Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
7
Explore the fascinating subterranean remains of a violent volcanic erup-
tion at
Viðgelmir
8
Trace the raw edges of Langjökull glacier on the
Kaldidalur Corridor
HVALFJÖRÐUR
Hvalfjörður and the surrounding area feels suddenly pastoral despite being a mere
30-minute drive from the capital. Although lacking the majesty of the Snæfellsnes Penin-
sula further on, the fjord offers quick day-trip fodder. Those in a hurry to get to Borgarnes
and beyond should instead head straight through the 5.7km-long
tunnel
(Ikr1000) beneath
the fjord. Cyclists aren't permitted in the tunnel.
Interestingly, during WWII the fjord contained a submarine station; over 20,000 Amer-
ican and British soldiers passed through.
On the southern side of Hvalfjörður you'll find dramatic mount
Esja
(914m), a great
spot for wilderness hiking. The trail to the summit begins at Esjuberg, just north of Mos-
fellsbær, and ascends via
Krehólakambur
(850m) and
Kistufell
(830m).
At the head of the fjord,
Glymur
, Iceland's highest waterfall (198m), can be reached by
following the turn-off to Botnsdalur. From the end of the road, it'll take a couple of hours
to reach the cascade. Try to visit after heavy rains or snowmelt for full effect.
The
church
at Saurbær farmstead has beautiful stained glass by Gerður Helgadóttir.
The church is named for Reverend Hallgrímur Pétursson, who served here from 1651 to
1669, and composed Iceland's most popular religious work,
Passion Hymns
.
Hvalfjörður has several places to stay, including
Hótel Glymur
( 430 3100;
www.hotelglymur.is
;d from Ikr44,300; )
, near Saurbær, where contemporary amenities
abound: from two-storey 'executive doubles' to villas with private plunge pools; there's
also a good
restaurant
.
Akranes
Pop 6744