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Hafnarhólmi
Five kilometres past the wee church is the photogenic small-boat harbour and islet of Hafnarhólmi, home to a large puffin colony . The viewing platform allows you to get close to these cute, clumsy creatures (and other seabirds). The puffins arrive mid-April and are gone by mid-Aug
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Skrímslasetur Icelandic Sea Monster Museum
The Skrímslasetur Sea Monster Museum, across from the church, has moody, fun, impressively elaborate and dramatic multimedia exhibits about local and foreign monster legends. The interactive multimedia table tells 180 stories of sightings around Arnarfjörður. While its great for la
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Ísafjörður–Suðureyri–Flateyri Tunnel
Completed in 1996, this 9km-long tunnel network beneath the mountains becomes an unusual one-lane tunnel in parts of the 6km stretch from Ísafjörður to Flateyri. In the middle of the mountain it branches, and a 3km section of tunnel shoots off to Suðureyri. Worry not, pull-outs thr
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Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfurárbui
From the Ring Road youll see the beautiful high falls at Seljalandsfoss, which tumble over a rocky scarp into a deep, green pool. A (slippery) path runs around the back of the waterfall. A few hundred metres further down the Þórsmörk road, Gljúfurárbui gushes into a hidden canyon.
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Hverasvæðið
The geothermal park Hverasvæðið, in the centre of town, has mudpots and steaming pools where visitors can dip their feet (but no more). You can book ahead for a guided walk to learn about the area’s unique geology and greenhouse power. Or theyll give you an egg and apparatus (Ikr10
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Borgarfjördur Museum
This small municipal museum has an engaging exhibit on the story of children in Iceland over the last 100 years. Its told through myriad photographs and found items, and though its accompanied by English translations, don’t be shy about having museum staff show you through. The sto
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Lystigarðurinn
The most northerly botanical garden in the world makes a delightful picnic spot on sunny days. The wealth of plant life on display is truly astonishing considering the gardens’ proximity to the Arctic Circle. You’ll find examples of every species native to Iceland, as well as a hos
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Reykjadalur
Reykjadalur is a delightful geothermal valley where there’s a bathable hot river – bring your swimsuit. There are maps at the tourist office to find the trail; from the trailhead car park, it’s a 3km hike through fields of sulphur-belching plains. Stick to marked paths, lest you me
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Rauðasandur
Stunning Rauðasandur beach stretches out in shades of deep pink and red sands on the southern edge of the peninsula. Pounded by the surf and backed by a huge azure lagoon, it is an exceptionally beautiful and serene place. You can walk along the coast path from Látrabjarg bird clif
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Húsavík Whale Museum
This excellent museum tells you all you ever needed to know about the impressive creatures that come a-visiting Skjálfandi Bay. Housed in an old harbourside slaughterhouse, the museum interprets the ecology and habits of whales, conservation and the history of whaling in Iceland th
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Bláa Kirkjan
The most prominent of Seyðisfjörður’s timber buildings is the photogenic Blue Church. On Wednesday evenings from July to mid-August, it’s the setting for a popular series of jazz, classical- and folk-music concerts (starting at 8.30pm; tickets Ikr2000); see the website for the prog
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Reykjavík Art Museum – Kjarvalsstaðir
The angular glass-and-wood Kjarvalsstaðir, which looks out onto Miklatún Park , is named for Jóhannes Kjarval (1885–1972) one of Iceland’s most popular classical artists. He was a fisherman until his crew paid for him to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, and his wond
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Skógar Folk Museum
The highlight of little Skógar is the wonderful Skógar Folk Museum, which covers all aspects of Icelandic life. The vast collection was put together by 91-year-old Þórður Tómasson over more than 75 years. There are also restored buildings (church, turf-roofed farmhouse, cowsheds et
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Hellnar Visitor Centre – Gestastofa
This is the spot for information on Snæfellsjökull National Park: its an information office with maps (Ikr2000) and brochures (Ikr300), as well as a museum featuring displays on local geology, history, flora, fauna and customs. Rangers have an active summer program of free park gui
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Sögusetrið
Hvolsvöllurs Saga Centre is devoted to the dramatic events of Njál’s Saga, which took place in the surrounding hills. Interactive displays explain the many highlights of the story. In 2013 an intricate 90m embroidery called Njáls Saga Tapestry was begun; visitors can pay to add sti
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Ósvör Maritime Museum
Ósvör Maritime Museum, housed in a series of old turf-and-stone fishing shacks, down a turn-off just after the tunnel into town, is well worth a visit. A guide in a typical lambskin fisherman’s outfit shows you round (his English isn’t the best), explaining the history of the area
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Eldfell
The 221m-high volcanic cone Eldfell appeared from nowhere in the early hours of 23 January 1973. Once the fireworks finished, heat from the volcano provided Heimaey with geothermal energy from 1976 to 1985. Today the ground is still hot enough in places to bake bread or char wood.
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Skansinn
This lovely green area by the sea has several unique historical sights. The oldest structure on the island was Skansinn, a 15th-century fort built to defend the harbour (not too successfully – when Algerian pirates arrived in 1627, they simply landed on the other side of the island
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Flói Nature Reserve
Birdwatchers should head 3km northwest of Eyrarbakki to Flói Nature Reserve, an important estuary and marshland on the eastern bank of the Ölfusá. It’s visited by many wetland birds – common species include red-throated divers and various kinds of ducks and geese – most present dur
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Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell (463m), guardian of Grundarfjörður’s northern vista, is said to be one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. Youll see Ben Stiller skateboarding past in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013). Ask the Saga Centre if you want to climb it (around €40 for a guide). Two
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