Why is the Laugavegur (Laugavegurinn) trail in Iceland famous?

The Öræfajökull volcano on Iceland's south-east coast is a name you might have heard quite frequently in the media this last little while. That is because scientists predict that this volatile peak might erupt at any moment! Öræfajökull is one of Iceland’s many ice-capped volcanoes. As Iceland’s largest active volcano and Europe’s second largest volcano (second only to Mt Etna in Sicily), Öræfajökull is constantly kept under close surveillance. There are at least two known records of the Öræfajökull volcano erupting: an explosive eruption in 1362, which totally destroyed the nearby district formerly known as Litla-Hérað, followed by a smaller eruption in the late 1720s. In 2017, increased earthquake activity was noticed. Most recently, an ice-cauldron (also called a caldera) appears to have formed in Öræfajökull volcano’s main crater, and the smell of sulphur can be detected in the air nearby. While a potential eruption cannot easily be predicted (and may sound a bit frightening), there is no need to fear. Volcanoes often show increasing geothermal activity for years prior to an eruption. At the time of writing this article, a yellow warning has been issued for the volcano —more of a safety precaution than anything else as scientists are unsure of the Öræfajökull volcano’s eruption habits. All the same, tourists continue to flock to the area, particularly in the summer months. This fascinating volcano is incredibly impressive and well worth a visit during your trip to Iceland — particularly if you’re a bit of a geology geek! If a visit to Öræfajökull is on your bucket list, here is everything you need to know to make it totally worthwhile.

The larger-than-life landscape of Iceland fits well with the idea of giant, mythical beasts such as dragons or griffins. The country is known as “the Land of Fire and Ice” after all. Unsurprisingly, there are mystical creatures that still dwell along the frigid coast of Iceland – whales. The presence of whales in Iceland goes back centuries; these great creatures are featured in the sagas of the old Norse kings. Nowadays, their fame stems from the growing popularity of whale watching in Iceland. Known as the place to have a personal encounter with whales in Europe, Iceland is slowly becoming famous for sea excursions. Numerous Icelandic tales and legends talk about the intelligent beasts that inhabit the waters surrounding Iceland, but it wasn’t until the 1990’s that whale watching became an attraction in Iceland. In 1991, the first Iceland whale watching ship left port. In 1993, arguably one of the most famous Icelandic whales of all time – Free Willy – made his debut film appearance. This cemented the new trend for whale watching in Iceland, and it has grown ever since.

Often referred to as “Iceland in miniature”, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the one area in Iceland you simply cannot miss if you want to taste everything Iceland has to offer. With a volcano, a glacier, towering mountains, sandy beaches, and small fishing villages, this peninsula has plenty to offer. Read on to discover the area’s highlights and our top tips for travelling to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

There’s a reason Iceland is called ‘ice-land’. Glaciers of crystal blue ice blanket the country, slowly making their way over mountains and volcanoes as they finally crumble into a mirror-flat lagoon or the ocean. From afar, they are impressive bulks of indescribable dimensions. Up close, they define the meaning of ‘awe-inspiring’ as we humans try to grasp the sheer natural power of the ice. But the true beauty of glaciers can’t be appreciated without digging deeper. The natural ice caves carved out by these slow-moving giants are the crystalline hearts of the glaciers. To really get to grips with the beauty and power of a glacier, you need to take an Iceland ice cave tour on your next trip to Iceland.

Although it is just 190 km up the coast from Reykjavik, when you are standing on the shores of Snaefellsjokull National Park, you will feel like you are a world away. Standing on the edge of the Londrangar basalt cliffs overlooking the ocean the sight you will see has not changed much since centuries gone by. Of the national parks in Iceland, Snæfellsjokull is the only national park that accesses the shore line of Snæfellsjökull, located in the western part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. You can explore tidal pools and pebble beaches, a volcanic cave, or an ice tunnel burrowed into a glacier. There is a diversity of terrain that makes every hike an adventure into the exceptional — no wonder it is one of the most sought after destinations on an Iceland trip. If you are really lucky, you might even catch a sight of a killer whale breaching in the swell.

What makes the Thingvellir National Park different than other national parks in Iceland? With a history dating back to the end of the first millennia, Thingvellir has a story that is as rich as its geography. Amid the shifting continental plates where North America and Europe collide, sits the home of the first parliament of the Icelandic people. A church sits upon the site, dating back to the 19th century, but the faith that preceded it reaches forward across centuries. It is no wonder, that the Icelandic chieftains chose this remarkable place for the site of their annual conclave, for they would gather here with their people, coming by the thousands and staying for weeks or more, to settle grievances, and maintain the balance of power between their various clans. Here, amidst the rugged terrain, and beside the beautiful waters, they made their laws, and kept their peace. Eventually, the seat of power for the Icelandic people would move from Thingvellir to Reykjavik, some 40 km away.

Skaftafell National Park, one of Iceland's national parks, is truly a landscape forged from fire and ice over centuries with many volcanic eruptions, glaciers and rivers. Like much of Iceland’s beautifully unchanged scenery, the terrain of Skaftafell National Park continues to instill a sense of awe and wonderment in all who travel there. Now included in the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell National Park has been enlarged twice since it was officially founded in 1967. The protected area of Skaftafell accounts for 4807 km2 of the total terrain of Vatnajökull National Park (13,600 km²). A mountainous landscape that is home to volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers, glaciers and woods, Skaftafell’s creation took place over thousands of years. The result is a stunningly wild sweep of Nordic vistas carved by eruptions and erosion. Highlights Skaftafell benefits from a pleasant climate. Visit in summer and experience the natural phenomenon of the midnight sun. Sightseeing flights are available from the small Skaftafell runway. Get a true bird’s eye view of the vast terrain. Get a new perspective on life by coming face-to-face with the awesome magnitude of a glacier. Get up close and personal with the local wildlife including puffins and arctic foxes. Witness water cascading from a jet black basalt lava wall at Svartifoss waterfall. Lowlights Tourism has doubled in the last few years. During peak seasons, Skaftafell will be crowded with thousands of visitors. Skaftafell National Park receives little snow. However, rain, harsh wind and ice can make trails hazardous during winter. Winter is a popular time to visit Skaftafell as the landscape changes completely. However, fewer daylight hours also set a limit on the activity.

The best time and season to see Northern Lights in Iceland is from late September to the beginning of April. One of the most popular destinations in Iceland to witness the Northern Lights is undoubtedly its capital city, Reykjavik. This city is believed to be the first official colony on Iceland back from when it was first settled, just before the turn of the first millennium. Reykjavik hasn’t looked back, and has continued to grow and be a beacon of numerous breathtaking tourist sights and rich national culture. Reykjavik boasts a great opportunity to witness the northern lights.

As the largest national park in Western Europe, Vatnajökull is made up of smaller parks such as Skaftafell in the south and Jökulsárgljúfur in the north. As a result, the terrain varies vastly. It’s namesake, Vatnajökull glacier, is the largest glacier in Europe to be found outside of the Arctic circle. As well as the glaciers immense bulk, Vatnajökull’s landscape encompasses active volcanoes, powerful glacial rivers, mountains, canyons, waterfalls, wetlands and lush woodland. Since it’s creation in 2008, Vatnajökull National Park has grown to cover almost 14,000km2. That equates to 14% of Iceland as a whole. So if you want to see the best of what a trip to Iceland has to offer, you want to see Vatnajökull National Park! Highlights Vatnajökull glacier is the highlight of the Vatnajökull National Park. Covering 8% of Iceland, it’s hard to miss. Subglacial lakes and hidden active volcanoes add to the mystery. Hvannadalshnúkur is the highest point in Iceland. Hiking there is challenging, but the view from the peak is worth it. Skaftafell National Park, nestled within Vatnajökull, offers a lush landscape with a more temperate climate and stunning scenery. Dettifoss is Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon. An immensely powerful waterfall that hurtles into a vast gorge, seeing Dettifoss is an awe inspiring experience that truly makes you feel your size. Ásbyrgi is a gigantic, horseshoe shaped canyon steeped in Norse mythology. Lowlights Only lowlands are accessible year round. Including Jökulsárgljúfur, Skaftafell, Heinaberg, Hjallanes and Hoffell. Highlands are only accessible by 4x4 during the summer months and early autumn. Sudden changes in weather can become dangerous in remote areas. The park is still improving its road system. Though much progress has already been made.

Close your eyes, and imagine a lagoon filled with hot, milky blue water. As you stand on the shore, surrounded by the volcanic rock of lava fields, and see the steam rising off the water into a frigid twilight sky you might believe for a moment that you were standing on the surface of an alien world. As cosmic as this landscape might appear, it is actually an apt description of one of the most unique locals of our own amazing planet — the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, the most popular of the best hot springs in Iceland.

Is it a volcano? Is it a glacier? It’s both! Snæfellsjökull volcano is a glacier-capped volcano in Iceland and the highlight of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a stunning area in western Iceland. Standing at an impressive 1446 metres high, the Snæfellsjökull volcano in Iceland is one of the country’s most notable landmarks and can sometimes even be seen from Reykjavik. What are the top things to know before visiting Snæfellsjökull volcano? Read on to find out.

Every country has its little hidden secrets, and Gljúfrabúi waterfall is one of Iceland’s finest. Gljúfrabúi (also known as Gljúfrabúifoss) is a 40-metre high waterfall on Iceland’s south coast, not far from the incredibly popular Seljalandsfoss. While it may not be quite as famous as its nearby friend, that certainly doesn’t mean it is any less impressive. Translated into English as “canyon dweller” or “dweller of the gorge”, Gljúfrabúi waterfall is a true beauty hidden away below steep cliffs. The waterfall cascades down into a little cave with light pouring in from above — a truly beautiful sight that is worth veering off the beaten path to see! Here is everything you need to know about Gljúfrabúi waterall, including how to get there and what absolutely shouldn’t be missed.