East Iceland - Iceland - page 585

Snæfellsstofa
National Park Visitor Centre VISITOR CENTRE
( 470 0840; www.vjp.is ; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat & Sun Jun-Aug, 10am-4pm Mon-Fri,
1-5pm Sat & Sun May & Sep)
This stylish centre covers the eastern territory of the behemoth that is Vatnajökull National
Park. Excellent displays highlight the nature of the eastern highlands, and staff sell maps
and offer advice to travellers wishing to hike or otherwise experience the park.
Snæfell Area
No one seems to know whether 1833m-high Snæfell is an extinct volcano, or if it's just
having a rest. Iceland's highest peak outside the Vatnajökull massif is relatively accessible,
making it popular with hikers and mountaineers.
Snæfell looms over the southern end of Fljótsdalsheiði, an expanse of wet tundra,
boulder fields, perennial snow patches and alpine lakes, stretching westwards from Lagar-
fljót into the highlands. It's part of the vast Vatnajökull National Park - the park website
www.vjp.is has useful information, and the national park visitor centre, Snæfellsstofa, has
info, maps and displays. If you want to tour the area with someone else behind the wheel,
check offerings from Egilsstaðir-based Jeep Tours .
Kárahnjúkar
Work on the controversial Kárahnjúkar hydroelectric plant brought improved roads around
Snæfell, with the paved Rte 910 from Fljótsdalur being the best way up. The turn-off is
just north of Skriðuklaustur, and the road climbs fast but then levels out; it's suitable for
2WDs.
A scenic 60km drive from the turn-off takes you to the dam and reservoir, where in-
formation boards and viewing areas allow you to appreciate this vast feat of engineering,
as well as observe the incredible Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon, below the dam. Visit
between 2pm and 5pm Wednesday and Saturday from June to August, when a power-com-
pany representative offers free guiding at the dam (see www.landsvirkjun.com/company/
visitus ).