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You can’t miss the relatively small, 12-meter-high, lighthouse called Streiti Streitishvarf is a tiny peninsula between the Berufjörður fjord and Breiðdalsvík bay in Eastern Iceland. It is a great pit stop, as it presents a breathtaking view toward its south and north of the East Fjords. Moreover, the seashore is endowed with fascinating rock formations and large rounded stones by the tideline. Amidst all of this, you can’t miss the relatively small, 12-meter-high, lighthouse called Streiti at the tip of the peninsula, which can be easily seen even from the main road. A parking lot is on offer just by the road for those who would not want to miss the excellent opportunity to take a short hike to admire the landscape around the lighthouse or to just rest after a tiring drive. East Region on map of Iceland To be sure, hiking by the shore offers an amazing view of the mountains, sea, and coastline. It is a place where even the locals prefer to come and hike. Down by the shore, there are several enticing photo opportunities with the rocks, cliffs, and mountains forming a most picturesque setting. It is undoubtedly an ideal stop to enjoy nature, view the rich birdlife in the vicinity of the cliffs, or just relax. A gentle giant lives in a rock These three giants are believed to be good-natured and on good terms with each other. Folklore has it that a giant resides in the rock near the road. He has two brothers; one lives on the Skrúður Island, north of Streitishvarf, and the other lives on Papey Island, near the coast, south of Streitishvarf. These three giants are believed to be good-natured and on good terms with each other. The story goes on to describe how they salute each other every morning when they wake after a good night’s sleep and how, once a year, around Christmas, they meet for a chat. It has been documented that, on at least one occasion, some decades or centuries ago, a tired traveler stopped outside the giant’s rock or home called Srkúðskambur, and sang a small verse that he had composed himself. As he finished the singing, the cliff opened, and a table with food and a bottle of wine was placed in front of him. Although this is a true story, we can’t, of course, assure today’s travelers a repeat of the giant’s response. However, it might be worth a try to sing a verse out loud once you are at the parking lot to see if the gentle giant can still be swayed enough to want to offer you a treat. Access is as easy as it is possible A walk to the lighthouse is a good way to spend your time, stretch your legs The parking lot is only a few meters from the main road, i.e., Ring Road No. 1 , and access to Streitishvarf is quite simple. It is basically a turn to the parking lot. Even if you stop here for a short while, a walk to the lighthouse is a good way to spend your time, stretch your legs, or take a break. If you are interested in photography or need a good background for your travel photography, the shoreline is spectacular. Besides, to reiterate for emphasis, it is a good spot to see the lines in the mountains and how they slide from the east to the inland toward the west. This is one of the fascinating geological phenomena in Eastern Iceland. It must have played out over millions of years. One can clearly see how a load of new lava has drawn the plate down along with the mountains. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Rjúkandi waterfall may seem like an ordinary tourist spot Although Rjúkandi is one of the few waterfalls you can see from the Ring Road in Iceland (road number 1), many visitors don’t usually stop by Rjúkandi. One reason is the fact that there are several “roadside” waterfalls streaming down the slopes along the way through the Jökuldalur valley in the Eastern Region between Egilsstaðir and Akureyri. Most of them look like interesting stops but often lack the prominent infrastructure that is required for a visit. Rjúkandi may seem like an ordinary tourist spot if you don’t take the time to explore it; moreover, it has a parking lot and a short path for viewing this beautiful attraction. It is also quite close to the road, which makes viewing it seem like a short hike. Rjúkandi is, therefore, a lovely waterfall and, definitely, a place to stop by. East Region on map of Iceland Take the short path to the Rjúkandi Waterfall The Rjúkandi river is one of the many spring-fed waterbodies that feeds the beautiful river in the canyon today Rjúkandi is part of a stunning landscape at the Jökuldalur valley in the Eastern Region of Iceland. The valley has other attractions that are yet to be discovered and places such as Stuðlafoss and Stuðlagil that were discovered only a few years ago in 2016. The waterfall is approximately 90 meters and is divided into two consecutive parts with a ledge between them. This makes it stunning, as you can climb up from the side to get a better view not only of the waterfall but also of the Jökuldalur valley. You can also spy the magnificent Jökulsá á Brú river meandering down the valley; it used to be a large glacial river gushing down the many small gorges hidden in the old Jökulsá á Brú long canyon. The Rjúkandi river is one of the many spring-fed waterbodies that feeds the beautiful river in the canyon today after the glacial part was moved to Fljótsdalur valley during a massive dam project at Kárahnúkar. On the Ring Road in Iceland just before you hit Skjödólfsstaðir You can stop by the parking lot and walk up to the waterfall, which only takes a few minutes. The Rjúkandi waterfall in the Eastern region of Iceland is less than an hour away from Egilsstaðir on the Ring Road (number 1). You can stop by the parking lot and walk up to the waterfall, which only takes a few minutes. The parking lot is located by the road just before you reach the farm, restaurant, and accommodation at Skjöldólfsstaðir. The viewing panel opposite the waterfall, toward the Jökuldalur valley, provides a breathtaking view. You can even climb up the slopes if you want to look at the upper and lower waterfalls. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Breiðholt district in Reykjavík capital of Iceland The district Breiðholt got its name from a farm once on Reykjavik's outskirts. While the district was in development, it was divided into three neighborhoods; Lower Breiðholt, Upper Breiðholt, and Seljahverfi. The district Breiðholt was originally a building development project developed under an agreement between the government and the labor movement to eliminate inadequate and hazardous housing. Until then, many of Reykjavik's poorer residents lived in old WW2 barracks and other temporary buildings from the war. Buildings in all the new neighborhoods popped up at a new and unrecognized speed in the seventies and the eighties, and Breiðholt soon grew to become the largest district in the Reykjavik municipal. Breiðholdt is a disstrict in Reykjavík city the capital of Iceland Breiðholt as a project was an effort to eliminate poor housing in other districts Breiðholt has many apartment buildings and condominiums Because the development was partly a social project, there were more social problems associated with the name Breiðholt at that time than Icelanders had known before. Partly because the city of Reykjavík built and owned many apartments in Breiðholt. Today this has changed, and Breiðholt is a nice neighborhood with good quality service. The district quickly became the most populated in Reykjavík, with more than twenty thousand residents. At its peak, more than twenty-five thousand people lived in Breiðholt. There are several schools, both primary and secondary schools, in the district. Schooling has always been a priority in Iceland since Icelanders have always valued education. A nice place to stay, although not in walking distance of the City Center in Reykjavík The church in Breiðholt Breiðholt has a delightful swimming pool, a large indoor Gym used for both handball and basketball, and an outdoor soccer field. Between Árbær and Breiðholt is the extraordinary salmon river Elliðaá and the beautiful valley Elliðarárdalur. Along the river is a pathway, highly popular among all residents of Reykjavík, and a public park. The district has good transportation and good access to a system of public transportation. The district also has a large commercial area Mjóddin with many stores and services. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

It is possible to see Goðafoss as a beautifully clear waterfall in the autumn and dirty glacial water during spring The beautiful waterfall Goðafoss is one of many along the river Skjálfandafljót. The main origin of the 180-meter-long river is at Vonarskarð (mountain pass of hope), deep in the Icelandic highland. It is one of the largest rivers in Iceland and is interesting due to the many factors that affect that waterfall’s volume and texture. Although its glacial origin is at Bárðabunga, an outlet glacier in Vatnajökull ice cap, and the tiny glacier Tungnafellsjökull north-west of Vatnajökull, the river picks up a lot of direct run-off and spring-fed rivers along the way to the shoreline. After collecting water in the highland, the river runs through an inhabitable area down the long Bárðardalur valley and continues to increase its volume via small rivers and creeks resulting in a similar proportion of murky glacial water, muddy direct run-off rivers, and clear spring-fed rivers in the stream when it arrives at the waterfall Goðafoss. These proportions of liquid ingredients vary depending on the season. Accordingly, it is possible to see Goðafoss as a beautifully clear waterfall in the autumn and loaded with forceful and dirty glacial water during spring. The primary source, though, is the Bárðabunga outlet glacier. Lurking beneath the 900-meter-thick ice is Iceland's largest, most powerful, and most dangerous volcano. Eventually, a large eruption in Bárðabunga could mean a catastrophic flow through the path of Skjálfandafljót and the end of Goðafoss as we know it today. In 2013 we came pretty close to such a scenario. Goðafoss the waterfall Goðafoss waterfall in winter The fall is 30 meters wide, 17 meters at its highest point and 9 meters at its lowest point. The rock formation along these 30 meters makes it one of the greatest natural wonders in Iceland as it divides the waterfall into many smaller and more fascinating falls. The slightly curved upper level of the waterfall only enhances its appeal and photogenic appearance. This is one reason why many visitors consider Goðafoss to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland and a magnet for photographers. It also contributes to why many locals have labeled Goðafoss as ‘the Beauty' while dubbing neighboring Dettifoss ‘the Beast’. Nonetheless, both are great waterfalls along two fascinating rivers. In 2020, Goðafoss, and the area around the waterfall on both sides of the river, was defined as a place of conservation. The waterfall Goðafoss is part of our religious history Goðafoss waterfall in summer Goðafoss means the waterfall of the pagan gods and traces its name back to a significant year in Icelandic history: the year 1000. According to the book of Christianity written in the mid-13th century, it was the year the law-speaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, who lived on a nearby farm, declared at Alþingi assembly that Christianity would be the official religion in Iceland. When the chieftains at the assembly couldn't find a solution as to whether paganism should continue to be the official religion or the country should convert to Christianity, Þorgeir was given the task of making that decision. It was a huge undertaking for one man as the question had elevated the country close to the level of civil war in the decades prior. He crawled into his tent, buried himself beneath a stack of hides, and emerged with his decision three days later: the country and Icelanders would be Christian. As Þorgeir was a clever politician, he added that it would not be banned to discreetly practice paganism, a decision that contributed to a peaceful change of religion. It was, of course, a socio-economically sensible choice, as other countries at the time had a predilection towards Christianity. Þorgeir was a leader in his region, a pagan priest, and one of the most respected chieftains in the young country. He also held the highest, and only, official role in Iceland as a law-speaker. Upon returning home after his ruling, he threw all his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall as a gesture of support towards his wise decision. From that moment, the waterfall was called Goðafoss. Photographing Goðafoss waterfall in winter Goðafoss is easily accessible The waterfall Goðafoss is easily accessible as it is just by the Ring Road (Road no. 1) in the northern region of Iceland. There are great paths on both the east and west sides of the waterfall, and it is equally as stunning in winter and summer. It is certainly worth spending at least one to two hours to admire it and even more if you are a serious photographer. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Aldeyjarfoss waterfall in north east region in Iceland Aldeyjarfoss is a 20-meter-high waterfall in the river Skjálfandafljót. Although 20 meters hardly sounds high and mighty, the waterfall enhances its appeal and makes up for its lack of stature with its impressive surroundings and flow of water. Located in a middle of a small but beautiful cliff of ancient rocks, it forms part of a powerful stream of glacial water forcing its way from deep in the Icelandic Highlands through a narrow path between stunning stacks of basalt columns. Standing close to the waterfall, it is easy to feel intimidated by its force, and the muddy color of the river can seem almost threatening. Map of North East region in Iceland The river carries tons of soil, ash, mud, and dirt from under the glacier Vatnajökull, determined to deliver it to the northern shore where, about 180 kilometers later, the river meets the open sea. Like all the mighty rivers in Iceland, Skjálfandafljót also gathers water from many other sources such as spring-fed creeks and direct runoff streams. Conducted by mother nature, this natural enterprise of beautiful basalt column cliffs and the mighty stream of dirt and water is a breathtaking combination, more closely resembling a striking beast sitting atop a throne of spectacular rocks than a muddy glacial river. The value of a natural wonder Aldeyjarfoss waterfall When you stand in front of a natural wonder like Aldeyjarfoss, you are most likely moved by its breathtaking beauty. It is, first and foremost, a stunning waterfall, but as such it can also be viewed as a form of power and energy. At the turn of the twentieth century, the optimism regarding enterprises creating wealth and new technology blinded many people, but a waterfall like Aldeyjarfoss, situated deep in the valley Bárðardalur, was of no use to anyone. On the other hand, it was a stream and fall of water that (in the terminology of that time) could produce 45 horsepower of electricity. For the people in the company Fossafélagið (The Waterfall Company), who purchased the waterfall in the second decade of the twentieth century, it was neither a beauty nor a beast, but a source of wealth floating from Vatnajökull glacier all the way to the shoreline towards prosperity. Had they succeeded in their venture, today Aldeyjarfoss would not be an attraction for tourists but hidden under a reservoir feeding a power plant that would have probably been named Aldeyjarvirkjun. Very photogenic but quite difficult to capture Aldeyjarfoss waterfall in Skjálfandafljót river Those of us who consider the waterfall to be a natural and photographic gem are glad that the company Fossafélagið was not successful, mainly because of the stunning basalt columns surrounding it. In addition, you can enjoy the so-called “skessukatlar", a formation that is also characteristic of the cliffs around the waterfall. Skessukatlar, which translates to “Giantess' Kettles”, are potholes in the surrounding walls formed by small stones caught in the whirlpools of the mighty stream. You rarely see a photo of the waterfall that is as stunning as actually standing in front of the beast; it is simply difficult to capture. Nevertheless, it is a significant natural wonder and a joy to visit and photograph. Access to Aldeyjarfoss waterfall The waterfall Aldeyjarfoss is not easy to visit as it is located at the end of a long valley called Bárðardalur in northern Iceland. On Ring Road no. 1 , by Goðafoss, another famous waterfall in the river Skjálfandafljót, you turn south on Road Nr. 842. The drive to Aldeyjarfoss is 40 kilometers, and at the end, you turn onto Road F26, Sprengisandsleið, and drive about 3 kilometers. The F Road is a mountain road accessible only by 4WD vehicles. The 3 kilometers are, on the other hand, relatively easy to drive for any car, but if you decide to go farther on F26, you need a 4WD. Then, after viewing the waterfall, you need to drive the same 40 kilometers back. If you are driving the Ring Road, you need to account for at least three hours to visit this magnificent natural wonder, and it is certainly worth it. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Dimmuborgir is a rough lava field displaying unusual rock formations Dimmuborgir (The Dark Castles) has been a popular place to visit among Icelanders for decades. It is one of the natural wonders that is almost mandatory to stop at when traveling on a family vacation in the northern part of Iceland. Even one of our first natural scientists, Eggert Ólafsson, visited Dimmuborgir in 1752. Located by the lake Mývatn in the north of Iceland, it is a rough lava field displaying unusual rock formations, jagged peaks, and mysterious lava caves resulting in a dramatic and unique landscape capable of conjuring fairytale images at every step. It is undoubtedly one of the most interesting destinations for families and kids to visit when on a family trip in Iceland. Map of north east region Iceland Imagination and the unknown In front of the church in Dimmuborgir Since the forties and the fifties, when people started visiting this mysterious lava field, it has been a breeding ground for fantastical folktales. It’s no wonder that local people have seized the opportunity to advertise Dimmuborgir as the home of the Icelandic Jólasveinar (Christmas Lads) and their infamous parents, Grýla the mother, and Leppalúði, the father. The couple are of a breed of Icelandic trolls that lived in caves not far from farms and tormented and bullied innocent people, constantly scaring them out of their wits. This particularly affected children, as Grýla was renowned for having a license to carry them off if they were disobedient. On the other hand, their thirteen sons are kindhearted and friendly and beloved for their generosity during Christmas. Each takes on a long hike in the cold days before Christmas to deliver small gifts to a shoe that children put in their windows. In contrast to their mother, they are admired by children. In Dimmuborgir, accompanied by your creativity and imagination, you are guaranteed a meeting with something otherworldly and strange. A gift to the people Dimmuborgir was formed when magma surfaced in an eruption about 2300 years ago In 1942, the nearby farms at Geiteyjarstönd and Kálfaströnd gave the land of Dimmuborgir to the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland, but in essence, it was a gift to the Icelandic people. It was, of course, much appreciated and is one of the reasons the development of an internal infrastructure inside the natural wonder has been possible after tourism flourished. One of the main reasons for the gift was the need to contain the sand within Dimmuborgir by planting trees. So, although you don’t see a lot of trees in Iceland, Dimmuborgir is packed with them. This, of course, led to a dispute about whether the area looks natural in an Icelandic context. I first came to Dimmuborgir in July of 1969 when I was 13, at the same time that Apollo 11 landed on the moon. I can see from the photos taken at the time how much the trees have grown and it doesn’t take a lot of imagination to wonder if the vegetation will suffocate the charm of Dimmuborgir in a few decades. The lava and the lake Dimmuborgir Dimmuborgir was formed when magma surfaced in an eruption about 2300 years ago. The lava streamed from a fissure and craters southeast of Dimmuborgir. You can visit the craters called Lúdentaborgir and Þrengslaborgir, which are part of the fascinating natural wonder that is Mývatn and its surroundings. You can also view both the craters and Dimmuborgir by hiking up to the large crater Hverfjall. At the time of the eruption, when Dimmuborgir was created, the glowing lava streams merged into a small lake. As the lava flowed across the wet ground, the wetland water boiled, with vapor rising through the lava, forming the lava pillars and creating this field of natural sculptures. Some of the pillars were several meters in diameter. As the lava continued to flow towards lower ground, the crust collapsed, leaving the hollow pillars of solidified lava standing. Remaining are the large hollow chamber-like structures formed around vapor bubbles; some of them are large enough to serve as houses or churches. Today the whole area is like a maze, and you must take care not to get lost. Fortunately, given the popularity and appeal of the area, trails have been designed and built throughout, with signs, maps, and information, so people can easily find their way back to the parking lot and service center. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

The unusual landscapes at Hljóðaklettar rocks Hljóðaklettar (Echo Rocks) in the northern region of Iceland is part of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and Vatnajökull National Park. The rocks are a distinctive cluster of basalt column rock formations and are quite unique. Although mainly defined by the fascinating and unusual basalt column rocks, cliffs, and caves, Hljóðaklettar as a natural wonder includes a large area of interesting geology. It is part of an old crater that has been affected by many forces above and below the surface over hundreds of thousands of years. It is also a spooky area that gives you an immediate feeling of otherworldly adventure when you encounter the enigmatic-looking cliffs. As you enter the area by the cliffs, you can't avoid the feeling that you are not alone, somehow being watched or followed: a sense that is not necessarily uncomfortable but still lingers in the back of your mind. It is part of a group of places in Iceland that are specifically interesting for families and people traveling with children: a natural wonder of distinctive beauty and a place that feeds the imagination and feels like an adventure in an environment that could only be conceived by Mother Nature. Map of Iceland north east region Unusual and remarkable basalt columns Basalt column at Hljóðaklettar in Jökulsárgljúfur The columns are neither horizontal nor vertical, as you would expect in most basalt column areas, but rather lie at all angles. Accordingly, they deliver reverberating sounds with stunning clarity, as their name ‘Echo Rocks’ suggests. Apart from the rock formations in Hljóðaklettar, you will find caves and rock castles that all contribute to the mysterious atmosphere. You will also be amazed to see basalt columns in decorative patterns as well as basalt column rosettes. Lava rosettes are developed when the columns' lava stream cools from all sides simultaneously. They are pretty impressive and give the impression that this is the work of ‘huldufólk’ (the hidden people) in Iceland decorating their homes. You can walk around the cliffs for hours with a camera and take all kinds of exciting photos, even with your microlens. It is a beautiful place for photography in general. Basalt columns The church at Hljóðaklettar rocks Basalt columns have become popular among tourists in recent years. It is an unusual rock formation that is suspiciously regular, often resembling man-made structures, yet at the same time beautiful and decorative. The reason for this recent fascination and interest might be the massive exposure received by the beautiful basalt column cliffs at the popular destination of Reynisfjara or the Black Beach. It might also be because of the admired Stuðlagil canyon that has become one of the most popular destinations in Iceland. Hljóðaklettar has been visited by Icelanders for decades, but access was always a bit difficult. The area was remote, not easily reachable, and defined as part of the highland. That has all changed dramatically in recent years when an asphalt road was built leading to the parking lot in Vestural valley and a new parking lot and an observation platform built at Langavatnshöfði headland east of Hljóðaklettar. Learn about the discovery of Stuðlagil Canyon. The adventures of the two hiking paths Hiking in Hljóðaklettar is a great option If you are traveling on the Ring Road (Road no. 1) in Iceland coming from the east, you take a turn onto Road no. 862 soon after crossing the bridge on the river Jökjulsá á Fjöllum. Here you need to drive approximately 40 kilometers and turn east onto Road no. 888. You can follow that road to the end, about 2 kilometers, to Langavatnshöfði and walk from there to Hljóðaklettar and Rauðhólar. The view from the top of Langavatnshöfði is spectacular. You can also turn from Road no. 888 south onto Road no. 889 to the parking lot at Vesturdalur and take the traditional hiking trail. Vesturdalur (West Valley) has traditionally been the main entrance to Hljóðaklettar and is still the hiking trail I would recommend. Vesturdalur is a beautiful campsite with a parking lot and well-maintained hiking trails to other places in Jökulsárgljúfur. The track around Hljóðaklettar has good signs and information along the way. When hiking, you will see basalt column formations everywhere. You will see places like ‘the Church’, ‘the Troll’, and many other interesting points. On this trail, you can also hike to and around Rauðhólar. Camping in Vesturdalur for two to three days is an excellent option for photographers and anyone interested in interesting hiking tours. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Mývatn lake Mývatn is among the most popular destinations in Iceland. It is in the northeast region and is one of the most beautiful places you can visit for its fascinating landscape, including a lake, a crater, and a small hamlet or village—and its interesting lava formations. This is, indeed, an excellent place to find accommodations in Iceland. The Lake The lake in Mývatn is one of the country’s largest, which is approximately 37 square kilometers or 15 square miles. It was created from an eruption that happened about a thousand years ago at Þrengslaborgir, which east of Mývatn. The lake is relatively shallow, the deepest part being only 4.5 meters or 15 feet. For a long time, it has been one of the main tourist attractions among Icelanders—a place renowned for its landscape, beautiful small islands, extraordinary shoreline, exceptional flora, the notorious midge (a super annoying non-biting small fly), and abundant birdlife. The area has a dreamlike and mysterious quality, having been formed from a large basaltic lava eruption 2,300 years ago. Landforms from the volcanic eruption dominate the surrounding landscape like lava pillars and pseudo-craters, Dimmuborgir being the best known. Accordingly, hiking by the lake is a great option for a day activity. Map of Iceland north east region Like many places in Iceland, an active volcano as neighbor A beautiful lake and a great place to overnight The area surrounding the lake lies on the western border of the volcanic fissure zone, cutting across northeast Iceland and extending out of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. For instance, the Krafla, a volcanic caldera in the neighborhood, was still very active only a few decades ago; in fact, a series of eruptions created severe concerns for nine years between 1975 and 1984. Moreover, many islands on the lake have one or more craters, and most of the mountains in the vicinity were formed by eruptions under the ice during the Ice Age. Like many similar places in Iceland, it is a geological wonderland that presents fascinating stories to those who can read the landscape. Birdwatchers’ paradise Mývatn is an excellent place for birdwatching The lake in Mývatn and its surrounding wetlands have an exceptionally rich fauna of waterbirds. Indeed, it is a birdwatcher's paradise. Apart from thirteen types of ducks, the Slavonian grebe, red-necked phalarope, great northern diver, red-throated diver, and the whooper swan can also be found here. Occasionally, the gyrfalcon, the Icelandic falcon, can be observed here as well. The locals around the lake have a long tradition of harvesting duck eggs for domestic use. However, to ensure sustainability, the collection follows a strict, age-old rule of leaving at least four eggs in each nest for the duck to incubate. Residents very protective of nature Mývatn Nature Baths Maybe one of the most amazing aspects of the lake in the Mývatn area is how mindful the locals have always been of its delicate beauty. It is not the easiest place to cultivate and live on as the altitude is almost 300 meters—basically at the edge of an uninhabitable highland. The locals’ respect for the lake is apparent everywhere, and the inhabitants have fought serious battles to protect nature, including blowing up dams with dynamite, which is almost unheard of in the peaceful little Iceland. A Center for Activities in the Northeast You will find many interesting places at Mývatn Mývatn is one of the fascinating places to stay at if the intent is to explore the northeast and all its magnificent natural wonders. In addition to exploring the Dimmuborgir lava field, the Hverarönd geothermal area, and Hverfjall crater, waterfalls like Dettifoss, Goðafoss, and Aldeyjarfoss can also be visited as they are close by. Whale watching in Húsavík is also another activity to try out. Doing day tours into the mysterious highland and visiting Askja and Herðubreið is also a good choice. Additionally, the area around Reykjahlíð offers good campgrounds and good accommodations with fine restaurants and many exciting activities. These are good places to stop by when on a family vacation, to explore the nearby natural wonders and participate in some excellent hiking tours. Mývatn is part of my Ring Road drive around Iceland article. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Selfoss waterfall The Selfoss waterfall is located in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon in the northern region of Iceland, only one kilometer south of the mighty waterfall Dettifoss . Besides both waterfalls, part of the many fascinating natural wonders in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon is the river Jökulsá á fjöllum, translated as “the glacial river in the mountains,” the 200-kilometer or 124-mile river that feeds the waterfalls and originates in the large Vatnajökull ice cap. Although Selfoss has always stood in the shadow of Dettifoss, it is as beautiful a construction of nature and equally as interesting to visit. It is an interesting comparison to Dettifoss as both waterfalls always have the same volume of water, although the height of Selfoss is only 10 meters or 32 feet; its width, however, is more than that of Dettifoss. What is obviously interesting is the sense of gentleness of Selfoss alongside the might and power of Dettifoss. And of course, the visit is only a half hour hike from Dettifoss, and both waterfalls share the same parking lots on the east and west sides. If you are visiting Dettifoss, be sure not to miss this beautiful waterfall. Map of Iceland north east region Which Side Should You Visit? Hiking to Selfoss waterfall Unsurprisingly, the parking lots on both sides of the river make it common to ask which side is more captivating and which is more beautiful. This, of course, is a matter of individual taste. For Selfoss, just like Dettifoss and Hafragilsfoss, we recommend the east side of the waterfall because the volume of water and its form is more visibly appealing from that side; it is also much harder to see the whole waterfall on the west side. For photographers, though, the east side is, without a doubt, a much better side to visit. For Selfoss, particularly, there is more to work with in terms of foreground and backgrounds. Access to Selfoss Selfoss waterfall up close Selfoss is easy to find and visit, although a short walk is necessary from the parking lot to the waterfall. If you are travelling in the northern region in Iceland on the Ring Road Nr. 1, east of Mývant and driving to the east, we recommend that you turn on Road Nr. 864 Hólsfjallavegur. This is a turn after you pass the bridge on the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. The Dettifossvegur Road Nr. 862 is on the west side, before you cross the bridge, and leads to the west side of the river Jökulsá á fjöllum, which is on the west side of Dettifoss and Selfoss waterfalls. Our recommendation is to view the waterfalls from the east side and include a visit to Hafragilsfoss to get the best view of the canyon Jökulsárgljúfur. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Drekagil in the Highland in Iceland Drekagil or ‘Dragon’s Gully’ bears a fitting name. It is a dark and narrow gully loaded with geological and lava formations that can only remind you of an imaginary world of dragons and fairy tales. Although it is not very difficult to walk from the jaws of the gully to the end where you find a beautiful waterfall, it is a bit of a climb. Along the way, you can enjoy all the interesting rock formations on both sides. If you look up, you might see some dragons watching over the canyon, as if there is a hidden treasure somewhere guarded by their sharp observation. It is a place where your imagination can take over and is very suitable for an exciting family tour. Map of Highland in Iceland Part of the Dyngjufjöll Mountains A waterfall at the far end of Drekagil Drekagil is located on the east side of the famous Dyngjufjöll mountains: the mountains that surround the caldera Askja and the crater Víti (‘Hell'). In 1968, the Touring Club of Akureyri built a hut by the canyon. Today there are two cabins, a camping site, and an information center at Drekagil. It is one of eight to ten places in the Icelandic Highland that have the kind of basecamp atmosphere where adventurous travelers can stay for the night, chat, and compare their plans and experiences. It is a cold, harsh place that you can only visit with a 4X4 vehicle and totally lacks vegetation; it is instead filled with stones, rocks, jagged lava fields, volcanic ash, and mysterious lakes. No wonder that NASA used this place to train the first astronauts that landed on the moon, since it resembles the moon so much. How to go to Drekagil Drekagil lava formation Visiting Drekagil requires a 4X4 vehicle since you must drive on off-road tracks and cross rivers. Therefore, a modified 4X4 car is recommended. Although there are a few road options to drive to Drekagil, one of the most popular is to drive the mountain road F88 from where you turn south on an intersection at the Ring Road no. 1, a few kilometers east of Mývatn. From there, you head to Herðubreiðalindir on a road called Öskjuvegur. South of Herðubreiðalindir, you take the mountain road F910 to Drekagil or ‘Dragon’s Gully’. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Jökulsárgljúfur canyon east side Jökulsárgljúfur or ‘Glacial River Canyon’ is a 30-kilometer-long canyon in the northeastern part of Iceland. The canyon is 500 meters wide and, in many places, the height of the cliffs on both sides is about 100 meters. Jökulsárgljúfur is a product of the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum (The Glacial River in the Mountains), the second-largest river in Iceland. The river has a powerful flow of water and has its source in the volcanically unstable part of Vatnajökull, Bárðarbunga, the most extensive volcanic system in our country. Over thousands of years, the river has shaped its path with water from devastating floods that result when the glacier melts following an eruption. Jökulsárgljúfur is truly a natural wonder and is made up of a lot of exciting places including powerful waterfalls, fantastic basalt columns formations, cliffs, pillars, unusual rocks, beautiful spring-fed streams, a colorful variety of vegetation and fascinating birdlife. With its many beautiful hiking trails, spectacular sites, sanctuaries and endless diversity of natural phenomena, it is a place where you can stay for days and never stop being amazed. It is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Iceland. Map of Iceland north east region Is the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon still on the drawing board? A view of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon close to Sjónnípa Although most of us see the natural wonders and all of Mother Nature's beautiful products as her grown-up children, this is not true of many places in Iceland. Iceland is still a young child, geologically speaking, and unexpected eruptions occur in many of our volcanos and volcanic systems along the rift zone, or at least with short notice. Actually, just in 2014, a large eruption took place north of Bárðarbunga, the glacier that feeds the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. If the eruption had occurred below the glacier, which was expected while geologists were monitoring the origin of the earthquakes leading up to the eruption, the outcome would have been catastrophic for the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. A flood from a melting glacier would possibly have permanently changed all of Jökulsárgljúfur and its natural wonders that we love to visit. We must also remember that one such flood occurred only about two hundred years ago. Although we are talking about one of the largest canyons in Iceland, an even larger one lies buried under lava in the southern region. The canyon Skaftárgljúfur was once the largest canyon in the country, approximately 30 kilometers long and 200 meters deep. However, in the devastating eruption in Lakagígar in 1783 and the massive lava flow that came with it, the canyon disappeared forever as it was filled with glowing lava. This was about 230 years ago, which is only a heartbeat in geological time. Accessible from both sides, hiking is a great way to experience the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon first hand Beautiful rock formations in Jökulsárgljúfur There are many ways to see and experience the canyon Jökulsárgljúfur. You can see a large part of it when you visit the magnificent waterfalls Dettifoss and Hafragilsfoss, since one of the best overviews of the canyon is from the parking spot Sjónnípa by Hafragilsfoss. Here is where you truly see the scale of the canyon. To experience the beauty of this delightful natural wonder, a three to four-hour hike from Dettifoss through Hólmatungur all the way to Vesturdalur is recommended. You can also visit Vesturdalur, which has a great campsite, and there you will get a good view of Hljóðaklettar and Rauðhólar on a short and easy hiking trail from Vesturdalur. For a place to stay, we can also recommend the camping site at Ásbyrgi, which is one of the best in Iceland. Ásbyrgi is also a great place to hike as the ‘horseshoe canyon’ offers many exciting hiking trails. Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon is part of my Ring Road drive around Iceland . Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.

Askja is one of the largest calderas in Iceland and is situated in the middle of the Icelandic Highland. It is an active volcano, about 50 square kilometers in diameter, and holds the second deepest lake in Iceland, Öskjuvatn. It is a fascinating place to explore but not exactly the most beautiful natural wonder in the country, as the environment is volcanic, cold, wet, harsh, and dark, with limited vegetation. The weather seems to be gloomy all the time in the few weeks you can visit without a blanket of snow covering the whole area. The volcano is extremely powerful and dangerous. When it erupted in 1875, the tephra and ash had devastating effects, ruining farms and living conditions in the northeast part of the island and even affecting other Nordic countries and northern Europe which is hard to comprehend since the eruption only lasted a few hours. Since this catastrophic event, eight other eruptions have occurred in Askja in the 20th century, the latest one being in 1961. Fortunately, all of these eruptions were very small. Map og Icelandic Highland Víti (Hell) Skinny-dipping in Hell Víti is an inseparable part of the caldera, an explosion crater formed in an eruption in 1875. Situated on the northeastern shore of lake Öskjuvatn, Víti is around 300 meters in diameter and contains a small, geothermal, 60-meter-deep lake of mineral-rich warm and hot water, depending on where you decide to swim. Although the name isn’t particularly inviting, many visitors and tourists like to dip into Víti, preferably naked. The water is not conveniently hot but warm enough to strip and take a short swim and admire its strange chemical composition. Many enjoy floating in a pool situated inside a volcano that erupted not so long ago, and that some say is capable of erupting without any notice. When you come home, you can say that you went “skinny-dipping in Hell” and survived. Apart from swimming in the water, the slopes of the 12-meter-high crater are extraordinary and a joy to explore and photograph making the difficult descent to the bottom of the crater well worth it. Stories about Askja Standing by the lake Öskjuvatn There are also many interesting stories connected to Askja. It is, in essence, a dark place. Probably the most interesting and mysterious story is that of Walther von Knebel. This German geologist disappeared by the lake in 1907 with his associate in an unresolved accident or some other mishap. He was one of the first geologists to do comprehensive geological research in Iceland and stayed by the caldera for weeks. One morning they went on a boat on the lake, never to be seen again. A year later, his fiancé Ina von Grumbkow visited Iceland and Askja to investigate the suspicion that her husband had been killed, and, afterwards, she published a book about her journey and research. No one has ever been able to get to the bottom of this mystery. In 2014 a large landslide fell from one of the slopes of the lake Öskjuvatn and caused large waves that flooded to the other end of the lake. It was a catastrophic event and most of the people that knew the story of Walther von Knebel thought that this landslide and flood on the lake probably answered the questions surrounding his fate. How to visit Víti and Askja? Hiking to Víti and Askja Any location in the Highland of Iceland is not accessible during the winter. The most secure and convenient way to visit Askja and Víti is to purchase an organized tour or rent a good 4X4 car during the summer season, between July and September. The rental car needs to be a four-wheel drive capable of crossing rivers and taking you through bumpy dirt roads. You will find the intersection on Road no. 1 to Road F88 in the northeast region in Iceland. You turn south on Road F88 and drive until you reach the junction of Road F910, then drive west to Drekagil and Drekaskáli hut. From the campsite at Drekagil, you take Road F894 to the parking lot and hike the 2 km to Askja and Víti. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland.