Reykjavík, with its 10 districts, is the capital of Iceland. It is one of the most exciting places to visit if you are in Iceland. I can confirm this because I have lived in Reykjavík for most of my life and I love the city. I have also lived in Toronto in Canada and San Diego in California for many years, so I have a measure of comparison. Although labeled as a city, it is more like a small town when measured by population or other indicators for towns and cities in comparison with cities around the globe. How many people live in Reykjavík? The population of Reykjavík in January of 2023 was approximately 140.000, similar to a small town or a village in the US or Europe. On the other hand, Reykjavík has a character that is more like a large city on the scale of activity, the number of restaurants and hotels, the culture, the initiative, as well as the adventure. Reykjavík thrives in all kinds of cultural activities. It is a city of live music, conferences, restaurants, museums, shopping, art, design, festivals, nightlife, and much more all year round. It is a beautiful city to visit and a great city to live in. It is a place you don't want to miss if you visit Iceland. It is hard not to visit Reykjavík because of its closeness to the international airport in Keflavík, and it is a great place to begin your tour. Reykjavík has been an important place in Iceland from the time of settlement The city was also one of the first places of settlement in Iceland in the 9th century. Ingólfur Arnarson, the first Viking to take up permanent residence in Iceland, flooded his honorary pillars from his ceremonial chair to help the Pagan gods, Óðinn, Thor, Freyja, and other interesting characters, who were part of his religion, guide him to his permanent home in the new and untouched land, Iceland. Apparently, the gods landed the pillars in Reykjavík, and this is where Arnarson settled. Reykjavík has been an inseparable part of Icelandic history ever since. It is one of the most prominent places in Iceland and one of the most important historical and geographical landmarks. When in Reykjavík, you should check out the harbor and waterfront as well as walk the Sculpture & Shore Walk along the northern shore from Harpa Conference Center to Höfði House. You should also check out Hallgrímskirkja Church, a famous landmark, that has a statue of Leif Ericson, the man who discovered America, in front of the church. You should also check out Perlan, the geothermal dome. For shopping, you should take a stroll on Laugavegur and Skolavörðustgur, where you will find modern designs and a different city center. The center of Iceland In and near the city center, there is a great selection of accommodation ranging from luxury apartments to wonderful hotels. Like in any city, staying near the center is a good choice for those who would like to take walks in the city or spend some part of the Iceland tour shopping. Also, for those who wish to enjoy a great selection of top restaurants, the flora of good restaurants and places to dine in Reykjavík is comparable to much larger cities. Although Iceland has a very poor food tradition for many reasons, today, on the one hand, we have great raw material of fish, lamb and lettuce that we grow in greenhouses, and outstanding chefs on the other—a combination that just can’t go wrong. Reykjavík districts For anyone coming to Reykjavík, it is good to know the districts, where they are with reference to the center and how they have developed. Each district bears characteristics from the time it was developed and established—ranging from Vesturbær and the city center in the western part to the latest development in Grafarholt in the eastern part of the city. It is symbolic that Reykjavík has a rural district, Kjalarnes, given its nature and the short time that Iceland was completely an agricultural society. Here, people still have farms and agriculture. Reykjavík is also a city that offers a great selection of services to its residents. In most neighborhoods, you will find schools, sports centers, cultural centers, sports clubs, and basic services. You will also find accommodation and restaurants or cafés. All districts are peaceful with family-oriented lifestyles and neighborhoods.

Reykjanesbær, or Keflavík/Njarðvík town, with a population of approximately 20 thousand in 2023, is the leading hometown of the International Airport in Iceland and is also part of the Reykjanes Peninsula drive. Originally, Keflavik was a typical fishing farm and a fishing town from early on throughout the first half of the twentieth century. The town had a small harbor and a fish processing plant that was the livelihood of the residents. During World War II, the United States Army built a naval base for Iceland's defense and to secure the northern Atlantic route. The Army also built an airfield, later becoming Iceland's international airport. The military base was in operation until September 2006. During that time, thousands of U.S. soldiers lived on the base, sometimes with more than 5,000 military and civilian staff and family members. At the same time, many of the town's residents worked on the base. The U.S. military consequently became the biggest employer in Keflavík and Njarðvík, municipals that merged in Reykjanesbær in 1994. A Window to international culture This development during and after World War II gave Keflavík a different cultural character than any other place in Iceland. With the close relationship between Keflavík and the Naval base and radio and television broadcasting that began in the sixties, Keflavík became Iceland's window to international culture. The first major rock and roll band in Iceland, Hljómar, came from Keflavík and the town has always had a significant role in Icelandic pop culture. Reykjanesbær offers good service to its residents Reykjanesbær provides good essential services to residents. The town has preschools, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. Sports facilities, such as soccer fields and sports centers, are of high quality, and Reykjanesbær has one of the best swimming pools in Iceland. It also has an excellent music school since music has always been big in Reykjanesbær. In addition, the town has good soccer and basketball teams. In the 70s, the town council in Keflavík initiated a radical change in heating services and built a geothermal heating plant at Svartsengi. In a few years, homes in Reykjanesbær switched from oil heat to renewable energy. As a result, all homes and businesses in Reykjanesbær now have green energy, geothermal heating. Svartsengi is the home of the Blue Lagoon. A setback when the U.S. base was shot down Most of the houses in Reykjanesbær are single-family homes, although the town has many two- and three-family houses in addition to apartment buildings. Two significant setbacks hit the town in recent decades. First, as a fishing town up until the 80s, the town lost many fishing vessels and fishing companies to other towns and villages. Consequently, the fishing industry declined in the last two decades of the 20th century. In 2006, the American government decided, on rather short notice, to shut down its Naval base. This was a big blow to the town's economy, as the base had been its largest employer. A setback when the US base was shot down Most of the houses in Reykjanesbær are single-family homes, although the town has many two- and three-family houses in addition to apartment buildings. Two major setbacks hit the town in recent decades. As a fishing town up until the 80s, the town lost many fishing vessels and fishing companies to other towns and villages. Consequently, the fishing industry declined in the last two decades of the 20th century. In 2006, the American government decided, on rather short notice, to shut down its Naval base. This was a big blow to the town’s economy, as the base had been its largest employer. Most important town for tourism and the international airport Fortunately, the role and activity level of the international airport changed after 2006, as tourism started to grow. The airport played a fundamental role in that development, and it is now the biggest employer in Reykjanesbær. In addition, many small businesses and services have developed around tourism in recent years, such as accommodation, tour providers, and rental car companies. As a result, Reykjanesbær is an excellent place to stay when arriving and leaving Iceland. It is also a great place to accommodate if you decide to drive the fascinating Reykjanes Peninsula circle or hike to the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

Bíldudalur village sits on the southern coastline of the majestic fjord Arnarfjörður in the West Fjords. Arnarfjörður is one of the longest fjords in Iceland and displays an extraordinary landscape from its mouth to the bottom. Bíldudalur is the only village in the fjord and is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting stops in the West Fjords. The village has always been isolated and difficult to travel to and visit, especially in winter. However, in summer, every road from Bíldudalur leads to interesting places and enjoyable scenic drives, whether you are driving to the mouth of the fjord through all the valleys cutting into the mountains by the coastline or up to the mountain passes that take you to spectacular views and scenic drives. Iceland’s first significant entrepreneur lived in Bíldudalur Amazingly, in the second half of the 18th century, this tiny village was the home and center of operations for Iceland’s most prominent entrepreneur, Ólafur Thorlacius. Soon after the notorious Danish–Icelandic Trade Monopoly was abolished, Ólafur purchased all its assets and expanded his operation beyond anything comparable in Iceland at that time. Ólafur exported fish from Bíldudalur to Spain in his vessels and owned decked vessels when most people only had rowing boats. Quite interestingly, Ólafur found opportunities to build one of the most extensive operations of its time and accumulate unprecedented wealth in a remote place that most people associated with hardship and difficulties. In his lifetime, he expanded his business to other towns and became probably one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. Bíldudalur is a small village with a fascinating history Fortunately for Bíldudalur, some of Ólafur’s successors took the business to another level. For almost two centuries, Bíldudalur was one of the busiest towns for import and export in Iceland. In the 19th century, more houses were built in Bíldudalur than in most places in Iceland. However, as dashing as the village history might have been in the 18th and 19th centuries, the village took a downturn in the 20th century and never gained its former glory. Today it is a small struggling community, still economically dependent on fish and fisheries. Like most small villages in the West Fjords, it has been hit hard by the fishing quota system created by the Icelandic government in 1990. However, in recent years, Bíldudalur’s economy has again taken an interesting turn. Around 2010, a new aquaculture company, Arnarlax, started salmon farming in Arnarfjörður fjord with its main headquarters in Bíldudalur. The company is fast becoming one of Iceland’s largest fish farming companies with escalating exports. It was founded by an individual born and raised in Bíldudalur, so it seems as if the entrepreneurial spirit of Ólafur Thorlacius has not died. Today a struggling municipality like many West Fjords villages Bíldudalur is part of the municipality Vesturbyggð, which also includes the small village of Patreksfjörður. The community offers standard quality services provided by towns and villages in Iceland, such as a preschool, an elementary and middle school, a library, and a community center. In addition, the municipality collaborates in the Snæfellsnes high school, which has an annex in Patreksfjörður. There is also a good sports center. The fact that small towns in Iceland have good access to education and sports reflects the high value placed on education, well-being, and care for others in the community. Most of the houses in Bíldudalur are single-family houses from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s, and ‘70’s, and all homes are heated with electricity. Bíldudalur also offers accommodation, a good camping site, and a convenience store for those who are interested in stopping in Arnarfjörður when driving the West Fjords.

The population of Vogar village in 2024 is approximately 1500 Although Iceland was an agricultural society throughout history, some areas around the coastline were fishing communities that consisted of fishing farms and fishing posts. This reason was mostly due to the short distance to large and generous fishing grounds and the lack of fertile land. Some of these clusters of fishing farms also had trading posts where they traded stockfish for commodities. The town of Vogar on the Reykjanes peninsula, located between Reykjavík and the International Airport in Keflavík (Reykjanesbær), is such a place. A fishing town Even though the town's land area is quite large, it doesn’t have many economic advantages in an agricultural sense since the land consists mostly of lava. Fishing, fish processing, and fish trading have always had a central role in Vogar or Vatnsleysuströnd, the old municipal name. During the winter fishing season throughout the last three to four centuries, people came to those fishing posts from agricultural areas and farms around the country to seek work. At that time, the town was scattered over an area of 15 kilometers. A municipal with good basic service Today the municipality of Vogar offers good standard service to its residents of eleven hundred people. There is a kindergarten, elementary school as well as middle school. Notably, one of the first primary schools in Iceland was founded in Vogar by the priest Stefán Thorarensen in 1860. It also has a public library in the school. The town has a fairly new sports center and swimming pool. Most of the homes in Vogar are single-family homes, although a few apartment buildings have popped up in recent years. Like all of the towns and villages on the Reykjanes peninsula, the houses are heated with geothermal heating from the Svartsengi heating and power plant. Employment of residents connected to the airport and Reykjavík In recent years fishing and fish processing has declined in the town’s economy. Today only a small portion of the people in Vogar work in fishing or fish processing. The town has an advantage over its two neighbors, Reykjanesbær with the International Airport, and Reykjavík the capital. Many residents of Vogar work in either of these places and find it convenient to live in a small town.

Hveravellir is a large geothermal area in the Icelandic Highland, located northeast of the glacier Langjökull and between the two glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. It is a wonderland of steam, sulfur, colors, and hot water. It is situated close to Kjalvegur road, which is an old route and among the few that Icelanders used for centuries to travel between the north and south regions of the Highland. So, contrary to many places in the Highland, Hveravellir has a long history and is probably one of the best-known spots in the area. One probable reason for its fame is that during the summer, in one day you could travel on a horse to Hveravellir from Skagafjörður in the north and the second day to the area around Gullfoss in the south. It is a place most Icelanders know, and many have visited. Another reason is that, according to folklore, the highly admired outlaw couple Eyvindur and Halla had their home in Hveravellir for a while. Today, it is most likely a beautiful area with various hot springs with exciting names and an endless spectrum of activity and colors that draw people to it. Kjalvegur is the best option to travel in the Icelandic Highland: Hveravellir also has one of the most famous natural geothermal pools in Iceland. For anyone planning to visit Hveravellir, one of the best options is driving to Kjalvegur from Gullfoss waterfall, to the north, via Road Nr. 35. Here, while planning a trip, keep in mind that the road is open only from the end of June until the middle of September. It is covered with snow in the winter, and if you are planning to travel after mid-September, you should consult with Safetravel and check the road conditions. Although it is possible to drive the road in a small vehicle, it is not recommended. The road is often tough to drive, being a rough and harsh gravel road, and usually not well maintained to standards. Therefore, a 4X4 vehicle is highly recommended. The route is enjoyable with a magnificent view of glaciers, mountains, and highland lakes. Access to Hveravellir is easy both from the south and the north: The Highland Road Nr. 35 practically runs from Gullfoss and Geysir, two of the most famous landmarks and natural wonders in Iceland, to the Ring Road in the north. The drive length is about 170 kilometers, but the drive from Gullfoss to Hveravellir is approximately 80 kilometers. This is the easiest way to drive to Hveravellir. For most people who intend to drive this road and have not been here before, a visit to Hveradalir and Kerlingarfjöll is a must. In fact, stopping in Kerlingarfjöll for a night, hiking, and driving the next day to Hveradalir is a great choice.

Hveradalir (the valley of hot springs), in the middle of the Icelandic Highland, is one of Iceland's most extensive and fascinating areas. It is defined as a high-temperature geothermal area (Háhitasvæði), with temperatures 1000 meters below the ground reaching 200 degrees Celsius. The site is quite exciting from a geological perspective and offers unique vistas for both micro and macro photography. Here, tiny flowers and vegetation hidden under colorful hot springs with sulfur omissions circle around the vents; a large-scale landscape boasts of beautiful small valleys, ravines, creeks, glaciers, and boiling mud pots; and screaming hot springs with powerful steams whistle with all their might. It is a place where you can spend hours taking photographs while relishing the new possibilities and the uniqueness of the views the whole time. It is a heaven for nature lovers and landscape photographers. You must plan your visit to Hveradalir well: Hveradalir is part of the mountain ridge Kerlingarfjöll. The valley has an altitude of around 1000 meters, where spring arrives late and autumn arrives early. So, the prime time for visiting Hveradalir is between early July and the beginning of September. However, if you are an avid and passionate photographer and have seen spectacular photos from Hveradalir valley, the suitable timeframe for you would be from the last week of July to August. It is the time when the mountains display their beautiful colors, snow from last winter has melted, and a new blanket of snow has not yet arrived. Thus, in all fairness, and given the efforts and time it takes to visit Hveradalir, the time window to experience the full beauty of this place is only about six weeks. How to reach: The valley and the fascinating area around it are one of the main attractions when driving the highland road Kjölur, also known as Road Nr. 35 or Kjalvegur; it is a place you don't want to miss if you are traveling in the Highland on your tour to Iceland. There is a good campsite at Ásgarður in Kerlingarfjöll, approximately 10 kilometers from Kjölur road on F347. Like many other places in the Highland, the weather here is unpredictable and quite cold, so do remember to take good warm clothing and a warm layer to sleep in. At Ásgarður you also find a good hotel and a small restaurant. From Ásgarður, it is ideal to hike the five kilometers to Hveradalir geothermal area. The hiking trail is well marked and easy to follow. You can also drive to a parking lot near the geothermal area. Even though the roads to the service center at Ásgarður and the hotel in Kerlingarfjöll open in June, the dirt road to Hveradalir is often closed until late July. In those conditions, you need to hike a few additional kilometers from where the dirt road stops by a snowflake, and a good 4X4 vehicle is a must. Hveradalir is a well-maintained area with good trails and neatly built steps to all the leading hot springs and amazing sights. The variety in color and landscape is simply stunning. You will definitely feel like entering another world when you arrive at the colorful, smoking, boiling springs or the pristine valleys filled with snow from glaciers.

Lóndrangar is the name of two large pillars, or sea stacks, towering over their surroundings at the shore near the tiny hamlet Hellnar in Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Lóndrangar is part of the Snæfellsnes Road Trip, which you can read about in more detail in a separate article. The two towers are believed to be ancient volcanic plugs that have endured the forces of nature for tens of thousands of years. They have sustained the wind, the forces of the ocean, and even eruptions that have pushed more lava around them some thousands of years ago. The higher one is 75 meters (246 feet) tall, and the shorter one is 61 meters (200 feet) high. Lóndrangar is one of the most visited landmarks on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. A place that has always captivated Icelanders throughout centuries Icelanders have noticed the two pillars ever since the island was settled around twelve hundred years ago. Our Book of Settlement documented that a troll was sitting on the larger pillar when a gentleman named Laugarbrekku-Einar passed by at one time. Although the troll did not harm anyone, it helped us understand that the pillars were always a big part of the inhabitants who lived in the area. Much later, when our first natural scientists started documenting Iceland's nature and geology in the 18th and 19th centuries, Lóndrangar was among the natural phenomena he examined. A challenge to climb Like the two Lóndrangar, pillars are somehow made to challenge people like other towering natural wonders. Throughout the centuries, they were considered unclimbable. But in May 1735, a daredevil from the Westman Islands by the name of Ásgrímur Böðvarsson climbed the taller one. But in recent years, fortunately, few have taken on the challenge as the climb is highly dangerous and possibly only for professional climbers with appropriate gear. An old fishing station at Snæfellsnes Peninsula Although a small fishing station was operated on a small scale by the shore some centuries ago, conditions have yet to develop into a village, like in many other parts of Iceland. Today the pillars are mainly home to many species of birds and a joy to view from many angles. By the roadside on road nr. 574, there is a parking lot and a viewpoint towards the west where you can see the magnificent pillars and the rocky shore on its eastern side. This parking lot is quite convenient, and the path gives you good photo opportunities. On the other hand, if you want to see the pillars up close, the best option is to drive a bit farther on road nr. 574 and take a turn on road nr. 5737 towards Malarrif. Here we have a parking lot by the lighthouse, and from there is a relatively easy walking path by a fascinating shoreline all the way to Lóndrangar. It is an enjoyable scenic walk where you can experience the power of the ocean if there is a bit of wind. But then again, one must never forget when approaching the ocean on a beach in Iceland that waves can be hazardous, although they look innocent. You also have excellent photographic opportunities here as the mighty glacier Snæfellsjökull is a great background on a clear day.

Kirkjufell is a spectacular mountain near the town Grundarfjörður at Snæfellsnes Peninsula. In recent years it has become one of the most recognized landmarks and one of the most photographed places in Iceland. Kirkjufell has always been considered a beautiful mountain by Icelanders. But although admired and noticed, it was just another mountain in the past. Still, with growing tourism, social media, and many competent photographers, it has been enhanced to a new level. Photos of the mountain with the Kirkjfellsfoss waterfalls in the foreground and often northern lights in the background are well-known and published worldwide. Without any doubt, Kirkjufell became world famous when it was selected as a shooting location in Game of Thrones. In the series, the name of the mountain is Mt. Arrowhead. Accordingly, it has become of the best-known landmarks in Iceland and a place that many seek to visit. But despite its fame and even though the beautiful mountain has made it to the list of the most beautiful mountains in the world, you could say that its natural beauty was discovered by tourists and made famous by the producers of Game of Thrones. Before competent photographers discovered the stunning beauty of combining the waterfall and the mountain, not many photos could be found taken by Icelandic photographers. The name Kirkjufell For an island packed with mountains, the Icelandic language offers many terms for this spectacular product of the forces of nature depending on its size and form. Although most people would look at Kirkjufell and conclude that it is a mountain, things are more complex in Iceland. Early on, Kirkjufell was called Kirkja or Church. Not surprisingly, the shape resembles a church, and its beauty has a divine presence. Fell, on the other hand, describes a small mountain that fits between a hill and a mountain and stands alone. The stand-alone factor is one of Kirkjufells significant modern-day qualities, as it is pretty photogenic from all directions. Kirkjufell also gave names to places nearby, like the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall and even in the past, the cove Grundarfjörður on the east side of Kirkjufell bore the name Kirkjufjörður. Somehow it didn't stick, nor fortunately, did the name Danish seamen gave Kirkjufell in the 18th century when they called it the ill-fitting and downgrading name Sugartop. A difficult and dangerous climb to the top Kirkjufell is 469 meters high (1538 feet). It is a product of many forms of geology throughout millions of years, which gave it many fascinating installments, one on top of the other. When you stand in front of the mountain, you can sense how difficult it is to climb. The higher you look, the steeper the slopes. Kirkjufell has tempted many people to climb up to its peak throughout the centuries and has also taken many lives in the past and recently. It is a rugged mountain to climb and only for well-trained climbers. It is not recommended to climb but will remain interesting for those who seek adventure and is, of course, for a point of the spectacular view over Breiðafjörður and Snæfellsnes Peninsula from the top. It is highly recommended, for those who are interested, only to climb Kirkjufell with a local guide. And for those interested in hiking, there is a trail around Kirkjufell which takes about three to four hours to hike. How to visit Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall? Kirkjufell is on the north side of the beautiful and historically rich Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall are within walking distance from the small town of Grundarfjörður. It is an inseparable part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula drive and a must-stop. By the waterfall on the main road Nr. 54 Snæfellsnesvegur is also a good parking lot and walking paths around the waterfall. The walking trail is great, and the whole surrounding by the waterfall is a spectacular place to take photos of Kirkjufell and one of the most scenic places when driving the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, is located in the northeast region of Iceland, in the magnificent canyon and natural wonder Jökulsárgljúfur. Feeding the waterfall is the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which originates in two outlet glaciers, Dyngjujökull and Brúarárjökull. These glaciers create many rivers, creeks, and streams below the ice and are both part of the large icecap Vatnajökull. From the source to the shoreline, the river travels 210 kilometers and, in addition to the glacial water, constantly collects all kinds of surface creek and spring-fed water into its flow along the way. Before everything is collected into Jökulsá á Fjöllum, about 90 kilometers from the glaciers, the river looks like a vast treetop with an infinite number of water branches. It’s no wonder that Dettifoss is such a powerful waterfall. Dettifoss is a powerful waterfall The upper edge of the cliff where the water of Dettifoss falls is 100 meters wide and it drops 45 meters down. It is indeed immense in volume, having an average water flow of 400 m3/s during the summer, resulting in a stunning sight and mysterious sound. It’s no wonder that Dettifoss is on many lists of the most spectacular waterfalls in Europe and even the world; it is no. 4 on our list of the most remarkable waterfalls in Iceland. The yearly average flow of the river is a bit less than 200 m3/s, so in winter, the flow is greatly reduced. Dettifoss and Jökulsárgljúfur canyon make up one of the most impressive sights and natural wonders in Iceland and a place you must visit if you are traveling the Ring Road. Standing by the thundering water as it cascades into the wide canyon is an unforgettable experience you are not likely to find in many other places. Monetizing the power Finding a way to harness the power of Dettifoss has captured the people’s interest for a long time. In August of 2019, the whole of the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, from the source to the shoreline, was put on a conservation list. The decision rules out the possibility of a hydroelectric power plant by Dettifoss and Jökulsárgljúfur canyon in general. Building a power plant somewhere on the powerful river has been an ambition of “foresighted” people since the first decade of the twentieth century. Even in the sixties and seventies, serious projects were proposed for a power plant as big as 240 MW. However, it would have caused significant disruption to the area, damaged Dettifoss substantially, and permanently ruined its appeal as a natural wonder. Today, just like the Gullfoss waterfall and many other natural wonders in Iceland, Dettifoss is one of the main attractions that people flock to our beloved country for. The two sides of the river and the best view of the waterfall When driving Road 1 ( Ring Road) in Iceland, you can turn north onto Road 864 on the east side of the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum or onto Road 862 on the west side of the river to visit Dettifoss. Both roads take you to a parking lot and an observation platform for a spectacular view of the Dettifoss waterfall. The road on the west side is a good asphalt road with better overall service. Today, this side is more of an official tourist spot for viewing the waterfall. The east side is a gravel road that is often difficult to drive during the summer and usually not well maintained. It is not a good road for small cars but excellent for larger cars. Visiting Dettifoss from the east side is, in my opinion, much more enjoyable. The path down to the falls on this side is a bit rough and rocky, and the parking lot distance is similar to the one on the west side. On the eastern bank, the view of the waterfall is spectacular. The hiking path to Selfoss waterfall, one kilometer south of Dettifoss, also provides a much more interesting view of Selfoss. Another important advantage of the east side is access to the parking lot and observation platform of Hafragilsfoss, only about five minutes drive north of Dettifoss. Here you have one of the best views of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, the waterfall Hafragilsfoss, and Dettifoss. So, if you take the east side, you will experience four major natural wonders in the most spectacular way, and will avoid the majority of the tourist traffic.

Reykjanes peninsula has many interesting places and several natural wonders. One could easily spend a few days in Iceland and only visit interesting places on the Reykjanes peninsula. Among those beautiful places is Lake Djúpavatn, less than an hour's drive from Reykjavík. It is a bit difficult to visit since the road is a kind of a Highland gravel road for 4X4 vehicles only. But that makes visiting the place just a bit more exciting and adventurous. There are also a few interesting hiking trails in the area that take up to two to four hours to hike. It is an advantage and a privilege in life to be able to drive such a short distance and enjoy peace in such beautiful places. A small lake ideal for fishing and hiking There is one sure way of getting your children away from the computer. Take them fishing. Find a lovely lake; it doesn't matter if it has salmon, trout, or sand lance. Children love a trip, including a fishing rod and a picnic. Djúpavatn (Deep Lake) is a popular family destination in Iceland and a perfect place for a family destination. This beautiful and tranquil lake is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a mere half an hour's drive from Reykjavík. Despite its name, the lake is not at all deep, a mere 16.7 meters, and its size is only 15 square meters. You can rent the whole lake if you don't want to be disturbed. A road for a 4WD vehicle only A road for a 4WD vehicle only There was no fish in Lake Djúpavatn until 1960, when a stock of char was transferred to the lake from Þingvallavant (Lake Þingvellir), possibly because the two lakes share similar geological environments. Though relatively small, the fish has thrived in Lake Djúpavatn for 55 years. Having a picnic by the lake is ideal, but in Iceland, the weather can't always be relied upon to suit your needs. But, not to worry. There is a fishing lodge by the lake where you can have your picnic indoors. Access to Djúpavatn is relatively easy from Krýsuvíkurvegur Road Nr. 42. A few kilometers before you come to lake Kleifarvatn you turn to Road Nr. 421 Vigdísarvallavegur. Here you need to remember that this is one of the many roads in Iceland where you need a 4X4 or a 4WD vehicle. This is not a road for a small car.

Foss á Síðu (Waterfall at Síða) is a farm right on the Ring Road in Iceland in the Southern Region, approximately 10 kilometers east of the small village Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It is noticeable because of its spectacular surroundings and the small waterfall falling from the beautiful cliffs lightly covered with moss vegetation. A work of art with nature's hand. Foss is mentioned in the Book of Settlement The farm is mentioned in the Book of Settlement and has thus been here since Iceland's times of settlement in the 9th century. Placed in front of beautiful cliffs with its stunning small waterfall, it is hard to pass by without noticing. The farm takes its name after the waterfall that comes from a lake, Þórutjörn, on the top of the cliffs. The cliffs are accessible at a steep walking path right by the waterfall and are worth walking. From the top, the view is spectacular. Although the waterfall doesn't have a lot of water, it is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland. The blown-away waterfall Sometimes the waterfall is blown away by heavy winds when a limited amount of water is coming from the lake. According to a local folklore story, a rare kind of ghost wanders around the area around the farm Foss and the nearby farm Hörgsland. The ghost is a dog whose name is Móri, or simply Ghost, who carries a curse directed at a particular family in the 16th century. The curse was set out to last for nine generations. There are those that argue that the curse has finished its course and Móri has disappeared forever, but not all. Throughout the centuries, Móri has never done any harm to people outside this unfortunate family.

For anyone slightly interested in geology, the Reykjanes peninsula is like a candy store or a wonderland. This small area is packed with samples of how the planet behaves over time, i.e., throughout tens of thousands of years. Here you will find volcanoes, mountains, mountain rigs, various lava, hot springs, craters, boiling clays, ravines, rhyolites, fissures, geothermal activity, high-temperature geothermal systems and the list goes on. You will also find power plants that take advantage of the hot water and places to take a bath in a geothermal pool, like the Blue Lagoon. A bridge where North America and Europe drift apart The Reykjanes peninsula is not only a spectacular place to see and a great place to understand the ongoing and everlasting struggle between surfacing magma and the many forces of nature but also a home of a small part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is the only place where the longest mountain ridge on the planet that stretches from the Arctic to Antarctica is not under sea level. Instead, the ridge is where two tectonic plates meet and seem to agree to drift apart. And here, you can walk between the two tectonic plates on a bridge where North America and Europe drift apart. A place to remember if you visit the Geopark The canyon was formed by this movement and drifts two centimeters per. year. If you walk the 18 meters long bridge, you are practically walking from one tectonic plate to another. From the Eurasian to the American. The drifting is so slow that you will probably only feel the drift if, of course, the plates decided to take a fight and send us an earthquake. In September 2015, the Reykjanes Geopark became the 66th Geopark in the world and is a part of the UNESCO program. How to find and visit the bridge From Reykjavík, you drive the same road nr. 41, like you, are going to the airport. Instead of driving straight to Keflavík, you take a turn on road nr. 43, the same road that takes you to the Blue Lagoon and the town of Grindavík. Just before you enter the town, you take a turn right or west on road nr. 425 and drive for about 20 kilometers (13 miles). Along the way, you can stop at Gunnuhver's geothermal hot spot.