PDF - Land og saga

East Iceland– a hiking havenEast Iceland is a magnificent wonderlandwhere hikers, wanderers, birdwatchers,kayakers and nature lovers findeverything their heart desires; wilderness,solitude, challenge, new horizons–and forsome, even peace of mind. But more thananything, East Iceland is known for greatoutdoor activities, hiking, riding, fishing,exploring, and friendly fishing villages foraprès adventure.Hikes and treks for everyoneHiking is by far the East Iceland traveller’sbest way to enjoy the refreshing wilderness.The region is renowned for interesting anddiverse routes, ranging from day hikes toadventure-rich multi-day treks. Good hikingmaps of the whole region are available atTourist Information Centres and a numberof paths have been marked for safer hikingand optimum enjoyment.Mt. Snæfell—LónsöræfiMt. Snæfell, the 1833 extinct volcano andIceland’s highest mountain outside theglacier massif of Vatnajökull, presents amagnificent view from the top.There are guided tours up and around thisimpressive volcano and the surroundingsoffer some great sights, such as lush greenmoss and springs, sparkling in betweenblack sands. Herds of wild reindeer andpink-footed geese roam around. Nearby,Brúarjökull probably offers one of the easiestaccesses to explore a tremendous ice sheet.For the avid hiker, the Snæfell–Lónsöræfitrail, with stunning landscapes in theVatnajökull National Park, is a temptingand trying solitary route across theEyjabakkajökull glacier before droppingdown to the the stunning Lónsöræfihighlands, and the view of expansive greenvalleys with countless waterfalls, such asGeithellnadalur, Hofsdalur or Víðidalur.enable you to have views of beautifulcoastlines, mountain ridges, abandonedfarmhouses, birdlife, arctic fauna and, witha little luck, maybe even reindeer. The areais known for colourful mountains and semiprecious stones, as well as one of the bestplaces to watch puffins. Some of the best dayhikes are without a doubt to be found here,including one of Iceland’s best kept secrets—the monumental Stórurð, a labyrinth ofenormous rocks through which a little riverwinds its way and calm turquoise pondsof icy water lie hidden among the hugeboulders, lined by flat banks of short, greengrass. Just the perfect way to enjoy the bestunspoilt, breathtaking nature.variety in coasts is phenomenal. Brightlycoloured pebble beaches, black sandbeaches of Vöðlavík, awesome sheer cliffs,pristine fjords lined with eider ducks,old ruins of ancient farmsteads and theoccasional reindeer herd in deserted covesgive you an ‘out of this world’ feeling offreedom and eternity. Then, finish witha short hike to Helgustaðanáma, the oldIceland Spar mine in Eskifjörður.Around EgilsstaðirFor some shorter options, the HikingPearls of Fljótsdalshérað, the area aroundEgilsstaðir give you some great possibilities.Don’t miss the 40-minute climb to Iceland’s2nd highest waterfall, Hengifoss, thebeautiful basalt pillars of Litlanesfoss inFljótsdalur, or a stroll in the Hallormsstaðurarctic birch forest. They are all trulysomething to write home about, as areKverkfjöllA tour to Kverkfjöll, experiencing the uniqueinterplay of ice and fire in the imposingsurroundings, is an experience. Climb to thehot spring valley for a magnificent view ofboiling mud springs melting a labyrinth ofcaves through the great Vatnajökull glacier.Try soaking your sore feet in the warmvolcanic waters flowing from the mouth ofthe great Kverkfjöll ice cave. Although thewhite giant looks peaceful enough, neverforget that there are many dangers hiddenin the moving ice.VíknaslóðirThe 150 km marked paths of the Víknaslóðir(Desert Inlets) in Borgarfjörður eystri,SkálanesFor those preferring to enjoy a maritimeview, a unique opportunity to experiencethe beauty and calm of East Iceland are itsfjords. Visit the wonderful Nature heritagecentre at Skálanes at the furthest shoreof beautiful Seyðisfjörður or enjoy theride to Mjóifjörður, one of Iceland’s mostcelebrated fjords, with the breathtakingKlifurbrekkufossar waterfalls.Eskifjörður - NorðfjörðurDifferent, but no less attractive, is theeasternmost part, the Gerpissvæðibetween Eskifjörður and Norðfjörður,where skyscraping peaks join forces withthe heavy waves of the Atlantic. The greatthe solitude of Hjálpleysa, the ½ day hikeby Stóra-Sandfell, through mindblowingmonuments of the Ice Age. Enjoy a stroll atHúsey or spend a day at Iceland’s strangestbeach, Þerribjörg, by the Hellisheiði pass toVopnafjörður. Visit the Elf-lady trail and theEarth history landbridge by the Bustarfellfolk museum in Vopnafjörður. This is toname just a few of the wonderful optionsopen to you in this hikers’ paradise.East Iceland Marketing Office–ÁÞMiðvangi 1-3 • 700 Egilsstaðir+354 472 1750astathor@east.iswww.east.is108 www.icelandictimes.comwww.icelandictimes.com109