Iceland

This is a region of diverse and incredible natural beauty with much to offer all kinds of visitors, at any time of year.
 
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
On the way between Myvatn and Husavik take a small detour to visit Grenjadarstadur, a wonderful old turf roofed manor house dating from 1877, which also contains a fascinating folk museum. Open June to August 10.00-18.00. Nearby is the Laxa Power Station. 

SKAGAFJORDUR
This is one of Iceland's most prosperous agricultural regions, known for widespread dairy and sheep farming and very successful horse breeding. Visit the Glaumbaer Museum for a little history or if you prefer something more energetic, try river rafting or horse riding in Varmahlid. 

DALVIK & HAUGANES
These fishing villages on the shores of Eyjafjordur are locations for small whale watching operations. You can also visit the offshore islands of Hrisey and Grimsey from here, of particular interest if you are a keen bird watcher.

AKUREYRI
This principal town of the north, even with 15,000 inhabitants, has a wonderful ‘small and friendly’ appeal. Set almost at the head of Eyjafjordur, the architecture is charming, the harbour bustling and it offers visitors a number of excellent restaurants and bars. It is also pretty good for shopping with a small pedestrian area and mall. Like Reykjavik, a church dominates the skyline and, if you can manage the many steps, the views from here are wonderful. 

HUSAVIK
Visit this quaint northern town if you have an interest in all things ‘whale’. Also known as the whale watching capital of Europe, the harbour side Whale Museum has an interesting collection of artefacts and skeletons and is both educational and informative. Set sail from here out into Skjalfandi Bay, aboard a wonderful converted oak fishing boat and hopefully see a variety of marine and bird life. 

LAKE MYVATN
A showcase of volcanic and geothermal oddities surrounds this enormous lake which is a magnet for birds in summer. See, hear and smell the bubbling mud pools at Namaskard, enjoy the walking at Dimmuborgir amongst eerie lava formations and be on the look out for the Hidden People! Take a dip in the Nature Baths and at Krafla visitors can walk on lava and literally feel the power of nature under their feet. Nearby Godafoss is definitely worth a visit. 

JOKULSA CANYON
This rugged canyon was formed several thousands years ago and at its deepest the 100 m high walls, mainly impressive basalt columns and plugs, look down over the raging Jokulsa River. Don’t miss thundering Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Continue to Asbyrgi, a horse-shoe shaped gorge and walk to the sheer bird cliffs and silent pond at its head. 

ASKJA
Askja is only accessible for a few months each year in high summer. A massive eruption in 1875 catapulted this region onto the world map and created the stunning lake in the centre of the Volcano. Askja has erupted frequently over the last century and as recently as 1961 the vents at Oskjuop, near the road entrance to the caldera, exploded and formed the Vikraborgir crater row.

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