Icelandic Adventure

Reykjavík
Located in southwestern Iceland, the capital and largest city of Iceland is said to be the location of the first permanent settlement. It is believed that the city was established around AD 870. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development, but the city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades. Soon Reykjavík became the national center of commerce, population, and governmental activities. The city is rated among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.

Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route from Reykjavík in South Iceland. Two main stops on the route are the national park Thingvellir and the waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls). The route covers about 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back.

Thingvellir National Park
Around 930, the Althing general assembly was established in Thingvellir. A law passed in 1928 protecting the area, which shall remain the property of the Icelandic nation under the preservation of the Althing. Thingvellir National Park was officially founded in 1930, marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Althing. In 2004, the park became a World Heritage Site. Throughout the park, visitors can travel among the many hiking trails.

Gullfoss
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland is Gullfoss, an incredible waterfall located in the canyon of Hvita river in southwest Iceland. As one first approaches the falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that a mighty river magically vanishes into the earth. The falls offer a spectacular view of the forces and beauty of the untouched nature in Iceland. On a sunny day, a rainbow can be seen over the falls. In 1907, Gullfoss was owned by a local farmer, who was approached by an Englishman who wanted to buy it to produce electricity. Although the farmer declined the Englishman’s generous offer, he leased it to him. After the farmer’s passing, his daughter went to great lengths to save Gullfoss to stop construction that would damage it. She is often called Iceland’s first environmentalist. In 1979, Gullfoss was designated as a nature preserve and permanently protected for the public to enjoy.

Lake Mývatn
Lake Mývatn is the place to be to see an exceptionally large number of waterbirds. Thirteen species of duck nest here as well as many rare birds, but that’s not all there is to see! Lake Myvatn is a microcosm of all the natural wonders of Iceland like sulphur springs, Krafla Caldera, Nature baths, and incredible rock formations.

Húsavík
Húsavík is considered to be the “whale capital of Iceland” and is located along the coast of Skjálfandi Bay. According to legend, this was the first place in Iceland to be settled by the Norse. Take in the city’s vibrant houses and quaint harbor.

Whale Watching
Húsavík is considered one of the best places to see many different kinds of whales. Pilot whales, Bottlenose, Sperm, Minke, Humpbacks, Sei, Fin and Blue whales can all be seen on an exciting whale watching boat excursion. There’s nothing quite like seeing these gentle giants just a short distance away.

Akureyri
Sitting on the north coast under snowcapped mountains at the beginning of Iceland’s longest fjord, Akureyri is a low-key city that provides the perfect place from which to explore the country’s gorgeous landscapes and incredible natural wonders.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsnes Peninsula is situated in western Iceland and has been named Iceland in Miniature because many national sights can be found in the area, including the Snæfellsjökull volcano. The bodies of water surrounding the peninsula include the Atlantic Ocean, Faxafloi Bay and Breiðafjörður. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its natural beauty where mountains, lava fields, and water can be seen all around.

Blue Lagoon
In 1976, a geothermal spa was formed during operations at the nearby geothermal power plant. Soon after, people began to bathe in the unique water and apply silica mud to their skin. Blue Lagoon opened its facilities in 1987. Following the opening was the opening of a special clinic for psoriasis patients. Blue Lagoon even started producing its own skin care products. Today, the Blue Lagoon is recognized as one of the wonders of the world.

Icelandic Adventure

Centerhotel Grandi
Þverholt 14, Reykjavik, Iceland


Fosshotel
00 Ketilsbraut 22, Husavik, Iceland


Laugarbakki Hotel
531 Hvammstangi, Laugarbakki, Iceland


Hotel Hamar
00 Hamar, Borgarnes, Iceland


Centerhotel Grandi
Þverholt 14, Reykjavik, Iceland