Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Núpsstaður & Núpsstaðarskógar
Adding more eye candy to an impressive road trip, precipitous palisades (known as Ló-
magnúpur) tower over the impossibly photogenic old turf-roofed farm at Núpsstaður. The
farm buildings date back to the early 19th century, and the idyllic
chapel
is one of the last
turf churches in Iceland. It was once a museum, but at the time of research the farm was
closed to the public (you can't drive onto the property, but you can walk up to it).
Hvoll
Guesthouse
is your best source for information on its status.
Inland is Núpsstaðarskógar, a beautiful woodland area on the slopes of the mountain
Eystrafjall. Due to the perils of crossing the Núpsá river, this area is best explored on a
runs a guided four-day (60km) backpacking hike through Núpsstaðarskógar, over to Græn-
alón (an ice-dammed marginal lake), across the glacier Skeiðarárjökull and then into Mor-
sárdalur in Skaftafell. The trip costs from Ikr104,900.
Sleeping
Hvoll Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE
( 487 4785;
www.road201.is
;d without bathroom from Ikr15,180; mid-Mar-mid-Oct)
Formerly an HI-affiliated hostel, this guesthouse (also known as Road 201) is on the edge
of Skeiðarársandur (3.5km south off the Ring Road via a gravel road) and feels remote
despite its large size. There's a busy atmosphere; facilities include several kitchens (bring
food - the closest supermarket is 25km away in Klaustur) and a laundry.
Downside: no internet or wi-fi. Breakfast is available in summer for Ikr1600. It makes a
good base for exploring Skaftafell and the surrounding sandar. Scheduled passing buses
should be able to stop at the Ring Road turn-off.
Fosshótel Núpar
HOTEL
( 517 3060;
www.fosshotel.is
;d incl breakfast from Ikr24,000; )
Just west of Hvoll Guesthouse, behind a portacabin-like exterior, this chain hotel offers
modern, minimalist rooms, many with good views, and a somewhat soulless restaurant
serving a buffet dinner (Ikr6800).
