9-Nights Icelandic Explorer

Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Despite its big name, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Iceland, is a small village near the Laki lava fields (some of the largest in the world), volcanoes and the Myrdalssandur outwash sands (caused by glacial flooding).

Kirkjubaejarklaustur, located 170 mi/275 km east of Reykjavik, merits one night or a day trip. It's a popular base for visitors of Vatnajokull National Park. If you are driving through, hire a local guide to take you to some of the more well-known natural attractions.

Husavik

The most interesting places to visit in Iceland are Dettifoss, Myvatn, Goðafoss, Krafla, Ásbyrgi, the park in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, the fossils at Tjörnes, the ghost valleys of the north. Húsavík is known for being the whale watching capital of Iceland. The bird life offers unique nature experience on sea for tourists. Lundey (also known as Puffin Island) is an island colony of 100.000 puffins and other cliff dwelling birds. The beautiful garden in the center of town and the river running through it provides life for many birds. The Folk Museum has one of the largest polar bears ever caught locally. The well-timbered church built in 1907 is open for visitors during summer. The town is a starting point for sightseeing tours and one-day excursions to many famous places found in the north, like Lake Myvatn, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, Hljódaklettar, Hólmatungur, Ásbyrgi, Tjörnes peninsula, Adaldalur valley, Laxárdalur valley and the Grenjadarstadur Folk Museum. Húsavík is an environmental friendly town - where geothermal water heats all houses and heats or dries industrial products.

Reykholt

Reykholt, Iceland, near Borgarnes in the west, was the home of Snorri Sturluson, a beloved writer from the 13th century, and central to the Viking sagas. The beautiful countryside, seated in a valley between big hills, is the second largest agriculture area in Iceland. Just beyond the valley is Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful geyser, which provides heat for homes over a large area.

Reykjavik

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.