Road from the town of VIK to Hofn

Fjarðrárgljúfur canyon

If you feel like hiking or just want to have mind-blowing break from driving be sure to visit the Fjarðrárgljúfur canyon. This remnant of the ice age is just a 2 km detour (road 206) from the ring road.
The beautiful undulating cliffs with narrow overhangs of rock are densely intersected by emerald slopes. This captivating place will give you an impression of the natural history of the region. The visitors can explore the canyon while using the well-prepared paths and viewpoints. Walking outside the marked path is not allowed to prevent damage to the surrounding vegetation.

The Laki volcano craters

The Laki volcano craters are a huge and geologically significant area located 6 km north of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. In June 1783, there was an eruption of more than 130 craters spewing lava along a 25-kilometer long aperture. During the eruption, which lasted eight months, a total of about 14.7 km2 of molten mass was created. This is probably the most powerful eruption recorded in human history which was disastrous for all residents of the Northern Hemisphere. The area around the Laki volcano is rich in hiking trails that cross the endless ribbons full of moss-covered craters. It is an ideal place for people who love the beauty of the Icelandic landscape. (The F-road to Lake is open from July until the end of August and only accessible by 4×4 cars)

The town Of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Nuns Waterfalls

Kirkjubæjarklaustur is the only town located in this unusual area stretching along the road from Vík to Höfn. Most tourists and locals shorten the impressive six syllable name of the Town to simply Klaustur which refers to the now-defunct monastery which was founded in 1186. Other referrals to the former Christian residents are evidently the names of other surrounding landscape elements. Such as the Systravatn Lake (the Nun’s Lake) located above the city that ends in the Systrafoss (Nun’s waterfall), a picturesque waterfall located on the west side of the city. A hiking trail leads from the lake to Systrastapi, a couple of impressive rocks located on the hill. The name of the rocks, according to the local legend, is an embrace of two nuns which were burnt at the stake for preaching heresies and buried in this place.

Svartifoss Waterfall

The nature reserve Skaftafell is a (short) hiking paradise. Most of the hiking trails in this area run close to the heath land of Skaftafellsheiði and lead to numerous breathtaking waterfalls. Prepare to see the most majestic of them – Svartifoss- literally called the Black Waterfall. In this miracle of nature the waters flows down along the symmetrical black basalt walls and make it look like a church organ. The trail that leads to the waterfall is well marked and takes about 1.5 hours (round trip).

Vatnajokull Glacier

Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe, covering an area of 8 100 km2 which is 8% of the whole country. The average thickness of the ice is 400m but in some places can be as much as 950 m. The highest mountain in Iceland, Öræfajökull, is located at one of the southernmost parts of the glacier. It is crowned by the highest peak in the country, the Hvannadalshnúkur (2,110 m).

Skaftafell National Park

The Skaftafell National Park is part of the massive Vatnajökull National Park. It is a real wonder of nature with the characteristic whiteness of the Vatnajökull glacier and the dark plains of Skeiðarársandur. Skeiðarársandur is a huge stretch of black and sandy wasteland with remnants of volcanic eruptions erupting under the ice cover. In the middle of the park lies the Skaftafell plateau. It is a real feast for the senses. Full of ravines with rapid streams, beautiful waterfalls and magnificent birch forests and abundant with wild flowers and lush vegetation.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón, literally glacier lagoon but often referred to as Ice Lagoon, is one of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions. It lies at the foot of the huge Vatnajökull glacier and is “inhabited” by a variety of icebergs which detached from the serrated edge of the Breiðamerkurjökull tongue. The icebergs drift slowly in the clear water, occasionally falling over and colliding with powerful force. Anyone who stays here for a long time will be a witness of how the current of the river drag the lumps under the bridge straight to the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side of the bridge stretches a black beach. On this beach, also known as the diamond beach, the icebergs often float ashore again and gradually melt. These pieces of ice are like clear shining diamonds on the black sand.

Stokksnes

Going towards the Almannaskarð tunnel that it is definitely worth the small detour and leave the ring road and head to the Stokksnes cape. Here you can admire the breathtaking views of the mountains above the sea and the seals jumping into the water. The cape is also home to many bird species. If the weather is good, it is worth visiting the viewpoint located on the eastern side of the tunnel. You can admire the beautiful landscape stretching in the west and admire the tongues of glaciers flowing from the ice cover. There is an entrance fee to access Cape Stokksnes. The ticket price includes access to a film set of an old Viking town.

Hofn town

Höfn means literally “harbour” in Icelandic. It is a small fishing village and port with a view of the Vatnajökull glacier. This makes Höfn perhaps the best situated town with the most beautiful view in the country. Trade, agriculture and animal life are well developed here. This is a great place to stay overnight before you will head to the east. There are couple of great restaurants here where you can try the famous Lobster from Hofn.