Fjaðrárgljúfur
A vast moss lined canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Around 100 metres deep and two kilometres long. The Fjaðrá River carved it over thousands of years at the end of the Ice Age. Green walls. A winding river. Big views. ⛰️
Nature
Sun Voyager
A striking seaside sculpture in Reykjavík with Mount Esja and Faxaflói as the backdrop. Often mistaken for a Viking ship, it is a dreamboat that celebrates the sun and exploration. Unveiled in 1990 for Reykjavík’s 200th anniversary. 📸🌅
Tourist …
Gullfoss Falls
One of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and a Golden Circle highlight. A powerful two tier cascade that drops into a narrow canyon. On sunny days the spray often throws shimmering rainbows. 🌈
Waterfal…
Þingeyraroddi Camping Ground
One of the best campgrounds in this area. The location by the sea and the well equipped rooms makes it worth it. The area is sheltered so almost no wind here.
Camping
Reynisfjara viewpoint
An elevated look over Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Most visitors head to Dyrhólaey for the panorama. Big coastline. Big drama. 🌊
Landscap…
Öxarárfoss
A beautiful waterfall inside Þingvellir National Park. Set within the dramatic Almannagjá gorge on the edge of the North American plate. The river Öxará feeds the falls and the scene is picture perfect year round. ❄️💧
Waterfal…
Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa set in a stark lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Milky blue water rich in silica and algae. A calm, steamy scene with modern facilities.
Natural …
Diamond Beach
A black sand beach across from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs drift out, wash back in, and land on the shore. The ocean polishes the ice so it glitters like diamonds on jet black sand.
Beach
Fagradalsfjall
On the Reykjanes Peninsula this area became famous for accessible fissure eruptions and vast new lava fields. Even when quiet the fresh black rock shows raw geology at work. 🌋
Nature
Goðafoss Waterfall
One of North Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. The name means Waterfall of the Gods. Legend tells of a chieftain who threw his pagan idols into the falls when Iceland turned to Christianity. Easy to reach from the Ring Road. 🌊
Waterfal…
Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street
A colourful street in downtown Reykjavík that leads straight to Hallgrímskirkja. Painted for Reykjavík Pride and now a year round symbol of inclusivity in the city. Shops, galleries and cafés line the walk. 🌈☕️
Street
Reynisdrangar
Dramatic basalt sea stacks just off Iceland’s South Coast. Best seen from Reynisfjara Beach. The columns are the remains of a larger cliff carved by the Atlantic over time. Local folklore says they are petrified trolls. 🌊🗿
Nature
Strokkur Geyser
The star of Haukadalur. Erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending water and steam 15 to 20 metres into the air, sometimes higher. A classic show of geothermal power. 💦
Naturemembers Only
Seltún Geothermal Area
Part of the Krýsuvík field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Boiling mud pots. Hissing steam vents. Hot springs staining the ground yellow, red and white. A vivid, high energy landscape. 🌋
Natural …premium Only
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
A 3 star hotel near Vík on Iceland’s South Coast. A handy base for Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey and the waterfalls nearby. Outdoor geothermal hot tub, sauna and a small fitness room make it easy to relax after a long drive. 🚗🧖‍♀️
Hotelpremium Only
Tjörnin
A small lake in the heart of Reykjavík known simply as The Pond. Loved by locals for walks and birdwatching. In winter parts freeze for ice skating while one corner stays warm from geothermal water. 🦢
Lakepremium Only
Hallgrimskirkja
Reykjavík’s iconic church and the city’s best viewpoint. Designed to echo Iceland’s basalt columns and mountain forms. Completed in 1986 and visible from almost everywhere in town. ⛪️
Churches…premium Only
Konungshver
A large hot spring pool in the Geysir Geothermal Area. The name means King’s Spring, after King Christian IX who visited in 1874. Clear water at near boiling shows the heat beneath even when the surface is calm. 🌋
Natural …premium Only
Drekkingarhylur
A deep pool on the Öxará River just downstream from Öxarárfoss. Calm on the surface with a heavy past. Part of the wider Þingvellir story.
Naturepremium Only
Svínafellsjökull Glacier
A prominent outlet glacier in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. Known for striking blue ice and deep crevasses. A favourite base for guided glacier hikes and film locations. 🎬
Naturepremium Only
Foss á Síðu
A gentle series of cascades near the Ring Road by Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Not a single tall drop but a picturesque stretch of flowing water over rocks and old lava. Easy to pause and enjoy. 💧
Waterfal…premium Only
Laufskálavarða
A lava ridge covered in historic stone cairns on the Mýrdalssandur black sand plains. Hundreds of small stacks across the dark ground. A striking sight. 🪨
Naturepremium Only
Skógafoss
One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. A 60 metre drop and 25 metre width. On sunny days the spray often throws single or double rainbows. Local lore says a Viking settler hid a chest of gold behind the curtain of water. 🌈
Waterfal…premium Only
Seljalandsfoss
A stunning 60 metre waterfall that drops over a former sea cliff. The unique part is the path that lets you walk behind the curtain of water for a sheltered view inside the falls. At sunset the light through the water is spectacular. 🌊🌅
Waterfal…premium Only
Grjótagjá
A small lava cave near Lake Mývatn with bright blue geothermal water inside. It became famous after the Jon Snow and Ygritte scene in Game of Thrones. Hidden. Atmospheric. Iceland at its most otherworldly. ❄️💧
Naturepremium Only
Mývatn
A shallow volcanic lake with rich birdlife and striking geology. In summer the midges give the lake its name. Around the shore you will find the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar and the dramatic lava fields of Dimmuborgir. ⛰️🦆
Lakepremium Only
Hálsanefshellir Cave
A fascinating basalt cave right on the black sand beach near Vík. The surrounding black sand and rock beach make it unique 🌋
Naturepremium Only
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Iceland - Vík í Mýrdal

Laufskálavarða

By @thebritishexplorer

A lava ridge covered in historic stone cairns on the Mýrdalssandur black sand plains. Hundreds of small stacks across the dark ground. A striking sight. 🪨

Address: Þjóðvegur, 881, Iceland

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Why go
The wide field of cairns is visually unique and tells the story of first time travellers crossing the old desert.
Vibe
Historic. Unique.
Tips
I recommend enjoying the view without adding new stones. Building more harms the landscape and heritage.

About @thebritishexplorer

Hey! I’m Jonny 👋🏼 My passion in life is traveling and exploring as much of the world as possible. I have explored various countries around the world, though one of my all-time favourite destinations has to be Iceland. I have been to Iceland 3 times, one of which was on a cruise. I want to ensure that you visit the most breathtaking sights that Iceland has to offer and come back with incredible memories that you will cherish forever.

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