North Iceland - Iceland - page 531

Safe pathways through the features have been roped off; to avoid risk of serious injury
and damage to the natural features, avoid any lighter-coloured soil and respect the ropes.
A walking trail loops from Hverir up Námafjall ridge. This 30-minute climb provides a
grand vista over the steamy surroundings.
Mývatn Nature Baths SPA
(Jarðböðin; www.jardbodin.is ;adult/child Ikr3500/free; 9am-midnight Jun-Aug, noon-10pm Sep-
May)
Northern Iceland's answer to the Blue Lagoon is 3km east of Reykjahlíð. Although it's
smaller than its southern counterpart, it's also less hyped (probably a good thing), and it's
a gorgeous place to soak in the powder-blue, mineral-rich waters and enjoy the panorama.
After a relaxing soak, try one of the two natural steam baths and/or a meal at the on-site
cafeteria.
Krafla
Steaming vents and craters await at Krafla, an active volcanic region 7km north of the
Ring Road. Technically, Krafla is just an 818m-high mountain, but the name is now used
for the entire area as well as a geothermal power station and the series of eruptions that
created Iceland's most awesome lava field. The so-called Mývatn Fires occurred between
1724-29, when many of the fissure vents opened up. The Krafla Fires (1975-84) were
very similar in nature: fissure eruptions and magma movements that occured on and off for
nine years.
From Reykjahlíð, a reasonably easy hike of around 13km (three to four hours) leads to
Hlíðarfjall and Leirhnjúkur along a marked path from near the airstrip. Another walking
route (difficult; estimate three to five hours) leads from Namaskarð along the Dalfjall ridge
to Leirhnjúkur.
Sights
Krafla Power Station POWER STATION
( visitor centre 10am-5pm Jun-Aug)