"Super Jeep" Tours
Super Jeep tours are one of the most popular activities at Hotel Rangá. "Super-Jeeps" are oversized Sport Utility Vehicles specially modified to cope with all the wild and rugged terrain that the highlands of Iceland have to offer. These outrageous vehicles are capable of reaching hard to reach places in the Iceland highlands and nearby glaciers all year round. We only partner with reputable tour companies that ensure safety, comfort and satisfaction of our guests.
ATV Motorbikes
All Terrain Vehicles are one of the most popular adventure activities at Hotel Rangá, ATVs (4WD motorbikes) allow travelers to explore some of Iceland's most astonishing sites such as the famous black beaches of the South Coast.
Aurora Borealis viewing at Hotel Rangá
Northern Lights, or also known as the aurora borealis, are a leading trademark at Hotel Rangá. The hotel is in a geographical region that has very favorable conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Although there is never any guarantee of seeing this wonderful natural phenomena – the hotel is one of the best places in Iceland to experience the aurora. See our Aurora Page with more information.
Bird Watching
Iceland has sometimes been called a bird watchers paradise. This activity has the advantage that it cost nothing once you reach a suitable spot. Large colonies and breeding grounds are found in various places throughout the country. The most frequently-seen sea birds on the towering cliffs along the Icelandic coast are the common guillemot, Brunnich's guillemot, the razorbill, the puffin, the kittiwake, and the fulma.
Cave Exploration in Iceland
Iceland has a large number of beautiful caves, both caves shaped by volcanic activity and and glacial ice caves. Some of Iceland's caves are easily reached. It is strongly recommended that travelers go on organzied tours with experienced cave exploration guides and not embark on cave exploration without proper guidance or experience.
Dog Sledding
Dogsledding in Iceland is a fun activity and provides a unique opportunity to mix an adventure and sightseeing experience into one. It's time to discover the picturesque beauty of winter in Iceland – and the fun of dog sledding. This is also a favorite actvitiy for children. Dog sledding is available all year round, pending snow and weather conditions. In the summer dogsledding is available at the Langjökull glacier in South Iceland.
Flight Trips
From Bakki or Hella airports fly over the volcano Mount Hekla and see the nearby glaciers from above, take a trip to the Westman islands or even to Akureyri/Myvatn in the north. A truly marvelous experience. Availability is entirely dependent on weather conditions during the summer months. Inquire about prices to enjoy this splendid luxury activity.
Fresh Water Fishing
Hotel Rangá sits on the banks of one of Iceland's best salmon rivers, East-Rangá River, with other fine salmon rivers in the area. Salmon fishing is highly popular in Iceland, expensive and rivers are booked well in advance. There are several rivers and lakes in South Iceland were fishing for arctic char and brown trout is available. Inquire with the hotel.
Glacier Tours
Iceland is famous for its glaciers. Iceland is famous for its glaciers. South Iceland has a total of 4 glaciers (Mýrdalsjökull, Langjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull) with the Vatnajökull (Europe’s largest glacier) and Hofsjökull glaciers close by. Various glacier tours options may be available depending on season and weather conditions, such as glacier walks, super jeep glacier tours, glacier snowmobiling.
Golf
The closest golf course to Hotel Ranga is Strandvöllur, providing a stunning view of mountains, glaciers and Mt Hekla. The 18-hole golf course on the Westman Islands (33km or a 5min flight) is also stunningly beautiful and well worth a visit. Though the golfing season is short in Iceland (from May to October most years), the light summer nights mean that one can spend 24 hours a day on the course. Golfers from all over the world are always amazed to take part in the midnight-golf experience.
Helicopter Sightseeing Tours
See Iceland from a birds eye view from above and really get a taste of this exquisite landscape and the vastness of the interior. Helicopter sightseeing tours and charter flights are available. One of the most popular sightseeing flights include a close up view of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcano, the magnificent Icelandic highlands with glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal areas.
Hiking
Thousands of people come to Iceland annually to hike in the extremely versatile nature and alternating landscape. A number of hiking trails are in the area, ranging from long to short and hard to easy. Weather in Iceland is unpredictable, even in the summer, so make sure to always bring warm clothes, rainwear, good shoes and let others know of your travel plans. Mountain guides offer both organized hiking tours and individual guidance.
Horseback Riding in South Iceland
The Icelandic horse is one of the world's most unique horse breeds. A purebred descendant of its Viking ancestors from the 9th century, the Icelandic horse is a product of isolation and a thousand years of breeding for good riding qualities, resulting in a gentle, friendly disposition and calm manner that make them a delight for anyone to ride. Horseback riding is an all year activity.
Kayaking
Kayaking is available at the town of Stokkseyri. Both sea kayaking as well as kayaking on lakes and lagoons near the coast, a nature paradise with rich bird life. Fun for both families and first time kayakers alike.
River Jet
The only white water jet boat company in Europe, a “must do” when in Iceland. Conveniently located on the Golden Circle route, Iceland Riverjet operates in the white water rapids of Hvita river below Gullfoss waterfall. From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline will hit the roof! Speed through narrow basalt canyon, be exhilarated by 360 spins on the “milky white” river and jump the rapids like James Bond! While onboard, you also get to enjoy amazing scenery, open deltas, dramatic canyons, white water rapids and rich bird life. The 40 minute river ride guarantees an adrenaline rush for both young and old! Be one of many passengers who safely experienced the thrill of real white water jet boating in Iceland! The perfect add-on then you visit Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir !
River Rafting
River Rafting in the swirling waters of glacial rivers is a challenge as well as an unforgettable experience. The trips go through majestic canyons in several of the rivers in South Iceland. This is one of the most popular activities here in the region. The season usually starts in May and ends in late September.
Scuba Diving
There are several dive sites in Iceland in both the ocean and fresh water. Temperatures range from 2°C – 10°C so all dives are dry suit dives. One of the most popular dive sites in South Iceland is in the lava ravine Silfra. Silfra is a lava ravine in Thingvellir, the Parliament Plains, caused by the drift of the two continental plates Eurasia and America. The ravine constantly receives new groundwater that originates from the glaciers and has been filtrated through the lava for 10 – 20 years. The diving here in clear water is certainly unique, even on a global scale. Just below is the Lake Thingvallavatn, which under optimal conditions has an astonishing visibility of up to 120 meters!
Sea Angling
For deep-sea anglers, there are fishing tours organized from various places in Iceland. Iceland's rich fishing grounds are usually only a few minutes cruise from the harbors. The boats are specially equipped for deep-sea-angling. Rods and tackle are supplied, and the fish you catch is yours. The catch mainly consists of cod, haddock, and halibut.
Skógar Folk Museum
Skógar Folk Museum was founded in 1949 on the initiative of Þórður Tómasson, the curator. He was born in 1921 and developed interest in Icelandic culture and its conservation at an early age. Together with his work at the museum, Þórður has published many books on aspects of Icelandic folk culture. In 1997 Þórður’s contribution to cultural history was recognized when he was awarded an honorary doctorate of the University of Iceland. Over 25.000 people visit this enchanting museum each year. Þórður is a charismatic character that is always well remembered by museum visitors.
Snowmobiling in Iceland
Snowmobile tours provide a unique opportunity to mix adventure and sightseeing experiences together, and are a key to a great day in Iceland. This is usually an all-year activity, in the summer you will snowmobile on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The view from the glacier top and feeling of exclusivity provide extra excitement to this activity. In high winter, depending on snow and weather conditions, the snowmobiles are sometimes moved closer to Reykjavík.
Swimming in Iceland
Make sure to bring your swimsuit. Iceland has swimming pools like no other country. Seriously. With abundant access to geothermal water, there are heated outdoor public swimming polls all around Iceland, about 120 of them. For a traveler, a geothermal dip is an ideal way to relax. Nearby towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur both have heated outdoor swimming pools open all year round.
The Saga Centre
The Saga Centre is a popular local attraction located in Hvolsvöllur. The area around the Hvolsvöllur village is the site of the dramatic Njál’s Saga, the masterpiece of an anonymous 12th century author.
Vik's Amphibietrucks
In the town of Vik there is no harbor due to natural obstacles, but nevertheless the people of Vik have been fishing for centuries. Modern technology now allows them to go to sea with amphibietrucks. Half boat and half land vehicle - these moving machines can reach just about anywhere! These exciting and adventurous trips can nowadays also be experienced by tourists during suitable weather conditions. They take you around in the stunning scenery around Reynisdrangur and Dyrholaey.
Whale Watching
The cool North Atlantic ocean is teeming with whales of various sizes and types, the most common species are the Mink whale and Porpoise. The main whale watching port in South Iceland is in the Westman Islands, just off the South Coast.
Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar
Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter high promontory, a nature reserve, not far from the town of Vík. The place got its name from the massive arch that the sea has eroded from the headland. (The name literally means "door-hole"). When the sea is calm, big boats can sail through it. There has even been a maniacal daredevil pilot that flew through the arch with a small-craft airplane! Off the shore are the Reynisdrangar pillars. Reynisdrangar can be seen clearly for Vík and are 66 meters above sea level at the highest.
Eldgjá, The Fire Canyon
Eldgjá is a volcanic canyon in Iceland. Eldgjá and the nearby Laki craters are part of the same volcanic system as Katla in the south of the country. Eldgjá means "fire canyon" in Icelandic. Situated between Landmannalaugar and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the canyon is at its greatest 270m deep and 600m wide. The Ófærufoss waterfall falls through the canyon.
Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and Volcano
The Eyjafjallajökull glacier is a 1666m high glacier-capped stratovolcano. It is one of the smaller glaciers of Iceland. It is situated to the north of Skógar and to the south and west of the bigger glacier Mýrdalsjökull. The icecap of the glacier covers a volcano (1666m in height) which has erupted relatively frequently since the Ice Age, most recently in 2010. The 2010 eruption caused the largest disruption in airline flights in Europe as the ash blew towards the continent.
Fjallabak Nature Reserve
The Fjallabak Nature Reserve was established in 1979. The Nature reserve is 47.000 hectares and is over 500 meters above sea level. The land is mountainous, sculptured by volcanoes and geothermal activity, covered by lava, sand, rivers and lakes. The desolate wilderness and tranquility are the main characteristics of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, which thousands of travelers enjoy every year. Guests in the area are reminded to abide by the code of the Nature Reserve so as to conserve its natural features and to support recreation in this which is found there.
Gjáin, The Gorge in Thjorsardalur
This beautiful natural phenomenum and oasis at the edge of the central highlands should not be passed by, if you are travelling in the Thjorsar Valley. The Red River (Rauda) cascades into and through this gorge and the surroundings are amply vegetated. River Thjorsa ran through before a dike was built between the mountains Sandafell and Skeljafell to redirect it.
Great Geysir
One of the greatest natural attractions of Iceland and part of the famous "Golden Circle Tour" is the Great Geysir, or Stori-Geysir. The Great Geysir was among the most notable geysers in the world, such as those in Yellowstone Park, New Zealand and North Iceland. The English word "geyser" is derived from the Icelandic word "geysir" which means gusher.
Gullfoss, The Golden Waterfall
Gullfoss is Iceland's most famous waterfall, and one of the natural wonders of the world. It is in the mighty glacial river Hvitá (White river), just a few kilometers from another natural wonder, the world-famous Geysir. The enormous white glacial cascade drops 32 meters into a narrow canyon which is 70 meters deep and 2.5 kilometers long. Its spectacular two-tiered cataract hangs in the air like fine drizzle, which forms a rainbow in the sunlight. In winter it has an unusual appearance when it is garbed in ice and snow. Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir all together comprise the famous Golden Circle tour.
Highland Pearls and Waterfalls
The Icelandic Highlands north of Mount Hekla offer some beautiful natural scenery that is for the most part accessible by road during the summer, and "super jeeps" during the winter months. The Icelandic highlands offer a lunar-like landscape with black sand deserts mixed with yellow mountains, green vistas, lakes and glacial rivers.
Hrafntinnusker
The English name of this 1128 m high mountain is The Obsidian Skerry. It is situated some distance east of the infamous volcano Hekla. It is accessible by 4WD vehicles from the north and south. On a fine day the view from the mountain is excellent. The surroundings of the mountain are a very colourful rhyolite area with many hot springs, steam vents, boiling mud pits and ice caves, where there is geothermal activity under the ice.
Jökulheimar and Tungnaá
In the middle of nowhere. A black sand desert in the highlands, this is a good place to "get away from it all" - the silence is total, unbroken even by bird calls.
Jökulsarlón Glacial Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is the best known and the largest of a number of glacial lakes in Iceland. It is situated at the south end of the glacier Vatnajökull between Skaftafell National Park and the town of Höfn. It is also one of the most famous attractions in all of Iceland. Many commercials and several major international motion pictures have been filmed at this exotic location, including James Bond's “Die Another Day” and “Batman Begins”.
Keldur, Iceland oldest house
North of the villages of Hella and Hvolsvöllur is the ancient farm of Keldur. The farm is mentioned in several of the Icelandic Sagas written in the 13th century, including Njál’s Saga. It is located by a natural spa at the edge of a lava field – where water just seemingly incredibly from no-where seeps through the rock formations creating a brook. The current church is an ironclad timber church that was built in 1875 and it holds numerous items of historical interest.
Kerið Crater
On The Golden Circle tour and just by Skálholt, there are a group of craters, including the 55 m deep explosion crater Kerid that harbours a small green lake. This crater is a result of an old explosion crater in the Grímsnes region about 3000 years agoi. It is now filled with water, creating a lake whose steep circular slopes resemble an ancient amphitheatre. Indeed, once a rock concert was held on a floating raft on the lake, with the audience standing in a circle around it.
Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
The mountain massif Kerlingarfjöll (The Giantess Mountains; 800 - 1500 m) is the main ornament in the chain of mountains and glaciers framing the Kjölur area. It covers about 150 km² area southeast of the Temple Glacier (Hofsjökull) close to the Keldur Road. The area is full of small steaming hot springs, mud pools and water fountains. It is truly a hiker's paradise. It is one of the largest geothermal areas in all of Europe. It derives its name from a single, 25m high and dark hyaloclastite pillar protruding from the light colored, rhyolite scree of the peak Kerlingartindur. The aforementioned types of rock represent the main structure of the mountain massif and this yellowish tint is the dominant color in the area.
Lakagígar and Eldgjá
Lakagígar, are a part of Skaftafell National Park. The area contains some of the world’s most remarkable geological formations while the plant and animal life is also of special interest. The Lakagígar eruption 1783 was the largest eruption since the settlement of Iceland and the accompanying lava flow (Eldhraun) was the third largest on earth since the last ice age.
Landmannalaugar
This unique pearl of the interior is situated in a valley between colorful, steep mountains at the high and dark edge of the rhyolite lava field Laugahraun. The surroundings of Landmannalaugar are too colorful & magnificent to describe accurately with words. This is the most visited area in the Icelandic Highlands and a must-see. The area is always accessible by Super Jeeps on special tours. Many hot and cold springs create a bathing warm brook, where people bath throughout the entire year.
Langisjór -
Langisjór is a lake in the Highlands of Iceland. It is around 20 km in length and up to 2 km wide, with a total surface area of about 26 km² and a depth of 75m at its deepest point. The lake is situated rather far from civilisation at the south-western border of Vatnajökull at an altitude of 670 m above sea level. On the other hand, the environment is extremely beautiful.
Man-made Cave: Hellnahellir
Hellnahellir is the biggest man-made cave in Iceland, about 200 square meters. It is first time mentioned in some manuscripts from 1332. The cave is open for tourists by arrangement. The caves are well-known for their special acoustics. Concerts have been held in it and the bishop of Iceland has held a holy service there.
Mt. Hekla Volcano
An active volcano for centuries, Mount Hekla is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, erupting approximately every then year for the past century. The mountain is about 1491 m high and rising. Hekla at a distance has a similar appearance to that of Mount Fuji in Japan, much to the delight of many Japanese visitors here. Mt. Hekla is clearly visible from Hotel Rangá's front door. It is our "backyard volcano".
Mt. Thrihyrningur
Thríhyrningur, (“the Three-Horned-Mountain”) lies within plain view of Hotel Ranga and is only about 15km distant. It is a monument in South Iceland and visible from great distances. It is a great mountain to ascend and hike up to the top. The hike takes about 3 hours for experienced hikers - when favorable conditions exist. The ground on the trail can be a bit loose during the ascent – why good hiking boots, a hiking cane and a decent water supply are a must. No one will be denied their ultimate satisfaction after reaching the top to view the stunning panoramic outlying landscape of South Iceland.
Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and Katla Volcano
Mýrdalsjökull is a glacier located in the south of Iceland. It is situated to the north of Vík í Mýrdal and to the east of the smaller glacier Eyjafjallajökull. Its peak reaches 1493 m in height and in 1980 it covered an area of 595 km². The view on a clear day is one of the prettiest in the world. The volcano Katla, in the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, has erupted on average every 40 - 60 years. Sixteen eruptions have been recorded since the settlement of Iceland, the last in 1918.
Oddi church - Wedding in Iceland
Oddi, in the fields of the Ranga, is a major historic site. It first became famous around the middle of the 11th Century, when a church was built there, and thus is one of the oldest church sites in Iceland. It was a scholar, political and cultural center for centuries. The current Oddi church was erected in 1924 and has recently been comprehensively restored to a very intimate and romantic place of worship. Hotel Ranga now offers wedding packages where your ceremony takes place in this historic and cozy church in beautiful surroundings and then taken to the hotel for your reception.
Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
A unique waterfall in the river Seljalandsá, about 17 km west of Skógar. It is 60 meters high with a foot path behind it at the bottom of the cliff, but with a thin cascade. It is the only known waterfall of its kind, where it is possible to walk behind. The waterfall is very picturesque and therefore its photo can be found in many books and calendars. Access to the waterfall is from the farm of Seljaland along the Ring Road, Iceland's main highway. A little further to the west there are several other falls, among them the interesting Gljúfrabúi which is partially masked by its own canyon.
Seljavellir Swimming Pool
The swimming pool/hot spring Seljavallalaug is situated in a short and a narrow valley near the farm Seljavellir at the foot of the Eyjafjoll Mountains in South Iceland. The local Youth Club built the old and unique pool, where a still older and smaller one stood before. One of its long sides is the sheer mountainside, where natural hot water trickles into it. It has a splendid view of the nearby stream cascading down from the mountains and must be one of the most beautiful settings for a naturally heated pool – anywhere. The "natural" pool is somewhat of a well-kept secret by locals and is very well frequented by local youths – especially during midnight sun of the incredible everlasting summer evenings.
Skaftafell National Park and Vatnajökull Glacier
Skaftafell is now a part of the largest National Park in Iceland, the Vatnajökull National Park. It lies in the Glacier Country, a remote but attractive part of the south. The park covers an area of about 1,600 km2 which spreads over three valley glaciers of Skeiðarárjökull, Morsárjökull and Skaftafellsjökull on the southern fringes of Vatnajökull. Founded in 1956, the park is one of Icelands distinctive natural attractions of extravagant beauty. The park & glacier lies about 200 km east of Hotel Ranga on the main road. Nowhere in the country is the natural variety and contrast as abundant and evident as in Skaftafell. Vast glaciers, ice-blue glacial lakes with silent icebergs, forbidding crevasses, mute peaks, jagged rocks, gulches, canyons, hanging valleys, shimmering ice tunnels, giant grotesque ice-arches, ice-falls, mountain torrents, roaring glacial rivers, ice-cold mountain streams flowing in ravines with luxuriant vegetation and wild flowers, waterfalls, basalt columns of most unusual configurations, rare birds and plants, birch forest, lush vegetation, and many other natural marvels have created this tellurian spectacle.
Skálholt Church
Situated in the lower part of the Biskupstungur valley between the rivers Hvítá and Brúará, Skálholt is one of Iceland's places of special historical interest. For seven centuries it was the scene of the most dramatic events which shaped the political, spiritual and cultural life in Iceland. Its early history is traced back to the 11th century when religious disputes were at their sharpest in Iceland. Within two centuries of the settlement of Iceland, the first bishopric was founded at Skálholt in 1056 for South Iceland, and soon a second at Hólar in 1109 for North Iceland.
Skogar Folk Museum and Skogafoss Waterfall
Only a few kilometers away from the south shores of Iceland, lies the village of Skógar along the Southern Ring Road. It is a popular summer-resort centre surrounded by unusual scenic beauty. The greatest attraction of Skógar is the beautiful 60-meter high Skogafoss waterfall in the river Skógaá. One of the finest folk museums in Iceland is situated in extraordinarily beautiful natural surroundings. The interesting local folk museum has a collection of over 6000 artifacts and examples of various types of dwellings in Iceland since the early times. The collection of tools and equipment used at land and sea is outstanding. The museum also has an old turf farmhouse, where guests can experience the standards of living in Iceland in past centuries.
Strandakirkja Church
The humble wooden church Strandakirkja on the southwest coast on the road between Thorlakshöfn and Grindavik has been central in many seamen’s prayer for centuries. The original church is said to have been built by seamen in peril whose prayers for rescue were answered by an angel that appeared on the shore and guided them to land ("The guiding light of those who sail the sea"). The conception of the church has formatted hagiographies that testify the danger of life that seamen have had to endure in the stormy waters of this sometimes violent coastline. People from all over the world still pledge donations to Strandakirkja in hope of help in times of trouble. This wealthy little church (the richest in Iceland) and its mesmerizing surroundings are truly worth a visit.
Stöng, Commonwealth Settlement Farm
Some early settlers of Iceland chose the fertile valley of Thjorsádal as the site for their farmsteads. They were unaware of the fact that the tranquil-looking, snow-capped mountain towering on the south was an active volcano. In 1104, there was a massive eruption in Mount Hekla, and the settlement in Thjorsádal was buried under tons of volcanic debris and ash. In 1939 Scandinavian archaeologists excavated Stöng and revealed what was left of the smothered Saga-age farm. The findings provided fresh data about the design and construction of Viking long-houses and their evolution up to the 12th century and other valuable information about the period known as the Commonwealth. In 1974, on the 1100th anniversary of the settlement of Iceland, architect Hordur Agustsson and a team of historians pieced together the available data and meticulously constructed a replica of Stöng at Skeljastadir, a few kilometers down the valley.
Surtsey Island, the Earth's Youngest Island
On the 14th of November, 1963 Icelandic seamen, that were fishing about 20 km southwest of Heimaey observed the beginnings of an undersea eruption that originated at a 130 meters depth. Surtsey is not only one of the world's newest islands, but the most filmed and researched and one of the most restricted. Ever since the eruption in 1963 which heaved it up out of the waters 18km (11 miles) south-west of Heimaey, its progress has been monitored. This has been giving scientists a fascinating insight into how a new island evolves, how flora and fauna develop and so on. Because of this very few people are now allowed to visit the island, and special permits are only granted for scientific research.
Thingvellir National Park - UNESCO Heritage Site
Thingvellir, 50 km (31 miles) to the east of Reykjavík, is the national shrine of Iceland. Iceland's most historic site, and one of the country's most beautiful places, it is also part of The Golden Circle tour. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD930. The Alþing met here every year to enact laws, including the law passed in AD1000 to introduce Christianity into the island. Thingvallavatn is the largest lake in Iceland, 83 km2 and over 100m deep. Thingvellir National Park is now a protected UNESCO national heritage site.
Thjorsadalur Valley
Thjorsádalur is one of the attractions in the valley of the River Thjorsá. It is a great day trip all-year round from Hotel Ranga and Hotel Highland and is well worth a visit. One of the attractions here is the Saga-Age Farmhouse, a replica built in 1974 of the farm at Stöng which was destroyed by an eruption of Hekla in 1104. The ruins of Stöng can also be seen, and a short walk further up the valley leads one to Háifoss, the second highest waterfall in Iceland and one of the most impressive. This is one of the real pearls of Icelandic beauty.
Thjorsarver
Þjórsárver is an extensive, mostly vegetated, part of the central highlands of Iceland, stretching for about 140 km2, mostly on the west side of the River Þjórsá south of Hofsjökull. The area is situated about 600 metres above sea level. The majority of Þjórsárver and the surrounding area (375 km2 in all) was protected in 1981 and the area was designated a Ramsar Site in 1990, mainly for the sake of its bird life. Þjórsárver is one of the largest, most isolated oases in the Icelandic highlands. Its outstanding character and very existence are first and foremost a consequence of the interaction of glaciers, water, soil, climate, vegetation and wildlife. Þjórsárver is part of an impressive landscape that remains largely unspoilt.
Thorsmörk Nature Reserve
The Thorsmörk ("Thor's woods") natural reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. It is surrounded by natural boundaries like mountains, ice caps and glacier rivers & lagoons. The Thorsmörk area is bounded by Krossá River to the south, Markarfljót River to the west, Ljósá River to the north and the ice cap Mýrdalsjökull to the east. Thorsmörk is an idyllic place of exceptional meteorological conditions hidden in the embrace of glaciers and mountains and was actually a fjord from the ocean about 12.000 years ago.
Vatnajökull Glacier - Europe's Largest Glacier
Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland. It is located in the south-east of the island, covering more than 8% of the country. With a size of 8,100 km², it is the largest glacier in Europe. The average thickness of the ice is 400 m, with a maximum thickness of 1,000 m. Iceland's highest mountain, Öræfajökull (2,110 m), is located in the southern periphery of Vatnajökull, near Skaftafell National Park. It is classified as an ice cap glacier. Under the glacier, as under many of the glaciers of Iceland, there are several volcanoes. The volcanic lakes, Grímsvötn for example, were the sources of a large glacier run in 1996. The volcano under these lakes also caused a considerable but short-time eruption in the beginning of November 2004 and another larger in 2011.
Veidivötn Lakes - Fishing Lakes
Veidivötn Lakes are a magnificent highland oasis. They are a friend in the desert, which no one should miss. They are only 130 km away from Hotel Ranga, and about 30 km from Hotel Highland and Hrauneyjar. The crater formations are of a true extrarterrestrial character and the contrast between black sand and gin-clear water is truly unique. Many travelers find this to be the highlight of their visit to Iceland. The lakes are rich in trout that are believed to be from one of the oldest stocks in Europe. They vary in size, 3-6 pounders being common, and are known for their excellent taste.
Westman Islands
The Westman Islands are a group of fifteen islands, situated just off the south coast of Iceland. The main island, Heimaey, has a population of about 5,000, and is the only one of the islands that is inhabited. The island was first settled in 930 A.D., although some sources claim that a fishing village had been established there 300 years earlier and that, by that time, Irish monks had already been to Heimaey, too. No port in Iceland registers bigger catches than this one and the island is simply buzzing with life. At 2:00am on the night of January 23 1973, a massive eruption began in the eastern part of Heimaey. Almost all of the 5,000 inhabitants were safely evacuated to the mainland. The eruption lasted for over 5 months and caused extensive damage to the town, burying houses under lava and ash. Only a few weeks after the eruption ended, the population had returned to clean up and continue their lifes. The eruption added a total of 250 million cubic meters of new volcanic material to the island.
Þuríðarbúð á Stokkseyri
Þuríðarbúð was erected in 1949 in memory of Þuríður Einarsdóttir and old working procedures. Captain (or foreman) Þuríður Einarsdóttir was born in 1777 and died in 1863. She went on her first fishing tour at the age of eleven on her father's boat, but 17 years old she was a fully qualified mate on her brother's boat. For the most part of her fishing life Þuríður was a captain. She gave up seamanship in 1843 due to ill health, after a long and happy captainship. It was considered unique for a woman to be captain of a fishing boat. She was considered a good captain, practical and cautious but at the same time daring and very popular among her mates. She usually wore men's clothing because of her fishing and had permission from the province's sheriff to do so. Houses, or cottages, of the same kind as Þuríðarbúð were very common in Stokkseyri in the 19th century, made from stones and turf. Bunks lined the walls of these abodes where the seamen slept, ate and dwelt during their days ashore.
Íslenska