Why Birds Flock to Iceland The North Prepares for ... - Land og saga

On Top ofthe Worlda timid soul’s approach to the mighty VatnajökullBed down for the night in theheart of the Vatnajökull districtat Vagnsstaðir Youth Hostel, just28 km east of the Jökulsárlónglacier lagoon. Sleeping bagaccommodation, linen rental,a well equipped kitchen, diningand lounge areas, as well as3 fully equipped cottages areoffered. There is a campgroundwith good sanitary facilities.The coast, just 1500 m fromVagnsstaðir provides numerouspossibilities for scenic walks andbird watching. Maps of the areaare available at the hostel.The weather report was looking good—afull day of sunshine ahead of me andtemperatures above 10°C. I was on my wayto a face to face encounter with the world’s 3 rdlargest glacier, the mighty Vatnajökull. Thistrip would mark a couple of firsts for me—myfirst time ever to set foot on a glacier, and myfi rst time to travel by snowmobile. Needlessto say I was really excited!I first met Kristján and Bjarney, of GlacierJeeps, at our pre-arranged meeting place: thecrossroads of Route No.1 and F985. Thisis the offi cial meeting place for all GlacierJeep summer tours. Glacier Jeeps has yearsof experience conducting jeep, snowmobileand hiking tours on the glacier since 1994.(Bjarney has been helping run the familybusiness since she was 14 years old.) I parkedmy car and joined them in their sturdy 4WDwhich wound its way slowly ever upwards,following the undulating gravel road, whichtwisted and turned around hairpin bends,past waterfalls and deep canyons. My guidesfill me in on the details of the landscape,pointing out how the glacier has crawledacross the terrain, devastating everything inits path along with other interesting facts.Thirty minutes and 830 metres above sealevel later, we arrive at Jöklasel, Iceland’shighest restaurant and owned by GlacierJeeps. Jöklasel will serve as our base campwhere we suit up with boots, warm overallsand helmets for the snowmobile excursion.Now it’s time to test drive the snowmobiles.I am a little hesitant at first and Kristján showsme the ropes. It looks easy enough but I decidethat I prefer to let him drive over the glacierwith me sitting safely behind him on this‘skidoo for two’, at least until I get a better feelfor it. ‘Off we go over the wild white yonder,climbing high into the sun’ to paraphrase anold song, with cloudless blue skies above usand the wind in our faces. Further along westop and dismount, to take in the magnificentpanoramic views over the glacier, the AtlanticOcean and the town of Höfn far below in thedistance. I felt like I was on top of the worldand it was truly a cause for celebration!Kristján jokes that we cannot go onwardsunless I drive. By now I am feeling a littlemore sure of myself and agree to give it atry. This time we are off to inspect a massivesheer rock face that rises straight up from theglacier at an elevation of 1200 metres. Finally,our one hour snowmobile adventure comes toan end and it is time to return to Jöklasel fora well deserved bite to eat and a hot drink.The view out the restaurant windows is as onewould expect: magnificent.Glacier Jeeps also offers a hiking tour of theglacier that comes with all the equipment suchas safety helmets, climbing irons and ice axe,instruction and a guide, included in the price.In case you just don’t think a strenuoushike or a thrilling snowmobile adventureis for you, then Glacier Jeeps offers analternative to see the glacier in a comfortable,specially equipped 4WD and is available yearround, weather permitting. Each tour is only3 to 4 hours in total, giving you plenty of timeto do other things with your day, even thoughonce you are up there you may not want tocome down. Although it’s best to book oneday in advance, you can also just show upat the crossroads (F985) at either 9.30 am or2.00 pm and join the tour from there.Vatnajökull Glacier Jeep tours: amust for your bucket list!Glacier Jeeps–EMVSilfurbraut 15 • 780 Hornafjörður+354 478 1000glacierjeeps@simnet.iswww.glacierjeeps.is98 www.icelandictimes.comwww.icelandictimes.com99