With a population of 322.000 inhabitants and a total area of 103.000 km2, Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. We realized that when we left Reykjavik and Reykjanes, the most populated area of Iceland. Route 1, or Ring road, connects all important places with capital city to form a full circle around the entire island. This is the favorite route for independent travelers. Most of the major attractions are located on the Ring road.
Route 1 – Ring road
Fantastic scenery can be seen
when you drive this route. Fjords are carved by mountains, horses walking
around freely, dramatic landscapes and much more. Traffic is very rare, even in the period of the "tourist invasion",
compared with other European countries.
Speed limit of 90 km/h allows you to relax and enjoy the unique scenery.
Icelandic horses on Route 1
One of the major attractions of
Ring road is a tunnel under Hvalfjordur
(fjord), which shortens the road to the north for 45 km. Tunnel is slightly
less than 6 km, road toll is 1.000 ISK (7 euro). It is practically the only
toll in Iceland. Otherwise, almost all attractions in Iceland are free. Based
on experiences from other countries where`s the trend of charging fees for visiting
natural attractions, this represents a true rarity. In the north of Iceland, Route 1 is intersected by the minor roads leading to
the fjords and small settlements. These areas are known for harsh weather
conditions. To protect themselves from severe cold and strong wind, Icelanders built
their houses lined with turf grass. In Glaumbaer near Skagafjordur, you can see Icelandic heritage houses - Minjahusiđ, which testify to living
conditions in old times and the constant struggle of man with raw nature.
Minjahusiđ, Glaumbaer
Ring road takes us to Akureyri,
the largest town in the north and the second largest in Iceland. This port city
and fishing industry center, has only 18,000 inhabitants. Also, it is the starting
point for exploring the wonders of nature in northern part of Iceland.
Akureyri (ds - lands.com)
After almost thousand kilometers of
driving, it`s clear that renting a car is the best solution for a tour around Iceland. It`s more flexible, even cost-effective, than visiting island by bus. Although regarded
as one of the most expensive countries in Europe, it is possible to find affordable
rent-a-car arrangements. Usual price of renting a small economical car for 7
days, going over 500 euro. We have found one for under 300 euro. Fantastic price considering all the circumstances.
Every journey sometimes requires
serious research. Must admit, I had some
problems to fit into a huge offer of
Iceland attractions with a small number
of days for this trip. However, one city in the north, stands out as a special
place. The best place for "Whale Watching" even in the world,
according to experienced travelers. It`s also named the capital of Whale
Watching, name of the town is Husavik.
Husavik
It may sound absurd, but with
2,250 inhabitants, Husavik is among the largest cities in the north of the
country. It is also famous for “Husavik Whale Museum”, and even has an airport. Reykjavik
and many other cities have an organized whale watching, but we wanted to experience
it in the best possible location, right on the border of the Arctic Circle, in
Husavik. There are two companies that offers Whale Watching, without significant
difference, either in price or in organizing. The price is around 50 euro, but the experience is unique. You
get special warm overalls to " survive
" the cold in the open sea, on the edge of the Arctic.
Ready for Whale Watching
Whale Watching companies guarantee you whale spotting in 2-3 hours of boat
ride. Still, passed a long time until the first water giant shows up. All
started with dolphins, then the largest mammal appeared, the Blue Whale.
Blue Whale dives into the Greenland Sea
Although we expected to see various
kinds of whales, happy, full of impressions, cooled
by Greenland Sea, we are leaving Husavik. Went to
see another wonder of nature, waterfalls Godafoss - Waterfall of God. Located in Lake Myvatn area, perhaps the most
spectacular area of Iceland.
God's Waterfall - Godafoss
Lake Myvatn is located in the
zone of increased volcanic activity and most quaky area of island. It was
created during the great eruption 2,300
years ago, when basaltic lava formed unusual shapes in the Lake area.
Myvatn
Rich content of this area requires a really good plan to visit all natural attractions. Don`t miss a
thing! First stop is a natural monument Skutustađir, formation of pseudo
craters scattered along the edges of the lake.
Skutustađir
Unusual shapes that protrude from
the lake reminds you of landscapes from the world of fairy tales and fantasy.
Dimmuborgir – The Dark Castles, is a large area of unusually shaped lava
fields.
Basalt forms Lake Myvatn
Wonders of nature are changing in
front of us. At least one day is needed for visit and exploring the area. Grotagja cave was created by
volcanic activity, inside is lake with thermal water. Not far from cave stands spectacular Hverfjall volcano. The crater is approximately 1 km in diametar.
Hverfjall volcano
A few kilometers east of Myvatn, starts
the zone of geothermal activity. It`s a
very large area and resembles on surface of Mars or some planet unknown to us.
The most famous site is Hverir, a geothermal area with boiling mudpools and steaming fumaroles.
Hverir
North of Hverir, minor road leads
us to the Krafla volcanic area, a 10km wide caldera. There is a geothermal
power plant with a pipeline that supplies this part of the country. The
fascinating Viti crater filled with a green lake, dominate the area .
Krafla volcano area with Viti crater
Viti, means "hell", got its name from belief that volcano is situated below
a living hell.
Hell crater, Krafla
We are leaving the area of Lake
Myvatn. As usual, Iceland surprised us again by its beauty and with number of stunning locations in such a small
area. Expectations are growing. On our way to eastern fjords, turn from Route 1 to the north, leads us to the most powerful waterfall in Europe, the
frightening Dettifoss.
To be continued ...
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