West Iceland - Iceland - page 353

Fljótstunga COTTAGES
( 435 1198; www.fljotstunga.is ; sites per person Ikr1000, cottages from Ikr8000; )
This beautifully situated farm offers a series of lovely little cabins with views down the
valley. They are exceptional value considering the wild location and rustic charm. Deep
discounts for sleeping bag accommodation. Camping is also allowed and has shower ac-
cess. Artist residencies.
Langjökull & Kaldidalur Corridor
Southeast of Húsafell, the absolutely incredible Kaldidalur valley skirts the edge of a
series of glaciers, offering incredible views of the Langjökull ice cap and, in clear weather,
Eiríksjökull, Okjökull and Þórisjökull. The Kaldidalur Corridor, also simply known as un-
surfaced Rte 550, is slow but dramatic going (mountain ice, barren rock), and often fogged
in in summer. It links south to the Golden Circle, offering the option to create an extended
loop from Reykjavík. Access to Rte 550 is limited to sanctioned vehicles - ask your rental
outfit before setting off.
The primary way to see the Kaldidalur Corridor is with your own wheels, but tours are
available on Langjökull and of its new ice cave, departing from Reykjavík or Húsafell. Do
not attempt to drive up onto the glacier yourself.
Langjökull Ice Cave CAVE
( www.icecave.is ; Mar-Oct)
At the time of writing, work was underway on digging an enormous 300m long tunnel and
series of caves, at 1260m above sea level, into Langjökull glacier. Slated to open in
mid-2015, the tunnel and caves will contain exhibitions, a cafe and a small chapel, yes, for
those who want to tie the knot inside a glacier. Tours can be had (March to October) from
Húsafell or the glacier edge (Ikr17,900), or from Reykjavík (Ikr29,900) with the possibil-
ity of looping in the Golden Circle.
A maximum of 80 visitors at a time will travel up the glacier by monster truck, then
have about 45 minutes touring the glacier - which will continue to creep down the moun-
tain in the years to come.