Volcano Hekla (Pass By)

Hekla is an active stratovolcano in the south of Iceland with a height of 1,491 m (4,892 ft). Hekla is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes; over 20 eruptions have occurred in and around the volcano since the year 1210. During the Middle Ages, the Icelandic Norse called the volcano the "Gateway to Hell" and the idea spread over much of Europe.

Hjalparfoss

Hjálparfoss is an incredibly serene feature, marking where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá meet. Both of these are renowned as some of Iceland’s best and easily accessible fishing rivers, while Þjórsá also takes the title of being the country’s longest. The two rivers fall from a lava field at about a 45 degree angle from each other, from about the same height, and their cascades merge as they tumble into a serene pool. The lava field that this feature falls from was created in one of the many eruptions of the nearby Hekla volcano. Hekla is one of Iceland’s most active, unpredictable and explosive volcanoes, so violent that in the Middle Ages it earned the nickname ‘the Gateway to Hell’. Hjálparfoss is but one of the many waterfalls in this area. Nearby, one can also find Þjófafoss, which flows from the Þjórsá river, and Háifoss, one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. The water that flows from Hjálparfoss feeds the country’s second largest hydroelectric dam.

20 minutes

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is a stunning region in Iceland's highlands, renowned for its vibrant, multi-colored rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs. It offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, bathing in natural hot springs, and exploring lava fields and obsidian caves. The area is a paradise for trekkers, with popular trails such as the Laugavegur trail leading to Thorsmork. Landmannalaugar is a truly rare area, both geologically and aesthetically. The dramatic region can be found nestled beside the raven-black Laugahraun lava field, a sweeping expanse of dried magma that originally formed in an eruption in 1477. Landmannalaugar itself is made up of windswept rhyolite mountains, a rock type that creates a full spectrum of dazzling colors. Shades of red, pink, green, blue, and golden yellow make for an ethereal location. Landmannalaugar was historically best known for its natural geothermal baths, hence its name translating to "the People's Pools." For centuries.

1 hour 30 minutes