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Hnausapollur is a maar People have various reasons for visiting a country like Iceland, known for its abundance of natural wonders, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Many tourists opt for organized tours that showcase the most popular attractions, which have gained global recognition. However, one of the great aspects of Iceland is that it also has numerous lesser-known locations that are equally intriguing, yet receive fewer visitors. These lesser-known spots are often fascinating both from a geological perspective and as breathtaking landscapes to explore. Some are even notable for their connections to history and folklore. Such unique places are ideal for landscape photographers and hiking enthusiasts. One example of this is Hnausapollur, which is sometimes referred to as Bláhylur. Highland map of Iceland Hnausapollur is on the road Sigölduleið to Landmannalaugar Hnausapollur was formed when lava came into contact with groundwater at the time of the eruption in 871 Like most volcanic craters with small lakes or ponds within their boundaries, Hnausapollur is a maar. It was formed when lava came into contact with groundwater at the time of the eruption in 871, about 1200 years ago, that occurred in both Bárðabunga and Torfajökull calderas simultaneously. It is a famous eruption because it transformed a large part of the Highland and happened at the same time as the beginning of settlement in Iceland. The ash from the outbreaks can be found almost throughout the whole island as it spread over a large area. Usually, the reason for a lake within a crater is the depth that goes down deep enough to reveal subsoil water or groundwater. This combination of water, crater, and vegetated brims is usually a beautiful sight where colors interact fabulously. Similar maar volcanic craters in Iceland are Grænavatn and Víti in Askja. Hnausapollur also has another name, often called Bláhylur, because of the turquoise blue color of the water. It is a Highland lake at an altitude of about 570 meters above sea level. You might think that this is a remote place, but don’t be surprised if you see someone fishing down in the crater. The lake has some life, although catching fish in it is pretty rare as the stream of water entering and flowing from the lake is all underground. Located on the Icelandic Highland road Fjallabak Nyrðri. Hnausapollur in autumn Hnausapollur might not be one of those natural wonders in Iceland worth a particular trip to the Highland , but if you are traveling on the Highland road Fjallabak Nyrðri or visiting Landmannalaugar on F208, it is a must to stop by Hnausapollur. It is the next-door neighbor of its similar brother bearing the awful name 'Ugly Pound’ or Ljótipollur . Both are extraordinary sights and perfect for photographing.

Hólaskjól camping site and home of Silfurfoss waterfall For those planning to drive the popular Highland road Nyrðri Fjallabak, Hólaskjól campsite serves as an excellent starting or ending point, depending on your travel direction. Nestled in picturesque surroundings near Eldgjá, a renowned canyon, and the Ófærufoss waterfall, this campsite offers a unique experience in nature. While the campsite features excellent facilities, it’s important to note that it operates more like a mountain hut, with fewer amenities than those typically found in urban campsites throughout Iceland. This aspect contributes to its distinct charm, providing visitors with an authentic mountain experience. In Hólaskjól, you will truly be immersed in the beauty of the mountains. Map of Highland in Iceland Start your Nyrðri Fjallabak drive at Hólaskjól We recommend driving from the east to the west when driving the Nyrðir Fjallabak mountain road. One of the reasons is that Hólaskjól is an excellent place to start your drive early in the morning. Another reason is the surrounding area. When you have settled in, there is a wonderful short hiking trail at Hólaskjól up by the river Syðri Ófæra. It is a good evening walk, and you will see small layers of interesting basalt columns, small ravines, a beautiful river, and a magnificent waterfall Silfurfoss. A short hike into the lava field that takes less than an hour is quite relaxing before you have a good night's sleep in the mountains. How to get to Hólaskjól Syðri Ófæra river If you plan to visit Hólaskjól, you are probably planning to drive to Nyrðri Fjallabak. The best way to access the road to Hólaskjól is from the Ring Road, some 23 kilometers west of the village Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Here you take a turn north onto Road no. 208 and drive approximately 16 kilometers until you take a left turn and enter the mountain road F208 Fjallabak Nyrðri. You need to go about 20 kilometers on this road to reach the Hólaskjól camping site.

Perlan in Hlíðar district in Reykjavík city Iceland Hlíðar is a central district in the city of Reykjavík, divided into three neighborhoods; Hlíðar, Háteigshverfi, and Öskjuhlíðarhverfi. It is almost all residential, with a small portion of the land area dedicated to commercial activity and educational institutions. The proportion of the district devoted to outdoor recreational activities is the highest in any area in the city. The district is the home of Klambratún, a small park for the residents to enjoy all year round. Hlíðar is a district in Reykjavík One of the best-known landmarks in Iceland is in Hlíðar District A bautiful condominium building in Hlíðar from the fifties Öskjuhlíð is where Perlan or the Pearl stands, probably the best-known landmark in Reykjavík apart from Hallgrímskirkja, the Hallgímur church. Originally the foundation of Perlan, the Pearl was built as a supply tank for geothermal heating in Reykjavík. In the eighties, the idea of a structure on top of the tanks developed and was implemented. The building was quite controversial but enforced with a determination by the Reykjavik mayor at the time, Davíð Oddsson. The project has proven to be a tremendous success. All the neighborhoods in Hlíðar are within walking distance from the city center. Hlíðar has many educational institutions and schools for Reykjavík The old school for fishermen is now a techical school Remarkably the first houses and buildings constructed within the district were built in the third decade of the twentieth century. The district has been in development ever since, and today, one of the larger housing projects in the city for a long time, has just recently been launched and is estimated to finish in a few years. Almost one hundred years after the first houses in the district were built. One of the best collage/highscool is in Hlíðar Recently the University of Reykjavík built a new building and headquarters on the south slope of Öskjuhlíð. This development in an area that had been a sanctuary for peace and quiet on the Nauthólsvík beach for a long time initiated a lot of traffic and activity in the Hlíðar district. Hlíðar is a high-quality area in Reykjavík with friendly neighborhoods Kjarvalsstaðir art museum in Hlíðar district in Reykjavík The quality of life for residents is probably one of the highest in any region in Reykjavík. There are high-quality schools from kindergarten to University. There is a short distance to all kinds of services and large commercial areas. Outdoor activity is readily available, and although quite near the city center, it is not a busy and noisy neighborhood. If  you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the three important things you need to know and the type of car that would be best for your trip!

Hagavatn lake There are eight main glaciers in Iceland. There are also many more smaller glaciers, but these are rapidly disappearing. Some of these glaciers have large glacier tongues, but there are only a few places in the Highland where you will find a large glacial lake or a lagoon by the glacier's edge. Among the better known glacial lagoons in Iceland are Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón on the south side of the Vatnajökull ice cap. Hagavatn is a lake that is fed by streams and meltwater from the glacier and from under the glacier. Located on the south side of Langjökull glacier, it is one of two such lakes connected with Langjökull with the other being Hvítárvatn. The main characteristic of these lakes is their milky color, and occasionally icebergs will fall into them from the glacier tongue. A very different landscape, kind of gray and lacking vegetation Glacial water lake south of Langjökull The Highland of Iceland has its own kind of attraction and fascination, with its vast horizon, black sands, and gray color. You will find places in the Highland with vegetation, moss, flowers, and grass, but they are infrequent and usually in small areas around spring-fed rivers. The Highland is a very different animal when it comes to beauty, with the area around Hagavatn lake being quite typical in that regard. The view from an altitude of 440 meters is magnificent; the mountain ridge Jarlhettur north-east of the lake is stunning, as are the lava field and landscape surrounding the lake. Also, you have the glacier in the background. If you are in Iceland and you want to see or photograph something different, we encourage you to visit Hagavatn and the waterfall Nýifoss. The landscape in this area can best be described as raw and harsh. Access is not easy and requires a large 4X4 vehicle Hiking to the lake Hagavatn Hagavatn is not far away from Gullfoss waterfall. If you continue north on Kjalvegur no. 35 from Gullfoss, you will drive 10 kilometers and come to a left turn (west) to Hagavatnsvegur no. F35. The same road leading to Nýifoss. This road, like many F roads in Iceland (mountain roads) require a well-equipped 4X4 vehicle. It is a Highland road and requires caution and preparation. We recommend stopping in the parking lot in front of the waterfall and walking the last few hundred meters as there is no point in driving up the steep and challenging part of the track up to the lake. If  you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the three important things you need to know and the type of car that would be best for your trip!

The new lava in the Highland and a place few dare to visit Holuhraun One of the contributing factors to the image of Iceland as an exotic place is the eruptions that occur regularly. If you plan on visiting the Highland in Iceland and if you are looking for things to do, one option is to visit the Holuhraun lava field. Holuhraun is the name of one of our latest eruptions, originating in a large fissure on the black sands north of the ice cap Vatnajökull or ‘Water Glacier’. This eruption occurred at the end of August 2014 and lasted for six months until the end of February 2015. The eruption produced an 85-square-kilometer lava field, making it one of the largest in Iceland's geological history. A quiet but massive eruption Scientists exploring the new lava in 2016 The eruption surfaced on sand deep in the Highland of Iceland, and it was a kind of silent eruption. The only threat was the highly toxic chemicals that came steaming out of the glowing lava, causing authorities in Iceland to ban visits to the volcanic fissure. This was the main reason the Holuhraun eruption did not develop into a tourist eruption like many recent examples in Iceland, like the Eyjafjallajökull volcano and the eruption in Geldingadalir at Reykjanes Peninsula in 2020. New rocks and stones that recently lived in a thousand-degree magma The very young lava at Holuhraun The result of this massive eruption is a large lava field in the midst of the Highland in Iceland. Here you can meet one of the youngest members of the entire planet’s geological family. Newly formed rocks and stones in a lava field that lived for ages in the glowing magma under the surface, and ironically under the ice cap Vatnajökull with more than one thousand degrees between it and the magma below. How to go to the Holuhraun lava field Hiking towards the new lava - still warm Visiting the new lava field requires a good 4X4 vehicle, since you need to drive on off-road tracks and cross rivers. Therefore, a modified 4X4 vehicle is recommended. Although there are a few options to drive to Holuhraun, one of the most popular is to drive the mountain road F88 from the Ring Road no. 1, a few kilometers east of lake Mývatn, and head to Herðubreiðalindir on a road called Öskjuvegur. South of Herðubreiðalindir, you take the mountain road F910 to the mountain huts at Drekagil, or ‘Dragon's ravine’. At Dreki, you also find a visitor center with a wealth of information about the Vatnajokull National Park. From Dreki, you continue on Road 910 to the lava field to enter a world of new rocks and stones in the Holuhraun lava. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

The third day of eruption in Geldingadalir valley A volcanic eruption was recently recorded at the Geldingadalir valley, which is located at the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. “Geldingadalir” is probably an odd-sounding word, that may be difficult for anyone other than Icelanders to memorize or pronounce. If an Icelander is tasked with translating the word into English to facilitate easier understanding by foreigners, they might find it slightly challenging, as the translation is not very straightforward. In fact, the word has more than one or even two meanings. Probable translations for the word “Geldingur” Eruption in Geldingadalir The word “geldingur” in Icelandic means a castrated man or a castrated animal. It is similar to the word “gelding” in English, which denotes a castrated male horse. However, in English, the word “eunuch” is used to denote a man who has been castrated. Along the same lines, a castrated ram is called a “wether” (not to be confused with the term “weather”) in English. The latter half of the word, “dalur”, means “valleys” (in plural). Thus, the word “geldingur” can be translated into English as “gelding valleys”, “eunuch valleys”, or “wether valleys”. Whose castration could the word “Geldingadalir” most likely refer to? Lava flow at Geldingdalir The Geldingadalir valley is located in the mountains, in a place that we could call as the highland of the Reykjanes peninsula. It is almost impossible to imagine that Icelanders could have ever castrated men on such a large scale so as to name valleys after the act. Such acts were very rare in Iceland’s history and may have probably been done to farm animals in farms or in brutal battles, possibly during the 12th and 13th centuries. If the word “Geldingadalir” was meant to denote castrated horses, such acts might have been done at farms, to tame the animals for farm use. In the same lines, if the word meant to denote castrated rams, such acts might have been done by farmers to improve the breeding of the species. Those days, during the summer, just like we do today, farmers used to round up their sheep, young and old, and leave the whole herd at the mountains. When autumn approached, they used to gather the sheep again from the mountains and flock them back to the farms. These farmers named valleys, mountains, hills, creeks, lava fields, and any other such landforms with words that were convenient to use as a reference, as they did not have any other form of geographic guidance as we do with the GPS today. Drawing an inference from this practice, we can conclude that the Geldingadalir valley was in some way connected to the rams that were castrated in the place. I assume that the small valley and its nearby valleys were used to house the “wethers” in a group, or maybe the rams tended to herd in groups in the valley, as they were shy and did not understand what the other rams were doing with the seeps. My suggestion for translation Geldingadalir winter and craters I feel that the most apt translation for the word “Geldingadalir” is “Wether valleys”. But of course, we prefer the non-translated version, “Geldingadalir”, which is, by the way, a lot easier to pronounce than “Eyjafjallajökull”. If  you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the three important things you need to know and the type of car that would be best for your trip!

Sheep is the most common animal you see in Iceland Tourists cruising through Iceland are in for a wild ride! Brace yourself to have your mind blown by the jaw-dropping landscapes you'll stumble upon. Picture this: you're hopping from one epic waterfall to the next, only to find yourself surrounded by sprawling fields, eerie lava fields, moody black sand beaches, and charming countryside views. The backdrop? Oh, it's a showstopper! Think majestic mountain ranges, icy glaciers, and even glacier tongues reaching out to give the ocean a high-five. Say goodbye to boring drives through endless forests where all you see are trees for miles on end. Nope, in Iceland, it's all about the dramatic fjords that serve up a feast for your eyes with cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and winding rivers. It's like a scenic drive on steroids, perfect for anyone who wants a 360-degree view of nature's finest while cruising along. Birds, horses, sheep, and other fascinating animals are part of the scenic drive in Iceland During a road trip in Iceland, the experience goes beyond just admiring the stunning landscapes; it involves encountering a diverse array of both domestic and wild animals that inhabit the country. As you traverse the Icelandic countryside, you'll have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of bird species that call this unique island home. From seabirds soaring overhead to colorful puffins nesting along the cliffs, the avian diversity adds an extra layer of wonder to your journey. Moreover, the pastoral scenes of Icelandic farms offer glimpses of the iconic horses, cows, and sheep peacefully grazing in the lush fields. The sight of these animals against the backdrop of Iceland's dramatic scenery creates a picturesque tableau that captures the essence of rural life in this enchanting land. However, amidst the allure of capturing these idyllic moments through photography, it's crucial to exercise caution, especially when navigating narrow roads like the Ring Road. While the temptation to stop and photograph the animals in their natural habitat is strong, it's essential to prioritize safety. The juxtaposition of animals against the striking Icelandic landscape can be mesmerizing, but it's vital to remain vigilant and avoid stopping in precarious locations to prevent any potential hazards. By being aware of the surroundings and understanding the risks involved, travelers can ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip through Iceland's captivating terrain. Embracing the harmony between nature and wildlife while respecting the need for caution enhances the overall experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Iceland's untamed wilderness. Although Iceland has many species of animals, there are no dangerous animals The Icelandic horse As you travel on the roads in Iceland, you will come across various animals. However, as you move to higher altitudes, the number of animals decreases. What's interesting is that there are no dangerous animals in Iceland, which means that you are safe from animal attacks while camping or hiking. While driving through Iceland's natural wonders such as waterfalls, basalt column cliffs, hot spring geothermal pools, and glacier lagoons, you will notice many animals, especially around farms and farmlands. You will see a lot of friendly and beautiful animals like sheep, cows, and birds of all sizes, including geese and Whooper swans. It's worth repeating that there are almost no dangerous wild animals in Iceland, so you don't have to worry about your safety while exploring the countryside. Arctic fox in Iceland The fox and the mink are two species that could be intimidating to humans. They predominantly live in highland areas, far away from most inhabited regions. However, these animals are more afraid of humans than we are of them, and they usually run away as fast as possible if they see us. Sometimes, you may also come across the Icelandic horse, a magnificent animal that can add a new dimension to a scenic drive. Watching Icelandic horses run together in a flock in the Icelandic landscape is an awe-inspiring sight to behold when driving in Iceland. Overall, most of the animals in Iceland are a significant addition to the landscape, whether it's a puffin on a cliff, a whooper swan on a lake, a duck on a river, geese flying in a canyon, or a flock of horses running together on a hill. The animals will always add to the beauty of the landscape and provide an excellent photographic opportunity. Animals and birds often enhance nature in Iceland If  you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the three important things you need to know and the type of car that would be best for your trip!

Harpa conference center in Reykjavík In 2008 Iceland experienced a disastrous financial crash. What had looked like an endless path to growth, reaching back to the year 2000, came to a standstill taking a whole nation to an edge of a financial cliff. Among the significant symbols of growth and prosperity was a new conference and concert hall by the harbor. A symbol of success and wealth. A project that had started but a building that had barely surfaced. As the country seemed completely broke and more or less on the brink of bankruptcy at the mercy of the IMF, lacking resources to finance the healthcare and educational institutions, there was little interest in continuing with the immensely expensive conference hall. There was, of course, a very harsh dispute about the continuation of the project. Some wanted to stop the project as others saw it as a symbol of not giving up. In the end, a new left-wing government faced with more difficulties than any other government had in recent history, decided to go ahead and build this very expensive building. At that time it became a symbol of a nation not altogether dead as it was the only project in the whole country. Harpa has become an important social and cultural building in Iceland Harpa in downtown Reykjavík district In hindsight, one must admit that it was the right decision to continue with the project. Even though it was a highly controversial decision, the building has proven to be of great value to Reykjavík and Iceland and is currently one of the most recognized landmarks in Reykjavík with many architectural as well as a concert hall rewards. It has at least five excellent concert halls and conference halls, two restaurants, small shops and a grand space on many floors with a great overview over Reykjavík City Center. It is a magnificent place to visit. Harpa is a product of a cooperation between architects and a renowned Danish / Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson Harpa conference center in Reykjavík The 28.000 square meter building was designed by the Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen Architects and the Icelandic architectural firm Batteríið Architects. On Harpa´s website, the creative role of artist Ólafur Elíasson is described: Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson designed the south facade, and developed the principle for the remaining north/east/west facades and roof in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects and Batteríið Architects. Elíasson deploys light, color, and natural phenomena to test how physical movement, sensual engagement, and the interaction of body and brain influence our perception of our surroundings. Today Harpa is considered one of the most important buildings in Reykjavík Harpa is by the harbour in Reykjavík city in Iceland From the time Harpa opened in 2011 numerous concerts, music festivals, conferences, meetings and small gatherings have been held in Harpa. Ranging from Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera to electronic music concerts and our famous festival, Iceland Airwaves. It is truly a forum for a broad range of diversity. Harpa is also at the beginning of the famous Sculpture & Shorewalk path in Reykjavík. If  you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the three important things you need to know and the type of car that would be best for your trip!

Illugastaðir farm in Vatnsnes in Iceland Illugastaðir farm on the west shore of Vatnsnes Peninsula in the North Region in Iceland is probably best known among tourists for its seal colony. It is an inseparable part of the Vatnsnes Peninsula scenic drive and a place you don't want to miss. At the farm, you can spend time in the seal watching hut and enjoy the excellent facilities provided to experience the daily life of seals and birds in their natural environment. You can also enjoy the magnificent view to Strandir, the east shore of the Westfjords and the mountains on the Vatnsnes Peninsula. It is a beautiful place to visit and pleasant place to enjoy peaceful nature. But the farm also has a very dark and shocking history from the 19th century. A scene of a crime in the early nineteenth century In 1828 a quack named Natan Ketilsson lived at the farm Illugastaðir with three other people. Pétur Jónsson a convict, a fifteen year old female named Sigríður Guðmundsdóttir who allegedly was the housekeeper and Agnes Magnúsdóttir who was a maid and worked for Natan at the farm. In addition to calling himself a doctor, Natan Ketilsson was a renowned womanizer, a dodger and a poet with an enormous ego. Agnes who was 32 years old at the time came from a deprived background but was a charming woman. She was attracted to Natan and had dreams of becoming his wife and the mistress at the farm. Dreams that collapsed when the very young Sigríður was made housekeeper and as it appears, Natans choice to share a bed. As her dreams transformed into hatred, she teamed up with a young man from a nearby farm who had a crush on Sigríður, the very young housekeeper. His name was Friðrik Sigurðsson, and he also wanted to get his hands on possessions and wealth that he believed belonged to Natan. They were joined in their emotions of dislike, greed, and jealousy directed towards Natna and the atmosphere at the farm became toxic. And finally, the hatred escalated to a point where they decided to murder Natan and also Petur, the convict. One dark winter night in March of 1828 Friðirk came to the farm and hid with the help of Agnes and Sigríður until both men had gone to bed. At that point, Friðrik took a hammer, walked to Natans bed and smashed it into his head and repeated the heinous act at Peters bed, stabbed them both multiple times, and with help from Agnes and Sigríður, poured cod liver oil over the bodies and set fire to the farm. It was a brutal and calculated murder. And to make things even worse Agnes, Sigríður, and Firðrik stole everything of value they could put their hand on before fleeing the scene. The aftermath trial and execution Unfortunately for the killer trio, the bodies of Natan and Petur didn't burn to ashes as the fire was not as destructive as intended. It was apparent that both men had smashed heads and multiple stab wounds in addition to bloodsheds around the bodies. Obviously not inflicted on them by the fire. Soon after that the three people were arrested and accused of murdering the Natan and Petur. The case and the trial received enormous attention in this small country with its tiny population. Murders were rare let alone such cruel slaughtering by smashing the heads, multiple stabbing, and burning of the bodies. The trial is well documented and has ever since caught the attention and imagination of writers and filmmakers as well as the general public. It is a true story that is stranger than fiction. At the end of the trial, Friðrik and Agnes were sentenced to death and to be executed by beheading. The execution took place at Þrístapar on January 12th, 1830 near the main road, the Ring Road, and all farmers in the administrative district were obligated to attend. In a tiny community mainly composed of regular farmers and ordinary people, authorities had difficulty finding an executioner. In the end, the victim's brother Guðmundur Ketilsson was forced to take on the task of beheading two people. The axe and the execution block were sent from Copenhagen as Iceland was at the time part of the Danmark. Both items now kept at the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík. After the execution, the heads of Friðrik and Agnes were put on a stick near the roadside for anyone to see as their faces turned towards the road. Their bodies were buried nearby, outside a cemetery in a unholy ground. Although the crime was horrible many were even more horrified by this act of immorality by authorities and the heads disappear soon after the execution one night and no one knew what became of the heads, or so most people thought. For decades this case set a mark on the community and the whole country. The spiritual and ghostly part As time passed the story and the memory of this horrible crime and the aftermath faded in the community although never disappeared. More than a century later an older woman living in the city center in Reykjavík with spiritual abilities started to receive messages from the other side. The woman herself with roots to Vatnsnes Peninsula soon understood that Agnes was contacting her asking for religious justice and begging for a grave for her remains to be buried in a cemetery and to be blessed in holy ground. She also asked for her and Friðriks bodies and heads to be jointed in the grave. As no one knew where the heads were, she gave the woman the exact spot, not far from the bodies near the execution place. As the bishop of Iceland accepted to dig up the graves, the bodies were taken to a cemetery and blessed. Oddly the heads were found at the exact location Agnes hand pointed out more than a century after her execution. Burial rites and a film directed by Luca Guadagniono starring Jennifer Lawrence as Agnes The remains of the old house at Illugastaðir farm Burial Rites is a novel written by Hannah Kent inspired by this story. The novel focuses on Agnes and the time she waits for her execution. The book was published in 2013 and is a bestseller and has been translated into many languages. It is soon to be filmed and directed by Luca Guadagniono and Jennifer Lawrence has accepted to play the role of Agnes. Apparently the plan is to film at Vatnsnes, and sure enough, Illugastaðir farm will be at the center. This story and the farm is one of many examples where landscape and history mingle in Iceland. If  you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the three important things you need to know and the type of car that would be best for your trip!

Viewing the seals at Illugastaðir farm Viewing animals in their natural environment is a great experience far beyond seeing animals in a zoo, especially if you can see them gathered in numbers. Illugastaðir farm is a place where you can view seals and their natural environment, their quarrels and their love for each other. A place where the animals are free to leave if they don't like to be looked at or even put on a show if they are interested in putting on a show. You can sit and watch their life in a place where nothing has changed in hundreds of years. This is precisely what you can do at the Illugastaðir seal colony. A great place to take kids on a Iceland tour When is the best time A seal swimming by Illugastaðir farm If you don't intend to spend a lot of time at the seal colony, you might want to take the advice from the Seal Center at Hvammstangi town nearby. It is recommended that you arrive at Illugastaðir two hours before low tide and you will have a good possibility of viewing seals in numbers until two hours after low tide. During this time seals spend time chilling on the rocks, sleeping and relaxing. If you want to take photos near seals, you need to be careful and walk slowly and keep distance and use a telephoto lens. Most of the seals are quite social in their behavior but most of the time not eager to meet humans. But if they do, you are in luck and “keep calm and still until the seals’ natural actions have taken it away from your vicinity,” as is stated in the Code of Conduct in the Advice For Sustainable Wildlife Tourism in Iceland. At Illugastaðir you will find excellent facilities to see and view seals and can easily spend hours to enjoy this spectacular place of seeing animals in their natural homes. How to get to Illugastaðir Seal Colony Happy seals at Illugastaðir farm Vatnsnes Peninsula Iceland Illugastaðir is an old farm located approximately 30 kilometers from the Ring Road in the northwestern region in Iceland. So the tour from the main road is about sixty kilometers and you need to allow for one to one and a half hour for driving as most of the road is a gravel road. You take a turn north on the road Hvammstangavegur Nr. 72 and once to are passed the small town you continue on the road Nr. 711. And on your way back you must stop at the Seal Center in Hvammstangi and also enjoy some of the nice cafés and restaurants the charming small town offers. Hvammstangi also has one of the best camping areas in Iceland if you are traveling by car and camping, which is a great idea if you are traveling with kids during summer.

A magical feeling inside a ice cave I started my four and a half hour drive early as the weather forecast was great. I was on my way to visit Ice Caves for my information web page Hit Iceland. Although I had traveled to most places in Iceland in the last two years, I had not visited an Ice Cave. I anticipated a magnificent mountain and glacier view along the way and wanted to have time to photograph before reaching my destination. I was on my way to Jökulsárlón where I was to meet Little Siggi, an ice cave tour operator at South East Tours. Fortunately, I had about two hours to spare for photography. The drive is part of the Ring Road in Iceland from Reykjavík where I live to the famous iceberg lagoon Jökulsárlón. The place where Little Siggi has his meeting point. The weather was great, and I consistently found myself stopping the car and running out with the camera. Little Siggi the tour operator knows his way around the area Siggi Litli preparing for security matters in the ice cave Arriving at Jökulsárlón, I was greeted by (Siggi Litli) Little Siggi who is not so little despite the nickname. Sounds like a name that he got stuck with him when growing up in the small town Höfn, not far from Jökulsárlón. Little Siggi is a local operator who knows the terrain, the glacier, the ice caves and the whole area like the palm of his hand. A man who goes out of his way to avoid driving over elves as he knows where they live. The Black Dimond cave with a hole in the bottom Inside the Black Diamond ice cave The first cave was Black Dimond a rather small and dark ice cave. The reason for the dark color is the ash from a major eruption in the glacier Öræfajökull ages ago. Ash stuck in the ice but clearly visible through the transparent layer of clean ice in front of it. Although small the cave has a narrow path that I crawled to see the hole at the end. Crystal Cave in Vatnajökull Glacier The stunning ice and blue colour inside the ice cave The second ice-cave, Crystal Cave, is much bigger and quite popular among our visitors. It is a breathtaking sight to walk the large cave with its blue color above you and the transparent layer of ice. You can't help thinking if there is something stuck in the ice from another century. Possibly an old Viking that got lost centuries ago and the glacier has protected. It is simply a very unusual place to visit and a very rare sight. How cool is a selfie inside the spectacular formation of a blue ice cave? Ice cave photography To enter an ice cave placed under and at the end of a glacier tongue is a unique experience. The caves are natural wonder created by mother nature during summer and accessible during winter. In the spring when temperature rises and glaciers are exposed to the sun, ice melts and water filled with mud and rocks finds its way under the glacier crawling to the edge of the glacier tongue. In the process, the rivers under the glaciers polish the ice and create caves. When winter returns, the melting and floods come to an end, and the caves become accessible, and you can enter this dreamlike world of blue ice caves. Accessible during November until March The entrace to the ice cave One of the most popular and most accessible places to explore an ice cave is Breiðamerkurjökull glacier tongue at the edge of the large ice cap Vatnajökull in southeast Iceland. Although the caves are accessible from the Ring Road, the dirt road to the caves are quite challenging and at some points dangerous. It is a deceiving place as some of the harsh dirt roads are actually placed on ice with possible crevasses under the road. So driving on the roads requires some local knowledge. The roads are also hard to drive and more or less only fit for large modified 4X4 vehicles. And anyhow you should only enter an ice cave with a guide and equipped with the appropriate gear. Placed near the Jökulsárlón lagoon Standing inside the ice cave is a fascinating experience Visiting an ice cave is one of the exciting things you can do in Iceland during winter. Although this season is the most interesting for tourists, there are many things you can do and experience. Jökulsárlón iceberg lagoon is one of the natural wonders you can visit and enjoy all year round. Most of the companies and guides offering ice cave tours operate from the Jökulsárlón center. Our tour was with one of the most experienced companies, South East, and its owner Siggi litli (Little Siggi).

Iceland i a perfect country to take kids and a family tour If you are thinking about and planning a holiday with the kids, Iceland should be on your destination list for many reasons. The most obvious reason is the same as for other tourists and visitors, the diversity of natural wonders, landscapes, and choices of things to see. Most kids are curious and love to see waterfalls, glaciers, icebergs, and real volcanoes. An old crater that once, and sometimes just recently, spewed glowing magma from the ground and delivered fire, lava, and dark smoke in all directions. It is part of the children's adventure mind to be interested in seeing a location that possibly was, or is, a home of a dragon. A vacation in Iceland is always an adventure. The many adventurous things to do with your kid There are many adventures in Iceland Standing at the entrance of an incredible canyon like Fjaðrárgljúfur is a thing a young mind will never forget. That also applies to sailing on an iceberg lagoon between large and cold icebergs at Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón. Walking behind a waterfall with your parents on a narrow path, like Seljalandsfoss, is an adventure a child will probably not forget. And how about those mysterious mountains and cliffs home to trolls feared by the elves living in small hills below. Would a child not enjoy seeing the geyser Strokkur blow the seam twenty meters into the air or a magnificent waterfall like Dynjandi? And visit Rauðfeldsgjá, where you have an exciting mix of our Sagas, history, folklore, landscapes, and the artwork of Mother Nature. How to travel on a family tour in Iceland A small waterfall in a ravine Most of the natural wonders in Iceland are reachable in an ordinary family car in a timespan of a few days. Reasonable accommodations and excellent hotels are available in every region of Iceland. It is also possible to spend weeks traveling between exciting places and magnificent natural wonders in Iceland and constantly see new things. And suppose you want to see anything more than natural wonders in the landscape. In that case, you can take them on a stunning Whale Watching tour in Húsavík, hike up to the top of Drangey island and see puffins up close, dip into the geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar, and hike into the mysterious Drekagil. On our website, you will find many interesting places for kids. Iceland is also one of the safest countries in the world, with no dangerous animals, which makes it more attractive to families with young children. The best way and best time to travel with kids in Iceland Iceland countryside and Highland are great places to take kids and family Traveling in a rental car or your own vehicle, if you prefer to take the ferry from Denmark, is the best option, and the best time of year for such a family tour is June to the end of August. In late August, it is possible to see the Northern Lights. The most exciting way for kids is to do some camping and stay in a tent on some of the many camping sites in Iceland. Places like Skaftafell, Þórsmörk, or Ásbyrgi or one of many camping sites that you find in every town or village along the Ring Road. You will also find great swimming pools with geothermal water in almost every small village or town in Iceland. This a great option if you don't want to buy the costly admission to the Blue Lagoon. Wherever you camp, Iceland has no terrible insects or other dangerous creatures to worry about. It is a very safe country and ideal for a family vacation for kids. Take your family on a healty vacation to Iceland