OVERVIEW

Experience the joys of a simpler rural life at a wilderness center at the edge of the most extensive highlands in Northern Europe. Even the journey there will be spectacularly scenic, as you will drive through a mountainous terrain of dense forests, thundering waterfalls and an enormous lake that a glacier created long ago. Upon reaching the Wilderness Center, you will browse exhibits that showcase the struggles of life on the farm where the center now stands. The museum dioramas are especially insightful, as they accurately depict the challenges of the area’s earliest settlers, who embraced the natural world rather than trying to control it. As you meander about, you may see adventurers returning from hiking through the wilderness and horseback riding and others simply enjoying the pristine setting. Later, you will pass through Iceland’s largest national forest, which contains indigenous trees and exotics brought from more than 175 locations around the world.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse a wilderness center that depicts the challenges that Iceland’s rural settlers faced.
• Enjoy delicious homemade refreshments in a unique countryside setting
• Drive through Iceland’s largest national forest, a protected natural wonderland.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Marvel at the spectacular natural beauty of east Iceland, a largely undeveloped but vast landscape where less than 4% of country’s entire population lives. Nature rules here, as you will discover while driving along the extraordinarily scenic coastlines and narrow fjords. During a photo stop at the mountain pass at Fjarðarheiði, it will be easy to imagine just how difficult travel once was in this remote part of Iceland. Not far away in Lagarfljót Lake, you will see where a Loch Ness monster-type creature has supposedly been sighted since the 1400s. For a more detailed and accurate look into the area’s natural history, you will browse the Snæfellsstofa Visitor Center within the Vatnajökull National Park. A cultural museum stands nearby in the former home of celebrated Icelandic author Gunnar Gunnarsson, which doubles as a retreat for writers. Other highlights include a 14th-century parsonage that holds a revered chalice and Hallormsstaður, Iceland’s largest forest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through the gorgeous, almost entirely undeveloped landscape of eastern Iceland.
• Pause for photos at elevated viewpoints where nature’s beauty is on full display.
• See the lake where a Loch Ness-like creature has supposedly been spotted for centuries.
• Visit a 14th-century parsonage and browse natural history exhibits in a national park.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the heart of Seyðisfjörður, a town of just 700 people at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name. As you proceed past the town’s characteristic chalet-style wooden homes, you will learn how Seyðisfjörður was settled in the mid-1800s by herring fishermen who prospered from the fjord’s sheltered, easy-to-fish waters. Upon reaching the iconic Blue Church, you will be treated to a recital of Icelandic melodies. Another landmark in town is the Avalanche Memorial, an intriguing outdoor sculpture created with mangled white girders from a local fish factory that a 1996 avalanche heavily damaged. Although no one was injured, dozens of residents were killed in the 1885 avalanche that the memorial honors. For a town of so few people, Seyðisfjörður has a thriving art community. You will pass the former home of beloved folk artist Ásgeir Emilsson on the way to the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, where you will see a collection of modern multi-media works.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely walk through Seyðisfjörður as the guide describes the landmarks.
• Attend a recital of Icelandic melodies at the architecturally distinct Blue Church.
• Visit a memorial that honors the residents that died in a 19th-century avalanche.
• View a modern collection of art at the esteemed Skaftfell Center for Visual Art.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a scenic guided hike through the grassy Vestdalur Valley, stopping along the way to admire the landscape’s stunning natural beauty. The valley is known for its glorious waterfalls, which eventually spill into the Vestdala River and on into the pristine fjord. Being a protected nature reserve, the valley is largely undeveloped, although you may see a small homestead or two as you head to the abandoned town of Vestdalseyri. It was originally a whaling station but has been uninhabited since 1963. As you follow the winding trail through the gently rolling hills, the guide will point out the most noteworthy sights and provide enlightening commentary about the flora, fauna and history of the valley. Chances are, you will see birds such as eider ducks and geese and wild horses grazing in the fields. The fjord below will almost always be in sight, making a gorgeous backdrop for photos.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through verdant Vestdalur Valley, a gorgeous nature reserve known for its waterfalls.
• Explore a former whaling station that has been abandoned for more than 50 years.
• Learn about the abundant flora and fauna, which the guide will describe in detail.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Soak in the soothing geothermal waters rising from the bottom of Lake Urriðavatn, an unparalleled experience as the two Vök baths are Iceland’s only floating pools. You will notice that the pool water is crystal-clear; in fact, it is so pristine that it is considered the purest spring water in Iceland and the only spring water certified to drink. Before the baths were constructed, the geothermal water streaming to the surface left melted holes in the thick ice. Centuries ago, people believed that a monster lived at the bottom of the lake and melted the ice. That legend gave rise to the origin of the name Vök, which means “melted ice holes.” The setting will be nearly as relaxing as soaking in the baths, as the surrounding wilderness has been respectfully left undisturbed. If you want to dine on your own, soups and salads are available, as well as tea and craft beers produced with water from the spring.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ease into the relaxing geothermal waters in the Vok nature baths.
• Hear the legend that gave rise to the name “Vok,” which means “melted ice holes.”
• Enjoy a light meal and drink on your own if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a towel and swimsuit.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.