Helgadalur and Iceland guidebook
Historic
Thingvellir is the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament and also famous for the gorge Almannagjá where the European and American continental plates meet. 30 mins by car from the summerhouse and recommended as your first stop on the Golden Circle tour.
Þingvellir nationalpark
Reykholt
Located in the village of Reykholt, the beautiful little hot spring known as Snorralaug is thought to have been used since the 12th century. Most famously it is the hot spring where Snorri Sturluson, the renowned Icelandic, historian, poet and politician used to bathe.
Snorralaug
Located in the village of Reykholt, the beautiful little hot spring known as Snorralaug is thought to have been used since the 12th century. Most famously it is the hot spring where Snorri Sturluson, the renowned Icelandic, historian, poet and politician used to bathe.
For Cold War history buffs - this is where the historic summit meeting took place between Presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986.
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Hofdi House
FélagstúnFor Cold War history buffs - this is where the historic summit meeting took place between Presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1986.
Sightseeing
As well as the historic sites, Thingvellir National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty formed by volcanic activity and tectonic forces. Looking out over the basin of Lake Thingvallavatn you are encircled by extinct and dormant volcanoes and can almost see the landscape being formed in front of your eyes.
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Þingvellir nationalpark
As well as the historic sites, Thingvellir National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty formed by volcanic activity and tectonic forces. Looking out over the basin of Lake Thingvallavatn you are encircled by extinct and dormant volcanoes and can almost see the landscape being formed in front of your eyes.
Powerful and beautiful at the same time. Gullfoss is a special place in summer and winter. It’s worth the short extra walk to view the waterfall and the canyon from the various viewing platforms. It can get slippery from the spray so hold on to your youngsters.
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Gullfoss
Powerful and beautiful at the same time. Gullfoss is a special place in summer and winter. It’s worth the short extra walk to view the waterfall and the canyon from the various viewing platforms. It can get slippery from the spray so hold on to your youngsters.
Hot smelly water - what’s not to like??
Try to get here early to avoid the crowds. Or visit later on in the day.
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Geysir
HaukadalsvegurHot smelly water - what’s not to like??
Try to get here early to avoid the crowds. Or visit later on in the day.
A must visit. And if you make it here you have to visit Gljúfrafoss next door.
Take waterproofs (for the spray) and Wellington boots (or change of shoes/socks) to get the most from your visit.
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Seljalandsfoss
ÞórsmerkurvegurA must visit. And if you make it here you have to visit Gljúfrafoss next door.
Take waterproofs (for the spray) and Wellington boots (or change of shoes/socks) to get the most from your visit.
Consider a trip to Landmannalaugar. It’s a truly amazing place.
Check the road conditions beforehand. Taking the tourist bus is an option if you haven’t rented a 4x4. Summertime it can be possible with regular car.
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Landmannalaugar
Consider a trip to Landmannalaugar. It’s a truly amazing place.
Check the road conditions beforehand. Taking the tourist bus is an option if you haven’t rented a 4x4. Summertime it can be possible with regular car.
Helgufoss
A visit to Helgufoss is one of the possible local walks.
A couple of minutes walk from Seljalandsfoss yet the majority don’t even realize that Gljúfrafoss offers an entirely unique experience. Waterproofs and rubber boots advised to make the most of this one.
Gljúfrafoss
A couple of minutes walk from Seljalandsfoss yet the majority don’t even realize that Gljúfrafoss offers an entirely unique experience. Waterproofs and rubber boots advised to make the most of this one.
Remnants of rare pseudocraters - formed approximately 5000 years ago.
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Rauðhólar
Remnants of rare pseudocraters - formed approximately 5000 years ago.
Hengill
Snæfellsnes, 342, Island
Culture and crafts
Álafoss
ÁlafossvegurA reasonably recent addition to Reykjavík’s skyline, the Concert Hall is a stunning piece of architecture by the ocean.
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Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
2 AusturbakkiA reasonably recent addition to Reykjavík’s skyline, the Concert Hall is a stunning piece of architecture by the ocean.
Hallgrimskirkja
Gljúfrasteinn was the home and workplace of Nobel Prize winner Halldór Laxness for five decades. It is now open to the public as a museum.
From the summerhouse it is a 4-5 min drive (or a 20-25 min walk.) easy to combine with a trip into Reykjavík or as a short stop on the way to Thingvellir National Park.
Gljúfrasteinn
Postbox 250 ÞingvallavegurGljúfrasteinn was the home and workplace of Nobel Prize winner Halldór Laxness for five decades. It is now open to the public as a museum.
From the summerhouse it is a 4-5 min drive (or a 20-25 min walk.) easy to combine with a trip into Reykjavík or as a short stop on the way to Thingvellir National Park.
Activities
Indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools in Mossfellsbær with saunas, hot tubs and WATER SLIDES. Fun for kids of all ages and great value for money. (The the outdoor pools have different temperatures but are all really nice even when it’s trying to snow.)
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Varmárlaug
SkólabrautIndoor and outdoor heated swimming pools in Mossfellsbær with saunas, hot tubs and WATER SLIDES. Fun for kids of all ages and great value for money. (The the outdoor pools have different temperatures but are all really nice even when it’s trying to snow.)
Laxnes Horse Farm
Golf with a spectacular backdrop. There is an 18 hole and 9 hole course.
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Mosfellsbaer Golf Club
Golf with a spectacular backdrop. There is an 18 hole and 9 hole course.
Dalslaug
122 ÚlfarsbrautNew swimming pools and public library
Hvammsvik Hot Springs
A man-made pool fed by natural hot springs in the Hverahólmi geothermal area by Flúðir. It is the oldest such in the Iceland. Possible to combine with the golden circle tour.
Entry fee charged and pre booking recommended especially during summer.
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Secret Lagoon Iceland
HvammsvegurA man-made pool fed by natural hot springs in the Hverahólmi geothermal area by Flúðir. It is the oldest such in the Iceland. Possible to combine with the golden circle tour.
Entry fee charged and pre booking recommended especially during summer.
Food scene
Mosfellsbakarí
HáholtDon’t miss their Vienna pastry !
Restaurant attached to the local golf course but open to all. Great views and not too expensive. 10-15 mins drive from the cabin.
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BLIK Bistro&Grill
Restaurant attached to the local golf course but open to all. Great views and not too expensive. 10-15 mins drive from the cabin.
Cool food market / food court in downtown Reykjavik close to the old harbour. For a reasonably priced meal when sightseeing.
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Grandi Mathöll
16 GrandagarðurCool food market / food court in downtown Reykjavik close to the old harbour. For a reasonably priced meal when sightseeing.