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Borgarvirki, or The Rocky Hill Fortification If you were to build a perfect fortification and place it in a strategically relevant place, it might still not match the rock formation Borgarvirki. Located approximately 180 meters above sea level with a magnificent view in every direction, Borgarvirki has a strategically unparallel placement. Although it looks very much like a man-made fortification, it is actually a natural formation. Mostly referred to as a defense shelter, it is also a great place for viewing the surrounding area. There is a good parking lot by Borgarvirki and only a short, interesting walk to the entrance. It is also easy to walk up to the brim and almost the whole circle on top. North West Region Map It is definitely interesting as a natural wonder of basalt columns. Borgarvirki, or The Rocky Hill Fortification Borgarvirki or The Rocky Hill Fortification, as it could be translated into English, is a rocky hill made of basalt columns. The rocky hill is 10 to 15 meters high with a hollow in the middle, surrounded by 6-meter walls, and has only one entrance to the east. It is not big and has probably never housed a large group of armed men. Although most of what happened from settlement to medieval times is quite well documented in Iceland in the Sagas, there is no mention of any battle at Borgarvirki. There is one story, though, about Víga Barði and his flock of local farmers using it as a defense against a flock of thugs from the western part of Iceland. For the attackers, it was impossible to enter Borgarvirki, so they decided to wait until huger forced Víga Barði and his people out of the fortress. But when they started to throw food from the inside of Borgarvirki to the attackers after days of waiting, the thugs from the west gave up, thinking that Víga Barði and his people had food that would sustain them for weeks or months. So, the idea that it was at some point a fortification is only a speculation. One of the reasons why stories about it being a fortification have developed is because its entrance is a stonewall that was built hundreds of years ago. But as a natural wonder, Borgarvirki is interesting to visit and has a noteworthy geological formation. Moreover, it is easily accessible from the Ring Road in Iceland. Borgarvirki is located only 10 kilometers from the Ring Road Borgarvirki is located only 10 kilometers from the Ring Road or Road 1 in Iceland on a turn to the north on Road 716. It is also only a short walk from the parking lot to the top of Borgarvirki. There you can enjoy both the magnificent view over Vatnsdalur to the south and Vatnsnes to the north. You will also get to see the magnificent basalt column formation! 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!

Drangey island When driving in Skagafjörður fjord in the northern region of Iceland, you will be impressed by a huge rock island towering majestically in the middle of the fjord. The rock is visible from the Ring Road as you approach Vamahlíð, a small hamlet, originating from the mountain pass Vatnsskarð between Húnavatnssýsla and Skagafjörður. Geologically, Drangey island is a remnant of an old volcano and is mostly made of volcanic tuff. To the icelanders, the geological explanation of the island’s origins was somewhat dull, so they came up with another explanation: Two night-prowling trolls once crossed the fjord with their cow in tow. They were rather slow in their movement and were caught in the early morning sunlight. It is known that the rays of sun turn trolls into stones. Thus, the man, woman, and cow turned into stones on the spot. The cow turned into Drangey island; the woman became Kerling (old hag), which is the stack south of Drangey, and a stack north of Drangey became Karl (man). Unfortunately, some centuries ago, the man collapsed and disappeared into the ocean as a large earthquake shook Skagafjörður. Map of North West Region in Iceland A place where the famous Icelandic bad boy and outlaw Grettir Ásmundarson found a sanctuary A steap path up to the top at Drangey island Drangey is first mentioned in the Icelandic Grettis saga. The island is the place where the notorious murderer Grettir found refuge after being outlawed. Grettir is considered to be the strongest man ever to bear the title “Icelander.” He was mean, evil, grumpy, and ill-spirited. He was also a miserable and unlucky person; when he experienced a lack of trouble, he strongly believed that misfortune would find him. Since early childhood, he was in trouble and always created problems for himself and others. He survived in Drangey for 3 years until he was slain in a dramatic sequence of events. Grettir swam from Drangey to the shore where Grettislaug , a natural pool, is found today. He then came ashore naked and fell asleep. In Grettis saga, written in the 12thcentury, two women find him lying on the grass. To their surprise, this huge and strong man has an unusually small penis. A steep path to the top The view on top of Drangey island is spectacular in the middle of Skagafjörður fjord Drangey is a mass of tuff, flat on the top, rising almost 200 meters out of the ocean. The cliffs serve as nesting sites for around a million seabirds, and among them is a Puffin colony. Throughout centuries, locals have visited the cliffs for egg collection and bird netting. There is only one trail leading to the top. It is quite steep and not for the faint-hearted or those who have acrophobia. There are tours to Drangey during the summer from the town of Sauðárkrókur. You can also visit Grettislaug, a hot pool, which is located around 30 kilometers north of Sauðárkrókur, where you can relax and camp at Reykir.

Grettislaug geothermal pool in Skagafjörður fjord There are many natural hot pools in Iceland. Most of these pools that draw attraction are natural geothermal hot springs that blend in with a small creek or a cold stream out in nature and mix into a bearable temperature. One of the most popular and well-known is the pool in Landmannalaugar in the Highland or the more remotely-located one called Strútslaug . Usually, those natural pools are made by nature, without any or little help from man. On the other hand, some pools like Grettislaug are made and built by men. Most of these pools have been around as long as anyone can remember and are even mentioned in our literature. The most famous one used for relaxation and well-being is Snorralaug , which was often used by the famous writer and chieftain Snorri Sturluson at his home in Reykholt in the early 13th century. Map of North West Region in Iceland Grettir: the strongest man who ever lived in Iceland Jarlslaug geothermal pool At the Reykjaströnd shoreline in Skagafjörður fjord on the farm Reykir, which is 40 kilometers or 25 miles from the Ring Road at Varmahlíð, when you turn north on Road nr. 75, you will find two small pools. One is called Grettislaug (the pool of Grettir) and the other one, Jarlslaug (the Earl´s pool). Grettislaug refers to Grettir, who was regarded as the strongest man in the Icelandic Sagas, and Jarlslaug refers to the farmer Jón Eiríksson, who passed away just recently and was kind of a legend. He earned his nickname Jarl or Earl because of his countless tours and knowledge of the rock island Drangey. Jón was given the name ‘the Earl of Drangey’ by his friends and the public. Man-made pools at Reykir Geothermal pool in Skagafjörður fjord As the owner of the farm Reykir, Jón built both pools using natural springs with water coming exactly at the right temperature from the ground. Hot Springs have been there for hundreds of years. According to the saga about Grettir, there was a pool or a hot spring in that place around 1100 years ago. Then, Grettir swam from Drangey island to the shore. Reykir and the two man-made pools are a great place to stop and rest, while enjoying the beautiful landscape in Skagafjörður. You will also have a great view of Drangey, and it is ideal to read the saga Grettissaga before you dip into the pool Grettislaug . You can only imagine how relaxing it must have been for Grettir to come from the cold sea from the rock Drangey and rest for hours in the hot spring. Unfortunately, for the infamous outlaw, who was renowned for his strength and dominating presence, a secret was reviled. The day after when he was lying inside the house at Reykir, two women came into the room and saw him naked on the bed. To their dismay, he was as massive as expected but as discussed between them, they were quite embarrassed by how "small he was built downwards." Possibly, that was the root of his endless problems! 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. For those who are interested in dipping into the pool, there are fine facilities at Reykir to change into a swimming suit. You can also visit Grettislaug, a hot pool, which is located around 30 kilometres north of Sauðárkrókur, where you can relax and camp at Reykir. Grettislaug is now part of my Ring Road vacation article .

Hólar í Hjaltadal Hólar í Hjaltadal usually referred to as simply "Hólar", a site of historical buildings and archeological excavation, played a significant role in Iceland's history from the twelfth century until the eighteenth. After the Icelanders had converted to Christianity, Hólar became the Episcopal see in the north with Skálholt serving the same function in the south. Still, Hólar didn't become a diocese until 1106. Map of North West Iceland During the next seven centuries, it was one of Iceland's two main cultural and educational centers. There was a monastery on the premises, where monks produce manuscripts and transcripts. The first printing press in Iceland was set up in Hólar in 1530. Old Icelandic family home at Hólar í Hjaltadal Such a center would always be highly political in a medieval society, which became quite apparent in 1550. Jón Arason was the last presiding bishop at Hólar. He defended his church and his faith through a fierce conflict. The conflict ended when Arason was arrested and transported to Skálholt. There he was beheaded along with his two sons who both were Catholic priests. The Hjatadalur valley Ever since Arason's time, there has been a church in Hólar. In 1759-63, the present Baroque-style church was built in Hólar. It is the second-oldest building in Iceland. The main altarpiece, with its ornate carvings, originated in Germany around 1500 and was, ironically, donated to the church by Arason. In 1882, an Agricultural College was founded at Hólar. It was renamed Hólar University College in 2003. Hólar is also home to the Center for the History of the Icelandic horse. 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.

Illugastaðir farm 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 of Strandir, the east shore of the Westfjords, and the mountains on the Vatnsnes Peninsula. It is a beautiful place to visit and a pleasant place to enjoy peaceful nature. But the farm also has a very dark and shocking history from the 19th century. Map of North West Region in Iceland A scene of a crime in the early nineteenth century The ruins of the old shop and house In 1828 a quack named Natan Ketilsson lived at the farm Illugastaðir with three other people. Pétur Jónsson was 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 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 toward 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 Peter's 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 Ruins at Illugastaðir farm 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 bloodshed 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 ax and the execution block were sent from Copenhagen as Iceland was at the time part of the Danmark. Both items are 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 on unholy ground. Although the crime was horrible many were even more horrified by this act of immorality by authorities 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 Illugastaðir surroundings 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 of Reykjavík with spiritual abilities started to receive messages from the other side. The woman herself with roots in 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 on holy ground. She also asked for her and Friðrik's 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 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 type of car that would be best for your trip.

Hafnarfjörður harbour Hafnarfjörður consists mostly of residential areas and two relatively large industrial areas in addition to the crucial harbor. This third largest town in Iceland has thus more characteristics of a town rather than just a suburb from Reykjavík. The population is 28.189 in 2016, according to official numbers. Hafnarfjörður, like Kópavogur and other towns in the larger capital city area, has gained considerably from its neighbor Reykjavík. One could argue that Reykjavík municipal lacked significantly in urban planning and land development for years, with the consequence that both businesses and people floated to the neighboring towns. Hafnarfjörður is part of the capital city Reykjavík area Hafnarfjörður is an attractive town with a significant history There are many spectacular and beautiful old houses in Hafnarfjörður In recent decades, the growth has been extensive in Hafnarfjörður. Unlike Kópavogur and Garðabær, though, the town has a much deeper and longer history. The name Hafnarfjörður has a clear historical reference. It means the bay of harbor. From early on, as far back as the 15th century, Hafnarfjörður was a trading post and later became a significant trading center. The harbor was also important in developing Iceland's fishing industry and fishing trade from the early 18th century. Over the years, new techniques in fishing and initiative in the fishing industry came from Hafnarfjörður. Today the fishing industry is still important to the town´s economy. Hafnarfjörður, unfortunately, has a rather sad town center Art museum in Hafnarfjörður town The center of Hafnarfjörður is the oldest part of the town. Built on a beautiful slope that gives the town a unique character. Some of the old houses are quite impressive, and the old town is beautiful. Interestingly, many old houses have been renovated in recent years, and many are gorgeous. Sadly a major mistake occurred in Hafnarfjörður when the town’s main street and the center were rebuilt two or three decades ago. Instead of rebuilding old houses and keeping the town’s character, authorities decided to build huge and clumsy buildings in the center that totally overshadows the old and interesting part of the town. People who live in Hafnarfjörður love it A new neighborhood in Hafnarfjörður Hafnarfjörður provides excellent services for its residents. Most people living in Hafnarfjörður are satisfied with the schools, kindergarten, swimming pools, sports teams, and welfare system for young and old in the community. Most would agree that living in Hafnarfjörður is nice. One of the most active and interesting cultural centers in Iceland is in Hafnarfjörður, Hafnarborg − The Hafnarfjörður Centre of Culture and Fine Art. Hafnarborg is probably one of the leading cultural centers in showing exciting new and old fine art. From the 14th to the 17th of June every year, Hafnarfjörður becomes a modern-day paradise for Vikings and people interested in Viking history. Just days before Summer Solstice, the town celebrates the growing and popular Viking Festival. 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.

Kolugljúfur in Húnavatssýsla. It is a place you do not want to miss if you are driving through the area. When driving the main road, the Ring Road, in North Iceland, most of the natives are in a hurry. Mostly trying to get as fast as possible from Reykjavík to Akureyri or any other town or village in the Northern Region. As a result, they usually miss one of nature's most stunning sculptures, Kolugljúfur, also referred to as Kolugil. Kolugljúfur is a gorge in the river Víðidalsá river, a great salmon river running through the valley of Víðidalur. The canyon is one km long, approximately 25 meters deep and a stone's throw away from the main road. You'll find a few beautiful waterfalls in the gorge, the most impressive one being the majestic Kolufoss, of course. It is a spectacular sight and one of many impressive natural wonders in Víðidalur and Vatnsdalur valleys, in the west part of the Northern region, often referred to as Map of North West Region in Iceland Named after a giantess Kolugljúfur canyon in northwest Iceland Kolugljúfur is the gorge's name and is located in front of the farm Víðidalstunga. The river drops into the gorge in two scenic waterfalls named Kolufossar falls. Like many natural wonders in Iceland, the gorge has a folklore story explaining its name and role in the past. Kolugljúfur derives its name from the giantess Kola, who lived on a ledge in the gorge where she had found a rather convenient place. After a good night's sleep, she would sometimes throw her bare hand into the stream to catch salmon for breakfast that she would eat raw on an empty stomach. Sometimes though, she would also throw it into the nearby Koluketill Kettle, a hole in the ground with boiling water. There she would cook her catch for lunch or dinner. From the stories related to Kola, she absolutely loved salmon. Her love for this place was practical and not specifically to enjoy the natural wonder like most of us today. Finding Kolugljúfur and remember to take caution Kolugljúfur Kolugljúfur is in Viðidalur valley west of the town Blönduós not far from Hvítserkur. When on the Ring Road keep your eye open for a turn south on Road Nr. 715 Víðidalsvegur. After you take the turn, you drive around 6 kilometers and you are there. Keep in mind that the gorge is quite spectacular, and caution is needed. The river is often quite forceful and the sight amazing. 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 story of Agnes the alleged killer and Natan the victim, their alleged love affair, the murders Practically on the Ring Road in Húnavatnssýsla district in the northwestern region of Iceland is an interesting place called Þrístapar or Triple Hillocks. Although this part of the area is well known for its cone-like hillocks called Vatnsdalshólar (Water-valley-hillocks), most of the small hillocks are on the south side of the road. Hundreds (or some say thousands) of them in a cluster called Vatnsdalshólar scattered over a five square kilometer area. Þrístapar on the other hand, which consists of three adjoining small hillocks, is on the north side of the road. Around them are only two or three other smaller ones. So they stand out when you look to the north when driving the Ring Road . Map of North West Region in Iceland The last execution was in 1830 Þrístapar in Húnavatnssýsla But the Triple Hillocks stand out for another reason. On a cold day at the beginning of January in 1830, a double beheading took place at Þrístapar, when Agnes Magnúsdóttir and Friðrik Sigurðsson were executed. They had been sentenced to death for murdering Natan Ketilsson and Pétur Jónsson at the farm Illugastaðir, located on the west side of the Vatnsnes Peninsula. The slaying took place two years before in March 1828 and was quite brutal as both men were knocked through the skull with a hammer, stabbed multiple times, and burned when the farm was put to flames after the atrocity. As the district commissioner at the time of execution was of the opinion that vandalism was far too frequent in his jurisdiction, he decided to make the execution an example and a warning. After the beheading, the two heads were put on a stick-on top of Þrístapar for display, and the corpse buried in the field nearby. Þrístapar and the magnificent story of Agnes The story of Agnes, the alleged killer, and Natan, the victim, has captivated and haunted the people of Iceland for years. Their purported love affair, the murders, the social background of the events, the prosecution, the verdict, and the aftermath surrounding the case have sparked considerable intrigue. The events at Þrístapar have led to disputes among writers, locals, and academics. It is no surprise that Þrístapar, along with the Illugastaðir farm, has become emblematic of this tragic tale. The setting encompasses a large area within the district. Due to the gruesome nature of the crime, the bodies were disposed of near Þrístapar after being beheaded, without any blessing. It wasn’t until June 1934 that the remains of Agnes and Friðrik were finally laid to rest in the cemetery at Tjörn, including the heads, which were discovered in a mysterious manner decades later, after they had disappeared shortly after the execution. Will the pauper and abundant child Agnes become a historical celebrity? Agnes Magnúsdóttir was an exceptionally intelligent and articulate woman, yet she faced significant socio-economic challenges from the moment of her birth. Abandoned by her mother at a young age, she grew up in impoverished conditions, reliant on the goodwill of others. Despite these hardships, she possessed the ambition and intellect to aspire to a higher social standing. Ironically, Agnes has emerged as one of the most notable figures from her region in Iceland and is increasingly recognized on an international scale. Interest in her story has surged following the publication of Hannah Kent's debut historical novel, "Burial Rites," in 2013, which chronicles Agnes's life and the events leading to her execution. This heightened attention was further amplified by the announcement of a forthcoming film adaptation featuring Jennifer Lawrence in the role of Agnes. Consequently, travelers traversing the Ring Road in Iceland, or those visiting the seal colony at Illugastaðir or the Hvítserkur stack on the beach by Vatnsnes, are encouraged to make a stop at Þrístapar to engage with this historically significant narrative. 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.

Staðarbjörg basalt column cliffs Basalt column is a captivating formation of rocks. It is one of many creations of nature that visitors in Iceland are interested in as the structure is often quite beautiful and unique. Although Staðarbjörg small basalt column cliffs by the Staðarbjargarvík cove in the tiny village of Hofsós are rather accessible, the place has not drawn much attention. It is probably still a kind of hidden gem as it is a good place with easy access to see the basalt column formation. The small cliffs are impressive as they rise from the sore in their regular formation. It is also relatively easy to step onto part of the rocks although caution is required when climbing on rocks and cliffs. The formation with the magnificent fjord Skagafjörður in the background is a great place to take interesting photos. Compared to many other basalt column formations in Iceland Staðarbjörg is an impressive sight. Map of North Region Iceland The cliffs are actually a small trading post or hamlet inhabited by elves Basalt Column by Hofsós small village A story of a poor farmer whose wool was declined by the local merchant at Hofsós some centuries ago has been preserved and gives a deeper sight into the cliffs. As he was heading back from the store with his wool in desperation, a stranger approached him. He invited him into the cliffs at Staðarbjörg, and to the farmer’s disbelief, it was actually a small, beautiful village full of life and elves. The stranger told him that he was also a merchant and traded with a ship that arrived each year the first week of summer. He offered to trade with him and told him that his wool was much better than the merchant at the Hofsós store had suggested. He also gave him a beautiful scarf as a gift to his wife. They agreed to do a wool trade each year, and their arrangement would be a secret. The farmer upheld that agreement but told the story on his deathbed. Fortunately for us, we can now see how a beautiful small elf village looks. Learn about the discovery of Stuðlagil Canyon. Finding your way to Hofsós and Staðarbjörg Staðarbjörg basalt columns by the coast at Hofsós village When you are driving the Ring Road in Iceland in the Northern Region in Skagafjörður, you need to take a turn on Road Nr. 76 Siglufjarðarvegur. The distance to Hofsós is 42 kilometers. By the shore below the fantastic swimming pool in Hofsós, there are a few steps down on a staircase. When you are down by the coast, you have a great view of this beautiful basalt column formation and apparently a small elf village. 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.

Bárðarlaug at Snæfellsnes Peninsula Bárðarlaug is a small lake or a pond near road nr. 574, the road that goes around the glacier Snæfellsjökull at Snæfellsnes Peninsula. When you take the turn to Hellnar on the road, nr. 5730, the lake is on your right, and a parking lot is about ten minutes from the lake. The part of the name "laug" in this context means bath. So, the term is really the bath of Bárður Snæfellsás, referring to the mystical person that has hovered over the area around Mt. Snæfellsjokull as well as the glacier for centuries. Bárðarlaug was given the status of a natural monument in 1980 and thus became part of the preservation of critical natural wonders in Iceland and is today an essential part of the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Map of West Region in Iceland A bath for Bárður approximately eleven hundred years ago Supposedly the lake was his bath when he was among mortals, the son of a human mother and a half-troll, and as everyone knows, his spirit is still around as the protector of the glacier and the neighboring area. Many of the names of the nearby landscape have the word bath attached, which indicates that when Iceland was settled, the lake was warm and used for bathing by others, and not only by Bárður but also by other people living in the area. A peaceful crater with a stunning view In geological terms, the lake is an old spatter cone that has slept silently for ages, finding it more convenient to house water rather than erupting fire. It is renowned for its elliptical form. It is an amazingly peaceful place to visit when you walk the short slope down to the water. Suppose Bárður and the glacier are in a good mood, and the beautiful white glacier reveals itself with the blue sky behind. In that case, the moment becomes magical, and you might feel the extraordinary power of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. 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.

Mt. Baula in Borgarfjörður Some mountains in Iceland are more impressive than others. It doesn't have to do with size or magnitude. It has more to do with its role and identity. Baula in Borgarfjörður is one of those mountains. Like Keilir on the Reykjanes Peninsula Baula is known to most Icelanders. At the mere mention of those two mountains, everyone can instantly visualize them and their surroundings. Like Keilir, Baula is cone-shaped and has forever served as a landmark for travelers. When you pass Baula, you are leaving the south part of Iceland and venturing on the dangerous Holtavörðuheiði moor, where the weather can be portentous. The mountain marks the end of the secure world when traveling from the south – and means you have reached safety when traveling from the north. West Region in Iceland Map Apart from being a landmark, the Baula Mountain is quite beautiful with its red and orange hues caused by its rhyolite rock composition. It is 934 meters high and was created approximately 3 million years ago. Geologically it is classified as an intrusion. In geological terms, it is a batholith, which is a mass of rock that has been thrust upwards from deep within the earth. Nearby you'll find Litla-Baula (Tiny Baula), where rare columnar strands of rhyolite are to be found. Together, Baula and Litla-Baula are considered the most beautiful pair of mountains in Iceland. 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.

Hiking to Eldborg crater The crater Eldborg, at Mýrar, is extraordinary for many reasons. It has a beautiful shape and is quite noticeable as it stands alone 100 meters above sea level majestically over its surroundings. It is a place where you can see and understand what a crater is. You can't miss it when driving on the Road NR 54, at Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Eldborg is part of the Snæfellsnes Road Trip , which is described in more detail in a separate article. Map of West Region in Iceland The crater has a regular oval form with a diameter of 200 meters and a depth of 50 meters. The sides are quite thin and steep, on the inside and outside, making it difficult to walk the rim; but, it has adequate space to stand on, when you climb all the way up. It is an amazing natural structure, like a fortress or a castle, built for the protection of the 32 square kilometers of lava that the magma delivered at times of eruption. And that is really what a crater is: a hole in the ground that delivers lava when a magma surfaces in an eruption and builds this great natural wonder. Eruption in historical times Eldborg the crater at Mýrar Snæfellsnes Peninsula The crater erupted in historical times, right about when people were first coming to settle on this challenging island, around twelve hundred years ago. The eruption is even mentioned in our Book of Settlement telling a story of a farm that the fire consumed right where the crater stands today. And then the lava started cooling and began to foster all kinds of plants moss and small trees. A moderate hike Climbing up to the brim is a bit steep This natural wonder is a great place to visit; but it requires a hike. When you walk to the crater through the lava, it is interesting to keep the recent Geldingadalir eruption, at Reykjanes Peninsula, in mind. When you stand on the rim and view the surrounding area, you can only imagine the large farmland the eruption and the lava ruined. After people left the glowing lava field, the lava started to cool and began to foster all kinds of plants, moss, small trees, and vegetation. By comparing the tow and the lava surrounding the craters, you can visually perceive how nature changes over the course of time, how vegetation develops, and how the lava rocks change. It is one of the reasons why it is so interesting and educational for children traveling in Iceland, who come on family tours to see the craters and go hiking in the area. Eruption in historical times or much earlier Hiking up to the top of Eldborg crater The crater erupted in historical times, right about when people first started arriving to settle on this challenging island; this was around twelve hundred years ago, according to the sagas. The eruption is even mentioned in the Book of Settlement, which tells a story of a farm that the fire consumed, right where the crater stands today. And then, we have the geologists and the scientists. According to geological research, the eruption in Eldborg was probably around four thousand years ago, long before the settlers arrived. For the purpose of enjoying Eldborg, both explanations are interesting and contribute to the mystique of Eldborg. When you stand at the top, you visually take in the crater, the lava, and the extended view, all the way to the end of Snæfellsnes Peninsula¾with the beautiful Snæfellsjökull glacier standing tall at the end of the horizon. How to find and go to Eldborg Eldborg is easily accessible; although; it takes a bit of effort. You take a left turn if you are driving from Reykjavík and coming from Borgarnes toward the farm Snorrastadir, Road 5610. There is a parking lot, by the farm, which offers accommodation as part of the Icelandic Farm Holidays. Here, the walk to the edge of the crater is around three kilometers, which is approximately a 40-minute walk. So, if you decide to take this excellent walk, through the beautiful lava landscape up to the crater, expect to spend about two and a half hours or more, depending on the time you take to click photos. 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.