Mietwagenrundreise Island "Durch das Land aus Feuer & Eis"

About the destination: Of the three towns which make up the municipality, Keflavík is the largest, while Hafnir is the smallest and some 10 kilometers distant. Keflavík and Njarðvík were originally distinct towns but gradually grew together over the course of the latter half of the 20th century, until the only thing separating them was a single street. The northern side of the street belonged to Keflavík and the southern side to Njarðvík. Since May 2009 the township of Njarðvík has been the location of the Viking World museum ( Víkingaheimar)

About the destination: Reykjavik is not your typical capital city, it has no magnificent buildings, or a historic city centre or grand monuments, this city is much more than that. Iceland’s capital is different, full of life and very close to nature. Its location, at the fringe of the Atlantic Ocean, between two fjords and surrounded by a lunar volcanic framework, makes the city, which name literally means Bay of Smokes, incomparably special. The world’s northernmost capital is the perfect place for outdoor and wildlife lovers. Surrounded by sea, whale watching is one of the most popular touristic activities. The city has plenty of open spaces: parks, pedestrian areas, a lake situated next to the city hall and Nauthólsvik geothermal beach just 15 min away from the city centre. Throughout the city there are 7 municipal geothermal pools where locals go to socialize and relax after work. Other activities like cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing and fishing can all be enjoyed on the doorsteps of the capital. Aside from all its natural wonders, Reykjavik has always something to offer. It is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city full of museums, art galleries and cosy coffee shops. Its nightlife is exciting and outrageous, during a night out, it seems locals are making up for the prohibition on beer that was in force till 1989 and nightspots tend to stay open until the early hours of the morning. During the day, the capital is a much more relaxed place, with its trim colourful houses, rubbish-free streets and an easygoing pace of life. Reykjavik is considered the one of the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Getting lost in this city is almost impossible: Hallgrímskirkja church and Öskjuhlíð hill are visible from most places in the city centre and are essential landmarks for orientation. Reykjavik is dynamic, creative, modern, cosy and very special. Its peculiar personality and magnetic surroundings will make you agree that there’s no better city in the world.

About the destination: The village of Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, located on the main ring road around the island, around 180 km by road southeast of Reykjavík. Despite its small size it is the largest settlement for some 70 km around and is an important staging post, and thus it is indicated on road signs from a long distance away. It is an important service center for the inhabitants of and visitors to the coastal strip between Skógar and the west edge of the Mýrdalssandur glacial outwash plain.

About the destination: Hofn is the only urban nucleus that can be found after passing Kirkjubaejarklaustur. It is a gray town and not too attractive but it serves to stay overnight because of its proximity to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon (78 km) and the great Vatnajokull. Hofn is situated on a peninsula in the south-east of Iceland and is surrounded by several small islands, the largest of which is Mikley, followed by Krókalátur and Hellir to the east of the city The name Hofn means port and is one of the few fishing ports in southern Iceland. In it, navigation has to be cautious due to the formation of sandbanks which must be dredged frequently to maintain a minimum depth of 7-8 meters. This port can be frozen during the harshest winter months. Hofn also has an airport that only domestic flights operate. It is located on the Ring Road, accessing the route 99. The most important cultural event of Hofn is the famous lobster festival which is held on the first weekend of July. Hofn contains several museums, including the Glacier Museum, the Museum of Folklore and the Nautical Museum among others. We spent the night in Hofn for two nights as we made a round trip to the south of Iceland (Iceland: Organizational Data). During our stay we took several walks through the streets, went to supermarkets, gas stations and dined in the restaurants of the port that were very close to our apartment, we could do little more after arriving in the village in the afternoon and with almost everything closed. The most remarkable thing about Hofn is the wild nature that surrounds it. I leave you some samples of landscapes near this town.

About the destination: Hallormsstaður National Forest is located in Fljótsdalur east Iceland, about 25 kilometers inland from the town of Egilsstaðir. It is one of the larger forests in Iceland, covering 740 hectares (ha), and includes the only village in Iceland that is located in a forest. The forest is a recreation area in a varied landscape. There are over 40 km of marked trails and footpaths as well as an arboretum, two camp-sites, picnic areas, a hotel, and boat and horse rentals.

About the destination: Egilsstadir, Iceland, is the largest town in the east of the island. Belonging to the Austurland region, it has a population of around 2,300. Egilsstadir sits on a plain along the Lagarfljót River. Its small airport and good hotel and restaurant facilities have made this small Icelandic town a popular tourist destination, both for Icelanders and foreign visitors. One of the main attractions of Egilsstadir is its natural environment, being the gateway to the main fjords of eastern Iceland: Seyðisfjörður, Reyðarfjörður and Vopnafjörður. Very close to Egilsstadir you can visit two spectacular waterfalls: Hengifoss, almost 120 metres high, and Fardagafoss. Its valleys and mountains (including the 1800-metre-high Snæfell Peak) offer the best environment for hikers, especially during the summer. Near Egilsstadir is the Hallormsstadaskógur forest, the largest wooded area on the island. Egilsstadir can also be a good base camp for a trip to the wonderful Vatnajokull National Park.

About the destination: Settlement in Seyðisfjörður traces back to the early period of settlement in Iceland. The first settler was Bjólfur, who occupied the entire fjord. The burned down ruin of a stave church at Þórunnarstaðir has been carbon-dated to the 10th century, with earlier graves exhumed dating back to the 8th century. The town settlement in the Seyðisfjörður area started in 1848. The town was settled by Norwegian fishermen. These settlers also built some of the wooden buildings which still exist in the town. Another now-deserted settlement nearby in the fjord, Vestddalseyri was the site for the world's first modern industrialized whaling station. It was established in 1864 by the renowned American whaler Thomas Welcome Roys and run by him and his workforce until 1866. Both settlements served primarily as fishing and trading posts. The first telegraph cable connecting Iceland to Europe made landfall in Seyðisfjörður in 1906, making it a hub for international telecommunications well past the middle of last century. In 1913, a dam was made in the main river, harnessing power for the country's first high-voltage AC power plant together with a distribution network for street lighting and home use, also the first of its kind in Iceland. Seyðisfjörður was used as a base for British/American forces during World War II and remnants of this activity are visible throughout the fjord, including a landing strip no longer in use and an oil tanker SS El Grillo that was bombed and sunk. It remains a divers' wreck at the bottom of the fjord.

About the destination: Lake Myvatn is one of the highlights of the north. All major services are provided in the village of Reykjahlid, such as a mini supermarket, bank, post office, health care centre, school and swimming pool. At Lake Myvatn, different types of accommodation are available as well as good restaurants and cafés. Birdlife by the lake is abundant and a visit to the new Bird Museum is worthwhile. Myvatn Nature Bath is located just east of Reykjahlid village, where travellers can enjoy a relaxing dip in the warm natural water. In the Myvatn region there are many marked hiking routes.

About the destination: Húsavík is a town in Norðurþing municipality on the north coast of Iceland on the shores of Skjálfandi bay with 2,237 inhabitants. The most famous landmark of the town is the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907. Húsavík is served by Húsavík Airport. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Husavik Whale Center. • The Icelandic Phallological Museum. • The Exploration Museum. The Exploration Museum is dedicated to the history of human exploration, from the early explorers to the exploration of space. The main exhibition room features photographs and artifacts from the Apollo Astronaut Training near Húsavík in 1965 and 1967.

About the destination: Akureyri is a town in northern Iceland. It is Iceland's second largest urban area and fourth largest municipality. Nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre. Akureyri is a very picturesque town with its location by a scenic fjord, eclectic building styles and streets winding their way through gorges. Spend some time walking around the town centre, see the impressive church and Listagilið (literally ""the art canyon""), home to a number of arts and crafts galleries and shops. The tranquil municipal botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, is worth visiting, as are the several small museums dotted around town.

About the destination: Skagafjörður is a municipality that covers most the land area of the region around the fjord with the same name (see Skagafjörður for details on the region) in northern Iceland.

About the destination: Though Grundarfjörður is not the most well-known town in Snæfellsnes, its mountain is certainly one of the most famous mountains in Iceland, if not the world. It is not unusual for photographers from all over the world to make their way to Grundarfjörður for the sole purpose of photographing this unique landmark which has even starred in a number of films. Nature abounds, with vibrant birdlife, spectacular waterfalls, great hiking trails and exciting marine visitors such as seals and whales putting in an appearance every now and then. During the long summer days, there are daily boat trips where visitors can go deep sea fishing, see puffins and other beautiful birds and perhaps even catch sight of a whale or two.

About the destination: Arnarstapi is a village on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The area has several old and charming houses with interesting stories to them and is renowned for its beautiful nature. The beach at Arnarstapi holds a particular attraction. It has an eroded circular stone arch, called Gatklettur, and here, the interplay of spectacular waves and the light of the sun create a fascinating spectacle. Large colonies of the arctic tern also nest in the area, and both these features make it very popular amongst photographers. An old horse trail through the lava field Hellnahraun is highly popular for hiking, due to the impressiveness of the surrounding landscape.

About the destination: Discover the enchanting beauty of Snaefellsnes, a breathtaking gem on the western coast of Iceland. Often referred to as 'Iceland in Miniature', Snaefellsnes encapsulates the diversity of Icelandic landscapes, all within a compact, accessible area. Start your journey in the lively town of Stykkisholmur, a perfect gateway to the peninsula. Here, you can explore vibrant, colourful buildings, a bustling harbour, and an array of charming cafes and restaurants. Don't forget to visit the Volcano Museum, an intriguing testament to Iceland's volcanic activity. Drive along the peninsula and become entranced by the drama of the landscape. From the black pebble beaches and the towering cliffs of Djupalonssandur, to the sprawling lava fields of Berserkjahraun, Snaefellsnes is a feast for the senses. One of the area's most iconic sights is the Snaefellsjokull glacier, an awe-inspiring spectacle that can be seen from miles around. Standing 1446 meters high, it is the crowning glory of the Snaefellsjokull National Park. Adventure seekers can even embark on a glacier hike, providing an unforgettable experience and stunning views across the peninsula. The peninsula is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The Ytri-Tunga beach is a popular spot to watch seals frolicking in the surf, while the cliffs and shorelines are a birdwatcher's paradise, home to species such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. End your day by immersing yourself in Icelandic folklore at the Arnarstapi and Hellnar fishing villages, where you can learn about the peninsula's connection to the supernatural, including elves and trolls. For those seeking solitude under the starry skies, the peninsula is one of the best places in Iceland to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Snaefellsnes’s minimal light pollution makes it a prime spot for stargazing and capturing the ethereal beauty of the Aurora Borealis. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, or the tranquility of untouched landscapes, Snaefellsnes offers a unique Icelandic experience that you'll never forget. So, pack your bags, and let the magic of Snaefellsnes captivate and inspire you.

About the destination: Borgarnes is a town located on a peninsula at the shore of Borgarfjörður in Iceland. The town is located 60 km north of the capital Reykjavík and is connected to other places in Iceland through the second largest bridge in Iceland, Borgarfjarðarbrú; it is the biggest town in the Borgarbyggð municipality. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Safnahús Borgarfjarðar. Several small museums and collections are housed together in one building: A natural history collection, local history museum and an art collection, as well as the local archives and library. • Skallagrímsgarður. A small municipal park in the heart of town.

About the destination: Exploring the Enchanting Capital of Iceland: Reykjavik Welcome to Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, where natural wonders meet urban sophistication. Nestled on the southwestern coast of the island, this city is known for its unique blend of modern culture and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're an adventure seeker eager to explore the volcanic terrains and geothermal wonders, or a culture enthusiast intrigued by the rich Viking history, Reykjavik promises an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, a stunning piece of architecture that dominates the city skyline. Inspired by Iceland's basalt formations, this church offers panoramic views of Reykjavik from its tower, allowing you to appreciate the colorful rooftops and surrounding mountains. Afterward, wander through the charming streets of the city center, where you'll discover an array of boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel with its glass facade reflecting the ever-changing Icelandic sky. Reykjavik is also a gateway to some of Iceland's most awe-inspiring natural attractions. Take a short drive to the famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa renowned for its milky blue waters rich in minerals. For those seeking more adventure, the Golden Circle route offers a day trip through Þingvellir National Park, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the active geothermal area in Haukadalur, home to the Strokkur geyser. These natural wonders showcase the dramatic beauty of Iceland's landscapes, providing countless opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploration. After a day of exploration, indulge in Reykjavik's thriving culinary scene. From traditional Icelandic dishes featuring fresh seafood and lamb to innovative cuisine that blends local ingredients with global flavors, the city's restaurants cater to every taste. Be sure to try a taste of the local delicacy, hákarl, for a truly authentic Icelandic experience. As night falls, keep an eye on the skies for the mesmerizing Northern Lights, which, if conditions are right, will dance across the horizon in a spectacular display of color. Reykjavik, with its perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure, is a destination that will captivate your heart and spirit.