DAY 2
REYKJAVIK-HVAMMSTANGI
232 km
North West
3hrs
to Hvammstangi
from Reykjavík drive road no. 1 (ring road) to the north
pass the small town Mosfellsbær; continue until you reach the fjord Hvalfjörður
when you reach Hvalfjörður, turn right onto road no. 47
Hvalfjörður
the name means Whale Fjord, very picturesque landscape, very quiet area
There used to be a whaling station in Hvalfjörður, it was closed in 1992, but now it is in use again for a few days every year.
Experienced hikers can hike to the highest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur 210 m. It is at least a two hours hike, starting from the bottom of the fjord up through the valley Botnsdalur. Seek information before starting a hike.
several viewpoints along the road
There is an interesting photo exhibition at Ferstikla service station about a submarine station situated in Hvalfjörður during World War II and on the former whaling station.
just after passing the service station Ferstikla turn right onto road no. 520
drive over the mountain pass Ferstikluskarð and through the valley Svínadalur with its three lakes
continue on road no. 520, cross the valley Skorradalur
Skorradalur
28 km long narrow valley, several farms and many summerhouses
widespread birch growth, extensive forestation
lake Skorradalsvatn 16 km long, 60 m deep
continue on road no. 520; turn right onto road no. 50
turn right onto road no. 518 to get to Reykholt
Reykholt
one of Iceland’s most important historical sites
during the Middle Ages rich farm and a center of religion, culture and politics
The famous writer and political leader Snorri Sturluson (1179-1261), author of the Snorra-Edda or prose Edda lived there. Today you can see a well-preserved thermal pool from the Middle Ages, where Snorri used to bathe. Snorri Sturluson was assassinated in a tunnel, which led from the bath to his house; you can see the entrance to this tunnel.
modern church with a cultural center and a special library for mediaeval studies, changing exhibitions on mediaeval Icelandic literature and culture
traditional church from 19th century
statue of Snorri Sturluson by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, a gift from Norway, unveiled 1947
the big white building is a former boarding school, built during the 1930s by Guðjón Samúelsson
continue on road no. 518 to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls
Hraunfossar
waterfalls emerging from the junction of porous rock and basalt, falling into a 1 km long gorge created by the glacial river Hvítá
very picturesque scene in the middle of a huge lava field (Hallmundarhraun)
There are also walking paths on the lava field, notice especially the traditional cairns (vörður) on the walking paths, interesting vegetation.
Protected area! Do not leave anything; do not take lava stones or plants with you!
The name of this waterfall means the “lava falls”.
service facilities
Barnafoss
waterfall just upstream from Hraunfossar, just follow the walking path.
Legend has it that two children drowned here when they tried to cross the river walking on a natural rock arch. The mother of these children had the arch broken down to prevent other families to experience same ordeal. You can see the remains of that arch at the waterfall.
The name means the “children’s waterfall”.
if you are looking for refreshments continue on road no. 518 to go to Húsafell
Húsafell
woodland and recreation area
swimming pool, service station, restaurant, shop
drive back, pass Reykholt, turn right onto road no. 50 (to the north), not far from the junction you will find Deildartunguhver
Deildartunguhver
most powerful natural hot spring in the world, emits 200 liters of boiling water per second
very impressive scene, seeing the hot water coming out of the rock
many greenhouses, some sell delicious Icelandic tomatoes at the spot
today the hot water is also used to heat the houses in Akranes and Borgarnes
continue in road no. 50, near Varmaland turn right onto road no. 1
drive road no. 1 to the north
not far from Bifröst University College there is the crater Grábrók (left side of the road)
Grábrókarhraun/Grábrók
rough lava field, about 3000 years old, covered with moss and birch growth
several craters
Grábrók is one of the craters in Grábrókarhraun, situated just aside road no. 1
comfortable walking path up to the top of the crater
excellent view from the top of Grábrók
Protected area. Please do not leave anything, and do not take lava stones with you
continue on road no. 1, drive over highland plateau Holtavörðuheiði
Holtavörðuheiði
traditional route between the north and the south of Iceland
maximum altitude 400 m
depending on weather conditions good view towards the glaciers Eiríksjökull, Langijökull and Hofsjökull
continue on road no. 1 until you reach the long and narrow fjord Hrútafjörður
continue on road no. 1, turn lelft onto road no. 72 (Vatnsnes peninsula)to Hvammstangi
Tonight I'm gonna stay at the wooden cabin in the middle of nowhere. The Hvammstangi cottages are located outside the town centre. Next to a horse farm, overlook small falls on hills. The cottage is cute and has everything you need. By staying here I was able to see all that the beautiful north has to offer- wonderful mountains, black sand beaches, light houses, sand sculptures, sun-rises and of course- the incredible northern lights.
HVAMMSTANGI COTTAGES
