#Hvítá River

[travelella]

Gullfoss Falls, Hvítá river, South-West Iceland.

[thingsdavidlikes]

bridge over troubled water by judith.kuhn

[davidstanleytravel]

The Hvítá River gushes over Gullfoss Waterfall in southwestern Iceland.

[icelandoffbeat]

Discover Iceland’s Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures | A Journey of Exploration and Wonder

Iceland Adventure Holidays: A Nature Lover’s Dream

For those seeking a blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and awe-inspiring natural scenery, Iceland adventure holidays are the perfect choice. Iceland’s rugged landscapes offer endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking through vast lava fields to ice climbing on towering glaciers. Adventurers can delve into Iceland’s wild beauty, tackling everything from the adrenaline-packed Laugavegur Trail to the thrilling river rafting experiences on the Hvítá River.

In addition to physical challenges, Iceland offers a unique connection with nature, where you can witness geothermal energy bubbling beneath the Earth’s crust, bathe in the famed Blue Lagoon, or stand before the mighty waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss. These experiences not only cater to the thrill-seeker but also provide serenity and peace in some of the world’s most unspoiled landscapes.

Iceland Exploration Tours: Explore Hidden Gems

While the popular Golden Circle tour and Blue Lagoon are often on most tourists’ itineraries, Iceland exploration tours take you beyond the usual spots, guiding you to lesser-known natural wonders and cultural sites. These tours allow visitors to experience Iceland in its rawest form — away from the crowds and into the heart of untouched nature.

One of the most popular ways to explore the country is through self-drive tours. Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is the gateway to a journey filled with stunning coastlines, towering fjords, and ancient Viking history. However, true adventurers will want to go beyond the main roads, venturing into the highlands, where glacial rivers carve through valleys and geothermal hot springs lie waiting to be discovered.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Iceland Tours: Embrace the Unconventional

For travelers seeking experiences that go beyond the ordinary, off-the-beaten-path Iceland tours provide a unique opportunity to explore areas of the island that remain untouched by tourism. The central highlands, for instance, are a vast wilderness of volcanic deserts, towering mountains, and hidden oases.

Exploring Landmannalaugar, a geothermal wonder in the highlands, is one such off-the-beaten-path experience that leaves a lasting impression. Known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming vents, and natural hot springs, Landmannalaugar offers some of the best hiking opportunities in the country. The Laugavegur Trail, a multi-day trek through the highlands, is a challenge for even the most experienced hikers, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of isolation make it worth every step.

Another hidden gem is Thórsmörk, a remote valley surrounded by glaciers and volcanic mountains. Accessible by modified super jeeps due to the rugged terrain, Thórsmörk is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that take you through birch forests, glacial rivers, and panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks.

Iceland Northern Lights Tours: A Celestial Spectacle

No trip to Iceland is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, this natural phenomenon draws visitors from around the world during the dark winter months. Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to see this celestial display, thanks to its proximity to the Arctic Circle and minimal light pollution.

Iceland Northern Lights tours offer expertly guided experiences that increase your chances of witnessing this magical event. Local guides monitor aurora activity and weather conditions to take you to optimal viewing spots on clear nights, often far from city lights.

For those seeking more than just the lights, combining a Northern Lights tour with other winter activities is highly recommended. Imagine snowmobiling across a glacier or soaking in a geothermal pool while the sky above you dances with hues of green, pink, and purple.

Iceland Photography Tours: Capturing the Wild Beauty

These tours are often led by professional photographers who understand the nuances of shooting in Iceland’s diverse environments, whether you’re capturing the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, or the rugged coastline. You’ll learn techniques for shooting in various conditions, from windy mountaintops to the icy shores of black sand beaches.

Photographers can also explore Iceland’s wildlife, with opportunities to capture puffins, arctic foxes, and even whales. The Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier, offers mesmerizing compositions of icy landscapes and towering ice caves, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to improve their nature photography skills.

Conclusion

Iceland is an adventurer’s paradise, offering countless opportunities to explore its untamed wilderness and experience the raw power of nature. Whether you’re embarking on an Iceland exploration tour, going off the beaten path, chasing the Northern Lights, or capturing stunning landscapes through your lens, Iceland has something for every type of traveler.

By choosing these more unconventional routes and experiences, you not only get closer to Iceland’s authentic soul but also help preserve its delicate ecosystems by avoiding over-tourism. So pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes.

[eyssant]

Chasing Waterfalls: Iceland's Top 10 Natural Marvels

Iceland, with its rugged landscapes and dramatic natural beauty, is a land of fire and ice where waterfalls cascade down cliffs with breathtaking splendor. These cascades are not just geological wonders but also an integral part of Icelandic culture, often woven into folklore and legends. Here are the top 10 waterfalls in Iceland that promise awe-inspiring experiences, alongside insights into the weather and culture that shape this Nordic island nation.

1. Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

Location: South Iceland

Gullfoss, known as the "Golden Falls," is one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls. Here, the Hvítá River plunges into a rugged canyon, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. During winter, the falls often partially freeze, creating icy sculptures that contrast with the surrounding snow-covered landscape. This waterfall is not just a natural wonder but also a symbol of Iceland's environmental activism, as it was saved from hydroelectric development by the efforts of Sigríður Tómasdóttir in the early 20th century.

2. Seljalandsfoss

Location: South Iceland

Seljalandsfoss offers a unique experience as one of the few waterfalls in Iceland where visitors can walk behind the cascading water. This 197-foot fall is particularly magical during the midnight sun of summer when the golden light bathes the landscape. The weather here can change quickly, so visitors should be prepared for sudden rainbows appearing in the mist.

3. Skógafoss

Location: South Iceland

Just a short drive from Seljalandsfoss lies Skógafoss, another impressive waterfall. Plunging 197 feet over a wide cliff, this waterfall is known for its sheer power. Legend has it that a Viking settler buried a treasure chest behind the falls, but it was never found. Nearby, the Skógar Museum offers insights into Iceland's cultural heritage, with exhibits on traditional turf houses and artifacts from Iceland's history.

4. Dettifoss

Location: Northeast Iceland

Dettifoss is Europe's most powerful waterfall, with a massive flow of water that thunders into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Its sheer force creates a mist that can be seen from miles away. This area, part of Vatnajökull National Park, is a rugged wilderness of volcanic landscapes and is a stark contrast to the lush greenery often associated with waterfalls.

5. Svartifoss (Black Falls)

Location: Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park

Svartifoss is renowned for its striking basalt columns surrounding the cascade, creating a unique and dramatic backdrop. These columns, resembling organ pipes, inspired the architecture of Reykjavik's Hallgrímskirkja Church. To reach Svartifoss, visitors take a scenic hike through the rugged landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park, offering a glimpse into Iceland's raw natural beauty.

6. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss

Location: West Iceland

Hraunfossar, meaning "Lava Falls," is a series of cascades that flow out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field. What makes this waterfall unique is that the water seems to emerge from the lava itself, creating a mystical sight. Nearby, Barnafoss (Children's Falls) has a tragic legend attached to it, where two children fell to their deaths centuries ago, giving the falls its name. These waterfalls are not just natural wonders but also a testament to Iceland's geological history.

7. Glymur

Location: Hvalfjörður fjord, West Iceland

Glymur is Iceland's second tallest waterfall, tucked away in the remote Hvalfjörður fjord. To reach this hidden gem, visitors embark on a hike through canyons and across rivers, adding an adventurous element to the experience. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjord, showcasing Iceland's diverse landscapes.

8. Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods)

Location: North Iceland

Goðafoss is steeped in history and legend, earning its name from the momentous event when Iceland converted to Christianity in the year 1000. It is said that upon converting, the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his statues of Norse gods into the falls, symbolizing the country's adoption of the new faith. This picturesque waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót River is easily accessible from the Ring Road and offers a glimpse into Iceland's cultural evolution.

9. Dynjandi

Location: Westfjords

Dynjandi, often called the "Jewel of the Westfjords," is a cascade of waterfalls that fans out as it descends over 300 feet. The main waterfall, Dynjandi, is the largest and most impressive, surrounded by smaller falls that together create a stunning display of nature's power. Visiting Dynjandi allows travelers to venture into the remote and rugged landscapes of the Westfjords, offering a glimpse into Iceland's untamed beauty.

10. Hengifoss

Location: East Iceland

Hengifoss is known for its distinctive red clay layers that run through the surrounding rock, creating a captivating contrast with the white cascading water. This 128-meter waterfall is a rewarding hike, with the trail passing by another waterfall called Litlanesfoss, known for its basalt columns. As visitors ascend toward Hengifoss, they are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Lagarfljót.

Weather and cultural factors

Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable, and travelers should come prepared for anything. Summers, while mild, can still bring sudden rain showers and cool winds, especially near waterfalls where mist can drench unwary visitors. In winter, many waterfalls partially freeze, creating an otherworldly landscape of ice and snow.

Icelandic culture is deeply intertwined with its natural wonders, including waterfalls. Stories of elves, trolls, and hidden people abound, with many waterfalls having their own tales. These tales often carry moral lessons or explanations for natural phenomena. Travelers might hear these stories from locals or encounter them in the many museums dedicated to Icelandic folklore and history.

Visiting these waterfalls of Iceland offers not just a visual feast but also a deeper understanding of the country's geological, historical, and cultural richness. Whether chasing rainbows in the mist of Seljalandsfoss or hiking to the remote beauty of Dynjandi, each waterfall beckons with its own charm, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Iceland's natural wonders and vibrant heritage.

[nordnews]

Mannverk is preparing to build a swimming pool in Laugarás in Bláskógabyggð. It will be located in the Árnes region, on the banks of the Hvítá River. “In 2015 we were fortunate t...

[travelling-around-this-world]

10 DAYS IN ICELAND 🇮🇸

The land of Iceland is plateau with mountain peaks, and ice fields, with a coastline marked by fjords, which are deep inlets carved by glaciers.

HISTORY

The first settlers were Irish religious people who wanted to live a simple life. The country was prosperous in the Middle Ages. They established a national assembly, called Althingi, in 930. Althingi is the world's oldest continuous parliament.

Iceland was part of Norway and then was ruled by Denmark for more than 500 years, but the country became an independent republic in 1944.

The colors in the flag represent three of the elements that make up the island: Red is for the island's volcanic fires; white for the snow and ice fields of the island; and blue is for the surrounding ocean.

TIPS BEFORE DEPARTURE

Make sure to book guesthouses/hostels in advance, they are very expensive. Better to find places equipped with kitchens.

Bring food from home - it's cheaper and healthier, if you have space in you lagguage

Dress with many layers. Weather is unpredictable and better to have always everything with yourself.

Bring your swimsuit: you will find everywhere hot tubs.

Renting a car is for sure the best way for self-travels. Make sure to rent a 4x4.

10 DAYS TRIP

- Reykjavik

Reykjavík is the Capital of Iceland and around 2/3 of the entire population is living here. It is a city of bold contrasts: it is both cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history. Many monuments, new and old, are also worth a peek, including the newly built oceanfront music and conference centre,  Harpa. 

It's the natural starting point to start visiting Iceland; Spending one day in the city is more than enough. You can easily rent a scooter or walk and visit the whole city center.

- We stayed at BUS HOSTEL, as there is a direct public bus from the airoport. It's cheap and close to downtown.

- We tried ICELANDIC STREET FOOD RESTAURANT. It's not super cheap but you have never ending soup refills and waffles for free.

- Gullfoss & Thingvelir

Gullfoss is two separate waterfalls; the upper one has a drop of 11 meters and the lower one 21 meters. The rock of the river bed was formed during an interglacial period. Water flows over Gullfoss at an average rate of 109 cubic meters per second. The heaviest floods have recorded a flow of 2000 cubic meters per second. During the summer, the flow is 130 cubic meters per second. People were eager to exploit the power potential of Gullfoss, and many plans for hydroelectric developments on the river Hvítá have been proposed.

Þingvellir National Park is such a sought after tourist destination and the significance of its history and geology is huge. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland.

Most visitors to Iceland will, at some point, take the Golden Circle, the most popular tourist route in the country. Images from its three destinations adorn postcards and websites, to the extent that many know what to expect from the tour before they even arrive. The iconic Gullfoss waterfall is famed for its scale and beauty; the Geysir Geothermal Area is home to the rare and spectacular phenomenon of, as the name suggests, geysers; but what about Þingvellir warrants it a place on the list?

The answer to this is multi-faceted. Þingvellir is a place where Iceland’s stark geological processes are playing out right in front of you; it is where the history of the nation truly began and where almost all its major historical turns were made; and, quite simply, it is a beautiful site with a wealth of things to do. No matter your interests, you are sure to find something here that fascinates you.

- Haifoss, Seljaiandfoss & Skogafoss

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls with an astounding width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 meters (197 feet). Due to the amount of spray the cascade produces, at least one rainbow is present any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds.

Haifoss is the third highest waterfall in Iceland, about 122 meters high and is located on the edge of the highlands near the volcano Hekla in the south of Iceland. The view over this stunning waterfall with the beauty of the icelandic nature in the background makes this place the perfect location for photography.

CAREFUL:

- The cliffs from the viewpoint over the waterfall are very high so use caution when going close to the edges.

- You can only arrive with a 4x4

THIS FOR US WAS THE MOST STUNNING WATERFALL OF ICELAND.

- Black Beach, Diamond Beach & Vatnajökull

Vatnajökull (2110 m) is the largest glacier in Iceland and it’s also the largest glacier mass in Europe. It covers an area of roughly between 8100 sq. km and 8300 sq. km, and it’s about 1000 m thick at its thickest point. Its average thickness is 400 - 500 m, and the total ice volume of Vatnajokull is probably in the vicinity of 3300 cubic km.

- In summer you can explore the area by kayak; In winter, you can hike the glacier and explore the ice caves. The tour takes 2 hours and it costs around 150€.

- Mjoifjördur, Seydisfjordur & Borgarfjordur

Mjóifjörður is an 18 km long fjord, and its name translates as Narrow Fjord.

When arriving to the bottom of the fjord you´ll keep driving along the northern coast till you get to a small village, Brekkuþorp. If you drive about 16 km further out of the fjord you come to Dalatangi. The road to Mjóifjörður is breathtaking, but it’s just open for about five months of the year (depending on the weather). The rest of the year, Mjóifjörður is only accessible by scheduled boat from Norðfjörður.

- Studlagil Canyon, Myvatn, Hverfjall Volcano

Myvatn is one of the largest lake in Iceland, 37 km2 in area. Its shores are indented with many coves and inlets and its surface is dotted with around 50 small islets and skerries. Midges (Chironomidae) are abundant and the ubiquitous swarms of these tiny flies give the Lake its name. The lake itself is very shallow, and the rays of the sun reach the lake bed over its entire surface. The ecology of the lake area is extremely diverse and interesting; one important characteristic of Mývatn, being the prolific growth and abundance of freshwater seaweed.

Hverfjall Volcano has an impressive crater, approximately one kilometre in diameter. Created about 2,500 years ago, Hverfjall is connected to the very active Krafla volcanic system, which has been the cause of 29 eruptions since settlement. The Krafla system is near the Lake Mývatn area, one of the most popular and diverse sites in Iceland.

- Husavik & Akureyri

Húsavík is the oldest settlement in Iceland, besides being the largest town in Þingeyjarsýsla district and the service centre for the surrounding area. The town is known for whale watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay and is often referred to as the Whale Capital of Iceland. Up to 23 species of whale, including the Blue Whale, as well as large colonies of puffins can be found in or around the bay. One can experience the gigantic life-size of whales in the local Whale Museum where, amongst others, a 22m long skeleton of a Blue Whale is on display. There are several whale watching companies to choose from in Húsavík and sailing from there in pursuit of these wonderful creatures is an experience no one should miss and will certainly never be forgotten.

- We did our tour with North Sailing, an eco-friendly tour that cost us 70€.

Akureyri is the second largest urban area after the capital area of Reykjavík, with a population of about 18.500. Akureyri is the centre of trade and services in northern Iceland. It is also a town of culture and education, building on a firm foundation.

Akureyri is a popular tourist destination for short or long visits. The town offers a wide range of activities and interesting places e.g. notable museums, the world's most northerly botanic garden, one of Iceland's most popular swimming facilities, 18-hole golf course, the best skiing area in the country, good hiking trails and free city bus. 

- Siglufjörður & Fosslaug

Visiting a calm and beautiful HOT SPRING is the choice of many travelers who are looking for peace. If you are planning to visit a peaceful place rather than a crowded beach or hill station then add Fosslaug Hot Spring in your itinerary. Like many hot springs in Iceland, Fosslaug is made with rocks and mud floor. It is located near the river that enhances the beauty of this hot spring. Unlike other hot springs of Iceland, the water of Fosslaug hot springs remains comparatively warm.

- Snæfellsnes

Snaefellsnes is a peninsula that extends from the western side of Iceland. With its rich history and countless landmark attractions, it is nicknamed Iceland in Miniature. One of its infamous sights includes the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano. The peninsula offers a unique experience to visitors, having a variety of landscape, from mountain ranges and waterfalls, to coastal beach scenery.

WHAT WE VISITED:

SHARKS MUSEUM - where you can actually see how is the sharks meat processed and you can even taste it!

KIRKJUFELL - where a famous scene of Game Of Thrones was shot

BLACK CHURCH

YURI TUNGA BEACH - where you can see SEALS swimming near the shore.

From October to March you would be able to see the Aurora 💚✨ This is the most beautiful show the sky ca offer us!

HOW MUCH WE SPENT IN TOTAL?

If you want to save money, you need to book a lot in advance (we didn't😅). Moreover, we did everything really basic - but Iceland was so expensive anyways 💸

This is the money we spent for each person:

250€ each for the flight to go and back with laugguages included

350€ car rental for 9 days (700€ in total)

150€ each person for food at supermarket and twice rating street food

430€ each for 9 nights in hostels/ guesthouses

220€ each for tours (GLACIER + WHALES)

180€ gasoline (360€ in total)

GRAND TOTAL: 1580€ pp

[toursxplorer]

Explore Tourist Attraction in Iceland

Iceland, known as the land of fire and ice, is a beautiful and unique country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is home to stunning landscapes, natural wonders, and cultural attractions that attract tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon: Located in the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa that is famous for its mineral-rich, milky blue waters. It is one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations and offers visitors the chance to relax and unwind in its warm, soothing waters while surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Reykjavik: Iceland's capital city is a vibrant and modern metropolis that is steeped in history and culture. It is home to numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, as well as a thriving arts and music scene.

The Northern Lights: The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see this spectacular phenomenon, which is caused by the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field.

Vatnajökull National Park: Vatnajökull National Park is one of Iceland's most beautiful and unique national parks, and is home to numerous glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. It is also home to the Vatnajökull ice cap, which is the largest glacier in Europe.

Gullfoss Waterfall: Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most famous and impressive waterfalls, and is located on the Hvítá River in the southwest of the country. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and the power of the water as it cascades over two tiers of rock formations.

Thingvellir National Park: Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. It is home to stunning natural scenery, as well as numerous historical and cultural landmarks.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a stunning glacial lake that is located on the southeast coast of Iceland. It is fed by melting glaciers, and is home to numerous icebergs of all shapes and sizes, which can be seen floating on the lake's pristine blue waters.

The Skaftafell Ice Cave: The Skaftafell Ice Cave is a stunning natural wonder that is located beneath the Vatnajökull glacier. It is formed by meltwater that has carved intricate patterns and shapes into the ice, creating a unique and mesmerizing environment that is unlike anything else on Earth.

In conclusion, Iceland is a truly unique and beautiful country that offers visitors the chance to explore stunning natural landscapes, experience rich cultural traditions, and witness some of the most spectacular natural wonders on Earth. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or inspiration, tourist attraction in Iceland is the perfect destination for you.

[heavenskiriot]

Gullfoss // Iceland

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[theframelines]

Gullfoss by Brett_G

[davidstanleytravel]

The Hvítá River plunges into a narrow gorge at the famous Gullfoss Waterfall in southwestern Iceland.

[catcnz]

Hvítá #river #summer #millivinaguesthouse #walking #hvítá https://www.instagram.com/p/ChvXuE7MR8J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Gullfoss by Brett_G moving up in the world, 500px is showering me with sweet, sweet likes!

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Gullfoss by Brett_G

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Gullfoss (Plan B) by Brett_G

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Dusk near Hvítárvatn Lake 😍 by eyeshotHQ See 360° View Hvítárvatn is a lake in the Highlands of Iceland and the source of the glacial river Hvítá. It is located 45 km northeast of the Gullfoss waterfall. Its surface is about 30 km² and its greatest depth is 84 m. There are some rivers and lakes with the Icelandic adjective hvítur in their name. [Wikipedia]