West Iceland - Iceland - page 378

black-sand beach at Dritvík . From the 16th to the 19th century Dritvík was the largest
fishing station in Iceland, with up to 60 fishing boats, but now there are only ruins near the
edge of the lava field.
Vatnshellir
This 8000-year old lava tube with multiple caverns lies 32m below the earth's surface,
1km north of Malariff. The pull-out is visible from Rte 574, and the tube can only be vis-
ited by guided tour.
Cave Vatnshellir LAVA TUBE TOUR, GUIDED TOUR
( 665 2818; www.vatnshellir.is ; tours adult/child Ikr2500/1000)
Offers much-loved 45-minute tours of the Vatnshellir lava tube. Guides shed light on the
fascinating geological phenomena and region's troll-filled lore. Helmet and torch included.
Dress warmly, wear hiking boots, and preferably gloves too. Tours depart on the hour from
10am to 6pm, mid-May to September. Cave Vatnshellir also offers glacier tours.
Malariff & Lóndrangar
About 2km south of Djúpalónssandur, a paved road leads down to the rocket-shaped light-
house at Malariff , from where you can walk 1km east along the cliffs to the rock pillars at
Lóndrangar , which surge up into the air in surprising pinnacles. Locals say that elves use
the lava formations as a church. A bit further to the east lie the Þúfubjarg bird cliffs , also
accessible from Rte 574.
Southern Snæfellsnes
To the east of the national park, coastal Rte 574 passes the hamlets of Hellnar and Arn-
arstapi, with their glacier tour companies and interesting sea-sculpted rock formations. It
continues east along the broad southern coastal plain, hugging huge sandy bays such as
Breiðavík on one side, and towering peaks with waterfalls on the other. This stretch has
some super horse riding.