Other sights in Iceland
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Skálanes
The remote farm Skálanes, about 19km east of Seyðisfjörður, is a wonderful nature reserve and heritage field centre. The owner has an insatiable passion for the outdoors and has lovingly restored the once-abandoned farmstead into a veritable Eden for amateur scientists, archaeologists (remains from the Settlement Era have been found), and tourists wishing to see pristine bird cliffs (more than 40 avian species). Its stunning isolation inspires nothing but relaxation and will undoubtedly appeal to your inner hermit/naturalist.
reviewed
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Norska Húsið
Stykkishólmur’s quaint, maritime charm comes from the cluster of wooden warehouses, stores and homes orbiting the town’s harbour. Most date back about 150 years and many are still in use. One of the most interesting buildings (and the oldest) is the Norska Húsið, now the municipal museum. Built by trader Árni Þorlacius in 1832, the house has been skilfully restored and displays a wonderfully eclectic selection of local antiques. On the second floor you can see the typical layout of an upper-class home in 19th-century Iceland.
reviewed
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Vatnajökoll National Park
In June 2008, Vatnajökoll National Park was founded, joining the Vatnajökull ice cap and the former Skaftafell and Jökulsárgljúfur National Parks to form one 12,000 sq km megapark – 11% of the entire country. In practice, not much has changed on the ground (although four new visitor centres at Skríðuklaustur, Höfn, Mývatn and Kirkjubæjarklaustur are being built over the next few years). The park’s creation is predominantly a political move to draw attention to the alarming speed at which the ice is melting.
reviewed