Travel Iceland with Iceland Travel Travel the South Coast from Vík to Höfn With Europe’s largest glacier presiding majestically over the area, this 272km stretch of road, from Vík to Höfn skirts the edges of Iceland’s most impressive scenery, including one the country’s star attractions – the Glacier Lagoon. Crowning the region is Hvannadalshnjúkur Iceland’s highest peak, which breaks out of the southern glacial tongue Öræfa-jökull, like a set of icy fangs and creates a stunning contrast with its surrounding terrain. As a favourite with film directors, many big budget films have been shot in this particular region of South Iceland you may in fact recognize some of the stunning locations from their regular appearances on the silver-screen, with scenes from titles such as Die Another Day, Batman Begins and Tomb Raider shot in the extraordinary settings found here.
In the back of beyond Þakgil is a perfect destination with some picturesque mountain scenery and mysterious looking rock formations. A hiking map of the area is available at thakgil.is which roughly details the area and marks the trails. Look out for the recommended 4-hour loop which includes the terrific viewpoint at Mælifell. Rte. 214, a turnoff 5km east of Vík, leads to this lovely location and its campsite. Mýrdalssandur. Pressing further east, 58
Rte. 1 curves gracefully through the outwash plains of Mýrdalssandur - a vast desert of dark sand just southeast of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier – and towards the immense fire-lava fields of Eldhraun. Along the way there are various stops of interest including: the Hjörleifshöfði mountain, which rises dramatically 221m (725ft.) from a sea of sandy wasteland, and the cairns of Laufskálavarða – a curious landmark where travelers are encouraged to continue the charming tradition of piling up rocks in a bid to invoke lady luck as a travel companion!
Kirkjubæjarklaustur and around Fjarðrárgljúfur. If you’re not in too much of a hurry to revisit civilization, and fancy a short hike or lunch break, then this 100m (328ft.) river canyon and relic of the Ice-age is only a 2km diversion from Rte. 1 on Rte. 206. With its stunning convoluted cliff-sides - covered with narrow ledges and frequently TRAVEL THE SOUTH COAST
