day 2 - keflavík To selfoss

Today there is a lot on the program, perhaps so much that you might not want to do it all in one day. It could easily be split over two days.

 Total distance (without optional activities): 330 km

 Starting & Finishing points: Keflavík to Selfoss

 Sights of the day: y Þingvellir National Park y Geysir and Strokkur y Gullfoss Waterfall y Gamla Laugin (Secret Lagoon) (Optional) y Kerið Volcanic Crater y Hveragerði y Reykjadalur Warm Water River y Selfoss and the Bobby Fischer Center y Keldur Turf Houses (Optional)

 Stay the night near Selfoss

The first stop of the day is Þingvellir National Park, which is of great national importance for the Icelandic people. It is about 90 km from Keflavík. Take Route 41 towards Reykjavík. Drive from Reykjavík on Route 1, and then follow Route 36.

5 ÞiNGvELLiR NATiONAL PARK

Þingvellir National Park is an obligatory stop for those who want to learn more about the country. At this place, the Icelandic parliament (Alþing) was founded in 930. It’s also where Iceland declared independence from Denmark in 1944. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Þingvellir National Park is an obligatory stop for those who want to learn more about the country. At this place, the Icelandic parliament (Alþing) was founded in 930. It’s also where Iceland declared independence from Denmark in 1944. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Alþing was the place where all those who held important social roles met in the summer to discuss differences and settle conflicts. Here, marriages were arranged, business was conducted, processes were implemented and new laws were adopted. In short, everything that was even slightly important for the country was decided in this mystical place, including proscriptions, death sentences and executions.

It is no coincidence that the Alþing is located in Þingvellir. It is a special place because it is located on a fissure or fault line that forms a large gap, known as Almannagjá (the “chasm of all men”). This gap provides very good acoustics that carry a voice far away. Besides the Almannagjá, you will also find the Öxarárfoss waterfall, which is on the Öxará river (whose name literally means “tributary”), and lake Þingvallavatn. It has a lot of fish and is the largest natural lake in Iceland.

 www.thingvellir.is

 GPS: 64.255933, -21.130397

snorkellinG in ÞinGvellir naTional park

Near the Þingvellir National Park, you will find the Silfra fissure, the natural division between the European and American continental plates. There, you can literally dive or snorkel between two continents.

There is underwater visibility for up to 100 metres, which is very unique. This means that you can experience a feeling of vertigo whilst diving. The clarity of the water is partly due to the cold water (between 2° - 4° Celsius), coming from the nearby Langjökull glacier, and partly from the porous lava surface, which filters the glacial water. It takes 30 to 100 years before the water enters Lake Þingvellir. This natural filter provides the highest level of clarity. It’s safe to drink the water, before, after or even during your dive.

You can book a snorkel or diving adventure at one of the various commercial businesses.

About 60 km away from Þingvellir National Park, you will find Geysir. The name probably already gives away the type of natural phenomenon we will visit here. Follow Route 36. After approximately 17 km, take Route 365. Follow this for 14 km, after which you take Route 37 (2nd exit) in the direction of Geysir. Drive 24 km more on Route 37. Then in Laugarvatnsvegur, take Route 35 in the direction of Geysir.