Trifter

In southern Iceland there is a particular route going from Reykjavik to the center of the island and back again that hits nearly every major tourist destination you could hope to find on Iceland.   You may choose to join a tour group or you can rent a car and take the sights in at your leisure.  Iceland is a great place for people who seldom travel since the vast majority of people speak English, the roads are excellent, and attitudes among the populace are small-town friendly.

Gullfoss, which means Golden Falls in English is a waterfall, located in the Hvita River canyon that has three step-like parts to it.  It is one of the most spectacular sights on Earth, let alone Europe, which isn’t know for its waterfalls, canyons, or raging rivers.  Gullfoss is in the Þingvellir National Park which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Strokkur, which means Churn in English, sits beside the Hvita River.  It is one of two spectacular geysers that can be seen along the Golden Circle.  It erupts every 4-8 minutes.

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Great Geysir is another wonderful geyser along the Golden Circle and is the oldest known geyser in the world.  In fact, the word geyser itself comes from the name of this erupting hot spring.  The downside of this geyser, however, is that it erupts irregularly or not at all.  If you’re not lucky enough to see a spout when you arrive, don’t wait around for it, it probably isn’t going to happen.

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Kerith, also known as Kerid, is one of many volcanic crater lakes in the Western Volcanic Zone, but is arguably the most beautiful.  It is also highly accessible with one wall sloping down at an easy decline.  It is also blanketed in moss which makes it a much gentler descent and climb than the rockier slopes of some of the other lakes. 

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Hveragerdiis a small town on the river Varma with a population of a little less than 3000.  What makes it uniquely Icelandic is the numerous greenhouses that take advantage of the volcanic hot springs.  Within the town is an area that you can see numerous hot springs and fumaroles- an opening in the Earth’s crust that emits gases and steam. It truly appears to be an alien landscape.

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A funny figure at Eden, a well-known garden and arboretum in town, filled with tropical plants.

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Skalaholt which sits along the Hvita River in southern Iceland, has a long history. For seven centuries, until 1785 is was one of only two Icelandic Episcopal Sees- the other being Holar.  Iceland’s first official school was established here in 1056, although it was to educate the clergy.  At one time, Skalaholt was the largest city in Iceland.  Major events occurred here, such as the execution of the last Catholic bishop, Jon Arason, of Iceland and his two sons which spelled the end of Catholicism and the beginning of Lutheranism.

Although, now a small town by anyones standards, you can still stay in one of its many dormitories, boarding rooms, and cottages.  Cultural events such as concerts are frequently held in Skalholt, so check to see what is going on there before you arrive.

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Skaholt Cathedral

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Nesjavellir  Only in Iceland can a thing as mundane and -normally- as obtrusive as a power plant be so clean and beautiful.  Taking full advantage of the islands geologic quirks, this geothermal power plant is as green as it is effective, powering all of Reykjavik and the surrounding areas, as well as supplying them with all of their hot water needs.

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