Iceland’s
National Parks
Vatnajökull
National Park
X
The largest national
park in Iceland
Established in 2008,
encompasses not
only all of
Vatnajökull glacier
but also extensive
surrounding areas.
Thingvellir
National Park
X
Besides being a
location of historical
significance,
Thingvellir is also
protected as a
national park due to
its unique geology
and natural features.
Snæfellsjökull
National Park
X
Standing at the foot
of a volcano and
glacier, Snæfellsjökull
National Park is the
only park that
reaches from the
seashore to the
mountaintops.
b
Reynisdrangar,
basalt sea stacks
that are a trademark
for the town of Vik,
and are teeming with
nesting Arctic terns.
The Stunning South
On the road to Vik, photogenic waterfalls, farm houses and
sheep meadows encourage car-stopping camera clicks. These
scenic preambles lead to outstanding black sand beaches and
to Reynisdrangur, water-sculpted basalt monoliths, remnants
of an ancient eroded volcano. Nesting puffins and seabirds hug
the cliffs above the shoreline. Drawing an imaginary line due
south, it’s the last landmass until Antarctica. Once heaped
with ash loosed by the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjalljökull, the
hillside is a perfect sunrise viewing perch.
When you’re ready for a rest, settle down for midday and
evenings meals at either Halldorskaffi or Suour-Vik
Restaurant. Look for pizza and Thai dishes on these menus.
The Exceptional East
The reindeer brought from Norway roam free in the
mountains and grasslands on only the east side of Iceland.
Even before the Norsemen sailed to Europe’s farthest shores,
there’s evidence that Irish hermits put down roots. Myths and
legends are woven with history at sites such as Völvuleidi. One
story tells about a local prophetess who created fog to save her
neighbors from Algerian pirates. Today her burial mound is
kept intact so she will remain as a guardian.
Modern adventure seekers from near and far hike the
trails around the Borgarfjördur fjord. Rich in scenery and
solitude even in the summer, it’s called “Paradise of the
Hiker.” Close to Egilsstað in the deep waters of Lake Lögurinn,
Destination Spotlight
|
summer / fall 2016
69
