Dyrhólaey | Hidden Gems of South Iceland
Dyrhólaey
By Michael Chapman
Discover its birdlife, lighthouse and dramatic rock arch
Dyrhólaey
By Michael Chapman
Discover its birdlife, lighthouse and dramatic rock arch
Dyrhólaey is a scenic promenade that marks Iceland’s southernmost point. In former years, English seamen referred to Dyrhólaey as Cape Portland, celebrating its appearance as the final sign their voyage had come to an end.
Dyrhólaey reaches a total elevation of 120 metres, making for staggering panoramas over neighbouring Reynisfjara black sand beach. Thanks to its close proximity to Iceland’s Ring Road, most visitors will stop at Dyrhólaey in between this famous stretch of shoreline and the village of Vík í Mýrdal.
From Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, Dyrhólaey is 174 kilometres away, which equates to a two-and-a-half-hour drive. This distance should not be in the slightest off-putting; the route is dotted with spectacular sights and points and interest from beginning to end.
Dyrhólaey itself boasts incredible views over the South Coast’s black sand shorelines, with clear days providing a full scope of the mountains and sea-cliffs that run parallel to Route 01. Looking north, visitors can witness the creeping ice of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, while to the east, the black totem stacks of Reynisdrangar point skyward like devilish fingers.
Dyrhólaey Rock Arch
Upon arriving at Dyrhólaey, guests will instantly witness the enormous, naturally-formed rock arch that sits directly below the promontory. This 100-metre wide geological spectacle gave Dyrhólaey its name, Door Hill Island, which also hints at the cape’s past as a cut-off from the mainland.
Surrounded by soaring seabirds, its basalt legs hammered by the frothing white waves of the Atlantic Ocean, one must take a moment to breathe in this spectacular feature for all its worth. With salt circling the nostrils and wind in your hair, you’ll appreciate just how stunning it is, what elemental erosion can do to rock over thousands of years.
Dyrhólaey’s rock arch bores such a gaping hole that smaller vessels have no issue sailing beneath through it. In fact, a thrill-seeking pilot managed to fly both himself and a passenger through the rock arch using a small aircraft way back in 1993, only demonstrating the epic nature of this feature.
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Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
The cape is also known for its picturesque lighthouse. Dyrhólaeyjarviti, as it’s known in the mother tongue, is the second lighthouse built on-site, serving as a replacement to the steel edifice first constructed here in 1910.
Seemingly inspired by ancient Mediterranean forts, the lighthouse seamlessly integrates with the landscape around it, making for a great photography subject with its white paint-job and scarlet roofing. Many compare the structure to a castle with its open embrasures, though it only reaches a total height of 13 metres.
The lighthouse was designed by the Icelandic State Architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, who was also responsible for some of the Capital’s most iconic buildings; Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church, Sundhöll Reykjavík swimming pool, and the National Theatre, being just a handful.
See Atlantic Puffins at Dyrhólaey
Atlantic Puffins are migratory species, meaning they will only arrive in Iceland from around April-May. Their winters are spent alone, far out at sea, bobbing on the waves and pecking at the odd fish that shimmies by. Guests on whale watching tours out-of-season will often see these tiny birds floating alone, in between glimpses of this island’s larger marine wildlife.
When they return to land, they do so to nest and breed. The baby Puffins born here (known officially, and adorably, as Pufflings) will grow up to be part of the 8-10 million that routinely travel back and forth to this island.
Atlantic Puffins are monogamous animals and so will have one partner throughout their lives. This fact boggles the mind somewhat considering how these birds can find one another, year after year, despite the distances travelled and the sheer number of waddling lookalikes around them.
Dyrhólaey is just one place in Iceland that the Puffins like to summer, with other favoured spots being the tall cliff sides of Latrabjarg, in the Westfjords, and Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands.
Other birds commonly spotted at Dyrhólaey promenade include Eider Ducks, Arctic Terns and Skuas. Dedicated twitchers will want to bring their own binoculars for the best views of the birds in their natural habitat.
Speaking of Puffin watching, it should be noted that access to Dyrhólaey during the nesting season (May-September) is limited due to the risk of nest abandonment and environmental damage. However, guests are free to use the specified walkways between the hours of 7PM and 9 AM, as overnight visitors are considered less disruptive overall.
Safety tips for visiting Dyrhólaey
Iceland. However, there are a few other considerations to account for before cementing this as a surefire stop on your schedule.
Families with small children might want to consider that the cliff sides at Dyrhólaey have no safety boundaries, meaning it is, theoretically, possible to walk right up to the edges. If you are planning to visit with kids, it is essential that you warn them of the dangers of getting to close and keep watchful of them throughout your stay.
Another safety tip to keep in mind is that Dyrhólaey is totally exposed to the sea, meaning it bears the brunt of strong winds almost constantly. Driving up the steep and winding gravel road towards the lighthouse can be unnerving on windy days, so a 4×4 vehicle is always recommended. Even if that’s the case, easily-frightened visitors might consider skipping this in favour of interests further inland.
A quick glance over TripAdvisor will quickly inform you most people consider conditions at Dyrhólaey to be bracing. For that reason, you will want to make sure you are dressed appropriately in a wind and waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, thick thermal layers and the other usual accessories (eg. hats, gloves and scarf).
Explore Dyrhólaey on Iceland's South Coast
Of course, Dyrhólaey is just one of the many natural attractions located on the South Coast. Others that have become popular among visitors over recent years include the two stunning waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, and the widely-photographed DC-Solheimasandur plane wreck.
If you are interested in exploring this majestic region, make sure to book a South Coast Bubble tour with us. Not only will you bag yourself a guided trip that includes stops at all the major sites, but also an overnight stay in one of our cosy and transparent bubbles.
Such a novel accommodation choice is fantastic for a multitude of reasons. Throughout the winter night, you will be able to watch out for the elusive Northern Lights overhead, all while tucked up comfortably in bed. If the auroras are nowhere to be found, you’ll still have a blanket of starlight to send you soundly off to sleep.
On the other hand, summer guests will experience what it’s like to stay overnight in a luscious woodland bathed beneath the Midnight Sun. Nothing describes the inner peace and connectedness with nature that one feels the morning after such an experience.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
Laugarvatn Fontana | Secrets of the Golden Circle
Laugarvatn Fontana
By Michael Chapman
Bliss and relaxation await at this premiere geothermal spa on South Iceland’s Golden Circle route
Laugarvatn Fontana
By Michael Chapman
Bliss and relaxation await at this premiere geothermal spa on South Iceland’s Golden Circle route
As elegant in its design choices as it is symbiotic with the environment, Laugarvatn Fontana utilises natural geothermal energy to warm its hot tubs and steam rooms. From the very first moment you dip your muscles beneath the mineral-rich water surface, they’ll thank you with waves of tingling pleasure.
Only seconds afterwards, you’ll close your eyes, sink to shoulder-height and release a satisfying, if not slightly embarrassing moan of heat-induced ecstasy. Such is the soothing luxury on offer at Laugarvatn Fontana. Let us read on for more information about this much loved geothermal spa in South Iceland.
When is the best time to visit Laugarvatn Fontana?
Built on the edge of a glittering lake, Laugarvatn Fontana is found almost dead centre of the Golden Circle sightseeing route, which means it’s an easy detour between attractions. The Golden Circle has three major sites that draw visitors to it, namely Thingvellir National Park, the waterfall, Gullfoss, and Geysir geothermal springs.
Alternatively, one could start their day dipping in these soothing pools or instead wait until the evening to enjoy their time there without the pressure of needing to hit the road. In short, the best time to visit Laugarvatn Fontana is whenever it suits your schedule. Whatever the time, the amenities remain as alluring as ever, leaving it open to repeat visits.
Winter and summer both have their benefits regarding a visit. For instance, from May to September, bathers can enjoy extended daylight hours courtesy of the Midnight Sun, plus warmer temperatures when running between pools and the steam rooms. In those magical evening hours, basked in orange twilight, there is no more satisfying a place to be than this hidden gem by the lakeside.
Those stopping by in winter will find their surroundings blanketed in snow, making the hot tubs’ heat that much more appealing. Of course, none of this mentions the ever-present chance of catching the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead, one of Iceland’s biggest draws to overseas visitors.
Those lucky enough to see them off-hand will bear witness to a kaleidoscopic cosmos, a jet-black sky interrupted by ribbons of waving colour. Given Laugarvatn Fontana’s location out in the wilderness, conditions are just right to catch a vivid light display from the pools themselves.
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Travelling to Iceland?
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How to get to Laugarvatn Fontana?
Driving yourself to Laugarvatn Fontana is the safest means of ensuring you won’t miss out on any other attractions that take your eye.
Below, find the time and distance between Laugarvatn Fontana and the essential nearby locations:
Laugarvatn Fontana to Geysir – 23 minutes (29.1 kilometres)
Laugarvatn Fontana to Gullfoss – 32 minutes (38.8 kilometres)
Laugarvatn Fontana to Thingvellir – 29 minutes (31.8 kilometres)
Laugarvatn Fontana to Reykjavik – 1 hour 7 minutes (77.6 kilometres)
If you want to take the luxury and style of your visit to a whole new level, you consider staying overnight in a transparent bubble.
After hours spent enjoying the warm geothermal waters of Laugarvatn Fontana, it can be an unwelcome intrusion having to return to the city’s lights and noise. On the opposite end, our bubbles offer you the chance to continue revelling in the interconnectedness with nature one feels after bathing at a geothermal spa.
Surrounded by trees and plants, you’ll lay back in your comfortable sheets, keeping your eyes peeled on the starlit sky above. Our bubble stays are particularly suited to visitors in the Golden Circle area and even those planning on sightseeing on the South Coast.
What does Laugarvatn Fontana offer?
The outdoor pools boast various depths and temperatures, perfect for those uncomfortable with too much heat. Aside from the glorious South Iceland nature around you, the pool sides are decorated with sculptures by local artist Erla Þórarinsdóttir, whose work focuses on the interplay between water and art.
It is from the hot tub itself, however, that has the best views of the landscape possible, with fantastic panoramas over Lake Laugarvatn and the green, windswept hills that enclose it. Look out for Laugarvatnsfjall mountain, instantly recognisable thanks to its steep, birch-covered slopes.
The sauna is cosy and sophisticated, maintaining a temperature between 40°C to 50°C with high humidity. According to the proprietors, the steam inside boasts minerals found nowhere else, making this an obvious choice for health-conscious visitors. There are three separate sauna rooms from which to choose, leaving enough space so that the experience never feels crowded.
One significant advantage of Laugarvatn Fontana is its position by the lake, allowing guests to leave behind the pools and walk right down to the shoreline. Here they will find hot springs warming the waters around them, opening up bathing opportunities that are more natural than you find at any other spa.
Moving between the pools and lake is excellent for blood flow and circulation, only adding to the litany of reasons to visit this spa.
Watch how rye bread is baked using geothermal energy
There are other, more delicious reasons to head down to the lake too. The shoreline’s volcanic sands are so warm that Laugarvatn Fontana now runs walking tours to demonstrate how rye bread was historically baked using geothermal energy. First, a hole is dug in the ground, then filled with a pot of dough.
The hole is then covered again and left overnight, only to be dug up the next morning, ready for serving. After seeing the process in action, you are free to sample the bread with a smidgeon of butter and a cut of smoked trout. These lip-smacking bakery tours are available over the weekends but should be pre-booked down to sheer demand.
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Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
Efstidalur Dairy Farm in Iceland: Homemade Ice Cream and other charming treats
Homemade Ice Cream and other treats at the charming Efstidalur Dairy Farm in Iceland
By Taylor van Biljon
Efstidalur is a traditional Icelandic farm every day of the week- except this time, you’re invited!
Homemade Ice Cream and other treats at the charming Efstidalur Dairy Farm in Iceland
By Taylor van Biljon
Efstidalur is a traditional Icelandic farm every day of the week- except this time, you’re invited!
Efstidalur Dairy Farm in Iceland isn’t just known for its homemade Ice Cream. Beautifully located next to waterfalls, rushing streams, stretching plains and geothermal springs, this farm produces its own milk, and wants you to stop by and see how it’s done. But don’t stop with the homemade ice cream- Efstidalur does it all.
What is it?
Efstidalur is a farm, restaurant, accommodation, and horse rental run by a family of four siblings. They grew up on this farm (seven whole generations), and made a careful promise to their grandfather that they would maintain it, thus growing it into the multifaceted treasure that it is today.
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Travelling to Iceland?
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Stay a while and see the farm in action
On a Golden Circle drive, you’ll pass by many farms. Iceland’s lush countryside is the home to many such locations, and the fields that pass by your car windows will always be dotted by meandering horses, birdlife, sheep, cattle, and the occasional human creature. In fact, the sheep here outnumber us- and the horses are catching up!
The difference between Efstidalur and these many others, is that at Efstidalur, you’re invited inside. This working family farm means business, and they continue to produce the valuable products they have focused on and perfected for generations back into time. But, they also want you to come see how they do it.
Believing strongly in the quality of their craft and the importance of families connecting with animals and nature, this team leads their business the way they’ve always led their lives. They invite you to come by and see the farmers work, and to find out how you get the milk we so regularly consume. They give you a literal window into their work, barn, and farm kitchen, and encourage you to meet their star players, the cows themselves.
Sharing their processes about how they create new things with the milk gathered here, the transparency of Efstidalur’s work is a rare treat in today’s segmented world.
Get something to eat at Hlöðuloftið and Íshlaðan
After a full day of sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying nature- one can work up a strong appetite. Fortunately, the folks at Efstidalur in their boundless hospitality have anticipated this, and so they’ve given us the restaurant, Hlöðuloftið.
A farm to table concept restaurant, Hlöðuloftið means “the barn loft”, and the dishes are about as local as they get. Made with dairy and meat from their own farm, they also make weekly rounds to collect local vegetables and produce from the neighboring establishments. The dishes served in Efstidalur’s cozy walk-in restaurant are truly the taste of the Icelandic countryside, and they are made with everyone in mind. Looking for vegan options on your trek? At Efstidalur, it’s covered.
Serving up homemade burgers, steaks, pan-fried fresh trout, hearty soups, and heaping Icelandic vegetables- the restaurant is a great stop all on its own. Familiar with gluten and nut allergies, the team at Hlöðuloftið are no strangers to accommodating different needs, and the dishes that come out of their kitchen are colorful, honest, and fresh.
But as they say on the farm, life is short- so eat dessert first! Known for their homemade ice cream, one cannot visit Efstidalur without making a stop at their “ice cream barn”, Íshlaðan.
This is as fresh as it could possibly get. Continuing the theme of local products- Íshlaðan goes out of their way to source local salts, fruits, and flavors to adorn this most loved treat. And if it wasn’t enough that the ice cream is incredible, they’ve taken it a step further with their incredible ice cream barn dining experience. While you enjoy your fresh ice cream, you can see the cows enjoying their lunch as well.
The core of it all after all this time, the cows stay forefront in all of their ventures; and Efstidalur continues to thrive remembering exactly from where and why it began.
Take a ride with Hestaleiga and meet the locals
The authentic goodness of growing up amongst nature is clearly an inspiration in the work of Efstidalur. So much so, that they extend that experience to you when you visit. Believing in the magic of growing up with animals, Efstidalur is hopping with friendly farm dogs, sweet baby calves, busy chickens, and of course- the famous Icelandic horse with its extra gait.
Among their many time honored skills, they have bred and reared horses for as long as they can recall. You can meet these special creatures on any visit, but, if you visit in the balmy Icelandic summer, you can ride one as well.
The trails around Efstidalur take you through bright green flowered fields, across the grounds, and next to the gushing glacial blue waters that feed the waterfall Brúarfoss. Their experienced guides are trained to aid riders of all experience levels, and for those who’d rather indulge in some ice cream and sun basking, there’s a great spot to unwind and wait on your riders as they tolt back you.
Running free in the rich fields around the farm, these horses, like many others around here, were born and raised on the farm. With the addition of Hestaleiga, you can get more up close and personal with the creatures of Efstidalur than ever, by joining them on one of these rides.
What better way to get the full farm experience?
Where is it?
Tucked away on the Golden Circle’s route 37, Efstidalur is right off the main road, and is but a stone’s throw from points of interest like Brúarfoss, Faxi Waterfall, Friðheimar, and even the geysers themselves. It’s a calming spot to have lunch after a hike along the water or a relaxing trip to the luxe Laugarvatn Fontana Spa, just down the road.
Efstidalur’s proximity to these local gems makes it a must-see stop, and of course, who doesn’t need a fresh ice cream after a hike? (In Iceland, there’s always time for an Ísrúntur, or ice cream run- no matter what time of year it is.)
With an activity or a meal for any palate, this stop can please the most adventurous or the most timid among us, so it is a great stop for pleasing a group with varying interests and needs.
In between watching the farmers make traditional skyr, cheese and ice-cream, chatting with the family about their work, and meeting all of the resident creatures- Efstidalur is an experience for any age. Come by and experience the product of three centuries of Icelandic farming. You won’t regret it.
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Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
Friðheimar Tomato Farm | Secrets of the Golden Circle
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
Dine inside a greenhouse restaurant and meet Icelandic horses
By Michael Chapman
Friðheimar Tomato Farm
By Michael Chapman
Dine inside a greenhouse restaurant and meet Icelandic horses
Tomatoes are the name of the game at Friðheimar, an organic farm, horse ranch and restaurant located by the Golden Circle sightseeing route in South Iceland.
While Iceland might be most famous for its raw and ethereal nature, its cultural hubs—be they orientated towards art, history or food—have come on leaps and bounds over the last ten or so years.
Friðheimar tomato farm is one example of a family-run business that continues moving from strength to strength, cementing it as a firm favourite among the many thousands of visitors who arrive in Iceland each year. Let us look further at what makes this fascinating stop so worthy of your time.
History of Friðheimar
Geothermal energy was first used at Friðheimar as early as 1946, but it was not until a local couple, Knútur and Helena, purchased the property in 1995 that things started to heat up. After finishing construction on new greenhouses, a souvenir’s emporium and an equestrian centre (complete with an outdoor arena and 20-horse stable,) Friðheimar was finally able to declare itself a mainstay of the area; no less, a thoroughbred Icelandic institution.
Today, Friðheimar grows four different strains of tomato. This productivity is despite the long and hard winters in Iceland and is mostly down to climate control computers and how their artificial lighting simulates daytime. These methods were inspired by Knútur and Helena’s frequent trips to Finland, where the local people are highly experienced in growing produce in less-than-optimum conditions.
Combining their shared passions for horticulture and horses, Friðheimar was envisioned to be an ambitious, environmentally-conscious operation. In this bright and secluded oasis, guests discover fresh ingredients, chow down on delicious meals and appreciate both the wildlife and serene loveliness of their surroundings. Greenhouse tours provide insight into how the farm is run and provides a deeper understanding of the unique challenges of growing tomatoes and other produce in Iceland.
It is not only horses and tomatoes on which Friðheimar focuses their many talents. Cucumbers have also become something of a speciality, served both in-house and prepared and pickled as souvenirs for customers. Make sure to pick up yourself some jarred treats at the small yet delightful ‘Little Tomato Shop’ the next time you swing by.
Friðheimar makes a fantastic lunch stop while exploring the Golden Circle route and is best visited after a morning spent at Þingvellir National Park.
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Travelling to Iceland?
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Friðheimar Restaurant
When it’s time to eat, guests are served their food amid the growing plants, making for what feels like a fresh and authentic dining experience. Whilst primarily tomato-based, the menu is as eclectic as it is alluring, with a range of courses to suit even the pickiest eaters in the family.
Famished travellers will find themselves spoilt for choice. Surrounded by lush green vines, ripe with produce, a decision will have to eventually be made between the freshly cooked mussels in tomato sauce or the stone-baked tortilla with basil and mozzarella filling. Then again, traditional tomato soups and home-baked ravioli sound equally tempting.
After your meal, when your belt threatens to buckle, you’ll be offered irresistible desserts like tomato and apple pie, cinnamon cheesecake or even tomato ice cream! If you have the room for it, such sweet treats prove to be the perfect fuel for an afternoon spent sightseeing.
There is also a healthy selection of tomato-based drinks on offer, ranging from three-types of Bloody Mary, tomato schnapps and even tomato beer! If none of these tantalise your pallet, there are regular coffees and teas available too. It would be remiss of us not to recommend you sample the tomato-espresso, however. Where else will you have the opportunity?
Everything that leaves the kitchen is personally overseen by master chef, K.B. Sigfússon, who has experience serving heads of state around the world despite being local to the area. Before tucking in, proud foodies will no doubt revel in the exquisite presentation of every dish served and will rest easy knowing a real culinary expert prepared it.
Friðheimar Restaurant is open throughout the year from noon until 4 PM. Thanks to its popularity among locals and visitors alike, it is always advised to book a table before your arrival.
Friðheimar Horse Show
When summer rolls around, Friðheimar puts on its very own horse show, which takes place in their impressive 120-seat outdoor arena. Here, riders display their skill on the saddle while simultaneously showcasing the many merits of Iceland’s unique horse breed.
Known for their intelligence and personable nature, as well as pony-like size and five gaits (or trotting styles if you’d rather), it is impossible not to fall in love with these creatures. Soon enough, you’ll share that same passion for equestrianism that bore Friðheimar into existence in the first place.
As the show is known, a Meeting with the Icelandic Horse is available in 14 languages. It comes complete with music, hot drinks, and plenty of opportunities to take photos and greet the horses themselves. Travelling groups will be able to watch this delightful event between May and September each year.
Horse breeding is also big business at Friðheimar, with over forty horses now under their ownership. The farm regularly does well at breeding evaluations, with three of their stallions having won first prize at competitions over previous years. Friðheimar breeders hope to draw out the best traits in their horses, namely animals with a good disposition, attractive appearance and ability to trot in five ways.
How to get to Friðheimar
Friðheimar is officially a part of Reykholt village in the Bláskógabyggð municipality of South Iceland. As we mentioned above, this puts it within easy reach of anyone driving between the three sites that have made the Golden Circle so famous: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal valley and Gullfoss waterfall. You can find the exact distances below:
Friðheimar to Þingvellir – 50 minutes (59.1 kilometres)
Friðheimar to Geysir – 16 minutes (19.1 kilometres)
Friðheimar to Gullfoss – 25 minutes (28.7 kilometres)
Friðheimar to Reykjavik – 1 hour 18 minutes (96.6 kilometres)
Because of these distances, we advise you to visit Thingvellir in the morning and then take your lunch break at Fridheimar before venturing on towards Geysir and Gullfoss. Doing so is, without doubt, the best way to maximise your time.
Of course, this schedule only applies to guests driving themselves around the Golden Circle. Others would much rather leave the driving to somebody else, relaxing by the passenger window as their tour guide tells stories and facts about the local area. There is no better option for exactly such people than to book one of our fabulous Golden Circle bubble tours.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
Serene Lake Thingvallavatn of Iceland
Serene Lake Thingvallavatn of Iceland
By Taylor van Biljon
Poised at the very center of Icelandic history, the crystalline waters of Thingvallavatn continue to draw visitors to its pristine shore.
Serene Lake Thingvallavatn of Iceland
Poised at the very center of Icelandic history, the crystalline waters of Thingvallavatn continue to draw visitors to its pristine shore.
The shores of Lake Thingvallavatn (Þingvallavatn) have been a gathering place for the people of Iceland for many generations.
One of the largest naturally occurring bodies of water on the island, it was already an important landmark for settlers in 930 AD; and it continues to draw us today to its quiet, glistening shores.
Where is Thingvallavatn?
The sprawling waters of Iceland’s beautiful Thingvallavatn lie at the southern edge of first national park Thingvellir (Þingvellir). Located in the Mid Atlantic Ridge rift valley, Thingvallavatn is a popular first stop on a Golden Circle journey. This really is an amazing place for many reasons, however geologically, it is among the only areas on Earth where you can see the Eurasian and North American plate rift above the water. Because of this relationship between the plates, Thingvellir and Iceland are growing inch by inch over time as they pull apart.
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Travelling to Iceland?
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History and Heritage
Thingvallavatn is partially located in Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Cultural site, Thingvellir. Named for the gathering of people in the field north of the lake, (literally assembly/parliament field), the park and the water itself serve as a reminder of Iceland’s early quests for independence.
Thingvellir hosted Iceland’s recurring sessions of old parliament governance until 1798, when this same evolved parliament, or Alþiing, was eventually moved to Reykjavik. One of the oldest still functioning parliaments in the world, Thingvallavatn has stood witness to the unfolding of history here for over a thousand years.
Due to the slow separation of the tectonic plates, the land has grown a bit since the founding of the Alþiing; but it is not far removed from its original state. You can still visit the very same sites of social importance, like the Lögberg (Law Rock) where the justice of the day was meted out, or the nearby Drekkingarhylur (Drowning cove) and Brennugjá, (Burning gorge), places that served as public execution spots in the Middle Ages. Society has grown a great deal since those days, but the long process of much of it took place on the very shores of Thingvallavatn.
Fishing
History, culture, nature and story are great reasons on their own to visit Lake Thingvallavatn- but for those that fish, this is truly a destination. Lake Thingvallavatn reaches a depth of 114m (374ft), and is one of the largest bodies of water in Iceland at a surface area of 84km2. In order to enter the lake, water must journey through vast porous lava fields on the way. Melt water from the glacier Langjökull travels for 20-30 years before it meets the shores of Thingvallavatn, and rain in the catchment area is said to take a comparatively short 2-4 months.
This process gives us the crystal clear and colorful waters of Thingvallavatn, which despite its cold temperature, houses some of the biggest and most varied Arctic Char and Brown Trout in the area. Due to their unique isolation, this is in fact one of the only places in the world that one can fish from not just one, but four varieties of Arctic Char.
Known far and wide for high quality wild fishing due to strict environmental protection, wading into the clear waters of Thingvallavatn like the settlers of old is an experience for the ages. Fishing in Iceland is a popular pastime, so purchasing a fishing card for this activity is a fairly streamlined and simple process, and it can grant access to 34 lakes across the country.
Diving and Snorkeling
The clean, cool waters of Thingvallavatn aren’t just for the fish! Thingvallavatn is home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, including the Silfra and Davíðsgjá fissures in between the tectonic plates. A gentle current keeps the filtered glacial waters of the lake from freezing over, so taking a guided dip is frequently possible here.
Visibility is truly unparalleled, and the colors below are strong neon tints of green “troll hair” algae, warm iron-rich basalt rock, and the otherworldly sapphire of the water. In photographs of the activity, there is hardly any visible trace of sediment- only the signature cerulean glow of the ancient water.
Popular for diving enthusiasts and students of all levels of experience, it is possible to both learn and practice in the waters of the lake, with a certified guide. In 2010, an open water “Midnight Swim” event even took place in the lake, and swimmers from all over the world came to join the open 5k. The water in Thingvallavatn comes close to 11°C (51.8°), so this kind of swimming is best left to experienced experts. (You can catch us on the other hand, wearing dry suits and staying warm, or watching for giant trout from the bridge!)
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Travelling to Iceland?
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Geysir: An Icelandic Treasure
Geysir: An Icelandic Treasure
By Taylor van Biljon
Experience one of the most explosive sights that Iceland has to offer
Geysir: An Icelandic Treasure
By Taylor van Biljon
Experience one of the most explosive sights that Iceland has to offer
Iceland’s Great Geysir cannot be missed, especially on a Golden Circle visit. Home to nearly thirty reported geysers, Iceland’s historical record has mentioned the presence of these explosive phenomena as early as 1294 in the saga Oddaverja annáll. Some of these have since slipped into dormancy, while new openings in the ever-active surface of the island continue to form.
What are geysers?
A geyser, much like the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that can only happen upon the serendipity of multiple factors occurring at once. For geysers, these factors are the presence of hot rocks underground, a bountiful groundwater source collecting in an underground cavity, and of course, an opening where this superheated water can escape to the surface.
Geysers erupt because the boiling hot water expands after being confined- creating a steam explosion. Due to regular geologic activity in Iceland, it is not uncommon for geysers to be changed, or newly formed. Things like seismic activity, weather, or even the build up of minerals in the water can “clog up the pipes”, so to speak, and change the frequency or the way in which the geyser can erupt.
As windows into the Earth, geyser activity can also warn us of underground changes. Studying these changes is one of the ways in which scientists learn about volcanic eruptions, and how to better predict them. Geysers are a rare look into the inner workings of our living planet, and are a rare treat in a world where the movements of nature are often imperceptible, or too small to often see.
The study of geysers is even informing our study of space and our evolving understanding of the surfaces of other planets. Though some of these great steam giants are many generations old- like many things in Iceland, they are contrasted by the very new. There are a few geysers still that are unnamed, and it is conceivable to expect that more may be born or lost in the future.
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Geysir vs. geyser
Did you know that the English term “geyser” comes from the Icelandic word geysir ([ˈceiːsɪr̥])? This word comes from the verb geysa, which means “to gush”. One of the rarest natural occurrences in the world- geysers only occur in five countries.
While the word “geyser” is used to describe the actual object, in Iceland, Geysir is a name for a specific geyser in the Golden Circle. Also known as “The Great Geysir”, it is one of the most famous, despite not being a very common eruptor. The last known eruption of this centuries old geyser was recorded in 2016. Before that, we hadn’t seen an explosion since 2000! Typically, geysers erupt randomly and at irregular intervals, though there are some that do keep a fairly tight schedule. One of these is the nearby neighbor of Geysir, Strokkur.
Where are Geysir and Strokkur?
Nested in the Haukadalur Valley of the Golden Circle, Strokkur is surrounded by active earth. This area boasts otherworldly colors, roiling fumaroles, bubbling geothermal mud pits, and hot springs straight from the magma-hot depths of the island. And though Geysir mostly slumbers these days, Strokkur is not alone! Accompanied by multiple smaller geysers and electric blue pools of heated water, Strokkur is currently the biggest performer in the area, reaching nearly 30-40m. (100-131ft.) into the air!
How long should you spend there?
Eruption intervals for Strokkur vary from 5-10 minutes, but at this time it is certainly possible to catch an eruption if you have about fifteen minutes to spare with this powerful giant.
If you’re taking a more leisurely approach to the Golden Circle, we highly recommend grabbing a coffee at the nearby cafe, and cozying up on one of the benches for a front seat! Taking in a few episodes of Strokkur’s dramatic effluence is both a historic and natural wonder to behold.
Take care to stay on the paths during your visit, as much of the tempting water can reach around 80-100°C (176-212°F) on the surface- and is even hotter underground!
How to get to Geysir and Strokkur
Nearly 100km from Reykjavik, Geysir and Strokkur are easy to visit. Accessible from Reykjavik via routes 37 and 35, the geysers are one of the many jewels of the Golden Circle area.This area is wheelchair accessible and outfitted with a car park, walking paths, and intermittent bench seating throughout the zone. There is a restaurant and facilities nearby in the Geysir Visitor’s Center. There is no entry fee to this natural area, and you can even leave the driving to us, on our Golden Circle tour.
Fun geyser fact!
Have you ever used a Bunsen burner? When you watch the geysers- know that you’re standing in nearly the same spot as German scientist Robert Bunsen, who came to witness the spectacle of Iceland’s steam giants in 1846. His descriptions, data, and experimental insertion of a thermometer into the geyser itself formed the foundation for some of our earliest explanations for how geysers work.
When he visited, he was actually watching the eruptions of the geyser we now call “Litli Geysir”, as that was the active system at the time. Over time Litli Geysir became dormant, and is no longer creating the same kind of massive spouting as its now regular sibling Strokkur.
It is not known exactly when this change occurred, but Icelandic physicist Þorkell Þorkelsson noted that Litli Geysir was only just bubbling by 1896, as it continues to do so today. These changes are not infrequent or irreversible, and perhaps in the future- even Strokkur will lay down the mantle in favor of a young upstart as well.
Like many things in Iceland- the geysers tell a long and winding story of an evolving Earth, and their ephemeral gift is a chapter of time that belongs only to the generations that lived among them. Don’t miss this sight! As Þorkelsson could have told you- you never know when it will be reduced to bubbles.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
Hvítá River | Secrets of the Golden Circle
The Hvítá River
By Michael Chapman
Salmon Fishing, White-Water Rafting and Waterfalls await!
The Hvítá River
By Michael Chapman
Salmon Fishing, White-Water Rafting and Waterfalls await!
The Hvítá river in South Iceland is a force of nature parallel to none. Read on to learn more about this stunning natural waterway.
Water is an omnipresent force in Iceland, revealing itself in its wind-battered shorelines, snaking rivers and glaciers, and its tendency to douse unwary citizens with rain and snow. To put it another way, if Iceland were an amusement ride, then it would almost certainly be one with a sign out-front stating ‘Be warned—you will get wet.’
Even summer visitors cannot avoid a sound drenching from time to time; Iceland’s weather is temperamental, akin to a teenager’s moods, and is more than capable of switching at a moment’s notice. Guests in the winter might be better prepared, sound in the knowledge that soaked clothing and frozen drops around the mouth are all part of an authentic Iceland experience.
One of the best ways of celebrating Iceland’s water-cycle is by appreciating its glacial rivers, of which there is already a well-established favourite here. Trailing worm-like from the mighty Langjökull glacier, the Hvítá river has long been held in high esteem by local Icelanders for its beauty, purity and crucial role in irrigating the land.
At the same time, the river is feared on account that it floods during heavy rainfall. The main reason for this is the Hvítá river often swallows smaller rivers in the region; thus changes to its flow have a more significant influence over the farmlands and villages of South Iceland. In some particularly bad years, a few settlements have been cut off from major transit routes due to excessive water.
Useful Information about the Hvítá river
The Hvítá river can trace its origins to Lake Hvítárvatn, roughly 45 kilometres north of the waterfall, Gullfoss. Both the lake and river share the common ‘Hvít’ (White) as part of their name due to their water colour, which in some light, appears close to snow-white. Hvítárvatn covers a total area of 30 km² and boasts a maximum depth of 84 metres.
From the lake, the river travels 40 kilometres (25 miles) south, finally arriving at Gullfoss waterfall, after which it joins with other smaller rivers including the Tungufljót and the Brúará. Now doubled in volume and power, maps show how the Hvítá joins the Sogið river, soon transforming into the Ölfusá river not far from the small town of Skalholt. If added to the Ölfusá’s full-run, then the Hvítá is considered part of the third-longest river in the country.
There are several small, picturesque villages on the Hvítá river besides Skaholt. Guests could stop by Flúðir, famed for its columns of floating steam and the Secret Lagoon spa, or Sólheimar Ecovillage, where just over 100 residents live in perfect symbiosis with nature.
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Salmon Fishing on the Hvítá river
Fishing is a brilliant way to connect with Iceland’s natural environment, providing all those who cast the line with a sense of tranquillity and focus. Thankfully, the Hvítá river is known for being one of the best salmon fishing rivers in the country, offering large stock for anglers and fishermen looking for that prize catch.
Salmon are not found throughout the river but tend to congregate at certain spots, namely where other rivers and tributaries join the greater body of Hvítá. Brown Trout and Arctic Char are also known to frequent the river, providing some diversity to your encounters.
Please be aware that fishing in Iceland without the landowner’s permission is strictly prohibited, and fines await anyone who might attempt to break the rules. Even the landowners themselves are subject to legislation that is far too tedious to go into here. For this reason, we advise taking a fishing trip with a professional tour operator as not only will they know the best spots, but will already have dealt with the legal aspects of the experience.
White Water Rafting on the Hvítá river
White water rafting is, without question, one of the most thrilling activities that guests can participate in on the Hvítá river. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried your hand at such a thing before; rafting guides in Iceland are experienced, knowledgeable, safety-conscious and, above all, well practised in introducing beginners to the ways of the river.
As you navigate your way through the thrashing waters, you will pass through sites of epic beauty, including the towering walls of Brúarhlöð Canyon. At this site, in particular, it is impossible not to gain some understanding of just how powerful, how influential, the Hvítá has been sculpting the landscape throughout the centuries.
If white-water rafting isn’t your bag, there are other options suited to the solo adventurer. Taking a kayak or a canoe is the best means of setting yourself a fun personal challenge on the Hvita, bypassing the cooperation and numbers necessary for a white-water rafting tour. Just make sure to follow your guide’s instructions throughout, and don’t tackle any rapids that you don’t feel comfortable with.
Gullfoss waterfall
Without argument, Gullfoss waterfall is the river’s most popular addition, drawing crowds in their thousands every year. From two viewpoints, visitors can watch as frothing white water topples a total of 32 metres over two cragged ‘steps’. Such is the Gullfoss’s power that a constant plume of mist is present over the site, and can often be seen en route before the waterfall itself.
Of course, Gullfoss is one of the three main attractions that make up the famous Golden Circle sightseeing route in South Iceland, the other two being Þingvellir National Park and Geysir geothermal springs.
Available to visit in both the summer and winter, we recommend you book our esteemed Golden Circle bubble tour. Aside from having us lead you around the area’s most prestigious sites, you will spend the night looking out for the Northern Lights from your very own transparent bubble accommodation.
What other rivers are in Iceland?
Rivers are plentiful in Iceland, with all the island’s glaciers spouting numerous tributaries from which its water escapes to the Atlantic. While overseas guests might more often visit the Hvítá if only for its proximity to Reykjavik, there are countless other glacial veins that stretch out over this delicate landscape.
Jökulsá á Fjöllum (‘The Glacial Mountain River’) originates from the great glacier Vatnajokull, and is best known for the enormous drop that interrupts its passage; Dettifoss. Often cited as having the most powerful flow rate of any waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss is a dramatic and awe-inspiring powerhouse surrounded by swathes of alien-grey rock formations.
Another important river is the 155 kilometre-long Kúðafljót, which creates staggering colour contrasts as it rushes across the black sand desert of Solheimasandur. To the northwest, the river Blanda travels from Hofsjökull glacier to Húnaflói bay, making picturesque scenery for anyone stopping by the small village of Blönduós.
Other rivers that guests can discover around Iceland include the Fnjóská (‘The River of Dry Wood’), the Jökulsá á Dal (‘Glacial River of the Vale’) and the Skjálfandafljót (‘The River of Tremble’), to name just a handful. If you wish to learn more about Iceland’s rivers, take a glance at the government’s National Parks and Other Protected Areas page.
Make sure to keep an eye on the passing scenery as you travel from region to region; you never know what you’ll discover around the next bend of the river.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
Kerid Volcanic Crater Lake | Secrets of the Golden Circle
Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake
By Michael Chapman
Discover this geological gem on the Golden Circle route.
Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake
By Michael Chapman
Discover this geological gem on the Golden Circle route.
Kerid volcanic crater lake lies in Iceland’s Western Volcanic Zone, specifically in a pretty and geologically active part of the country known as Grimsnes. In English, the site is often referred to as Kerith or Kerid.
Kerid has long been a favourite spot among visitors travelling the Golden Circle sightseeing route. Drawing the eye with its vibrant colour and almost perfect form, Kerid has better maintained its shape throughout the years than many other volcanic craters found throughout the area.
Is visiting Kerid volcanic crater worth it?
Classified as a side-attraction off the Golden Circle’s three major sites—Þingvellir national park, Geysir springs and Gullfoss waterfall—Kerid crater is more than worth visiting in its own right. This splendid site offers guests a raw insight into natural history while immersed in the majesty of the South Iceland countryside.
Visitors follow a narrow walkway that circumvents the crater, providing brilliant views over the feature as a whole. From this vantage, one can readily appreciate the caldera’s scarlet slopes; loose shag disturbed sporadically by creeping trails of green vegetation, as well as the glittering azure pool that sits at the basin.
One thing that quickly draws attention upon arrival is the size of the caldera itself. The crater is 55 metres (180 ft) at its deepest point, with a total width of 170 metres (560 ft) on one side and 270 metres (890 ft) on the other.
Guests tend to spend 30 minutes to an hour walking around the crater lip, taking photographs and ogling the surrounding landscape.
Unsurprisingly, Kerid’s beauty has seeped into Icelandic popular culture as the subject of countless artworks and local projects. Previous years have also seen musicians perform at the crater whilst floating atop its lake. The most famous example showcased the Icelandic icon, Björk, who sang there in 1987 as spectators watched on from above.
Kerid volcanic crater’s allure is just as great for scientists and historians studying Iceland’s geological heritage, as well as any visitor hoping to experience this subarctic island’s most unique treasures.
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Travelling to Iceland?
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How did Kerid volcanic crater form?
Scientists believe Kerid volcanic crater to be around 6,500 years old, considerably younger than most craters of its kind found in Iceland. Its vibrant red slopes are a clear sign of this geological youth, as the iron deposits found in the rock have not yet turned black.
Though the events that led to Kerid volcanic crater’s formation happened many thousands of years before the first settlers first arrived, logical guesses can still be made about its history.
Given its shape and clean diameter, it is widely accepted that the crater was formerly, at one point or another, a cone-shaped volcano that collapsed after depleting its magma reserve.
How deep is Kerid volcanic crater?
While the water at Kerid volcanic crater might appear like a vast and infinite mirror, the pool is relatively shallow, no more than 7-14 metres at any given time.
Interestingly enough, the lake is not caused by rainfall but levels out at what’s known as the water table, or the zone of saturation. The zone of saturation describes a depth in the ground where rocks are wet-through with water. At Kerid volcanic crater, it is the upper-layer of this zone that guests can see. With that said, how high the water is at any given time can depend on the weather.
Practical information about visiting Kerid volcanic crater
Driving the Golden Circle sightseeing route in Iceland is about the most fun and exciting trip an independent traveller can take. With time to breathe between stops and privacy in the vehicle, self-drivers have the great benefit of being responsible for setting their own pace, allowing for the sculpting of a more personal vacation experience.
Below, you can read the time and distance it will take to drive between Kerid, the capital city and the major attractions on the Golden Circle route:
Kerið to Reykjavik 56 min (68.8 km)
Kerið to Geysir 36 min (46.4 km)
Kerið to Gullfoss 46 min (56.0 km)
Kerið to Þingvellir 38 min (43.2 km)
If you are looking to book a guided Golden Circle tour with a professional agency, make sure to double-check before departure that Kerið crater is a scheduled stop. As stated, the crater is not considered among the three top attractions, so will not be prioritised during the experience.
Guided tours come with many benefits: a personable and informative guide, hidden secrets, interesting tidbits and, importantly, leaving the driving to someone else.
If you are interested in experiencing the Golden Circle, plus other secret delights en route, be sure to check out our Golden Circle Bubble tour.
Not only will you and your partner embark on the sightseeing adventure of a lifetime, but we will also provide you with a transparent bubble in which to spend overnight and look out for the Northern Lights.
Visitors should note that there is a parking fee of 400 ISK on-site. While this is unusual and somewhat unwelcome considering most natural attractions are free to visit in Iceland, the money you spend will help the landowners make sure Kerid volcanic crater is looked after for many years to come.
Are there other volcanic craters in Iceland?
Seyðishólar and Kerhóll are volcanic crater clusters also found in the Grímsnes area. Both are between 5,000 – 6,000 years old, roughly the same age as the Grímsnes lava fields surrounding them, and are the tallest craters in the area. It is fantastic fun to hike up these colourful calderas on clear days, taking in the incredible views around you.
Another popular crater is Saxhóll, located on the western tip of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Sitting at the base of the domineering stratovolcano, Snæfellsjökull, Saxhóll comes complete with an award-winning spiral staircase that leads guests to the crater’s highest point. From up here, you’ll have staggering views over the peninsula, which is nicknamed ‘Iceland in Miniature’ thanks to the wealth and diversity of its attractions.
Those looking for more dramatic, more remote craters, then Askja in the Icelandic Highlands is for you. At the bottom of this crater is an aquamarine pool known as Viti; reminiscent of Kerid, but far more extensive in scope.
Alternatively, Eldfell crater in the Westman islands makes for a fascinating and thrilling discovery, especially when you consider the violent eruptions that took place there as late as 1973.
There are, of course, many more lava fields, craters, geothermal beds and volcanoes to be found across Iceland—too many to mention here, by some stretch.
But, if you are interested in learning more about the epic sightseeing opportunities available to you, we recommend our Secrets of the Golden Circle articles, including Faxi and Bruarfoss waterfalls.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a dream of many artists, amateur and professional alike. Find out how to capture the magic.
Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a dream of many artists, amateur and professional alike. Find out how to capture the magic.
Few natural treasures are as magical and otherworldly as the Aurora Borealis.
Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland is an activity that many would love to attempt. Very much like its subject, however, Aurora Borealis photography occurs under very specific circumstances that must be recreated in order to function. Key to this process- it is important to know that nighttime photography includes a bit more legwork than typical daylight photography, especially if you are primarily used to using an automatic setting on your camera, or device.
First things first: Preparing yourself for the aurora hunt
In previous posts, we talked about when you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and the best places to see them while you are here. It is a good idea to get your planning sorted before going out. Is your gear together? Are your batteries all charged up? Have you checked the auroral and weather forecasts? If there is some solar activity, and an area of clarity that you can reach, it is probable that you can find auroral activity. Despite their reputation of rarity, Northern Lights do happen fairly often within the correct season. (It is just up to the cloud cover and the strength of the occurrence on whether or not we can view them.)
Northern Lights occur well above our weather system (the troposphere layer of the atmosphere), so while the weather does not inhibit them from happening, too much weather could get in the way of our watching.
Is it possible to view Northern Lights with the naked eye?
It is! We have all seen the almost neon photos of auroras stretching across the sky- but do they really appear that way to the regular viewer? The truth is that they do vary by person, occurrence, and who, or what, is looking.
What we mean by this is that auroral light that appears colored can be perceived differently by multiple people, even if they are watching at the same time. Depending on your own vision and your color-processing ability, you may view a different shade than the person next to you, and unless you compare notes- you wouldn’t even know it! This is not likely to be a huge differential, but, don’t forget to check with your fellow hunters, for fun.
And of course, the big note- who or what is watching. (Yes, what!) When we watch the lights with the naked eye, our eyes are doing the best that they can in the darkness, to view a dimly lit source of moving light. As I’m sure you know, we don’t view this type of thing very often in our everyday lives, and so we are not entirely designed for this. The difficulty here is how our eyes are made, and how they work.
Our eyes use their cone cells to process color best during the day, when there is a surplus of light to illuminate things. At nighttime however, we process less color due to the rod cells in our eyes taking over, so that the color-processing cone cells can have a break. Rod cells are not focusing on color, and so while they help us function in the dark, they don’t necessarily provide us with the wide range of color that we might have access to during the day, or in a brightly lit place.
This does not mean that we won’t see color in an auroral occurrence, but it does mean that the color may appear less saturated, and that the finer pieces of the aurora may not be as easy to pick out as they will be for a camera (the “what”!).
Cameras of course do not have this issue, as their “eye” sees without the aid of cells. They are able to employ the use of long exposures and heightened ISO functions in order to capture what is going on. These settings belong to the manual workings of all cameras, and in order to take Northern Light photographs, we manipulate them to “see” in the dark. When you’re out aurora hunting, your camera is your very best set of eyes.
This is an important thing to be informed about, as auroral activity can be varied and unpredictable, and it can be challenging to always know whether you’ll see an occurrence that manifests with great vibrancy, or a weaker occurrence that will take more aid to see clearly. The forecast helps us predict this, but it is still very much a developing tool.
The camera helps us see far beyond what our eyes are capable of- and it can be exciting to know that on nights when it is hard to pick out, sometimes the lens can still do it for us- so always check first with a test shot if you’re not sure!
There have been many nights where a wispy looking dark cloud or a greenish smoke on the horizon actually turned out to be a small aurora, magnified under the lens of a correctly set camera. A guide that has seen many of these sneakier occurrences will often recognize it as such, but if you are new to this phenomenon, you may walk right by.
What kind of device can I capture Northern Lights with?
All devices are not necessarily capable of this kind of photography- so it is worth double checking before you plan a trip out.
Some of us may remember back when all cameras worked manually. Of course now we have automatic options- which can be easy to forget about, now that many of our more portable devices default to an automatic setting. Because we often photograph things in lit places, these settings are typically assuming that there is daylight, or a light source. When there isn’t, these devices employ the flash.
When creating a nighttime photo of Northern Lights, we want to always avoid flash photography. This function will illuminate the immediate foreground in front of you, but it will make it impossible to catch the actual sky. (You’ll end up with a photo of a few meters of the ground, and a flat black background.)
Instead, the ideal is to always attempt this kind of photography on the manual setting.
You will want to check that your device is capable of this, as these days, some no longer are.
DSLR and SLR cameras come with a manual mode, denoted by the “M” on your setting or mode dial. Some smartphones now also employ a manual or “pro” mode in their settings, as do some devices like GoPros, and various hand cams. At the time of writing this article, many smartphones now offer a night mode setting that is capable of catching an aurora shot of moderate strength on their own, with little to no aid!
If you plan on making aurora photos with your smartphone, know that it is increasingly more possible now than it has ever been before, but currently it will still not match the quality of a DSLR/SLR device.
Depending on the specific make of phone that you have, there will be a different process to create these images. You may have a built in manual mode in your phone settings, or, you may have to download a manual camera application, in order to access these functions.
(Tip: Many popular point-and-shoot models do not offer a full-manual mode, so make sure to check this early! You can research your camera model or check your device manual to find out, but a quick way to see is by attempting to adjust the ISO and the shutter speed.
If the camera “tethers” these two functions together and only allows one to reach a maximum level, then you may want to have a back-up device handy, in the event that you need a bit more capture help. It may still be possible to get a photo with a camera like this but it may be challenging to capture a weak auroral manifestation with it.)
The device that you are using likely requires some prior set up in order to be able to make this kind of photo, so it is important to check this out before you’re on the hunt. You never know when the aurora will spring, and it can be stressful to set your device while the show is on. (Not to mention cold and dark! The less time spent pulling gloves off, the better.)
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
Can I film an aurora?
It is possible to film the Northern Lights, but it can be challenging. Not all video cameras are designed to capture nighttime images without the aid of a flash or additional light source. Just like with photography, you will need to apply specific manual settings so that the camera can see the low lumen of the auroral light in the darkness.
This is fairly simple to do with most cameras for photos, but not all cameras offer this option with their video mode, as the video mode is limited on most basic devices. These cameras are assuming that you will mostly be filming in lit places, and so they don’t necessarily offer you the manual settings to change that. (I suppose we don’t often need to film in the dark very often!) In order to video an aurora, you will need a device that allows that kind of manipulation. There are now cameras available for this kind of shooting, but they are not typically novice machines.
However, due to the advancing technology of many smartphones and handheld adventure cams, very strong auroral activity can sometimes be captured in varying quality on video. This quality will likely not match professional video that you have seen, but, it can now be done under the right circumstances.
If you are dreaming of aurora videos, an easier way to accomplish animation is through time lapse! Time lapse occurs when one takes multiple photos in quick succession and then puts them together like a slide show. This is a popular way to show animation of an auroral occurrence and only requires photographs to work. Time lapse photography is a hobby unto itself, so if this is a thing you would like to try- it may be prudent to read up on the process beforehand to be prepared.
Camera Settings
Onto the important information! Now you’ve charged all your devices you know about the forecast, and maybe you’ve even picked out a spot! It’s time to prepare your equipment.
If you are using a traditional DSLR/SLR camera, or a device that has a regular manual mode, the primary functions that you will be looking for are shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and, white balance. These functions all work together to make the image, so know that when you adjust one, you may need to adjust another.
Each aurora is different, and so it is best to become comfortable with the location of these settings so that you can adjust accordingly, depending on your scene. Many of them have their own buttons or dials, or can be accessed via a digital menu.
This can vary depending on the camera you have, but many of these things share similar icons. Despite pre-setting your device, as your subject changes, so must you. A bright aurora may only need a few seconds of extended shutter, while a weaker manifestation may need much more. Be ready to experiment with this, to get that ultimate shot!
(Tip: These settings all have their pros and cons with adjustment! If an aurora is moving quickly, too long of a shutter speed may create a blurrier subject than you actually saw. If the shape pattern of the aurora is very spiky and sharp, you may want to employ a shorter shutter speed in order to capture that vision, and to avoid overlapping the shapes as the camera processes.
When a long shutter is in use, the camera is essentially layering everything that it sees, so the aurora may overlap with itself as it dances, if you give the camera long enough to take the photo.)
We recommend the following settings:
Shutter Speed: Anywhere from 1-30 full seconds. (You can start with a few seconds and create a test shot, to see if you need more help or not. The higher the number here, the brighter the image. (Be careful of possible overexposure!) If you are viewing a weak aurora, you may need the assistance of a higher shutter speed.
If you are doing a time lapse, you may want a lower shutter speed and a higher ISO, so that you can capture a more seamless stream of animation.) And if you want to be IN the photo- make sure that you hold the pose! The camera will create the photo for however many seconds you set it for, so if you move during that time frame, you’ll just be a blur!
(Tip: Having trouble setting your shutter speed? Not sure why the image is over dark, or isn’t coming out right? Double check and make sure that you have set the camera to FULL seconds, and not a fraction of a second. Depending on the brand of camera, they may have a different way of showing this metric, but typically full seconds of shutter speed are denoted by a ” symbol, after the number. Ten whole seconds of shutter would then look something like this: 10″.
If your shutter speed looks like a fraction, you are employing a faster shutter than we need, even if it has a 10 in it. This is an easy mistake to make, so when you’re setting that dial, make sure you scroll all the way to the whole numbers at the end, because that is the range we’re looking for when we create nighttime photos.)
ISO: This function controls how the camera perceives light. You would use this setting to make a natural-looking photo in a darker place, like a theatre. To give you some context, a regular daytime photo has a typical ISO of around 100-200. For Northern Lights, we recommend a minimum of 800. Many cameras have a different scale of how high their ISO goes, so the maximum on your device may differ for you.
Many basic DSLR cameras stop around 6,400, which may be too high for what you will need. This setting and the shutter speed setting work together to create the image and manage how the light is perceived, so it is good to be comfortable with adjusting them both together. You can increase the ISO to brighten the image, but know that an ISO that is too high will create a grainy image, so be careful here. If you have a good showing going on, try taking a few shots with different settings, so that you have something to pick from later.
Aperture or f-stop: This function controls how much light the camera brings in. For this type of photography, we are looking for a lower f-stop, which is how aperture is measured. Depending on your lens, you may only be able to go as low as f/4. This, or lower, is acceptable, but if we can achieve a lower number, that is ideal. The lense controls the aperture that you can select, so don’t be alarmed if yours can’t reach the 1-2 range.
(Tip: Having trouble adjusting your aperture? You may be zoomed in on something! When holding down the aperture button, or however you typically change this setting on your device, you may have to manipulate a dial in order to lower or raise this number. If you know that it can go lower, but it seems stuck, try returning your lens to its regular zoomed out position, and try again.)
White Balance: This is a subjective choice, and is widely up to you. This function will change the color “temperature” of your image. This is an easy way to correct a strange colored image, so try this first if you find that your photos are too blue, or too orange. Many landscape photographers are said to prefer the daylight setting, but my favorite is tungsten/incandescent.
These can be denoted by icons, temperatures (in Kelvin), light source examples, or reference names. You may see all of these, or only a select few employed on your device. You will want to make sure that you don’t leave this function on AUTO unless you are shooting in RAW, because the camera will not be able to regulate very well on its own, in this context.
During the day, an automatic white balance can be a great tool. If you are using the RAW mode to create your images, you can adjust the white balance later in editing software.
Important extra tips:
- Don’t forget your tripod! Long exposure photography requires complete stillness. If you are holding the camera for the time that it is processing the photo, your movement will blur the image, even if you think you are being still. It’s amazing how much we actually move, without even realizing it! If you don’t have access to a tripod, try bracing yourself on a surface, or setting your camera on a table. Be extremely careful of your device, tripod or not- as the wind in Iceland can be a serious force to be reckoned with! The wind has claimed many cameras on tripods, and nothing is sadder than a cracked lens on a photography trip. Stay vigilant!
- Charge your battery! The cold wears out lithium batteries, so make sure you’re setting out with a full charge. (If you think you’ll be out long, it isn’t a bad idea to have a backup.) If you find yourself losing juice at the last minute, try warming the battery in your pocket, or keeping your camera inside your jacket when you aren’t using it. And don’t forget the hand warmers! They can help in a pinch.
- Focus! We leave our lenses on AF, or automatic focus, during the day. This works great! Just like us, cameras see pretty well during the day. When shooting auroras, however, this can be a struggle, as the camera won’t immediately know what to focus on. Make sure you change your lens to MF or manual focus, when creating nighttime photos. Don’t forget that in MF you’ll have to focus yourself with the focus ring on your lens, so make sure to adjust that before you take your next photo. You can do this by focusing on a light in the distance- like the moon, a headlight, a streetlight, or a far off town. In situations of true darkness, have a friend hold up a smartphone from a distance away. You can also use infinity mode, if your device supports it. You can tell if you have this function by checking the manual for your device model, or by the infinity symbol on or near your lens.
- Self timer: Want to be in the shot? Or, just want to give your camera a few minutes to stabilize after you’ve pressed the button? Set a self timer! It has saved many shots from a quick accidental hand-knock.
- Lenses: What kind of lens should you use? We prefer a wide angle, because auroras are BIG! 14-50mm is a favorite, but the widest angle you’ve got will do. This is not likely to be the best moment for a zoom lens. (Though- no matter what advice you’ve been given, it’s always worth trying all of your ideas. Photography is an art form, and an eternal series of experiments, so it is important to try everything. You never know what will make that once in a lifetime shot!)
- Will the moon ruin my shot? Likely not. A full moon can create a surprising amount of light, and that can complicate things- but more often than not it creates a really spectacular foreground for images. If you’re not sure what the moon phase is on the night that you’re planning a hunt, you can check here: https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/
This is also a great resource for figuring out when the optimal darkness is occuring at any time of year. Iceland has a fairly extreme dark/light cycle, so this can be a great tool for making sure you’re well in the dark. - Composition tip: Try planning a visit to a lake! Still bodies of water or ice can make amazing mirrored reflection shots.
So now that the secrets are revealed, you’re ready to get out there and shoot! Make sure you’re warmly dressed, and don’t forget to share your photos with us at @bubbleiceland. And don’t forget to visit us! You can after all shoot right through the bubble, from the comfort of your own bed. Can’t beat that!
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
The Best Place to see the Northern Lights
By Taylor van Biljon
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is among the most treasured secrets. Find out where our guides go, when they seek an audience with the aurora.
The Best Place to see the Northern Lights
By Taylor van Biljon
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is among the most treasured secrets. Find out where our guides go, when they seek an audience with the aurora.
Every autumn and winter, people seek the mystery of the northern lights in Iceland.
Though this phenomenon occurs above us all year long, our chance to view it is only possible from late August, to early April. Before and after this time frame, the famous Midnight Sun obscures our ability to see auroral light.
Three things to look for before searching for Northern Lights
To find the best place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, a few factors have to cooperate together. Chief among them are:
Clear Skies
If you’ve visited before, you’ve likely already seen a guide checking a weather map before deciding the likelihood of success, or before charting a course for a hunt. What they are looking for is clarity in the sky, or for windows of visibility on a cloud map. You can view these maps as well, and should, before setting out on your own. They are a huge aid in picking out a spot, and are not much different from your typical weather forecasts.
You will notice that these maps are often split into levels of altitude. Different types of clouds occur in different sections of the sky, and some of these clouds affect visibility more than others. Knowing what kind of cloud cover you’re facing can help with understanding the probability of your visibility chances that night.
Clouds are a surprise heavy-lifter in aurora viewing, because regardless of if the lights are out or not- if the clouds are between us, we miss out on the show. Knowing how to navigate this information can save you a lot of time on your hunt, and can be a great way to know when to head in for the night, or even when to wake up!
If you do see clouds in the forecast, hope is not lost! Weather systems can move quickly in Iceland, and some clouds in the foreground can add great texture to that ultimate dream photo. They can also help you orient yourself visually, while you watch. Nighttime viewing can be a lot of work on the human eye- and user mileage may vary.
Forecasts like this can be new to many- so don’t hesitate to share your questions with our experienced guides on your personal tour. Our staff are happy to help.
Solar Activity
Of course, clear skies can’t run the whole show! There has to be something playing as well, for us to have anything to see. Auroras occur because super charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere.
The solar wind is always carrying this energy, but the amount that is sent can fluctuate. When viewing an auroral forecast, you’ll often notice a 0-9 number accompanying the cloud map. This is the KP-index, and it’s telling us the extent of disturbance in the solar wind surrounding our planet. 0 can indicate a quiet night, while 9 typically would indicate that a solar storm or high activity is occurring.
It is important to note that we use the word ‘can’ here, because like all data, this number is subject to many changes and factors as well. Sometimes our own Earth weather forecasts surprise us- so imagine how surprising the space weather forecast can turn out to be!
It has happened many times over that we have had a low number on the forecast, and were still surprised by a brilliant show. When in Iceland, it pays to keep an eye on the sky! The gift of the aurora is a once in a lifetime wonder.
Solid Darkness
Key to this equation, darkness is required for the best Northern Light viewing conditions. This is why Iceland’s aurora season coincides with the darker half of our year.
Auroral light occurs at a low lumen, and it is not a type of light that the human eye is used to viewing. In order to give yourself a good shot at catching a glimpse, it helps to remove yourself from any light pollution. This could include something as large as city light, or something as small as the headlights of your vehicle- which may make it hard for your eyes to adjust. A strong showing will still be visible over these things, but it never hurts to give yourself a head start.
The more comfortable your eyes are in the darkness, the better. (This is our favorite thing about the Bubbles, as you can sit inside our transparent domes all night- without being subject to harsh conditions. Waiting outside on the Northern Lights has never been warmer, or more luxurious!)
Now that you know the process, all you need is the best spot! Here are some of our favorites, based on region, visual impact, and ease of access.
Reykjavik Area
City life in Iceland is bright, but we still get our fair share of Northern Lights. On a good night, you can see many aspiring photographers setting up their tripods for the night’s performance. If you’re out late, they can be a good indicator that something might be headed our way.
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Grótta
If you’re visiting the capital and you ask for a great viewing spot- many locals will point you towards Grótta, a lighthouse and island at the very tip of Reykjavik’s Seltjarnarnes peninsula. After the walk down, you can even dip your feet in a tiny geothermally heated pool while you wait. Be mindful of the tide while you visit, as the very end of Grótta becomes inaccessible during high tide.
Sólfar on the Sæbraut walking path
Grótta is a popular spot, but even closer to downtown is the Sæbraut walking path along the waterfront. This vantage point puts most of the city light behind you, and gives you an unobstructed view north towards the mountain Esjan. Keep an eye out for photographers on the rocks, a Northern Lights show with Sólfar (The Sun Voyager) in the foreground is a special sight to behold indeed!
Rauðhólar
Tucked away on the outskirts of town in the Heiðmörk reserve, Rauðhólar is right off of the main road, and might as well be another planet. Named for its waves of red lava, this is a popular recreation area that is often overlooked for aurora viewing, and very much worth a stroll.
Heading North
If your travels for the evening take you towards the north, you’re in luck. There are countless hidden spots here that are not popularly frequented by crowds, that provide great vistas for a night of light watching.
Borgarnes
Cross one of the longest bridges in Iceland on your northward trek, to enter the town of Borgarnes. Close to Reykjavik and bordered by gorgeous snowy mountains, this can be a great location to grab a dinner or snack beforehand, while also being out of the larger glow of the city. No aurora hunt is complete without a bag of fresh Icelandic doughnuts, or, kleinur.
Snæfellsnes
Borgarnes opens up into the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Often described as the whole of Iceland in a day, this region boasts endless stretches of black sand beaches, and one of our most famous mountain vistas, Kirkjufell. Snæfellsnes has stood in for many fantastical places from popular fiction- from Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, to “Beyond the Wall” in the popular Game of Thrones television series, it is no wonder that Snæfellsnes has caught so many eyes. What is still very much a wonder, is how much of it you will have to yourself on a Northern Lights hunt.
The Reykjanes Peninsula
The Reykjanes peninsula is just in our backyard, and is home to some of the most exciting geothermal spots in the region. Easy to drive and dotted with observation points- Reykjanes is a favorite route for auroral viewing.
Blue Lagoon
We would be hard pressed not to mention the nearly neon waters of the Blue Lagoon, or, Bláa Lónið. While it is magical to watch the skies from the lagoon itself- did you know that you can also hike nearby? Located in a A UNESCO Global Geopark, the lava fields surrounding this gem are nearly 2000 years old, and filled with recognized hiking paths. These paths are mostly flat, and boast some of the easiest hiking in the area. Great for people who are keeping their eyes on the sky!
Kleifarvatn
The largest lake on the peninsula, Kleifarvatn is situated in a steaming geothermal zone, and was once rumored to be the home of a mysterious monster the size of a whale! Whether that is true or not we cannot say- but we can tell you that the still surface of the lake can be a phenomenal mirror for an aurora reflection.
Brimketill
Named for the giantess Oddný who liked to bathe here, Brimketill is a small natural rock pool just protruding from the edge of the land into the ocean. Now outfitted with a viewing platform, it’s a great spot to watch the occasional stillness of the pool, next to the great movement of the wild sea.
The Golden Circle Area
Home to the original gathering spot for the Icelandic parliament (Alþingi), people have been viewing the lights from this region for nearly as long as the world’s longest running parliament has been around! Like them, now you too can add to the ancient chain of amazed eyes on the dancing skies.
Þingvellir/Thingvellir National Park
Easily accessible from Reykjavik, Þingvellir is named for its role as the assembly place for the early Icelandic parliament. Today, it remains a favorite gathering place of nature and culture enthusiasts alike. Detached from the major sources of light pollution, and populated by many observation points; Þingvellir is ideal for safely parking a vehicle to watch from, and has proximity to restroom facilities.
On a long night out, these things can’t be beat! (If the restroom detail is important to your plans, check with the Visitor’s Center for additional information about service hours and availability. Winter is a quiet season for much of Iceland, and these schedules can change based on seasonal volume and maintenance.)
Kerið
Near the southern end of the Golden Circle route, Kerið is a volcanic crater lake that boasts some of the greatest colors and easiest hikes in the region. Believed to be nearly 3,000 years old, Kerið can be viewed via a short walk from the parking lot, or entered from a small built path.
Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss is a fairly level hike, and one of the lesser known jewels of the Golden Circle route. Easily recognized by its shocking glacial blue color, and linked in a chain to a multiple waterfall system, this may be a spot that you have to visit again in the daylight!
The South Coast Region
Home to some of Iceland’s greatest treasures, this stretch of land is populated by hundreds of our island’s most famous sights. From waterfalls, to gaping caves, to dramatic columns of basalt rock- the cliffs and valleys of the south coast region are second to none.
Seljalandsfoss/Gljúfrabúi
Bring a raincoat, because this is a waterfall you can walk behind! Positioned with a wide, sweeping view of the southern sky from the cavern behind the falls- many an auroral night have been spent near the waters of Seljalandsfoss. Don’t forget to visit nearby neighbor, Gljúfrabúi while you’re there! This tiny crevasse treasure is worth braving the spray.
Skógafoss
Busy producing countless rainbows during the day, Skógafoss shines under the northern lights at night. Home to a lofty observation deck and emptying into a fairly flat surface, one can easily view the vista of this waterfall from afar, or right up close. If you’re looking for a versatile spot to spend time in, this may be for you. (Be careful of the ice created by the spray in winter, and consider bringing a walking aid if you plan on venturing close to the falls.)
Vestrahorn
Though the Vestrahorn mountains rightly belong in the eastern category, one can access them at the end of a long (and adventurous) south coast drive. Resting on a vast beach that often holds water after the tide goes out- Vestrahorn’s jagged peaks have created many a breathtaking scene in those surprisingly shallow reflections. If you’re looking for mountain drama right off the roadside, don’t sleep on this remote spot.
Sólheimasandur
If the weather is calm and conditions are fair, the old plane wreck at Sólheimasandur can be an otherworldly location to watch auroras from. Abandoned here in 1973, the grounded shell of the aircraft stands vigil near the sea even now- and makes for a haunting stop both day, and night.
Reykjadalur
Only a half hour outside of Reykjavik, the Reykjadalur Valley hike is a steaming climb into the mountains of the Hengill area near Hveragerði. This flowing hot river is an unparalleled reward after a scenery packed walk, and is a popular local spot to lay and gaze for Northern Lights. Because of the graded nature of the path, this location is further down the list due to ease of access- but for a basic hiker, this can be an accessible trail. Remember to bring a torch if you are hiking at night, and exercise caution in all seasons, as the terrain can change quickly here.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Accessible only by 4×4, and standing on bedrock believed to be nearly 2 million years old- Fjaðrárgljúfur is a cascading, bending delight to behold. A reminder of the power of nature, and possible to hike both inside and on top of, Iceland’s feather canyon can be an intimate spot to catch the elusive polar lights.
Þakgil
Home to jagged peaks and rounded caves, “roof canyon” is a popular local recreation area. In the summer, Þakgil fills up with campers, but in the winter it can be a quiet amphitheater of vantage points for the perfect aurora sighting. Home to many treasures in its own right, Þakgil is located within the Katla Geopark, and is the starting place of many of Iceland’s most famous myths, folktales, and fantastical stories. (Not hard to believe, considering its many volcanic neighbors!)
These are only a few of our favorite spots- and depending on the route you plan to take, there are countless more to visit. Our staff are always happy to provide further insight, and would like to remind you to keep an eye on the weather in the quickly changing winter season. The status of any road you may plan to take can be checked on www.road.is, and if you are hiking, you can leave a travel plan on https://safetravel.is/.
Weather alerts are easily accessible here, along with important safety tips and area information. If you plan to attempt one of the more adventurous routes, one can also rent a Personal Location Beacon from this site, or skype with a safety agent for advice. Remember, when viewing Northern Lights it is imperative that you park your vehicle in a safe location, and do not pause in a roadway, despite the temptation. Good luck, clear skies, and happy aurora hunting!
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
Travelling to Iceland?
Check our overnight tours with a driver guide that includes a one night stay in a bubble.*Starting from ISK 74.900 per person
