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.

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.

Whether you are an adventurer, a photographer, an environmentalist, or a traveler seeking to experience something new, different, and exciting, a 4X4 trip in the Icelandic highland is a vacation you will not forget. The Highland is a vast area in Iceland, the interior, around 350 meters above sea level. It is a land of hot springs, endless mountains, black sands, recent eruptions, glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, geothermal pools, rhyolite mountains, calderas, and many other natural wonders. It is a wilderness loaded with interesting landscapes, peaceful sanctuaries, and surprising destinations. Why a 4X4 vehicle is required, although not an off-road place The Icelandic Highland is covered with thick snow most of the year, for nine months. And during those months not accessible. The snow melts in May and June, and as the wet roads and tracks become dry the Highland opens as well as everything that was hidden under the snow. Usually in late June and the beginning of July. Most of the roads are rough gravel roads and dirt roads crisscrossed rivers and creeks. So, it is an area for a 4X4 jeep because of the roads but not the least because of river crossing that can become very dangerous. Anyone entering the Highland in a small car or insufficient vehicle is irresponsible and is putting himself and passengers in great danger. The roads are also often narrow, and it often takes considerable maneuvering to meet a car, something that’s hard if you don't have a 4X4 vehicle. This is because driving outside marked roads or tracks is illegal. Even with two wheels outside the marked road on your right side is not permitted. The Highland in Iceland is not a place for off road adventure but a wonderland for adventures 4X4 driving. The key to an enjoyable trip in the Highland is detailed planning and thorough preparation There are many difficulties that can await a traveler in the Highland in Iceland, and that is one reason you should never travel in one car or one vehicle. In most places, it is a good rule to travel in the company of two or more 4x4 vehicles. When planning you should study the map, the places, and the distance you want to travel. You should intend to stop at the many natural wonders for a while, even for a few hours. And you should remember that during the opening season it is daylight around the clock. If you bring your vehicle, you should prepare to have difficulties at some point. If you rent a car, you should rent a good and strong 4X4 jeep, like Land Cruiser, a Land Rover, or a Jeep Wrangler. You should organize it as an expedition with tents and be prepared to take on some challenges. To drive slowly through the fascinating places in the Highland and take on the wind and rain as well as the incredible calmness of the weather is incomparable to rushing through the Highland on a day trip. By doing it right, the Icelandic way is to get the most out of your stay and it will stay with you all your life. It is a unique experience. It is a serious business to drive in the highland in Iceland. Most of the roads in the Highland are challenging dirt roads that are harsh and demanding to drive, both for the driver and the car. Often you need to cross over rivers and creeks that can easily be too deep and complicated for a small car to cross. If it starts to rain the volume increases in a short period and a small stream can turn into a river. Many dirt roads are bumpy and require a slow speed, especially if your vehicle is small and low. A drive in the Highland needs a good 4X4 car that can take you safely to your destination. A wrong car in the Highland often costs a huge amount of money if it breaks down, even though you might want to try to fix the damages on the spot. It can also cost major delays in your schedule. Take precaution before you think about hiring a small car to travel the dirt roads in the Highland in Iceland.

Although a tiny village, Djúpivogur has been around for a long time. The village is in the southernmost part of the Eastern Region and is a welcoming village for those who drive the Ring Road counterclockwise, coming from the south shoreline. It is one of the oldest villages in Iceland with a certain charm to it. As early as the late 16th century, Djúpivogur became a critical trading place for a large area in the Eastern Region and the southeast part of Iceland. Before the Danish Trading Monopoly was established in 1602, German traders sailed to Iceland and set up a trading post at Dúpivogur. After the notorious Danish Trading Monopoly pushed everyone else out of trading in Iceland, it continued where others had started and operated their monopoly in the southeast region from Djúpivogur. So did some of the companies' successors after the monopoly was abolished. So, despite the fact that Djúpivogur didn't develop into a larger village, it played an important role in Icelandic history for a long time. The trading post Djúpivogur turned the village One of the trading firms that became a kind of national chain in the 19th century in Iceland, Örum&Wuff had an impressive operation for more than a century at Djúpivogur. Some of their houses are still standing and renovated, giving the small village a beautiful historical reference. The area by the harbor is beautiful, and so are the surrounding mountains around the village. It is without hesitation a place to stop by when driving the Ring Road or traveling the east part of Iceland. Djúpivogur is possibly the first place in Iceland to tackle multiculturalism The landscape around Djúpivogur is among the most impressive for any town or village in Iceland. The small Búlandspeninsula, where the village sits, is surrounded by a beautiful coastline, sea cliffs and ocean rocks, black sands, vegetated mountains, valleys, and low cliffs. It is a place worth visiting for both landscape and historical reasons. Djúpivogur was probably one of the first communities in Iceland that tackled multiculturalism when Hans Jónatan, a Black slave from St. Croix, another Danish colony, settled in Djúpivogur. Hans Jónatan arrived early in the 20th century and became a prominent citizen accepted by the whole community. It is a stunning story written by Gísli Pálsson, professor of Anthropology at the University of Iceland called The Man Who Stole Himself. Hans Jónatan had many descendants, and Djúpivogur was often referred to as the village with dark color inhabitants. Fishing and fish processing Like many small villages around the shoreline in Iceland, abundant fishing grounds have always been nearby. Djúpivogur was also fortunate that conditions for a harbor were always good. Oddly though, the village never developed into a major fishing town, even though, fishing and fish processing did contribute to the town economy longer than most places or villages in Iceland. The village has seen shark catching, whale catching, and all kinds of fishing, but it somehow never became a significant industry like some towns and villages in the East Fjords. It was like the people never could decide whether they should be a trading place or a fishing station. This makes the small village even more enjoyable. In recent decades, fishing has gotten the upper hand, including fish farming in Berufjörður fjord, and is vital in the village's economy. Djúpivogur today Today Djúpivogur is part of the municipality Múlaþing and has 530 residents. It is a progressive and thriving small village. Although primarily based on fishing and fish processing, tourism and providing service to people traveling in Iceland is becoming a larger and more significant part of the local economy. It is a friendly village with good service for residents, emphasizing the art and quality of life. The community has good preschool, primary, and secondary schools. Good sports facilities, a camping site, and a swimming pool. The village has nice restaurants, a café, and good accommodations. It is a great place to stay overnight and stroll to the beautiful black beach in the afternoon or on a bright summer night or walk by the artwork Eggin í Gleðivík down by the harbor. At the beach you might even meet some reindeer; but certainly, you will get a great view of the beautiful mountains.

Hólmatungur is a fascinating part of the canyon Jökulsárgljúfur in the northeast region of Iceland. If there is still a hidden gem in Iceland, Hólmatungur is probably the place that fits that description. It is an eight-kilometer stretch situated at the west side of a small valley that is cut through the middle by the mighty glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum just a few kilometers north of Dettifoss waterfall. For most people who visit Hólmatungur, it is one of the island's most peaceful places, with an almost dreamlike quality. Like many places in Iceland, it is a product of powerful geological forces that have swept through and molded the area over thousands of years, often originating in the fearsome volcano Bárðabunga in the Vatnajökull ice cap. For the moment however, with most of these forces absent, Hólmatungur has developed into a beautiful oasis. Hólmatungur is a small gallery of natural wonders Located within the Vatnajökull National Park, Hólmatungur has many elements that contribute to its identity and classification as a natural wonder: Abundant vegetation, composed of small trees and a variety of interesting flowers that spread color from the bottom of the canyon up to the hills on the west side of the valley; beautiful small waterfalls that are fed by crystal clear spring-fed streams; and spring bubbles that form a series of short brooks, twisting, turning, and cascading as they find their way to the bottom of the canyon to join the mighty, murky glacial river. In the midst of it all are magical rock formations of small hills, stacks, and ledges decorated with mysterious basalt columns. In addition, flying through this natural wonder, singing to celebrate its beauty, are many species of birds. It is a geological marvel and gallery of natural spectacles that Mother Nature has decided to display for the few who visit Hólmatungur. Hólmatungur hiking In essence, Hólmatungur is strictly a hiking trail, as it is only accessible by foot. Years ago, when I visited Hólmatungur for the first time, we drove through the area on a dirt road in a 1969 Ford Bronco. That road was closed in the nineties and was moved a few kilometers up the hill to the west. The good news is that the hiking trail from the parking lot at Ytra Þórunnarfjall to Vesturdalur valley through Hólmatungur is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Iceland. It will be worth your while to take a day off from driving the Ring Road to hike along the trail and have a picnic at Hólmatungur. It would be a day well spent. Dark folklore Like many places in Iceland, Hólmatungur has its folklore. The tale is rather dark and tells of a female farmer, Þórunn the rich, from a nearby farm Ás in Kelduhverfi, who once lived at Hólmatungur with all her servants. They had moved there and found sanctuary when an epidemic was raging in Iceland in the late 16th century. They stayed in Hólmatungur in relative comfort until their food supply started running short. She had already slaughtered all her sheep and other domestic animals. Since they had no news of the plague, she decided to slaughter and cook the sheepherder for their survival. When he had been prepared, she demanded to take the first bite for evaluation. After chewing on it for a few minutes, she spat it out, claiming that it tasted horrible, was poisonous, and decided to move back to the farm. The real reason was that since Þórunn was a rather chubby lady, she was worried that she would be next on the menu. The reason was not revealed until years later on her deathbed, where she admitted that the sheepherder was the most delicious meat she had ever tasted. Finding your way to Hólmatungur On the Ring Road, you need to drive north onto Road no. 862 and about a kilometer further north towards Dettifoss, you will find a small and narrow dirt road, Road no. 887. There you drive to a hill and parking lot named after our female farmer Þórunn. This is where you also find the hiking trail, but make sure you are on the lookout for Þórunn as she has been seen wandering the hills looking for the leftovers of the delicious sheepherder. It is also essential to note that this hike is only possible during the months of June through September.

On May 3rd, 1943, a B-24 Liberator bomber in the US Air Force, Hot Stuff, crashed into the mountain Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. It is the same mountain that erupted in 2021. The crash was one of many aircraft accidents in Iceland during WWII but an exceptionally tragic one. Here you can read about the crash at an Icelandic website Stríðsminjar, World War II Crash Sites in Iceland, for more details and the exact location. All members of the plane were killed in the crash except one, the tail gunner, Staff Sergeant George A. Eisel of Columbus, Ohio, who survived. The story of Hot Stuff is remarkable as the crew had completed 31 successful missions during the war and was the first to complete 25 missions. As a reward, Hot Stuff was chosen to tour the US to sell bonds to continue to finance the war. The flight plan took a slide change as they were preparing to leave England when General Frank Maxwell Andrews (February 3, 1884 – May 2, 1943) joined the crew. General Andrews was the Commander of the European Theater of Operations at the time. On the other hand, his mission was to participate in critical strategic high-ranking meetings and prepare for the invasion of Normandy. He had been selected to command the entire Allied Forces. Forgotten heroes The crash was a major event at the time in Iceland. It was even a major blow for the Allied Forces. It was the worst crash in Iceland's history, and it took time to find the plane and the crash site. Fourteen crew members died in the crash, and one survived. The rescue was difficult as the weather was harsh and the plane spread at the mountain slope. The days after the crash were days of mourning and sadness as the men were buried. But the war was at its peak, and Hot Stuff was replaced for the mission in the US, and General Eisenhower replaced general Andrews. And in the turmoil of events, they were all soon forgotten. Fallen but not forgotten In recent years Jim Lux from Texas made it his mission to restore the reputation of Hot Stuff and General Andrews. After working intensely for seven years with Icelandic brothers, Þorsteinn Marteinsson and Ólafur Marteinsson, owners and creators of the website stridsminjar.is, a monument was built and dedicated to honoring those on the B-24 when it crashed. The monument opened on May 3rd, 2018, 75 years after the accident. The monument it is located close to the intersection of road nr. 41 and road nr. 43 at Reykjanes Peninsula. The mountain can easily be seen from that point. How to find the monument For those who are interested in history and WWII history, it is a great place to visit and relatively easy to find. From Reykjavík, you drive to road Nr.41 the same road you drive when going to the international airport in Keflavík. But on the intersection to road nr. 43 to Grindavík, the same intersection you take when driving to the Blue Lagoon, you stop at a parking lot and walk a few steps up to the monument. From the intersection, the monument is visible on your left side if you are coming from the international airport and on your right side if you are coming from Reykjavík. Joint Base Andrews, located a few miles southeast of Washington, D.C. and the home base of Air Force One, is named in honor of Andrews. Location of the monument

Sólheimajökull is a glacier tongue that is part of the glacier Mýrdalsjökull. It is one of few places in Iceland where you can easily come near and take a walk on a glacier. It is not recommended that you take a walk on the glacier without professional guidance. At Sólheimajökull, there are companies that offer short hikes on the glacier with all the necessary equipment required to take such a walk. It is an unusual and breathtaking experience. A glacier tongue from Mýrdalsjökull The glacier tongue is a glacier falling from the Mýrdalsjökull glacier at a very slow pace. Step by small step, icebergs fall from the glacier and break away from it into the small lake below and melt. In the process, the glacier tongue forms all kinds of beautiful small natural wonders like cracks, holes, ice ravines, and ice caves. Although all this is quite astonishing great caution is recommended. Easily accessible from the Iceland Ring Road Sólheimajökull is easily accessible from the Ring Road (1) in the South Region, turning north to the road (221). The drive to the glacier tongue is about 4 kilometers from the main road. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the ice. There are two paths; one is the slope by the lake, which gives a great view of the glacier tongue, and the other path, which is down by the lake and is great if there are icebergs in the water. In winter, you would diffidently want to wear ice grips as both paths are often extremely slippery.

The canyon Ásbyrgi, in the northeastern part of Iceland, is a joy to behold and a pleasure to visit. Although it is a separate part of the nearby canyon Jökulsárgljúfur, it is considered, geologically, to be a part of Jökulsárgljúfur and formed by the same catastrophic floods and eruptions more than two thousand years ago. The whole area is a monument to the enormous forces of flowing water created when a large eruption occurs under a glacier. What makes Ásbyrgi unique today is the fact that it is shaped like a horseshoe and surrounded by 90- to 100-meter-high cliffs on all except the northern side. This side is also where you enter Ásbyrgi, and where the cliffs descend towards the lowland and the shoreline. In the middle is a cliff island of the same height, simply called ‘the island’, that helps emphasize the horseshoe form of the three-and-a-half by one kilometer canyon. Ws Ásbyrgi made by Odin’s horse Sleipnir? Even though there are geological explanations, there is also an explanation found in folklore, namely, that the canyon was formed by Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse owned by the god Óðinn (Odin). At one point in time, Odin traveled and came to Iceland, and the horse sunk one of its hooves into the earth and formed Ásbyrgi. Since this story has become widespread knowledge in Iceland, it is often thought that the event was documented in the stories of Norse mythology written hundreds of years before anyone started writing about geology and geography. However, it was regrettably never mentioned in the writings of our beloved 12th-century poet Snorri Sturluson, who wrote much of what we know about Norse mythology. Instead, the story probably came about in a poem by Einar Benediktsson, a 20th-century poet and entrepreneur, published in 1925 called ‘A Summer Morning in Ásbyrgi’. Don't be surprised if you meet many people in Iceland who prefer this explanation about the formation of Ásbyrgi over the scientific version offered by geologists. Beautiful vegetation in Ásbyrgi that offers tranquility A small pond called Botnstjörn, surrounded by vegetation and astonishing cliffs, is found at the bottom of the horseshoe canyon. It is a beautiful place to visit. The canyon has an unusual variety of vegetation and lively birdlife during the summer. Ásbyrgi is a great place to stay for a day or two and walk some of the convenient and mellow hiking trails. There are hiking trails inside the canyon, up to the top of the cliffs and even to Vesturdalur and Hljóðaklettar if you have a day to spare. An evening walk up to the island, Eyjan, is a very rewarding hike. The surrounding cliffs in Ásbyrgi give the place a wonderful feeling of a peaceful sanctuary as they often provide shelter from the southern winds. In Ásbyrgi, you will also find one of the best campsites in Iceland. It is a great place to stay for a few days to explore and experience the northeastern region of Iceland. Today, Ásbyrgi, as well as the whole area of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, is part of the Vatnajokull National Park and is managed by the park authorities. Part of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon are the magnificent waterfalls Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss, and Selfoss. From Ásbyrgi, you can also visit the remote villages of Raufarhöfn and Þórshöfn in the northeast as well as do some whale watching at Húsavík village nearby. All are interesting places to visit. Ásbyrgi camping is a place to stay on your visit to Iceland Even though it is found at a considerable distance from the Ring Road or Road 1 in Iceland, Ásbyrgi is easily accessible. It is located in the northeastern part of Iceland and is connected to the Ring Road by Road 862, the same road that takes you to the west side of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and the main viewing panel, Dettifoss waterfall. At the end of that road, you take a right turn onto Road 85 and you can't miss Ásbyrgi. You can also drive to Húsavík town to access Ásbyrgi from the west side at Tjörnes peninsula on Road 85.

Djúpalónssandur, or Deep Lagoon sand beach, is a fascinating place for many reasons. The name can be traced back to some of the first settlers in Iceland around twelve hundred years ago. It was the landing place of Bárður Snæfellsás and his family and crew. As you might know, if you have read all my articles about Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Bárður Snæfellsás is a well-known personality around this part of Iceland. The beach was also used by farmers and people at Snæfellsnes Peninsula as a fishing station for centuries. Last but not least, it is a beautiful place with stunning landforms similar to Arnarstapi, where you can see the lava that floated out to the ocean. Pebble beach, small lakes, and stunning lava formation When you visit Djúpalónssandur, take care as the path to the beach is short, narrow, and rough. Once at the beach, you can see an interesting lava rock with a hole in the middle. You will also see many other interesting lava formations and rocks, some of which are connected to local stories and folklore. On the shore, behind the lava, walking along the path, you can see a small pond on your right side. It is a beautiful sight, especially if you are at Djúpalónssandur on a clear, sunny day with the glacier in the background. It is a unique beach strewn with pebbles of various sizes. It is a great place for children; they can spend time playing with the small convex stones by the beach. Take your time at Djúpalónssandur and Black Lagoon This strange black sand cove on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is curiously close to the Icelandic heart. It is covered with black pearly pebbles, constantly being brought in by the ocean waves. Still, picking them — or nicking them — is strictly forbidden. It's not that they keep a pebble police at Djúpalónssandur; the Icelanders just don't want their stones removed. Not even one of them. In the old days, like so many coves in this area, Djúpalónssandur also used to be a fishing station similar to the nearby Dritvík. The four stones that defied manhood On this beach called the Temple of Stones in Iceland, you will find four large rocks significant to the cove's history. These are the four lifting stones where workers at the fishing stations would test their strength. The smallest one is the Amlóði (Bungler) weighing 23 kilos, followed by the Hálfdrættingur (Weak) at 54 kilos; then there is the Hálfsterkur (Half-Strength) at 100 kilos, and finally, the Fullsterkur (Full-Strength) weighing a hefty 154 kilos. Half-Strength marked the frontier of the wimpy, and those who couldn't lift it were deemed unsuitable for life at sea. You will also see rusted metal from the English trawler Eding, which was wrecked at the Djúpalón beach in 1948. At that time, it was not uncommon to find ships stranded on the shoreline due to bad weather. Access to Djúpalónssandur Cove To reach Djúpalónssandur, you need to drive across the Útnesvegur road on Snæfellsnes Peninsula nr. 574. Take a turn to the south when you reach the intersection nr. 572 onto the Dritvíkkurvegur road. There is a parking lot by Djúpalónssandur cove. There, you will find the hiking trails to the beach as well as to Dritvík Cove.