunity to unwind and relax after a long day of driving or hiking. A favourite location is in the Reykjadalur Valley, near the town of Hveragerdi. Reykjadalur Valley means Steam Valley and you will certainly understand how it gets its name after taking the 3km hike (one hour) to get there. The ever popular Blue Lagoon is worth a visit but the tourist busses will have you second-guessing a soak in this thermal pool. Instead, opt for a quieter, less touristy location off the beaten path.
Solheimer
Plane Crash
In 1973, a United Sates Navy plane ran out of fuel and crashed on the black sand beach at Solheimasandur. Fortunately, everyone in the plane survived. Later it turned out that the pilot had simply switched over to the wrong fuel tank. The easy walk to get to the site will take about one hour and is worth a visit.
Hveriri Geothermal Area
Hverir is a high-temperature geothermal area with fumaroles and mud pots. At a depth of 1000m, the temperature is above 200 degrees Celsius. Along with the steam comes fumerole gas, such as hydrogen sulfide which is responsible for the characteristic hot spring smell. In previous centuries sulphur was mined in Iceland to produce gun powder.
Thingvellir National Park
Only 40km from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park is a place of beauty and wonder. Walk along two tectonic-plates that separate the Eurasian and North American continents. These tectonic plates are tearing away from each other at a rate of 1mm to 18mm each year. Waterfalls, ponds, and eerie rock formations have been the result of this shift over time.
