SELJALANDSFOSS

One of the most famous and photographed waterfalls in Iceland is Seljalandsfoss. The iconic 60 m high waterfall is very popular with tourists, not least because it is easily accessible as it is close to the main road 1.

In the summer months you can also get to the cave behind the waterfall

The waterfall is part of the Seljalandsá River, which rises under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Under this glacier is also the volcano of the same name, which is best known for its eruption in 2010. A series of volcanic events that began in April 2010 caused huge disruption to air traffic. Volcanic clouds covered mainly the northern European region and almost 20 countries were forced to close their airspace. Approximately 10 million passengers were affected.

PARKING

There is a spacious paid parking lot with refreshments and toilets near the waterfall. You pay 900 ISK for parking and you can park here all day. You can pay via the parking meter.

SKÓGAFOSS

Like Seljandsfoss, Skógafoss is one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. The distance between them is only 30 km and both are located close to the main road No. 1 that runs around the whole island. What they also have in common is that they fall from a height of 60 m from former coastal cliffs, which are currently located about 5 km from the sea. Even though both waterfalls are 60 m high, Skógafoss is much more massive than its counterpart. When the weather is good, it is quite a rule that you will see a rainbow at the waterfall.

If you want to see the waterfall from above, it is possible to walk up the stairs to the viewpoint located above the waterfall. The falls are part of a marked hiking trail along the Skoga River, which will take you to other waterfalls with views of the Eyjafjöll glacier.

INTERESTING

Near the waterfall is the Skógar Museum, which displays a ring that, according to Icelandic legend, was owned by Þrasi Þórólfsson, one of the first Viking settlers in this part of the island, who was considered a giant. The legend tells the story of a golden treasure that Þrasi buried in 900 AD in a cave behind the Skógafoss waterfall. After his death, the local people tried to find the chest full of gold. When they succeeded, they tugged the chest from side to side and the ring that was on the side of the chest broke off and the chest fell back into oblivion, leaving only the ring. It was given to the local church and later to the local museum.

At the waterfall there is a parking lot, which is FREE

PARKING

There is a free car park with plenty of parking spaces next to the waterfall. It is gravel and full of holes, but sufficient nonetheless.

There is also an area for camping, which is also free. There are also chargeable toilets, for which you pay 200 ISK, and a bistro.

SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL GLACIER

Eight kilometres long and two kilometres wide, the Sólheimajökull glacier, which is essentially the outlet glacier of the much larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Iceland. It is the most difficult glacier to reach on the island (considering you are travelling from Reykjavik). It is possible to walk right up to the glacier.

Volcanic ash keeps glaciers from melting...at least partially

INTERESTING

Virtually the entire glacier is covered in volcanic ash. Interestingly, the ash partially protects the glacier from melting caused by global warming. The glacier is shrinking every year, as can be seen in the lagoon that has formed as a result of the glacier melting.

GLACIER EXPEDITION

Even though you can get up close to the glacier, it may not be enough for everyone. For those who want a little extra adventure, they can book a glacier hike with Tröll Expeditions Solheimajokull.

During the three-hour glacier expedition, you'll have the chance to get up close and personal with the glacial tunnels, crevasses and volcanic remains from the volcano beneath the glacier. You will also get a breathtaking view of the southern coast.

You can book your tour on the company's website https://troll.is/glaciers-in-iceland/glacier-tours/solheimajokull-3-hour-glacier-hike/ for full details. The total price is 14 900 ISK.

PARKING

There is a pay parking lot on site, which offers a sufficient number of spaces. You will pay 750 ISK for a regular car. You can only pay via the Parka app.

Parking can only be paid via the Parka app!

There are also toilets on site, which have a charge of ISK 300. There are turnstiles outside the entrance and a payment machine that accepts both coins and credit cards.

BLACK BEACH REYNISFJARA

The black beach Reynisfjara is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches in Iceland. Black sand and smooth pebbles are typical of this beach. The basalt columns found here give the beach a completely different dimension. Legends say that they are fossilised trolls who froze at sunrise.

FJAÐRÁRGLJÚFUR CANYON

This 2 km long canyon, which was formed by gradual erosion when water from glaciers flowed through the rocks, is another popular tourist spot, easily accessible from the main road No. 1.

There is a marked trail above the canyon where you can enjoy breathtaking views. This is an easy walk that almost anyone can do.

The parking lot and restrooms located next to it are free.

ARCHIPELAGO VESTMANNAEYJAR

The Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, which consists of a total of 15 islands, is located about 12 km off the southern coast. The only inhabited island is Heimaey, with a population of approximately 4 000. It is said that those who have not been here have not known Iceland.

Due to its location, the archipelago boasts the highest average temperature on the island. In summer, the temperature here reaches around 20°C, while in winter the temperature rarely drops below freezing. This makes it possible to observe the largest colony of puffins in Iceland.

Who has not been here, has not known Iceland

On the island of Elliðaey, which is part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, there is a famous house that is considered to be the loneliest house in the world. It has been uninhabited for almost 100 years and is currently the site of a nature reserve. The site is clearly visible from the ferry that runs from the south coast.

INTERESTING

The biggest attraction of the island is the Eldfell volcano with its interesting red-coloured gravel and rocks. The volcano last erupted in 1973, driving all the inhabitants off the island. The lava flow was not as strong as other volcanoes that have erupted in Iceland and so all the inhabitants managed to escape. Interestingly, the Icelandic government decided to stop the lava flow and divert it with water cannons in order to preserve life on the island. And that was eventually done.

TRANSPORTATION

Transport to the main island is provided by a ferry that leaves from a point on the south coast 14 km from the Seljandafoss waterfall. A return ticket costs ISK 4 800 per person. It is also possible to travel on the ferry with a car, for which you pay according to its dimensions. If you don't want to pay for a car, it can be left at the free parking lot located at the port. You can then rent a bike or scooter on the island. It's a good idea to book a bike at least a day in advance, as capacity is limited and tourists use this option of transport around the island a lot.

By bike or scooter?

Tickets for the ferry can be booked on the website https://herjolfur.is/en/, or you can pay for the ticket at the ticket office in the port. However, there is no guarantee that there will be space. There is usually only room for passengers, but not for cars.

Electric scooters are operated by Hopp and can be found in all major cities in Iceland. The island of Heimaey is no exception. The price to unlock the scooter is 100 ISK, then you pay 36 ISK for each minute. You can download the app at https://hopp.bike/, which will refer you to google play.

The bike can be booked at https://visitwestmanislands.com/tour/rent-a-bike-in-westman-islands/ and you pay 4,000 ISK for 5 hours.

It is also possible to walk the entire island on your own, however you need to set aside time for at least a full day.