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Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon Although sometimes referred to as one canyon, Hafrahvammagljúfur in the northeast part of the Highland is actually two canyons, Hafrahvammagljúfur and Dimmugljúfur. And even though the attraction is a spectacular natural wonder, the history of the canyon, both the geological history and its place in modern Icelandic history, is also fascinating. Hafrahvammagljúfur is about 25 kilometers north of the Vatajökull icecap and stretches north towards the valley Jökuldalur ('Glacier Valley’). The canyon has 200-meter-high walls but is only about 100 to 150 meters in width, making it seem narrow and intimidating as everything is dark and steep. It is believed that the river Jökla dug the canyon over millions of years through the palagonite layer and formed it with some help from other natural forces. The river was the second most powerful river in Iceland for thousands of years. You have to be impressed when you stand in front of a natural wonder of this magnitude and scale and realize that it was made with flowing water. Map of Highland in Iceland Just recently, Man stepped in with his engineering know-how Kárahnjúkar dam at Hafrahvammagljúfur Icelanders have been quite clever in building hydroelectric power plants and utilizing their rivers to produce electricity for more than a century, but not without controversy. Many Icelanders and political parties have viewed the rivers as a key to progress for a long time: a place to produce electricity rather than a natural wonder to view and enjoy. Inevitably, many Icelanders looked to the mighty river Jökla as a logical selection for a power plant. It wasn't until the eighties and nineties that this prospect became real, and the power plant Kárahnúkavirkjun took a leap from the drawing board into reality. The decision went hand in hand with the building of the huge aluminum smelter you see right outside the small fishing village Reyðarfjörður. The aluminum smelter was the ‘customer’ who purchased the electricity. It was a massive project that changed the path of the river and the view of the canyons, not to mention the size of the mighty glacial river that became relatively small and spring-fed. A dam was built across the canyon to collect water in a huge reservoir which simultaneously covered beautiful waterfalls, part of the canyon, and other unrecoverable natural wonders. It goes without saying that the project initiated an avalanche of disputes between conservationists and those who wanted to sacrifice the natural wonders for the dam and electricity for the aluminum smelter. There are pros and cons, but most people might stop and wonder Mt. Kárahnjúkar and the dam and new reservoir Although Hafrahvammagljúfur and Dimmugljúfur are two canyons and part of the spectacular landscape of Iceland, the whole project provokes serious questions. Approaching the canyon on an asphalt road deep in the Highland is a bit odd for anyone who loves Icelandic nature. This was a profoundly remote place only a few years ago, and you could not travel from the east side of the mighty river Jökla to the west side, both because of the canyon and the river. Today you cross the canyon on a concrete road over a dam. On the other hand, for many residents in the small, declining fishing villages in the eastern region, it was a welcome boost for the economy of the area and a worthwhile sacrifice for them to have the option of continuing to live where they most prefer. Furthermore, compared to other energy sources around the world, it is clean, renewable, and not threatening the planet like fossil fuels. It is a fascinating subject and one that is appropriate to think about when you visit the canyon and view the dam and the reservoir. Access is quite simple today The Kárahjúkar dam Access to Hafrahvammagljúfur is quite simple. From the town of Egilsstaðir in the Eastern Region, you drive south on Road no. 1, the Ring Road. About seven kilometers south, you take a turn to the east to Road no. 931 all the way over the bridge and take a turn to the south again on Road no. 933. You drive a short distance on 933 and turn onto Road no. 910 and drive all the way to Hálslón, the new reservoir by Kárahnjúkar.

Hvítárvatn lake in the Highland in Iceland Some lakes in Iceland, probably around five or six, are placed by the edge of a glacier. All those lakes receive water from the melting glaciers and glacier tongues and, in many cases, from spring-fed water flowing from mountains hidden under the ice cap. In some cases, the lake is full of icebergs fallen from the glacier tongue, like the famous Icelandic tourist attractions Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón. Hvítárvatn (White River Lake) is one such lake in the Highland near the highland road Kjölur (Kjalvegur/Road Nr. 35), which is located by the glacier Langjökull and the glacier tongue Norðurjökull. In addition to the above-mentioned sources, the lake is fed by rivers and creeks in the surrounding area. However, icebergs are seldom seen on this lake or lagoon. One of the main reasons is that the glacier tongue or the outlet glacier is dead and doesn't reach the lagoon anymore. Map of Highland in Iceland As the primary source is glacial rivers, the lake always looks a bit milky, which probably contributed to the name. The size is approximately 30 square kilometers, and the average depth is about 30 meters, with the deepest part reaching around 90 meters. Hvítárvatn is placed at an altitude of 420 meters and is the main source for one of Iceland's largest rivers—Hvítá (White River). In Hvítá, to the south of the lake, is located Iceland's most spectacular waterfall—Gullfoss. The haunted hut and the young female ghost: The haunted hut at Hvítárnes Located near the lake, mountain hut Sæluhúsið í Hvítárnesi is one of the many huts in the Highland. It is famous for being one of the most haunted places in Iceland. The cabin was built in the 1940s. According to many stories, complaints, and reports from the 1940s to the present, a young female is often seen in the hut. Many guests, particularly male guests, complain about disturbances from a young female ghost while in the transitional state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep. Many visitors have also claimed to have seen her in one of the windows when arriving late at night and then learning that the house was empty. A particular bed in the hut is believed to be exceptionally unsafe and almost impossible to sleep in: Apparently, on many occasions, guests have been kicked out of the bed during the night by "no one"! It is a mysterious place and a challenge for adventurers who dare to "sleep in her bed." Access to Hvítárvatn is not for small cars: Hvítárvatn lake by the glacier Langjökull If you drive from Reykjavík or the southern part of the Ring Road along the south shore to Gullfoss, you are basically on the road to Hvítárvatn when you pass Gullfoss. The road is quite rough, and a robust 4X4 vehicle is recommended, especially for the dirt road that takes you to the shoreline of Hvítárvatn. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Jarlhettur The mountain ridge Jarlhettur (The Earls Cap) is easily visible in southern Iceland from many places and many angles. The ridge is 15 kilometers in length and comprises 20 mountains where each peak is similar to the next, although the height and diameter differ. It is a spectacular sight that can be seen while driving the Golden Circle, with the ice cap Langjökull glacier in the background. The ridge direction is the same as most geological fissures in the area, and in Iceland for that matter—from southwest to northeast. The best visibility is toward the east side, where you have the glacier Langjökull in the background—a perspective that always interests photographers. It is almost odd to find the name Earl in the Icelandic landscape since Iceland hardly ever had any real Earls governing the land or the people. On the other hand, Icelandic Vikings traveled a lot to Europe and were acquainted with Earls and Kings. Map of Highland in Iceland Jarlhettur mountain ridge is in contrast with many natural wonders in Iceland: Jarlhettur at sunset in winter The mountains are of palagonite nature and almost entirely lack vegetation. The lakes and small rivers at the bottom of the mountains contain glacial waters, so everything is gray and looks like another planet. This contrast with many of the magnificent natural beauties in Icelandic nature makes Jarlhettur ridge fascinating. Most of the mountains are around 800 to 900 meters high, but the highest one, Tröllhetta or Troll Cap, is a little less than 1100 meters. Most of the mountains are barely climbable as the surface of the steep palagonite mountains is made of small rocks. However, those who dare and succeed to climb enjoy a spectacular view. Access to the breathtaking view of Jarlhettur requires an excellent 4x4 vehicle: Jarlhettur There are mainly two ways to see Jarlhettur in proximity. One is to drive from Þingvellir National Park, located north on the road Uxahryggjavegur (Road Nr. 550), and turn on the rugged mountain road Skjaldbreiðarvegur (F338). On the second part of this drive, a few kilometers before you reach Kjalvegur, you will have an excellent view of Jarlhettur in the north. The second way to reach the proximity of Tröllhetta is to visit the Nýifoss waterfall and Hagavatn. You can take this drive from near Gullfoss waterfall and a short drive on Kjalvegur. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Kerlingarfjöll mountains Kerlingarfjöll (the old woman's mountains) is an exciting place to visit in Iceland and a must-visit place if you are planning to travel to and looking for things to do in the Icelandic Highland. The cluster of rugged mountains is placed in the middle of the Highland. Most of the mountains are steep and around 800 to 1500 meters high. Although all the mountains have their individual names, they are usually referred to by their common name, which is rare in the Icelandic landscape, as most mountains have their own identity. This is probably because the mountains were barely visited and feared for centuries, as they were believed to be the hiding place of outlaws. However, from the early 1970s, Kerlingarfjöll became popular as a ski resort during summer. The place also had a skiing school, which discontinued its operation at the end of the previous century due to the retreating of the glaciers. Nevertheless, despite all the glaciers, this is the only go-to place in Iceland for skiing during summer. Map of Highland in Iceland A feast for photographers and joy for hikers: Mountains Kerlingarfjöll seen from Gígjarfoss The mountain cluster Kerlingarfjöll is a paradise for both hikers and photographers. Many convenient and scenic hiking trails lead to it from the camping ground and a small hotel at Ásgarður. A short distance from Ásgarður, there is even a tiny geothermal pool conveniently situated in a small canyon. Most of the mountains are basalt, like in most places in Iceland, but there is also a large area of beautiful rhyolite mountains. One of the most exciting parts is Hveradalir, where colors vary along the track depending on the weather, mostly the sun, to a point where it almost becomes unreal and you slip into a state of hypnosis. Although the altitude of most of the trails is about 1000 meters, there is a surprising amount and variety of vegetation. On most of the tracks, the view is stunning, with two large glaciers and a big part of Kjalvegur road. How to find and reach Kerlingarfjöll: Mountains Kerlingarfjöll seen from Gígjarfoss For years, the road to Kerlingarfjöll was a 4X4 trail with two to three rivers to pass. You could only drive there on a modified 4X4 vehicle. However, today, the rivers have bridges, and you can drive to Ásgarður, the camping site, and the service center in a small 4X4 vehicle. The best way to drive to Kerlingarfjöll is to take Road Nr. 35 Kjalvegur road from Gullfoss and drive approximately 55 kilometers to the highland road to Kerlingarfjöll. When you turn to the east on F347, the distance to Kerlingarfjöll is only 10 kilometers. We recommend an overnight stay for at least one night and an early morning hike for a few hours. Here, you must remember that the highland roads are open only from early June until late September. So, the window to enjoy this magnificent landscape is only about three to four months each year. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Kverkfjöll is one of the most remote places in the Highland in Iceland Deep in the northeast region of the Icelandic Highland, you will find a remote and fascinating place called Kverkfjöll, located north of Vatnajokull ice cap, the largest glacier in Europe. It is a captivating site that reveals the combination of ice and magma and how both forces constantly work together in shaping Iceland. The magma lurking under the ground heats the ice above the surface, filling it with the warmth that melts the ice from beneath. This phenomenon forms ice caves at the edge of the glacier. In few places are the consequences of the combination of fire and ice more obvious. Kverkfjöll is home to Iceland's largest geothermal area, warm geothermal pools, chilling ice caves, and challenging hiking paths and a harsh landscape between glacier tongues Brúaárjökull and Dyngjuökull, which regularly exhibit signs of possible eruptions. Kverkfjöll is a place for passionate hikers seeking real-life adventures and interested in visiting the most exotic sites in Iceland. It is not a place to visit for a quick selfie, but rather a place that demands proper preparation and good gear. It is a place for outdoor enthusiasts who like to hike, ski, and climb fascinating mountains. Map of Iceland Highland Kverkfjöll is a place of many options: At the edge of Vatnajökull glacier As part of the Icelandic Highland, it is a highly sensitive place. The area is always a bit wet and lacks vegetation. Mostly covered with snow for a large part of the year, the Kverkfjöll mountains are only accessible during the months of July through September. Even in those three months, extreme care must be exercised when visiting. Owing to its many attractions and natural wonders, Kverkfjöll has a good service center, an accommodation option, and a camping area. It is an "out of this world" place to visit—but harsh and unpredictable. Access is not easy and requires a full-size 4X4 vehicle: At Kverkfjöll you will find an interesting camping site To drive to Kverkfjöll, you need a large 4X4 vehicle, such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Landcruiser, Land Rover, or Jeep Rubicon. The roads cannot be traversed with a small 4X4 as some of the roads are difficult and there are rivers to cross; these rivers can change rapidly with rain or change in temperature. The best route is to drive from Mývatn lake toward the east on Road Nr. 1 and take the mountain road Öskjuleið (F88). After driving approximately 75 kilometers—among other places, by Herðubreið, the queen of Icelandic mountains—you turn on the mountain road Austurleið (F910). After driving around 12 kilometers on F910, you take another turn on the mountain road Kverkfjallaleið (F902). After about a 40-kilometer drive, you are at Sigurðarskáli cabin in Kverkfjöll. Overall, it is about a 130-kilometer drive into the most remote area in the Icelandic Highland—a natural wonderland of landscape, geology, and photography. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

One of our favorite places in Iceland, Gunna my wife sitting by Langisjór Langisjór lake is part of the vast outback area in Iceland, called Fjallabak. The lake is located deep into the Icelandic Highland and is often viewed as a bit mysterious. Moreover, it is one of the largest natural lakes in the country and not a reservoir for a hydroelectric plant, unlike many lakes in the Highland. The lake is a bit difficult to view unless you either travel to the edge of the water or climb a nearby steep mountain. However, this challenge only enhances the lake's charm. It is in my view the most beautiful lake in Iceland. Map of Icelandic Highland Hidden until the 19th century: Standing on the top of Mt. Sveinstindur viewing Langisjór to the north Owing to the distance from the shoreline and lowland, throughout history, no one traveled this deep into the Highland or ever wrote about this lake until the middle of the 19th century, when it was discovered. The lake is 20-kilometer long and only two-kilometer wide, which is the reason for the name Langisjór (the long sea). On both sides of the lake, two long mountain ridges, Fögrufjöll (beautiful mountains) and Tungnaárfjöll, embrace the lake. In the late 19th century, the first geologist in Iceland, the prominent Þorvaldur Thoroddsen, traveled to Langisjór and viewed the lake from the same place where this photo was taken (on top of the mountain Sveinstindur [Sveins peak]). Later, in his report, he named the lake and the mountain; it is noteworthy that he named the mountain after his friend and travel companion, who was a physician. A difficult place to visit: Lake Langisjór in the Highland in Iceland Sitting on top of Sveinstindur, viewing the turquoise-colored lake, the term "natural wonder" enters your mind. The lake is enclosed by small islands and unique surroundings with one end near the edge of a glacier shining white at the end of the horizon. The lake is quite difficult to visit and only accessible from the middle of July through September, like so many places in the Highland. A guided tour with local tour companies is recommended if you are interested, especially if you want to fully enjoy the whole surrounding area and get the most out of your tour. There is a mountain road for well-equipped 4X4 vehicles leading to the southwest end of the mountain road—Fjallabak Nyrðri. Another spectacular but more difficult 4X4 path is also on top of the mountain rig Fögrufjöll—called Breiðbakur. The whole experience of traveling, hiking, and mountain climbing in the Langisjór area is breathtaking. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

A nice warm natural shower out in nature Laugarvellir is probably the best and most impressive natural geothermal pool in Iceland. The temperature in the pool, around 39 to 41 degrees Celsius, is perfect (although you should put your hand into the water and check the temperature before jumping in). If you are visiting Iceland's northeast region and looking for something to do, you must visit this fantastic place. Although situated at an altitude of approximately 600 meters in the Icelandic Highland, Laugarvellir is considerably green. It has more vegetation than usual and deceptively looks like a place 300 meters lower. In high contrast to most of the vast area surrounding the valley, you will find endless sand and spreads of volcanic ashes from the many eruptions from neighboring volcanos. The heat that comes from underground and the short distance to the sleeping magma produce heated water, which changes everything. This small creek at Laugarvellir farm is warm, and before merging with other streams, it falls down a small hill and forms a warm shower—a rather unusual shower. Map of Highland in Iceland The farming experiment that ended in disaster: Natural pool and shower at Laugavellir During hard times in Iceland's history, small farms developed near the Highland at a higher altitude. These were, of course, more complicated farms to cultivate than other good and valuable estates. One poor farmer built a house and moved to Laugarvellir in the beginning of the 20th century. This was rugged land to farm and proved a difficult place to stay during the whole year. The decision was devastating, and after only a few years, the farmer took his life. He and his wife were the only people that ever tried to live at Laugarvellir. Their houses are still standing. Easy access: Laugavellir naturlal pool and shower Access to Laugarvellir is quite simple, although a 4X4 vehicle is preferred. From the town of Egilsstaðir in the east, drive south on Road Nr. 1, i.e., the Ring Road. About seven kilometers south, turn to the west to Road Nr. 931 all the way over the bridge and take a turn to the south again on Road Nr. 933. Then, drive a short distance on Road Nr. 933 and turn to Road Nr. 910 and drive all the way to Hálslón, the new reservoir in Kárahnúkar. Once you pass the dam, the distance to Laugarvellir is only about seven kilometers. Since the road from Egilsstaðir to Hálslón is paved, you can drive a small car almost all the way to Laugarvellir. The rest, if you prefer, is a five-to-seven-kilometer hike. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Laugafell camping and natural pool in Highland in Iceland Driving a well-equipped 4X4 vehicle through the Icelandic Highland is an enthralling and probably once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. Although a spectacular drive, the scenery is quite different from the exceptionally scenic drive in the east or west fjords. The Icelandic Highland is a place where you can drive for kilometers through black sands with a view of glaciers, rolling hills, and gray mountains with limited vegetation. However, fortunately, there are fascinating places in the Highland that we can even label as "oases," which are in striking contrast to the black sands, never-ending glaciers, muddy rivers, dusty gravel 4X4 tracks, and sandy mountains. One such place is Laugafell in the northern part of the highland road Sprengisandsleið. Map of Highland in Iceland A geothermal pool in the middle of nowhere: Laugafell is a great place for a stop in the Highland in Iceland On an island that is relatively young on the geological timeline and sits on magma, it is no surprise to find a warm geothermal pool here and there. At Laugafell, you will find one of the many fantastic geothermal pools located in the Icelandic Highland. The pool in Laugafell is one of the best and most impressive geothermal pools in Iceland. Not surprisingly, Laugafell draws a lot of visitors to the Highland. The temperature is perfect, and The Touring Club of Akureyri has built an excellent facility to make your visit as memorable as possible. Quarantine for the wealthy lady from Möðruvellir, her people, and stock: Laugafell camping Unlike many spots and places in the Icelandic Highland, Laugafell has been known to Icelanders for centuries. This could be attributed to the reasonably short distance from the lower inhabited areas north of Laugafell. Another reason could be the presence of vegetation and warm water. In fact, old folklore tells the story of a very wealthy woman that moved all her family, servants, and stock to Laugafell in the middle of the 14th century to avoid contamination from the severe black death plague. Apparently, this decision saved everyone as they stayed in a kind of quarantine while the plague killed over 100 million people worldwide. Access to Laugafell is not simple: At Laugafell is one of the best natural pools in Iceland As the Icelandic Highland is open only from the beginning of July until the middle of September, it defines the time you can visit Laugafell. If you are driving north on Sprengisandsleið (F26), you need to turn west on the mountain road F752 and follow that road. If you are in the northern part of Iceland, you drive from south of Akureyri on F821 up to the Highland. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Ljósárfjöll in the south part of the stunning Torfajökull caldera Iceland has in its offering numerous natural wonders worth visiting, seeing, and experiencing. Among the best known are waterfalls, hot springs, lagoons, basalt columns, geothermal pools, craters, canyons, and cliffs. Although not many mountains are on the list of natural wonders, there are several mountains and clusters of mountains that are highly interesting. Most of these are basalt mountains formed in an eruption when ice covered the island, and then we also have the colorful rhyolite mountains. One of the reasons that the Laugavegur hiking trail is so popular is that you walk through some very colorful rhyolite mountains within the Torfajökkull caldera for a large part of the trail. The starting point in Landmannalaugar is exceptionally colorful and most of the first day. This is the realm of rhyolite mountains. Map og Highland area in Iceland An interplay of hot springs and rhyolite: Ljósártungur Ljósártungur is a name for a relatively large area east of the hiking trail Laugavegur near Hrafntinnusker . Although the Ljósártungur mountains seem tempting, they are pretty difficult to trek as they have many ravines, gullies, and ridges. There are also numerous hot springs as well as small ice caves. The whole area is highly colorful and almost unreal. The mountains are located at an altitude of 800 to 1000 meters and, like most places in the Icelandic Highland, are covered with snow during winter. During summer, it usually doesn't get warm enough to melt all the snow from winter. Consequently, snowdrifts from the winter do not melt, adding the white color to the magnificent rhyolite color, the hazy smoke from the hot springs, the green mountain vegetation, and the blue sky—a perfect blend for a great photo. A difficult place to visit: Ljósárfjöll mountains Ljósártungur is a fascinating but challenging place to visit. Like almost all parts of the Icelandic highland, the area is only accessible from July until the middle of September. While driving on the mountain road Syðri Fjallabak, you can drive on a dirt road on a ridge in a modified 4X4 vehicle toward the edge of the southern part of the Torfajökull caldera east of the ford, the river crossing, at Markarfjljót river. Here you can get quite close to Ljósártungur and Ljósárfjöll mountains for a great experience and an excellent photograph with a superb view of the rhyolite mountains. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Markarfljótsgljúfur canyon Markarfljótsgljúfur, an awe-inspiring canyon located in the southern part of the Highland, is a hidden gem within Iceland's diverse and dramatic landscape. Renowned for its stunning beauty and distinctive geological features, this remarkable natural formation ranks among the country's most impressive canyons. Despite its captivating allure, Markarfljótsgljúfur remains relatively undiscovered by the public, enhancing its charm and pristine quality. Syðri Fjallabak remote part of the Highland The canyon is a vital component of the Highland Road Syðri Fjallabak, which serves as a gateway when entering the picturesque Fljótshlíð area from southern Iceland, particularly through the rugged terrain of Emstrur. The relatively remote location of Markarfljótsgljúfur is one of the primary reasons it has not yet become a bustling tourist hotspot. The journey to reach this hidden wonder is often challenging, as it is situated deep within the Icelandic Highland, characterized by its rugged landscapes, volcanic formations, and unpredictable weather patterns. Markarfljótsgljúfur a sizable canyon Although Markarfljótsgljúfur may not boast the title of the largest canyon in Iceland, it impressively reaches depths of up to 200 meters at its most profound point. This dramatic drop creates a striking visual contrast against the surrounding highlands, with steep cliffs that have been sculpted over millennia by the relentless forces of nature, including glacial meltwater and volcanic activity. The canyon stretches for approximately four kilometers, with its most popular and accessible section offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its stunning vistas. Everyone who hikes Laugavegur hiking trail will see Markarfljótsgljúfur This particular stretch of Markarfljótsgljúfur is also an integral part of the renowned hiking trail Laugavegur, which runs from the colorful geothermal area of Landmannalaugar to the lush valley of Þórsmörk. Hikers traversing this iconic route are afforded the unique opportunity to view the canyon from the east side, particularly when they choose to stay in the cozy mountain huts located in Emstrur. The combination of the canyon's natural beauty and the exhilarating hiking experience creates a memorable adventure for those who venture into this less-traveled part of Iceland. Markarfljótsgljúfur has beautiful surroundings With its captivating scenery, Markarfljótsgljúfur is not just a canyon; it is a testament to the raw and untamed beauty of the Icelandic Highland. The interplay of light and shadow on the canyon walls, coupled with the vibrant colors of the surrounding flora, offers a visual feast for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The serene atmosphere and the sounds of nature create a tranquil escape, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the stunning environment. In summary, Markarfljótsgljúfur is a remarkable destination that deserves to be explored, revealing the hidden wonders of Iceland's natural landscape to those who are willing to seek it out. Map of Icelandic Highland Formed from a disaster Markarfljótsgljúfur The canyon is believed to have been created by a flood bursting from the Mýrdalsjökull glacier following the eruption of the famous volcano Katla under the glacier. Most floods caused by Katla erupting find their way to the east side of the glacier. Occasionally, like when Markarfljótsgljúfur was formed, the flood finds its way to the west. If this geological theory is correct, you will be amazed when looking at the canyon and imagining the enormous power a single flood can have and the devastation it can leave behind. This occurred about two thousand years ago, and other geological factors have contributed to the canyon since then, such as the stone continuing to be carved by the river Markarfljót. It is this river that gave the canyon a name. The river originates in the Torfajökull area. Like many rivers, it is fed by other rivers, streams, and surface water branches, but this particular river is quite significant in Icelandic social history and geological history. It is mentioned in one of the Sagas, Njáls Saga, and is one of the rivers that has greatly affected the south shore throughout centuries. Hard to access and requires a 4X4 Markarfljótsgljúfur and Mt. Hattfell in background You can access Markarfljótsgljúfur either by a hiking trail from Þórsmörk or on the mountain road Emstruleið F261. This is a challenging and rough mountain road with complicated and often dangerous rivers to cross, so it requires a well-equipped 4WD vehicle. Another way up is to find a good tour operator. To access the mountain road, take a left turn when coming from Reykjavík on the Ring Road by the village Hvolsvöllur to the Road Nr. 261. From Hvolsvöllur village, the drive is then about 50 kilometers. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Nýifoss or Leynifoss waterfall The waterfall Nýifoss, or "New waterfall," is relatively new because it was formed only decades ago and not centuries ago or even thousands of years ago like many natural wonders in Iceland. Nýifoss is sometimes referred to as Leynifoss or the Confidential Waterfall. According to geologists, the waterfall was formed in 1939 when water levels in Lake Hagavatn decreased substantially due to a flood from the glacier Langjokull. The lake changed dramatically between 1929 and 1939, and then a part of its eastern side collapsed due to the glacial flood, giving birth to the waterfall Nýifoss. Although Nýifoss is hardly one of our most beautiful waterfalls, it is interesting because it is rather different from most waterfalls people like to visit. Map of Iceland Highland Comparing Nýifoss to other waterfalls I love photographing the harsh environment close to Leynifoss waterfall In addition to being not as well known, Nýifoss is situated in a sandy, gray landscape. A large area around the waterfall and Lake Hagavatn is almost devoid of vegetation, giving it a unique look. On the northern side of the lake, the landform meets the southern edge of the glacier Langjökull. On all other sides is either sand or raw lava. Because the water is 100% glacial, it is colored with mud, clay, ash, dirt, and all kinds of soil that the melting ice carries from under the glacier. All the banks of the lake are harsh and without vegetation, like in a desert or on the moon, but with a lot of water. Access is not easy and requires a 4X4 Nýifoss is situated in a sandy, gray landscape Nýifoss is not far from Gullfoss, sometimes referred to as Iceland's most spectacular waterfall. Continue north on Kjalvegur Nr. 35 from Gullfoss, drive 10 kilometers and turn left (west) to Hagavatnsvegur Nr. F35. Like many F roads in Iceland that are mountain roads, this road requires a well-equipped 4X4 vehicle. We recommend you stop in the parking lot in front of the waterfall and walk the last few hundred meters up the track by the waterfall. There is no point in driving up the steep and challenging part of the track up to the lake. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Nýidalur is conveniently located in the middle of the Sprengisandur Road If one place can claim the title of being in the middle or center of the Icelandic Highlands, it is Nýidalur or New Valley. You must visit this place if you choose to drive your rental car or your 4x4 [A1] through the Icelandic Highlands Road Sprengisandur between the southern and the northern regions. You should seriously consider stopping for a night or two in the mountain cabins or camping area there, although you should probably keep in mind that the altitude is 1.100 meters, and it is rarely warm in the middle of the Highlands. Map of Highland in Iceland How New Valley gained its name Nýidalur is a fascinating place to hike For centuries, there was a suspicion among farmers in the northern region of Iceland, around the valley Bárðardalur and in Eyjafjörður, that deep in the Highland was an area with considerable vegetation. This was supposedly a place where sheep would wander, but it was too far and too deep for farmers to go and herd their sheep in the autumn. These beliefs would also entail stories about outlaws living in unusually pleasant conditions as if in an oasis. So in 1843 and 1844, three men traveled from Bárðadalur to explore this place. To their surprise, there actually was considerable vegetation in the middle of the enormous black desert of Sprengisandur. They then came to a valley they named New Valley, a moniker that has stuck with Nýidalur ever since. A plethora of interesting hiking options The right gear and clothing are always essential when hiking in Iceland Nýidalur is conveniently located in the middle of the Sprengisandur Road, or Road F26. It is an ideal place to stop when driving this Highland Road. Not only can you take part in some exciting hiking tours, but you can also drive along the 4X4 track northeast of the tiny glacier Tungnafellsjokull and take the exotic hiking path to the geothermal area near Vonarskarð. After all, Nýidalur is not a place you want to drive through in a hurry, although everything seems cold and black. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland