6天5夜自驾｜神奇冰岛南岸－蓝湖－黄金圈－杰古沙龙冰河湖

• 运营日期 4月. - 8月.
• 长度 6 天
• 项目 冰川徒步, 浮潜, 岩洞, 雪地摩托, 骑马, 观鲸, 观光, 船游, 温泉, 文化, 观鸟, 冰洞探险, 自驾
• 难度 容易
• 亮点

  

  冰岛蓝湖温泉(Blue Lagoon)位于冰岛西南部的雷克雅内斯半岛(Reykjanes)上，是冰岛最著名的旅游景点与地热温泉之一。

  蓝湖温泉距离冰岛凯夫拉维克国际机场约15～20分钟车程；距离冰岛首都雷克雅未克约50分钟车程。温泉居于机场和首都之间，许多游客会将蓝湖温泉行程安排在抵达或离开冰岛当日，以节省旅行时间，优化旅行路线，舒缓长途飞行之后的疲劳身心。

  历史

  

  1976年时，蓝湖只不过是一汪从Svartsengi地热发电厂排出的废水。1981年，发电厂员工Valur Margeirsson成为了第一个进入蓝湖泡温泉的人。Valur提出要进入蓝湖时，遭到了不少人的反对，只因当时的人都认为这里只是一滩“蓝色泥潭”，而非温泉。但不久大家就都发现，这汪蓝宝石色的湖水具有改善肌肤、舒缓肌肉的神奇效果。

  蓝湖温泉对牛皮癣等皮肤病症有显著的疗效，有助患者减轻病情。温泉的奇效也随之在冰岛传开，1987年，蓝湖温泉设施对外开放，成为正式温泉。

  此后蓝湖温泉逐步发展，从简陋的户外泳池慢慢成为了今天的奢华温泉SPA。

  今日蓝湖

  科学研究表明，蓝湖温泉含有二氧化硅、硫等丰富的矿物质，有助于改善皮肤状况，现在蓝湖也专门为皮肤病患者设立了研究所和疗养中心。蓝湖温泉也会为普通游客免费提供硅泥面膜，让游人体验蓝湖温泉的天然魅力。

   

  蓝湖温泉的水温全年保持在37～39°C，无论冬夏游人都可以在温暖舒适的泉水中度过愉快的温泉时光。温泉内还有桑拿房、蒸汽房和人工瀑布等设施，供游客舒缓疲劳。

  蓝湖温泉范围内另设有LAVA餐厅、咖啡厅以及SPA。在造访蓝湖期间，您也可以选择去餐厅用餐，品尝美味的鸡尾酒，或者预约SPA按摩服务，以多样的方式感受蓝湖温泉的多元乐趣。

  

  蓝湖温泉也是冰岛最浪漫的旅游目的地之一。火山熔岩地貌与湛蓝的泉水相映成趣，让蓝湖温泉更添梦幻色彩。

  蓝湖温泉旅游贴士

  蓝湖温泉是冰岛少数全年无休的旅游景点，一年四季都有来自世界各地的游客造访。为了控制入场人数、确保温泉内的游客有足够的活动空间，蓝湖每天每个时段的入场人数都非常有限。想要造访蓝湖，必须提早在蓝湖官网预定门票，确保入场位置。蓝湖不设临时购票柜台，如果没有预先购买门票，即使抵达了现场也无法入场。

  在换泳衣进入温泉之前，游客需要先在更衣室裸体洗澡，达到温泉规定的卫生标准。在游泳前先洗澡也是冰岛特有的规定，大家早已习以为常；如果不想与他人赤裸相对，也可以使用蓝湖更衣室内的洗澡隔间。

  相比其他温泉，蓝湖温泉价格较高。如果希望在冰岛体验价格更加便宜、但品质同样有所保障的天然地热温泉，可以选择黄金圈沿途的Fontana地热温泉、秘密温泉(Secret Lagoon)、北部的米湖天然温泉(Mývatn)或者西部的Krauma温泉。

  更多关于冰岛温泉的资讯，可以阅读《冰岛最棒的十大温泉》以及《冰岛最好的温泉泳池》两篇旅行攻略。

  蓝湖温泉,

  

  绵延300公里的黄金圈是冰岛最热门的旅游路线，盖歇尔间歇泉地热区(Geysir)、黄金瀑布(Gullfoss)与辛格维利尔国家公园(Þingvellir)三大景点都是冰岛旅行的必游景点。

  黄金圈景区交通便利，从首都雷克雅未克出发一日之内即可往返；租车自驾和参加旅行团都是绝佳的旅行选择，一些旅行团还将黄金圈自然观光与浮潜、雪地摩托、直升机、午夜阳光等特色旅行项目结合，升级黄金圈旅行体验。

  黄金圈是冰岛最经典的旅行路线，三大自然景点尽显冰岛地质的神奇瑰丽与冰岛文化的恢弘迷人。

  盖歇尔间歇泉地热区

  

  盖歇尔间歇泉地热区位于Haukadalur山谷内。间歇泉这一地热奇观的英文学名“geyser”就源自这一地区的盖歇尔(Geysir)。

  如今盖歇尔已几乎不再喷发，取而代之的是活跃的史托克间歇泉(Strokkur)；每隔5～10分钟，史托克便喷发出40余米的沸腾水柱，地心深处的澎湃力量也由此涌出地表。

  地热区还遍布着蒸汽孔、沸泥潭、地热喷泉等地热奇观，除了盖歇尔与史托克外，这里还分布有Smiður与Litli-Strokkur两座小型间歇泉。盖歇尔景区设施齐全，设有酒店、餐厅、咖啡厅与旅行纪念品商店。

  黄金瀑布

  黄金瀑布是冰岛最壮丽的瀑布之一，也是冰岛最大的断层瀑布。瀑布高达32米，分为两层汇入峡谷；发源自Hvítá“白河”的黄金瀑布水流极为丰沛，Hvítá也是冰岛最受欢迎的漂流地点之一。黄金瀑布距离盖歇尔间歇泉地热区仅有10分钟车程，也是黄金圈三大景点中距离首都雷克雅未克最远的一处。

  20世纪初时，英国投资者预备在黄金瀑布筑坝，利用瀑布的强大水能发电。虽然已拿到一纸租约，但瀑布土地所有者的女儿Sigríður Tómasdóttir始终与其抗争，竭尽全力保护这片生养自己的美丽国土。Sigríður曾数度步行200公里，往返于雷克雅未克与黄金瀑布之间，与律师商讨对策，最终终使投资商放弃了修建水电站的计划。

  Sigríður终于成功，冰岛也从此禁止外国投资商染指瀑布；Sigríður被誉为冰岛第一位环境主义者，也位列冰岛历史上最重要的人物之一。

  辛格维利尔国家公园

  

  辛格维利尔国家公园是黄金圈景区的最后一处景点。公元930年，冰岛议会于辛格维利尔成立，直至1798年才搬迁至雷克雅未克。冰岛议会也是世界上运行时间最长的民主议会。

  辛格维利尔国家公园被联合国教科文组织认证为世界文化遗产，也是冰岛最具历史文化价值的人文景点之一。与此同时，辛格维利尔恢弘的地理地质与维京历史亦相映成趣。北美与亚欧两大地质板块于此交界，大西洋中脊横贯其间，板块分界的大裂谷与火山地貌无比震撼。

  丝浮拉大裂缝(Silfra)即形成于板块地质运动，裂缝中注满了纯净剔透的冰川融水，水下能见度可达100米以上，五光十色的水下世界仿如梦幻，因此丝浮拉大裂缝也成为了举世闻名的浮潜与潜水地点。丝浮拉水温常年维持在2°C，因此多数游客会选择参加干衣浮潜，收获在两大板块之间潜水畅游的非凡体验。

  在Almannagjá峡谷，游客可以触摸北美板块的粗糙边缘；在冰岛最大湖泊议会湖(Þingvallavatn)，游客则可以领略粗犷火山地貌的静美一面。

  黄金圈景区小众景点

  黄金圈景区位于冰岛西南部，与许多小众景点相距不远。Flúðir小镇的秘密温泉与Laugarvatn地区的Fontana温泉都是体验冰岛地热温泉的完美去处；经由朗格冰川(Langjökull)的人造冰川隧道，游客可以深入探秘冰川内部构造；在索尔黑马生态村(Sólheimar)，游客可以体验别样的生活艺术；Kerið火山口湖的迷人景色也同样不容错过。

  推荐阅读《冰岛百科｜著名景区黄金圈－9种小众玩法》攻略，解锁更多黄金圈自驾与参团玩法。

  黄金圈,

  

  雷克雅未克是冰岛的首都，亦是世界上位置最北的首都。

  比起其他北欧都市，冰岛首都雷克雅未克更多了几分静谧、几分安详(市区人口约为12万，大雷克雅未克地区人口也仅为20万)，但这座城市充满了活力与惊喜，每年都吸引无数游客来此体验世界尽头的另一种生活。雷克雅未克是冰岛的政治、经济与文化中心，也是世界上最干净、最安全的城市。

  雷克雅未克的地理位置

  雷克雅未克位于冰岛西南部，临法赫萨湾(Faxaflói)而建。冰川、地震与火山喷发运动共同塑造了这一地区的地理地貌，这一地区也富含地热能，要知道“雷克雅未克”的意思就是“冒烟的海湾”。

  雷克雅未克的大部分地区在大冰期时被掩埋于一座延伸至奥尔塔内斯半岛(Álftanes)的广袤冰川之下，其余部分则被海洋淹没。大冰期末期，陆块上升，冰川脱落，这片土地才得以浮出地表。

  雷克雅未克的海岸线曲折而绵长，点缀着众多半岛、海湾、海峡以及维迪岛(Viðey)等众多岛屿，海湾中还有多种海鸟与鲸鱼栖居。一座起伏有致的山峰点缀着雷克雅未克海岸，在不同季节变幻出不同的美，这就是著名的埃斯亚山(Esjan)。

  埃斯亚山是雷克雅未克地区的最高山峰，颇受徒步与登山爱好者的钟爱。从雷克雅未克海湾远眺，Akrafjall与Skarðsheiði也将映入视线。晴朗天气中，甚至连斯奈山半岛(Snæfellsnes)上的斯奈菲尔冰川也会在天边浮现。

  Elliðaárdalur山谷中的Elliðaá河是雷克雅未克的最大河流，也是冰岛钓三文鱼的最佳地点之一。

  雷克雅未克的交通

  冰岛没有火车与地铁，最常见的交通工具是汽车与公交车。雷克雅未克还有两处港口：位于市中心的旧港与位于城市东部的Sundahöfn港。

  雷克雅未克市区内有一座国内机场，位于Vatnsmýrin，与市中心以及珍珠楼Perlan所在的Öskjuhlíð山相距不远。冰岛的国际机场是位于雷克雅内斯半岛(Reykjanes)上的凯夫拉维克国际机场(Keflavík)，距离首都约有50公里。

  游客可以选择租自行车、汽车或吉普车在雷克雅未克旅行，或直接参加从首都出发的旅行团。如果只是参观市中心地区的城市地标景点，可以选择直接步行或乘坐公交车。

  雷克雅未克旅行活动

  雷克雅未克是著名的北欧文学艺术之都，全年都会举办各种特色活动与节日。无论哪个月份来雷克雅未克旅行，都有机会邂逅来自世界各地的名人、艺术家、音乐家、歌手、作家、诗人等——例如比约克、胜利玫瑰Sigur Rós等冰岛知名音乐人；以及《宇宙天使》的作者埃纳尔·茂尔·古德蒙德松(Einar Már Guðmundsson)、曾与比约克合作作词且如今蜚声国际文坛的诗人松(Sjón)等。

  冰岛电波音乐节、Sónar音乐节、秘密夏至音乐节、雷克雅未克同志骄傲游行(Gay Pride)、雷克雅未克国际电影节RIFF、雷克雅未克文学节、文化之夜、雷克雅未克艺术节、美食欢乐节(Food & Fun)、雷克雅未克时尚周等大大小小的节日每年都会如期而至。

  想要更加深入地领略酷炫的冰岛文化历史，可以参观城市中的博物馆、艺术馆与摄影展览，在咖啡厅、酒吧或Harpa音乐厅听音乐现场演出，到城市旧港与Grótta灯塔观日落、等极光，在Laugavegur购物主街上购买旅行纪念品，或者去逛逛惊喜无限的跳蚤市场。游客还可以出海参加观鸟、观鲸旅行团，或者登上维迪岛，参观岛上的历史遗迹与艺术装置。阅读这篇《玩转雷克雅未克：十大必做之事》深度攻略，像冰岛本地人一样体验世界最北首都生活。

  

  冰岛议会大厦Alþingi前的Austurvöllur广场上伫立着冰岛独立“国父”Jón Sigurðsson的雕像，一街之隔便是雷克雅未克的主教座堂(Dómkirkjan)。广场周围环绕着多家餐厅、酒吧与咖啡厅。Austurvöllur是冰岛有名的抗议集会地点，2008年冰岛金融危机时愤怒的市民就曾齐聚广场抗议示威。

  沿Lækjargata街漫步，游客将到达托宁湖(Tjörnin)与市政厅。天鹅、鸭子、海鸥等水鸟常年在湖泊中栖息，托宁湖喂鸭子也是在雷克雅未克旅行的必做之事之一。湖滨公园是休憩、散步、遛狗的好去处，夏季时湖边还会不时举办露天音乐会。

  冰岛大学、北欧之屋(Nordic House)、Vatnsmýrin湿地与托宁湖仅一街之隔。各种与北欧有关的音乐、文学、艺术活动时常在北欧之屋上演，而其旁的Vatnsmýrin自然保护区则是许多鸟类的重要栖息地。

  沿海的雷克雅未克虽没有地中海式的阳光海滩，但天气良好时，由地热加热的Nauthólsvík海滩也是个游泳、晒太阳的好去处。城市中还有多家地热温泉泳池，其中最大一座位于Laugardalur，与Ásmundarsafn雕塑展览馆、雷克雅未克动物园、植物园都相距不远。

  另一座海滩Ægissíða位于雷克雅未克的西城区(Vesturbær)，开阔的海景与石滩景色令人心旷神怡，在海滩上可以远眺到冰岛总统府Bessastaðir。

  Skólavörðuholt山丘上的哈尔格林姆斯大教堂(Hallgrímskirkja)是雷克雅未克的另一座必游城市地标；购票登上教堂尖塔，游客可以一览雷克雅未克城市全景，将可爱的北欧彩色房顶尽收眼底。

  建于Öskjuhlíð山上的珍珠楼是鸟瞰雷克雅未克城市全景的另一个好去处，珍珠楼内也设有咖啡厅与冰岛自然展览。176000棵树木环绕着珍珠楼，营造了葱茏而静谧的环境。游客可以一边在林中骑车、漫步，一边呼吸清新的森林空气。

  雷克雅未克是许多游客游览冰岛的大本营。许多旅行团都从首都接团出发，黄金圈、蓝湖温泉等景点也与首都相距不远，自驾距离适中。首都范围内的Heiðmörk自然保护区以及城市外围的蓝山(Bláfjöll)也是颇受欢迎的自然景点。

  最详尽、最专业的雷克雅未克行程指南，尽在雷克雅未克攻略页面。

  雷克雅未克,

  

  冰岛南岸的杰古沙龙冰河湖(Jökulsárlón)是冰岛最著名的冰泻湖，位于冰岛一号环岛公路沿途，处于斯卡夫塔山自然保护区(Skaftafell)和霍芬镇(Höfn)之间，是冰岛旅行最热门的必游自然景点之一。

  地理

  杰古沙龙冰河湖由Breiðamerkurjökull冰舌的冰川融水滋养，而这条冰舌则发源自欧洲最大冰川——瓦特纳冰原(Vatnajökull)。

  一年四季无分昼夜，冰湖内始终漂浮着许多巨型冰块，其中的一些甚至与楼房等高。

  浮冰的巨型体积引人瞩目，而纯白与冰蓝混合的冰块颜色、掺杂火山灰的冰块纹理。也都令造访冰河湖的游人颇感震撼。

  

  浮冰跟随水流渐渐漂流入海，进入广袤的大西洋，而有些冰块则会被冲刷到Breiðamerkursandur黑沙滩上；这片聚集了无数如钻石般闪耀的碎冰的沙滩，也因此被冠上了“钻石冰沙滩”的名号。

  虽然杰古沙龙冰河湖只是近代才出现的自然景观，如今却已经成为冰岛最深的湖泊。目前杰古沙龙冰河湖深约248米，面积约为18平方公里。随着冰川不断消融退却，在不久的将来，杰古沙龙冰河湖也会逐步演变成冰岛最大的湖泊。

  历史

  杰古沙龙冰河湖并非自移民定居时代就一直存在的自然景观，而是在1935年才开始慢慢形成的。自20世纪以来，冰岛的平均气温逐年升高。1920年，Breiðamerkurjökull冰舌开始迅速融化退却，其融水也逐步填满了冰川脚下的大片空地，形成了一片冰河湖。

  杰古沙龙冰河湖的面积仍在持续扩张，现在的面积已经比1975年扩大了两倍以上。随着扩张持续，杰古沙龙冰河湖最终会变为峡湾。

  冰岛冰川的消融一直都是严峻的自然灾难，但无意中形成的冰河湖也称得上是一个短暂的“美丽错误”。

  

  世界各地的电影导演早已发现了杰古沙龙冰河湖的绝世之美。詹姆士·邦德系列电影《007之雷霆杀机》(1985年)、《择日而亡》(2002年)、《蝙蝠侠：侠影之谜》(2005年)等电影大片都曾在此取景拍摄，将冰河湖之美搬上了大荧幕。

  2017年，杰古沙龙冰河湖正式被纳入冰岛瓦特纳冰川国家公园，成为受冰岛法律保护的自然景点。

  野生生态

  潮汐为杰古沙龙冰河湖带来了众多的鲱鱼和毛鳞鱼，也因此吸引了许多野生动物来此安家，聚居觅食。

  夏季时，许多北极燕鸥会在此筑巢繁衍。北极燕鸥是攻击力极强的鸟类，它们会奋不顾身地攻击接近其鸟蛋的生物。如果在夏天到访冰河湖，一定不要走近北极燕鸥的巢穴，以防被攻击。此外贼鸥也会在此筑巢孵蛋、繁衍后代。

  野生海豹则一年四季都以冰河湖为家。无论任何季节到访杰古沙龙冰河湖，游人都有机会看到海豹们在巨型浮冰之间戏水嬉闹、慵懒躺卧的可爱景象。杰古沙龙冰河湖不但为海豹们提供了丰富的食物，也成为了它们避开冰岛东南部海域的虎鲸的避风港。

  杰古沙龙冰河湖,

  

  Vatnajökull glacier is the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8% of Iceland’s landmass.

  It is the central feature of the Vatnajökull National park, found in the south west of Iceland, a popular spot for activities like glacier hiking from Skaftafell, boat tours in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and ice caving tours between November and March.

  Facts about Vatnajokull

  Vatnajökull has a surface area of approximately 8,100 square kilometres (3127 square miles); though it is rapidly shrinking due to climate change, its recession is not quite as advanced as at other glaciers, such as Langjökull and Mýrdalsjökull. In parts, it is a kilometre deep (over three thousand feet), and its average thickness is around half of that.

  Vatnajökull also holds the tallest peak in Iceland beneath its ice; Hvannadalshnjúkur is 2,200 metres tall (7,218 feet). It also conceals some of the most active volcanoes in the country, the most notable being Grímsvötn, Öræfajökull and Bárðarbunga.

  Volcanic activity in the region has occurred on and off throughout the centuries, and many geologists believe that several eruptions are overdue. If their calculations are correct, it would mean significant volcanic activity for Vatnajökull over the scope of the next half-century.

  Depending on winds, this could result in worldwide consequences in terms of air-travel, agriculture and the general climate.

  The glacier boasts over 30 outlet glaciers, which are channels of ice that flow out of ice caps but remain constrained on the sides of the valley. The major outlet glaciers of Vatnajökull include Dyngjujökull in the north, Breiðamerkurjökull, and Skeiðarárjökull to the south. To the west, one can find the outlet glaciers Síðujökull, Skaftárjökull and Tungnaárjökull.

  Numerous rivers run out of Vatnajökull, making up some of the greatest glacial rivers in Iceland. The most notable are:

  • Tungnaá (west)

  • Köldukvísl (west)

  • Þjórsá (west)

  • Jökulsá á Fjöllum (north)

  • Skjálfandafljót (north)

  • Jökulsá á Brú (northeast)

  • Jökulsá í Fljótsdal (northeast)

  • Jökulsá í Lóni (south)

  • Hornafjarðarfljót (south)

  • Jökulsá á Breiðamerkursandi (south)

  • Skeiðará (south)

  • Núpsvötn (south)

  • Hverfisfljót (south)

  • Skaftá (south)

  Vatnajokull National Park

  

  Vatnajökull National Park was established in June 2008 and has slowly grown to include more and more areas. The park now covers an area of 14,141 square kilometres (5,460 square miles), 14% of the country. It is the second largest national park in Europe.

  Rivers divide the highland plateau to the north of the park. The volcanic table mountain Herðubreið towers over this particular region, along with volcanoes Askja, Snæfell and Kverkfjöll.

  The canyon Jökulsárgljúfur was carved out by glacial floods centuries ago. At the upper end of the canyon, you'll find Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Further north, the horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi is believed to have formed when Óðinn's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, stepped his foot down from the heavens.

  East around Snæfell, one can find wetlands and ranges, home to roaming herds of wild reindeer and abundant birdlife. Steep mountain ridges make up the south side of Vatnajökull, where outlet glaciers crawl onto the lowlands. The sandy plains of Skeiðarársandur also lie to the south, and the glacial river Skeiðará runs through this vast desert.

  One of Iceland's most visited landmarks in the National Park is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which sits at the base of the outlet glacier Breiðamerkurjökull. Here, large icebergs that have broken off the glacier float across a vast lake before ending up in the Atlantic Ocean, or washed ashore on the nearby Diamond Beach.

  This is one of the best seal-watching spots in the country.

  The Future of Vatnajokull

  

  The volume of Vatnajökull reached its peak around 1930 but has since been in a steady process of decline. Because of rising levels of global temperature, Vatnajökull has on average lost about a metre (three feet) of its thickness annually over the past 15 years.

  If temperature levels continue to rise, the glacier could be all but gone nearing the end of the next century, leaving only small ice caps on top of the highest mountain summits.  

  Efforts are being made to prevent what some say is the inevitable, with reforestation projects going on all around the glacier, a proven method of cooling the area. Time will tell how successful they are.

  Vatnajokull and Jokulsarlon in Popular Culture

  The beauty of Vatnajökull National Park has not gone unnoticed by those in film or television. Many famous scenes have been shot here, starting with James Bond: A View to Kill in 1985. Other notable films with scenes here include Batman Begins, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and James Bond: Die Another Day.

  Most famously, however, many places in Vatnajökull have been used in the HBO Series Game of Thrones, north of the Wall. The Wall itself is constructed with CGI using shots of the glacier.

  瓦特那冰川,

  

  位于冰岛南岸的斯科加瀑布(Skógafoss)宽约25米，高约60米，是冰岛境内规模最大、最负盛名的瀑布之一。丰沛的瀑流激起无数水花，在阳光照射下常有彩虹高悬于瀑布之上，故也有“彩虹瀑布”的美誉。

  发源自Skógá河的斯科加瀑布造型经典恢弘，在一号环岛公路上即可眺望到瀑布的壮丽景致，聆听到瀑布的隆隆水声。斯科加瀑流汇聚成溪，溪流中生活着大量北极红点鲑与三文鱼，夏季时常有人来此垂钓。

  斯科加瀑布下的陆地十分平坦，游客可以直接行走到瀑布的宽阔水幕边，感受水花击面的快意；但游客需准备防水衣物，以防被瀑流打湿。游客也可以沿阶梯攀登至瀑布顶端，在开阔的观景平台上俯视冰岛南岸全景；阶梯陡峭，请游客量力而行。

  斯科加瀑布周边景点

  斯科加瀑布位于斯科加小镇(Skógar)旁，艾雅法拉冰川火山以南。游客可以在此游览几座小众博物馆。在斯科加民俗博物馆(Skógasafn)，游客可以参观古老的木屋与草顶房建筑，欣赏冰岛的传统手工艺作品。

  斯科加博物馆还设有以“交通”为主题的展览馆，展示冰岛交通、通讯与科技的历史变迁；数百年间，从骑马到驾车，从书信到电子设备，冰岛以令人惊异的速度实现了现代化。

  斯科加博物馆另设有咖啡厅与纪念品商店，斯科加小镇上则开设有酒店与餐厅。

  冰岛著名的菲姆沃罗豪尔斯(Fimmvörðuháls)徒步路线就位于斯科加瀑布以东，这条22公里的徒步线路将带领游客沿斯科加河而行，穿梭于米尔达斯(Mýrdalsjökull)、艾雅法拉(Eyjafjallajökull)两座冰川之间，进入绝美的索斯莫克峡谷(Þórsmörk)。

  斯科加瀑布的民间传说

  斯科加博物馆中展出了一只金环。据民间传说记载，该地区最早的维京定居者之一Þrasi Þórólfsson曾拥有一只宝箱，金环原本就嵌于宝箱之上。公元900年，Þrasi预感大限将至，就将装满黄金的宝箱藏入斯科加瀑布后的洞穴中。

  许多人都曾试图取出宝箱，而当人们抓住宝箱一侧的手环时，手环突然脱落，宝物便也永久地消失了。这只金环后被赠予当地教堂，成为教堂的门环。如今金环安静陈列在博物馆中，默默无语地诉说着千年以来的传说与历史。

  斯科加瀑布,

  

  塞里雅兰瀑布(Seljalandsfoss)位于冰岛南岸，坐落于冰岛一号环岛公路旁，高约60米，造型似“水帘洞”，可穿行至瀑布后方。

  便利的交通与旖旎的风光使其成为了冰岛最著名、最多游客到访的瀑布之一。塞里雅兰瀑布也是摄影师镜头下的宠儿，在许多风景大片之中都可以找到它的身影。

  地理位置与周边景点

  塞里雅兰瀑布由冰川融水滋养，与塞里雅兰河(Seljalandsá)均发源于埃亚菲亚德拉冰盖(Eyjafjallajökull)；冰盖下掩埋的火山曾在2010年大爆发，造成了当时欧洲航空交通瘫痪。

  塞里雅兰瀑布的水帘狭长，从高耸的古老海崖上飞流直下，而这处悬崖在古时曾是冰岛海岸线的所在地，随着时间推移与地质变迁，逐步演变成如今的形貌。

  

  塞里雅兰瀑布最显著的特色就是水幕后面有一条可以步行的通道。在夏天，游人可以沿着这条步道走到瀑布的后方，隔着水幕欣赏冰岛南岸葱郁的夏色。冬季时，由于水幕后的洞穴上方经常悬挂着冰柱，岩石也全被冰雪覆盖。出于安全考虑，这条小径通常不会开放。

  如果想穿越瀑布，游人要有被水气沾湿的心理准备。瀑布后方的岩石与小径也会因水气而变得湿滑，游览时请务必小心足下。

  2001年，塞里雅兰瀑布的两侧安装了灯照，让游人在没有午夜阳光照耀的冬季也可以欣赏到瀑布的胜景。

  在游览塞里雅兰瀑布过后，不要忘记也去旁边的秘密瀑布(Gljúfrabúi)一游。秘密瀑布隐藏在一面巨大的岩壁后，是独具冰岛特色的惊喜小众景点。

  冰岛南岸的另一大瀑布斯科加瀑布(Skógafoss)也位于塞里雅兰瀑布不远处，也是游人们造访南岸必到的旅游景点。斯科加瀑布与塞里雅兰瀑布同高，虽不能像塞里雅兰瀑布一样绕行，瀑流却更宽阔，水力更磅礴，呈现出迥然不同的瀑布胜景。

  设立游客中心的小风波

  2017年，政府宣布准备在瀑布旁建设游客中心。根据设计，游客中心预计高7米，面积2000平方米，但这个想法遭到了这一地区土地所有人的极力反对，主要原因是游客中心的兴建会破坏瀑布的自然之美，也会对当地环境造成影响。

  目前这个建筑项目仍被搁置，当地政府正在考虑减小建筑的规模，或者把建筑地点移到附近的Brekkuhorn农场。

  塞里雅兰瀑布与流行文化

  塞里雅兰瀑布曾出现在贾斯汀·比伯《I’ll Show You》的MV之中，但贾斯汀在音乐录影带中演示了许多破坏冰岛环境以及让自身陷入危险的不良行为，例如肆意践踏珍贵的苔藓、赤身走入杰古沙龙冰河湖等，大家到冰岛旅行时千万不要效仿。

  塞里雅兰瀑布也曾被美国电视台真人秀《极速前进》(The Amazing Race)第六季设为挑战的第一站。

  塞里雅兰瀑布,

  

  盖歇尔地热区(Geysir)是举世闻名的间歇泉喷发区，坐落于冰岛西南岸的Haukadalur山谷中。

  辛格维利尔国家公园(Þingvellir)、黄金瀑布(Gullfoss)与盖歇尔地热区共同组成了冰岛最热门的黄金圈景区。

  盖歇尔间歇泉地理特征

  盖歇尔间歇泉的喷发强度曾为所有间歇泉之首，如今却鲜少喷发，而Haukadalur山谷中还分布着多座间歇泉，其中就包括最为活跃的史托克间歇泉(Strokkur)，以及规模更小的Smiður与Litli-Strokkur。

  史托克间歇泉是世界最活跃的间歇泉之一，每隔5～10分钟就喷发一道沸腾的水柱，高达20～40米，场面颇为壮观。许多游客都会准备好相机，拍下史托克陡然喷发的壮丽一瞬。

  

  盖歇尔间歇泉规模更大，但如今的喷发频率极低，间隔数年方能喷发一次；而盖歇尔常常是不喷则已，一喷惊人，水柱高度可达70余米。

  盖歇尔间歇泉以北分布着许多蒸汽孔，散发的滚滚蒸汽在凉爽的冰岛空气中徐徐飘动，别是一番外星般的奇妙风光。蒸汽孔周围的土地则被硫磺等矿物漆染，大地呈现出斑斓的地热色彩交织。

  山谷南部的Þykkuhverir沸泥潭则仿佛是童话故事中巫婆的大锅，如锅炉般一刻不停地冒泡。沸泥潭实际上也是蒸汽孔的一种，泥浆干涸后便成为普通蒸汽孔。

  盖歇尔间歇泉周边小众景点

  Kúalaug天然温泉与盖歇尔间歇泉相距2公里，温泉最多可容纳3～5人，水温在39～43°C之间。在体验温泉时，要格外注意保护该地的脆弱生态。温泉底部为土壤，因此水中混有些许泥浆；温泉底部生长有湿滑的水藻，游客需注意安全，以防跌倒。

  Haukadalur山谷虽为地热区，但经过不断的植树造林，这里也生长起一片颇为茂盛的森林。Haukadalsskógur是冰岛南岸的最大森林之一，游客可以经由林中小径漫步，参观林中植被，以及为纪念林务员Gunnar Freysteinsson而修建的树木博物馆。

  盖歇尔地热区的文化历史

  自冰岛有人定居开始，Haukadalur山谷就一直有人居住，人们还曾在此修建教堂。冰岛11世纪的著名历史学家Ari Þorgilsson就成长于此；冰岛第一所牧师学校就建立于此。Haukadalskirkja教堂为木质教堂，其建筑风格可追溯至1842年，展现着冰岛工业化进程开始前的建筑风情。

  Hotel Gullfoss酒店距盖歇尔地区约7公里；Hotel Geysir酒店则与景区仅一路之隔，景区设施齐全，设有咖啡厅以及纪念品商店。

  盖歇尔间歇泉,

  

  黄金瀑布又译为居德瀑布、古佛斯瀑布，发源自冰岛西南部的Hvítá白河，是冰岛最壮丽、最著名的瀑布之一。

  Hvítá白河发源自朗格冰川(Langjökull)；河流跌落32米，历经两级阶梯，最终汇入峡谷，塑造了黄金瀑布这座壮观的双层瀑布。黄金瀑布与辛格维利尔国家公园、盖歇尔间歇泉地热区共同组成了冰岛最受欢迎的旅行景区——黄金圈。

  黄金瀑布分为两层，我们也可将其视为两座瀑布。第一层也即较短的一层瀑布高约11米，第二层瀑布高约21米。瀑布两侧的峡谷岩壁耸拔70余米，一线倾斜后又与开阔的Gullfossgljúfur峡谷相接。据地质学家推算，峡谷的形成历史可追溯至末次冰期的冰川洪流。

  黄金瀑布夏季每秒钟的水量可达140立方米，冬季时的水量约为109立方米/秒。丰沛而湍急的水流使得瀑布气势磅礴，令每一位身临其境的游客颇感震撼。

  黄金瀑布是冰岛黄金圈景区的三大景点之一，许多旅行团也从黄金瀑布集合出发，其中最受欢迎的要属在朗格冰川进行的雪地摩托与冰川隧道旅行团。

  黄金瀑布的历史

  

  正因蕴含了丰富的水能，黄金瀑布的磅礴风光才如此引人入胜。黄金瀑布的能量却也引起了外国投资者的兴趣。1907年，一位名为Howell的英国商人就曾设想在黄金瀑布建立水电站。Howell出价购买黄金瀑布，而当时黄金瀑布地段的所有者Tómas Tómasson严辞拒绝，说出了“我不会出卖我的朋友！”这句名言。于是Howell转而选择租用这片土地，以实现修建水电站的计划。

  保卫瀑布的重任落在了Tómas的女儿Sigríður Tómasdóttir身上，她雇用了一位律师，努力以法律的方式捍卫瀑布的自然生态。Sigríður数次往返于官员所在的雷克雅未克与家乡黄金瀑布之间，几度徒步走过100公里的路程，与各方斡旋。为了阻止人们破坏瀑布，Sigríður甚至威胁跳入瀑布，以其生命誓死抵抗。

  Sigríður的抗争终获成功。1929年，Howell撤回其租约，放弃了修建水电站的计划，黄金瀑布也得以保持其原始却美丽的自然生态。Sigríður也常被赞誉为冰岛第一位环境保护主义者，被载入冰岛史册。黄金瀑布旁的石碑上就记载了她的光辉事迹。Sigríður的律师Sveinn Björnsson也是冰岛历史中的重要人物：1944年冰岛建国后的首位总统。

  黄金瀑布景区的餐饮

  在黄金瀑布咖啡厅(Gullfoss Cafe)中，游客可以品尝冰岛特色美食；在黄金瀑布景区的商店中，游客也可以将冰岛特色旅行纪念品带回家。

  黄金瀑布(居德瀑布),

  

  埃亚菲亚德拉冰盖(Eyjafjallajökull)，也译作艾雅法拉冰川，是一座举世闻名的冰岛火山，2010年的火山大爆发曾一度阻断欧洲的航空交通。艾雅法拉冰川海拔1651米，是冰岛南岸的主要景点之一。

  地理概况

  艾雅法拉冰川的面积约为100平方公里，是冰岛的第六大冰川。冰岛第四大冰川米尔达斯冰川(Mýrdalsjökull)与其毗邻。与艾雅法拉冰盖一样，米尔达斯冰川下也掩藏了一座活跃的火山，名为卡特拉(Katla)。艾雅法拉火山的爆发震慑了世人，其实卡特拉火山内蕴藏的能量要远远超过艾雅法拉。

  两座火山的岩浆房实则彼此连通，艾雅法拉火山的爆发也意味着，卡特拉火山亦将在本世纪内大规模爆发。

  Gígjökull等多条分支冰川从艾雅法拉注出，许多河流也得到冰川融水的滋养，冰岛南岸塞里雅兰瀑布的水源就来自于艾雅法拉冰川。

  艾雅法拉火山爆发

  冰岛是一个火山之国。1783～1784年的拉基火山大爆发(Laki)在冰岛与世界历史上都记下了浓墨重彩的一笔，巨量火山灰从冰岛飘至欧洲大陆，甚至间接导致了法国大革命的爆发。2010年3月20日、4月15日，历史再次重演，艾雅法拉火山两度喷发，滚滚浓烟从火山口源源不断地涌出。

  最危险的还不是火山岩浆，而是随之而来的能够摧毁一切的强劲冰川洪流。800人从该地区撤离，动物被挪至室内，有呼吸系统问题的居民也必须留在室内。

  欧洲的航空交通因火山爆发而全面阻滞，截止4月15日晚，火山灰已抵达英国、斯堪的纳维亚与德国部分地区。欧洲旅客们的行程也被滞留了8天之久，在苏格兰与爱尔兰地区，部分航班甚至被推迟了一月之久。

  火山爆发中并无人员伤亡，但冰岛南部居民的呼吸系统却受到了不同程度的影响，许多农场也被火山灰与冰川洪流摧毁。

  自公元874年冰岛有人定居以来，艾雅法拉火山曾爆发了4次，分别在公元920年、1612年、1821～1823年以及2010年。19世纪的火山爆发中逸出了大量氟化物，深刻影响了当时的冰岛人与冰岛动物的骨骼构造。

  今朝的艾雅法拉火山

  如今冰岛南岸已经重归平静，艾雅法拉也成为了颇受欢迎的安全旅游景点。在Hvolsvöllur小镇，游客可以参观火山展览，了解Þorvaldseyri农场在火山爆发后的重建与新生。

  冰岛的火山都被严密监控着，游客无需担心会在冰岛旅行时遭遇火山爆发的危险。近期内，艾雅法拉火山没有爆发的可能，但卡特拉冰川已在“蠢蠢欲动”。

  埃亚菲亚德拉冰盖(艾雅法拉火山),

  

  迪霍拉里(Dyrhólaey)位于冰岛南岸，是一座120米的狭长半岛，也是一座拱门形状的海蚀岬角。半岛上伫立着一座古老的灯塔，而每逢夏季海鹦等海鸟回归的日子，这里也会成为冰岛的观鸟胜地。

  迪霍拉里意为“门山之岛”，是火山运动的产物；在与冰岛主岛连接起来之前，曾是一座离岸的独岛。古时航海的水手常把它称作“波特兰角”(Cape Portland)。

  迪霍拉里标志着冰岛主陆的最南端，紧邻一号环岛公路，与冰岛最南城镇维克镇(Vík)也相距不远。

  从冰岛首都雷克雅未克出发，沿冰岛南岸一路前往迪霍拉里，游客将经过几处闻名遐迩的冰岛自然景点：塞里雅兰瀑布(Seljalandsfoss)、斯科加瀑布(Skógafoss)以及埃亚菲亚德拉冰盖(Eyjafjallajökull)。

  迪霍拉里拱门

  迪霍拉里半岛也是一座历经海浪侵蚀的石拱，远远望去犹似拱门，因此也有“岛屿之门”的称号；站在半岛之上，游人可以俯瞰冰岛南岸的秀丽风光，将延绵无垠的黑沙滩尽收眼底。

  石拱空间广阔，普通船只可以轻易穿越其空隙；1993年，一位胆大的飞行员甚至成功驾驶飞机，从石拱中穿行而过。

  迪霍拉里野生生态

  迪霍拉里是许多鸟类的聚居地，最常见的品种是绒鸭。著名的北极海鹦(“帕芬鸟”)也是这里的常住居民，每年夏季5月到9月之间就会来此筑巢栖居。

  除迪霍拉里外，冰岛还有不少观赏海鹦的完美地点。从首都雷克雅未克市中心的旧港乘船出海，进入法赫萨湾(Faxaflói)，即可到达观赏海鹦的著名小岛。

  海鹦并不害怕人类，游人可以近距离观察它们。但海鹦不喜欢被触碰，如果一只海鹦被吓跑，附近的海鹦全都会跟着离开。因此在冰岛观测海鹦时，请与其保持一定距离。

  迪霍拉里周边景点

  攀上迪霍拉里之顶，整片黝黑沙滩的胜景以及周围延绵起伏的山峦都将映入眼帘，大西洋的滔滔白浪不断翻滚又退却，开阔的南岸全景令人陶醉。

  雷尼斯黑沙滩(Reynisfjara)与雷尼斯石柱群(Reynisdrangar)就位于迪霍拉里近旁，孤傲的火山岩石与大西洋海浪相互角力的画面无比震撼，请务必小心猛然翻起的巨浪，远离海边，以免发生危险。

  米尔达斯冰川(Mýrdalsjökull)位于迪霍拉里以北，冰盖下隐藏的卡特拉火山(Katla)是冰岛最活跃的火山之一。不少专家预计火山将在近期爆发，想要游览火山的游客请务必关注火山动态，或者报名冰岛本地旅行团，以最安全保险的方式造访。

  迪霍拉里的最顶端伫立着古老的迪霍拉里灯塔(Dyrhólaeyjarviti)。灯塔有着白色的塔身与红色的塔顶，从1919年开始修建，1927年竣工。每隔大约10秒钟，游人就可以看到灯塔中闪出一缕白光，照向无垠的大海。

  

  迪霍拉里岬角,

  

  辛格维利尔国家公园，又译辛格韦德利国家公园，是冰岛大陆上唯一被联合国教科文组织认证为世界文化遗产的地点。它和盖歇尔间歇泉、黄金瀑布，组成了著名的黄金圈旅游线路。公园南侧是冰岛最大的湖泊－辛格瓦德拉湖（Þingvallavatn）。

  地理

  辛格维利尔的地理地质特性在世界上独一无二。欧亚大陆板块与美洲大陆板块在此相会，且暴露在海平面之上。全世界只能在冰岛看到两大地质板块在海平面之上相会的地质奇观。

  游览时，建议从美洲大陆板块一侧开始观光，在这里的信息牌上可以阅读到这个地区的更多有趣信息和历史，之后可以再走入其下的山谷。

  历史

  

  辛格维利尔在冰岛语中的意思为“议会土地”，从它的名字就不难猜出它的历史。在这里，世界上的第一个民主议会诞生－公园930年，维京人选址在此，创立了冰岛的议会。

  民主议会也许和维京人喜欢战争掠杀的名声背道而驰，但当时的30多个氏族急需在恶劣的新环境中求得生存与繁荣。第一次集会的空前成功，让议会得以保留。每年，人们聚集在此，解决争端、审判罪犯、制定让所有人都能受益的法律。

  冰岛联邦就此诞生，让冰岛人在成为挪威王国的选民前就获得了独立与自由。冰岛在辛格维利尔的年度议会一直延续到了1798年。

  丹麦王国取消了冰岛的议会，直至1845年，冰岛的议会在雷克雅未克重生。

  辛格维利尔在冰岛历史上的另一个重要角色与信仰有关，公园1000年，挪威入侵冰岛，冰岛人在辛格维利尔舍弃异教信仰、北欧众神，转而投信基督教。

  冰岛的法律演讲人、议长Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði是冰岛的这场信仰危机中起到了决定性的作用，他考虑了一天一夜，才回到这里宣布了他的决定。

  为了见证冰岛信仰的转变，Þorgeir将北欧众神的神像抛入北部的众神瀑布－Goðafoss，瀑布正得名于此。

  丝浮拉裂缝

  

  辛格维利尔是冰岛最受欢迎的自然景点之一，而除了上述的自然、历史原因，它还有另一大独特的景观－丝浮拉裂缝（Silfra，又译史费拉裂缝）。丝浮拉裂缝流淌着冰川水，是世界上排名前十的浮潜、潜水地。

  丝浮拉在冰岛语中意为“银”，是公园内的一个水下峡谷，能见度高达100余米，温度常年保持在零上。世界各地的人们在这里穿上潜水衣，去水下享受完美的失重感，以及遨游在两大地质板块间的难得体验。

  辛格维利尔,

  

  Katla is one of Iceland’s most explosive volcanoes, located underneath Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap, Mýrdalsjökull. Since settlement, it has erupted, on average, once every fifty years, with the last eruption in 1918. It is long overdue.

  Katla is connected to Eyjafjallajökull, which erupted in 2010 and caused widespread disruption to air traffic, as well as changes in climate. Usually, Katla is triggered by an eruption here, usually going off within the decade afterwards. Kristín Jónsdóttir said in 2016 that it was ‘a matter of when, not if’ Iceland would face the wrath of Katla once more.

  Katla means ‘Kettle’ in Icelandic, and many women are named after the volcano with it being one of the more popular girl’s names.

  Geography and geology of Katla

  Katla is located on Iceland’s South Coast, north of the village of Vík. Its peak is 1,512 metres (4,961 feet) above sea level, and its crater is 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) wide. The ice of Mýrdalsjökull is, 700 metres (2,300 feet) thick at certain points over it.

  Because of this huge amount of ice, some smaller eruptions do not even break the surface. However, even these can be very dangerous, as they can still cause unexpected floods as the melted water seeps from under the glacier. One only needs to see the black sand desert of Sólheimasandur to see how much life can thrive in the glacial outwash plain under Katla.

  

  Because of the floods caused by Katla, Iceland’s South Coast has very few settlements. Floods such as these have wiped out entire villages before.

  The floods following the 1918 eruption were particularly powerful, clearing away huge swathes of land. The lava that followed, however, was so voluminous that it extended the southern coastline over five kilometres (eight miles) out to sea.

  Though Eyjafjallajökull and Katla have a relationship of exploding in quick succession, they are part of different volcanic systems. Katla’s system has an area of 595 square kilometres (230 square miles), and is connected to the Eldgjá canyon.

  Tours on Katla

  Katla is beneath the peak of Mýrdalsjökull, which is surrounded by outlet glaciers, making tours on it few and far between - after all, it is very difficult to reach. Some helicopter tours, however, will make a landing here. Some super jeep tours also take the bumpy but beautiful path to the top.

  It should be noted that there are ice caves above Katla, which are accessible for longer throughout the year than the ice caves at Vatnajökull. These ones, however, do not have blue ice.

  Where to see Katla

  Katla can be seen from the Ring Road, which encircles Iceland, by travelling along the South Coast, so long as the weather is clear. It will be visible for much of the drive, which also takes you passed features such as the waterfall Seljalandsfoss and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.

  It can also be viewed when visiting one of the glacier tongues of Mýrdalsjökull, such as Sólheimajökull, the most popular outlet for glacier hiking.

   

  Katla,

  

  Strokkur is Iceland’s most visited active geyser. One of the three major attractions on the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route, it is usually visited alongside Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park.

  Strokkur is found in the Geysir Geothermal Area, titled after the Great Geysir, which lent its name to all others across the world. It is the greatest active geyser on site; Geysir itself is in a period of inactivity. Strokkur erupts more regularly than Geysir ever did, blasting water to heights of around fifteen to twenty metres every five to ten minutes, although it is known to reach up to forty metres. 

  Strokkur and Haukadalur Valley

  

  Strokkur is the primary feature of the Haukadalur valley and the main reason why it is one of the most visited sites in the country. While Geysir will very occasionally still erupt to enormous heights, it is nowhere near reliable enough to justify the area’s popularity.

  Haukadalur valley, however, has many other features that make it worth a visit. The natural beauty of the area is shaped by the forces of the earth; fumaroles, hot-springs, mud-pits and other little geysers are littered around, and the ground itself is dyed vividly by elements such as sulfur (yellow), copper (green) and iron (red).

  Opposite the main geothermal area in Haukadalur Valley is a restaurant, cafe, hotel and luxury gift shop.

  Science behind Strokkur

  

  Active geysers like Strokkur are rare around the world, due to the fact that many conditions must be met for them to form. They are thus only found in certain parts of highly geothermal areas.

  The first condition that is necessary is an intense heat source; magma must be close enough to the surface of the earth for the rocks to be hot enough to boil water. Considering that Iceland is located on top of the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, this condition is met throughout most of the county.

  Secondly, you will need a source of flowing underground water. In the case of Strokkur, this comes from the second largest glacier in the country, Langjökull. Meltwater from the glacier sinks into the surrounding porous lava rock, and travels underground in all directions.

  Evidence of this flowing water can be found in Þingvellir National Park, where there are many freshwater springs flowing straight from the earth.

  Finally, you need a complex plumbing system that allows a geyser to erupt, rather than just steam from the ground like a fumarole. Above the intense heat source, there must be space for the flowing water to gather like a reservoir. From this basin, there must be a vent to the surface. This vent must be lined with silica so that the boiling, rising water cannot escape before the eruption.

  Environmental Issues with Strokkur

  One of the main reasons that Geysir entered a period of inactivity was due to the fact soap used to be pumped into the vents to make the eruptions more dramatic; it damaged the structure of the vent and prevented water building up. Strokkur, therefore, is guarded against all interference, with chains keeping visitors a good distance away.

  Unfortunately, however, there have been incidents where people have meddled with its natural state. For example, an artist called Marco Evaristti once poured food colouring into it to make the eruption pink. He defended himself by claiming that nature was open to artists to utiltise and the fact the colouring was all-natural, but he became a pariah amongst many Icelanders, and was arrested and fined (though never paid it).

  史托克间歇泉,

  

  雷克雅内斯半岛(Reykjanes，雷恰内斯半岛)位于冰岛西南岸，以熔岩原、火山地貌与活跃的地热活动而闻名。

  火山地热活动

  大西洋中脊横贯雷克雅内斯半岛，亚欧与北美两大地质板块亦于此交界，半岛上的火山地质运动也因此无比活跃，火山喷发与地震时常发生。熔岩原是这座半岛最具标志性的地貌。

  中世纪时，雷克雅内斯半岛频发火山爆发，但近500年来却颇为平静，不过短暂休眠的火山随时都有再次活跃的可能。

  地震在半岛地区仍然十分普遍。2001年，克莱瓦湖(Kleifarvatn)发生地震，湖底裂开后，湖泊面积也随之缩减了20%。克莱瓦湖下也有地热温泉在汩汩喷涌。

  Gunnuhver、Krýsuvik与Svartsengi是雷克雅内斯半岛上的主要地热活动区，Gunnuhver地区以蒸汽迷离的沸泥潭与蒸汽孔而闻名，Krýsuvik地区则分布有奇妙的地热喷泉，沸泥潭中的矿物也将土壤染成斑斓的颜色。Svartsengi地区坐落着一座地热电站，地热泉水的温度高达90°C，每秒流量达475升，从中能够产生76.5兆瓦的强大电力。

  颜色泛绿的火山口湖Grænavatn也是半岛上值得一游的小众景点。富含硫、硅等矿物质的蓝湖温泉也位于半岛之上。

  自然与生态

  雷克雅内斯半岛有着粗犷的地质地貌与淳朴的生态环境。悬崖岩壁上栖息着许多鸟类，著名的Krýsuvikurbjarg鸟崖上就生活着近8万只鸟儿。虽然没有海鹦栖居，人们仍能在这里寻觅到鸬鹚、暴风鹱等鸟类的踪影。

  克莱瓦湖位于Krýsuvíkurbjarg以北。克莱瓦湖也是雷克雅内斯半岛上最大、最深的湖泊。半岛中央的Djúpavatn湖则是一处垂钓的好去处。

  雷克雅内斯半岛上还是观赏到大西洋震撼海浪的完美地点。在距离Krýsuvík不远的Selvogur湾，汹涌的波涛不断凶猛地击向石礁；而在半岛西南部的Reykjanestá岬角，海洋甚至可以掀起30余米高的滔天巨浪。冰岛自然的野性风光与骇人力量有着崇高的壮美。

  半岛上的主要城镇有凯夫拉维克(Keflavík)、桑德盖尔济(Sandgerði)、加尔泽(Garður)、沃加尔(Vogar)、格林达维克(Grindavík)等。凯夫拉维克、尼亚兹维克(Njarðvík)、哈布尼尔(Hafnir)、Ásbrú共同组成了雷恰内斯拜尔(Reykjanesbær)市镇，人口达16000，是冰岛第五大市镇。

  凯夫拉维克国际机场

  位于Miðnesheiði平原上的凯夫拉维克是冰岛国际机场Leifsstöð的所在地，或称凯夫拉维克国际机场，这是冰岛唯一一座国际机场，也是冰岛旅行的门户。

  蓝湖温泉

  举世闻名的蓝湖温泉位于雷克雅内斯半岛南端，是冰岛最受欢迎的旅行景点之一。许多游客会选择在到达冰岛后立即前往蓝湖温泉，在富含矿物质的蔚蓝泉水中放松身心。

  雷克雅内斯半岛,

  

  索尔黑马冰川(Sólheimajökull)是冰岛南岸米达冰川(Mýrdalsjökull)的分支冰舌，距离雷克雅未克只有158公里，是距离首都最近的冰川之一。

  由于距离雷克雅未克很近，便于抵达，索尔黑马冰川目前已经是最受旅人欢迎的冰岛冰川徒步目的地之一，与冰岛东南部的斯维纳山冰川(Svínafellsjökull)并称“冰岛最受欢迎的冰川徒步地点”。

  索尔黑马冰川的地理

  索尔黑马冰川共8公里长、两公里宽，作为米达冰川其中一支冰舌，索尔黑马冰川和米达冰川两者之间没有明显的分界线，甚至会让人有种“索尔黑马冰川面积更大”的错觉。

  米达冰川(Mýrdalsjökull)除了索黑马冰川外还有许多其他的冰舌，是冰岛第四大冰盖。在米达冰川厚实的冰块下还隐藏了冰岛最“恶名昭彰”的火山之一：卡特拉火山(Katla)。

  在卡特拉火山附近的艾雅法拉冰川火山(Eyjafjallajökull)，就是曾经在2010年全面大爆发，瘫痪了欧洲航空交通的“罪魁祸首”，根据过往经验，通常在艾雅法拉冰川火山爆发后卡特拉火山也会随之而爆发，但到目前为止卡特拉火山仍没有任何爆发的迹象。

  你完全不需要担心会在游览冰川火山时会遇到突发性的火山爆发。冰岛有着完善的火山检测系统，主要检测到一点动静都会及时通知当地的旅行团营运商和居民。因此只要你报名的冰川火山旅行团仍然正常出发，就说明火山是非常安全的。

  让人惋惜的是，索尔黑马冰川面积正在逐年锐减，冰川脚下的冰河湖也因为冰川的快速融化，变得越来越大—每年这个冰河湖都会扩大大约一个标准奥运泳池的面积。预计在这未来的100年之内，索尔黑马冰川将完全消失。

  全球变暖已经是一个无可逆转的现实。如果你有幸在索尔黑马冰川消失之前到访，请好好珍惜它日渐消逝的美丽。

  

  让索尔黑马冰川从冰岛众多冰川中脱颖而出，成为最受欢迎的冰川之一原因有三。首先，它非常易于到达，位于冰岛一号环岛公路旁边，无论是顺时针还是逆时针环岛都会必然会经过它。其次就是在它周围没有高耸的山脉，登上冰川后就可以毫无遮挡地看到辽阔的冰岛南岸绝色美景。第三就是它有许多高耸的冰墙，很适合进行攀冰活动，可以满足挑战者们的征服欲。

  除了冰墙外，索尔黑马冰川上也有很多其他冰川特色地貌—冰缝、冰裂、冰窟，如果足够幸运的话甚至还可以发现冰洞，它丰富的火山灰资源也让它呈现出黑、白、蓝相间的颜色，让人有着登上异星球的错觉。

  在索尔黑马冰川下还有一条又冰川融水创造出的冰川河—Jökulsá á Sólheimasandi。这条冰川河从冰川脚下一路缓缓而流，途径一片黑沙滩—Sólheimasandur，最终汇入大海。

  索尔黑马冰川旅行团

  不少雷克雅未克往返的南岸一日游都会包含索尔黑马冰川游览或者冰川徒步的项目，也有不少以索尔黑马冰川徒步为主题的一日游，让住在首都的旅人可以简单一天之内往返雷克雅未克和索尔黑马冰川。

  如果参加冰岛南岸一日游到访索尔黑马冰川，旅行团通常还会带你造访冰岛南岸著名的斯科加瀑布(Skógafoss)、塞里雅兰瀑布(Seljalandsfoss)、雷尼斯黑沙滩(Reynisfjara)，部分长时间的一日游更会抵达瓦特纳冰川国家公园(Vatnajökull National Park)和杰古沙龙冰河湖( ökulsárlón)

  攀登索尔黑马冰川是必须跟随冰岛本地的专业冰川向导才可以进行的活动。带团的冰川向导均受过专业训练，懂得处理遇到的各类冰川地貌，有资格带领从来没有冰川徒步经验的旅人开展安全、好玩的旅途。旅行团会为所有参加冰川徒步项目的旅人准备冰川的安全装备—冰爪、冰斧、头盔等，参加者只需要自己准备保暖防风的衣物和结实的登山鞋，就可以参加这个冰岛特色户外活动。

  在正式开始冰川徒步项目前，专业的向导都会指导所有参加者正确使用安全准备的方法以及详细讲解冰川上的安全须知，以确保所有团员都可以在安全的情况下进行活动。建议准备参加旅行团的旅人都要确保你可以听懂向导的英文安全讲解，或者有同行翻译陪伴。出于安全理由，冰川向导有权利临时拒绝不理解安全须知的游人参团。

  索尔黑马冰川,

  

  Mýrdalsjökull is a glacier in the south of the Icelandic highlands. It is the country's fourth largest ice cap, covering nearly 600 square kilometres (232 square miles), and its highest peak is almost 1500 meters tall. It is most well-known for sitting atop the notorious and explosive volcano, Katla.

  Mýrdalsjökull is visible from Route 1 on the South Coast, sitting to the north of the village of Vík. It is visited on some snowmobiling, ice caving and helicopter tours, and one of its glacial outlets, Sólheimajökull, is the most popular place in the country for ice-climbing and glacier hiking.

  Eruptions beneath Myrdalsjokull

  Since 2010, the world has known of the volcano beneath Eyjafjallajökull; after all, it halted European air travel for over a week and stumped news readers everywhere. Few, however, are aware of the much larger volcano right beside it.

  Mýrdalsjökull conceals Katla, one of the country’s most active volcanoes, having erupted, on average, once every fifty years since 930 AD. Because of the glacier above it, these eruptions tend to cause enormous ash clouds. It is these ash clouds that lead to flights being grounded, crops and livestock poisoned, and have the potential to change the world’s climate.

  

  The last major eruption beneath Katla was in 1918, in which such huge lahar floods occurred that the southern coastline was extended five kilometres outwards. This area is also very susceptible to glacial floods, or 'jökulhlaup', during eruptions, even when the lava does not break through the surface of the ice. These are as dangerous as the lava itself, having wiped out whole Icelandic villages before.

  Historically, the area was little settled for this reason.

  Katla is connected to the same volcanic system as Eyjafjallajökull and usually erupts violently a few years after Eyjafjallajökull does. As the ex-president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson said in 2010:

  ‘The time for Katla to erupt is coming close… it is high time for European governments and airline authorities all over Europe and the world to start planning for the eventual Katla eruption’

  So it is currently several years overdue. Katla is monitored heavily, and roads around it closed when seismic activity increases. All road closures around Iceland can be found on Road and Coastal Administration's website.

  Tours on Myrdalsjokull

  While there are no eruptions immediately imminent, tours continue to run onMýrdalsjökull, allowing visitors to enjoy the glacier. It is, for example, possible to snowmobile across its surface throughout the year and take ice caving tours beneath it from October to April, with departures from both Reykjavík and Vík.

  Considering the ice caves under Vatnajökull glacier are usually only accessible from November to March, this provides a wider window of opportunity for travellers to Iceland outside of the depths of winter. It should be noted that the caves in Mýrdalsjökull do not have the same blue ice, however.

  Tours around Myrdalsjokull

  Mýrdalsjökull can be seen on all South Coast tours that reach Vík and beyond in clear weather. It can also be seen from above on helicopter tours that depart from Reykjavík.

  The best perspectives of the glacier, however, can be found on the popular Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, which goes between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Part of this hike can be done in a day, or you can take the complete route from Þórsmörk to Skógar on a three-day trek

   

  Mýrdalsjökull,

  

  斯卡夫塔山是冰岛Öræfasveit地区的一个自然保护区，它曾经是一个国家公园，2008年，和杰古沙格鲁夫尔(Jökulsárgljúfur)国家公园合并为如今的瓦特那冰川国家公园(Vatnajökull National Park)。

  斯卡夫塔山地区的植被非常有特色，它们生长在沙地与冰川形成的特色地貌上，给整个地区带来盎然生机和独特的自然风光。从斯卡夫塔山游客中心可以沿徒步路径通向斯瓦蒂瀑布(Svartifoss，意为黑瀑布，又译为魔鬼瀑布)、Hundafoss瀑布，以及斯卡夫塔山冰川，远处是Kristinartindar山和Morsardalur山谷。

  对于户外爱好者，斯卡夫塔山是前往冰岛最高峰－华纳达尔斯赫努克火山(Hvannadalshnjúkur)的最佳营地选择。

  斯卡夫塔山游客中心(Skaftafell Visitor Center)

  在斯卡夫塔山的游客中心，您可以找到此地区最完备的信息，以及它的历史、地理知识。您可以了解以此为出发地的各个徒步线路、观光建议、住宿选择等。

  斯卡夫塔山,

  

  Silfra is a fissure filled with fresh spring water within Þingvellir National Park, and one of the country’s most cherished wonders. Snorkelling and diving in its crystal-clear waters is an experience that is both thrilling and relaxing, and it is now considered to be one of the top five dive sites in the world. It takes around an hour to reach Silfra from Reykjavík. 

  Geography of Silfra

  

  Silfra fissure opened in 1789, due to the movements of the tectonic plates that frame Þingvellir National Park. The North American and Eurasian plates, which run all the way through Iceland, separate at about 2 centimetres per year, and as they do, they tear open fissures in the land between them. 

  Some of the ravines fill with water travelling underground through the porous lava fields in the area, originating from Langjökull glacier about 60 kilometres north. It can take the water up to a century to reach Silfra and this long filtration process results in the water being both extremely clear and drinkable.

  

  Because the water travels underground, it maintains a constant temperature of two to three degrees Celsius and does not freeze over immediately at the source of the spring. Snorkelling and diving tours are thus open throughout the year.

  The clarity of the water is what draws most visitors. The visibility can extend to over 100 metres, allowing you to see the canyon walls and bottom like you are floating over a great cathedral.

  The last colour that water absorbs is blue, which means that when you look forward in Silfra, it is as if you are looking into an ethereal, vivid, azure world. The clarity also means that sun-rays refract through the surface of the water, creating rainbows on Silfra’s bed when the weather allows. 

  Snorkelling in Silfra

  

  Snorkelling in Silfra fissure is a highly enjoyable activity, but you must meet some prerequisites to be able to join. These are as follows:

  • You must be able to swim
  • You must be over 16
  • You must be in good physical health
  • You must be at least 145 centimetres and 45 kilograms
  • If you are over sixty, you will need a medical waiver
  • If you are over forty-five with a history of heavy alcohol use and pipe smoking, you will also need a waiver

  The most common option for snorkelling is to conduct it in a drysuit. Drysuits work with a fluffy undersuit to keep your body free from water and insulated against the cold, making the task of swimming through the near-freezing temperature more than achievable. 

   

  While drysuit snorkelling is the most comfortable and popular option, a few tours allow you to go through Silfra wearing a wetsuit. Wetsuits, made of neoprene, allow water to surround your body in a thin layer, that your body then heats up and uses to protect you. Though they grant you more flexibility, they are not so warm, so this should be done by the daring; you will also need to be at least 50 kilograms to snorkel in a wetsuit.

  In all tours, you wear neoprene on your head and hands to allow for better mobility, a mask and snorkel, and a pair of fins, all of which are provided on site. The course of Silfra takes approximately forty minutes, and there is a gentle current throughout, meaning it requires minimal energy to traverse.

  Diving in Silfra

  

  Diving through Silfra gives an extra dimension to its beauty, as you will be able to look up and see the sun glistening upon the surface as you cruise through the crystal clear waters. However, considering the risks associated with diving in cold water and cumbersome equipment, all who partake must meet all the requirements above, as well as one of the following:

  • You must be a qualified diver with a certification in a drysuit speciality, OR
  • You must be a qualified diver with at least 10 logged dives in a drysuit conducted over the past two years, signed by an instructor or divemaster.

   

  Silfra,
  

  Sólheimasandur is a vast area of sand and gravel along the South Coast of Iceland, between the cliffs of the interior and the modern shoreline. It was built up by immense glacier bursts sweeping from the mountains to the shore.

  Geography of Sólheimasandur

  Sólheimasandur is a glacial outwash plain, meaning when that when eruptions happen under the nearby glacier, Mýrdalsjökull, the floodwater rushes across this land for the sea.

  A glacial flood, otherwise called Jökulhlaup (one of two words taken from Icelandic in the English language, the other being geyser) is perhaps the most dangerous immediate element of an Icelandic eruption. While individuals have been killed by lava flows and bombs, many more have lost their lives to the water.

  For this reason, Sólheimasandur has no significant settlements, all the way from the village of Vík í Mýrdal to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. The whole area is vulnerable to glacial floods, which are still notoriously unpredictable to modern science.

  This is especially the case considering that the volcano beneath Mýrdalsjökull, Katla, is Iceland’s most active volcano, which carries a reputation for violently erupting, seemingly at random.

  Even if these eruptions do not break the surface of the ice, they can still cause devastating floods. In fact, these can even be more dangerous, as these eruptions are often not detected..

  If Katla is showing signs of waking, then the Ring Road going south across Sólheimasandur is often closed.

  In spite of its dark reputation, Sólheimasandur is a place of ethereal and haunting beauty. Entirely flat, composed of black sands, it is often compared to a lunar landscape, or else some kind fantastical desert. The views of Mýrdalsjökull, Vatnajökull, the Highlands and the South Coast are also magnificent in clear weather.

  Sólheimasandur is easy to reach, laying on the Ring Road that encircles the country.

  The DC-3 Plane Wreckage

  Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit: Sekeri

  One of the most impressive sights on Sólheimasandur is the DC-3 plane wreckage. Lying abandoned in the sand, a deteriorating skeleton, with nothing but endless black sand surrounding it,  it makes an eerie destination even more ominous.

  It is a US Navy plane, that was flying across the area in 1973; until recently the US had a NATO base at Keflavík, as Iceland has no armed forces of its own. It seemed to run out of fuel - although it was later discovered that the pilot had, in fact, switched to the wrong fuel tank - and had to make an emergency landing.

  Thankfully, no one was killed or injured, although the plane was far too damaged to be repaired.

  Because there were no deaths or injuries, there is nothing tasteless about taking photos with the plane. In fact, it a popular addition to many South Coast tours. Because the wreckage is not expected to remain there for long - considering the regular glacial floods that rush through the area - it is fine to touch it. It is not recommended that you climb on it, however, for safety reasons.

  To reach the plane requires a short walk across Sólheimasandur.

   

  Sólheimasandur,

  Photo from Thrihnukagigar Volcano Tour

  Þríhnúkagígur is a dormant volcano in west Iceland, famous for its enormous magma chamber. It is the only magma chamber in the world that can be entered, and has a depth of 213 metres (699 feet).

  Formation of Þríhnúkagígur

  Þríhnúkagígur was a normal volcano in Iceland’s Blue Mountain range, also call Bláfjöll. However, its last eruption, almost 2,000 years ago, had some very unusual consequences.

  After an eruption, the magma chamber of a volcano, now free of pressure, usually remains full of lava that cools into solid rock until the next eruption. If the magma chamber is fully emptied, the volcano will usually collapse in on itself.

  To the bewilderment of scientists, however, neither of these things happened to Þríhnúkagígur.

  It seems that a rift beneath the chamber drained it of all remaining lava, leaving behind an enormous chamber, that covered an area of 3,270 square metres (35,200 square feet). To give some idea of the scale of this, the Statue of Liberty could stretch her limbs within it, and it could comfortably fit Hallgrímskirkja church.

  Unusually, the volcano did not collapse, and it has remained unchanged since.

  Discovery and Exploration of Þríhnúkagígur

  The vast magma chamber under Þríhnúkagígur would not be discovered until 1974, by an Icelandic cave explorer. Its discovery made world news, as volcanologists had not seen anything like it before, and were fighting to try to explain its existence.

  In 2012, it was opened for tourism. A lift, akin to those used in mining, was installed, and visitors were now allowed to join tours plumbing its depths.

  Its popularity comes not only from the uniqueness of the tour and the scale of the chamber, but the incredible colouration within it. Mineral deposits dye the walls vivid shades of red, yellow, green and blue, making the incredible space that much more ethereal.

  Reaching Þríhnúkagígur requires a short but uphill hike, which can be done by any steady on their feet with a reasonable level of fitness. Tours only operate in summer.

   

  Þríhnúkagígur,

  举世闻名的雷尼斯黑沙滩(Reynisfjara)坐落于冰岛南岸，与冰岛最南城镇维克镇(Vík)毗邻。

  玄武岩黑沙滩的异世之美为冰岛特有，一望无垠的雷尼斯黑沙滩绝对是其中最美丽的一座。大西洋的滚滚白浪与黝黑火山砂石形成了梦幻般的色彩对比，于波涛中屹立的巨型玄武岩柱与神秘的黑沙滩相映成趣。早在1991年，《国家地理》就将雷尼斯黑沙滩列为世界十大最值得游览的非热带沙滩之一。

  距冰岛首都雷克雅未克约180公里的雷尼斯黑沙滩，也是冰岛南岸景区最热门的景点之一。

  黑沙滩位于一号环岛公路沿线，路况良好、驾驶容易，距首都约有2.5小时车程，半日之内即可往返参观，也可与南岸其他景点组合。

  黑沙滩的民间传说

  游览雷尼斯黑沙滩时，耸拔于大西洋惊涛之中的雷尼斯岩柱(Reynisdrangar/雷尼斯德兰格)也同样夺人目光。

  根据民间传说记载，这些巨型玄武岩柱是冰岛巨魔的遗骸；黎明破晓时，欲将帆船拖入海中的巨魔遭遇阳光，化为巨石。

  另一则传说却道，一个男人的妻子被两只巨魔掳掠杀害，男人追至雷尼斯黑沙滩，封印住巨魔，为这段悲剧画下结尾。

  雷尼斯黑沙滩与雷尼斯岩柱还曾在现代传奇中现身：《权力的游戏(冰与火之歌)》第七季就曾在此取景，以求展现绝境长城以北的凛冽风光。

  雷尼斯岩柱如今是海鸟们的栖息家园，北极海鹦、暴风鹱、海鸽等鸟类每年都会来此筑巢，喜爱观鸟的游客一定要到访黑沙滩。

  黑沙滩周边景点

  

  雷尼斯黑沙滩位于冰岛南岸中段，与维克镇毗邻；如果游客沿一号环岛公路自驾南岸，黑沙滩一定是旅程中不容错过的必游自然景点。经过黑沙滩，游客可以继续东行，前往杰古沙龙冰河湖(Jökulsárlón)，或继续环岛旅行。

  迪霍拉里海岬(Dyrhólaey)是另一处与雷尼斯黑沙滩紧邻的冰岛自然景点。迪霍拉里是冰岛观鸟的最佳地点之一，海鸟的数目与种类都让黑沙滩地区难以望其项背。每年5～8月，迪霍拉里也是冰岛观海鹦的最佳地点。

  从首都雷克雅未克前往雷尼斯黑沙滩，游客将途径塞里雅兰瀑布(Seljalandsfoss)、斯科加瀑布(Skógafoss)、艾雅法拉冰川火山(Eyjafjallajökull)、米尔达斯冰川(Mýrdalsjökull)等自然景点；从黑沙滩继续前行，游客将进入瓦特纳冰川国家公园(Vatnajökull)，到访斯卡夫塔山自然保护区(Skaftafell)、冰河湖、钻石冰沙滩等闻名遐迩的自然胜景。

  游览黑沙滩的潜在危险与注意事项

  

  游览雷尼斯黑沙滩时，游客需务必注意自身安全，以防发生意外与危险。大西洋的波涛凶悍强劲，浪高且急，极易将靠近海浪的游客卷入寒冷的海中。

  雷尼斯黑沙滩与南极洲一线贯通，中间没有任何陆块，海浪得以积聚数千公里的能量；无论天气是平和还是狂暴，黑沙滩海域时刻都会产生这种突如其来的大浪，将一切沙滩上的人与物恣意卷入海洋。

  游客必须远离海浪，与海洋至少保持30公里的距离。

  雷尼斯黑沙滩,

  The mighty Langjökull, the ‘Long Glacier’, is the second-largest glacier in Iceland, at 935 square kilometres (361 square miles). For jeep and snowmobile trips, Langjökull is the most popular glacier in Iceland, and skiing and hiking here is possible as well.

  Highland tracks

  

  Langjökull is located in the Highlands, and two main highland tracks, connecting the north and the south of Iceland, lie alongside it.

  The Kaldidalur road stretches from Þingvellir National Park northwards to Húsafell. The Kjalvegur road, meanwhile lies east of Langjökull and west of Hofsjökull glacier, starting near the famous Gullfoss waterfall to the south, and passing through the beautiful Hveravellir geothermal area to the north.

  The landscape of Langjokull

  Langjökull is about 50 kilometres (31 miles) long and up to 20 kilometres (12 miles) wide, and the ice is around 580 metres (1,903 feet) deep at its thickest. The glacier reaches its highest point in its northernmost part, which is called Baldjökull, rising around 1,450 metres (4,757 feet) above sea level.

  The glacier lies over a massif of hyaloclastite mountains. The tops of these mountains can be seen in certain places on the glacier. It also conceals at least two active volcanic systems, the calderas of which are visible from the air.

  The best known of these systems fuels the geothermal area of Hveravellir, east of Baldjökull. Also in the east lies the Kjalhraun lava field, which formed about 7800 years ago.

  To the northwest of the glacier is another system that produced the vast Hallmundarhraun lava field, through which the Hvítá river runs in the direction of Gullfoss waterfall. Also in the area is Iceland‘s longest lava cave, the fascinating Surtshellir.

  Southwest of Langjökull is the Presthnúkur lava field, fissures of which creep under the ice. South of the glacier is the Lambahraun lava field and even further south lies the Skjaldbreiðarhraun lava field and the Skjaldbreiður shield volcano.

  Compared to other regions in Iceland, the area is considered relatively calm, with only 32 eruptions in the last 10,000 years.

  Into the glacier

  Near the highest peaks of Langjökull exists a man-made ice tunnel, a true spectacle for any visitor passing by the glacier. Designed and constructed by geophysicist and presidential candidate Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, the tunnel exists to allow visitors to explore the inside of a glacier without having to come to Iceland in mid-winter for a chance to see the less-than-reliable ice caves.

  Guests traverse beneath Langjökull's thick ice sheet, experiencing the vivid blue colouration within, and gaining an insight into the glacier's beauty, formation and processes. It is the only place in the world where this is possible. ‘Into the Glacier’ tours are often combined with adventure activities such as snowmobiling.

  Nearby glaciers

  The glaciers located nearest to Langjökull are Eiríksjökull, which conceals the highest mountain in west Iceland, and Þórisjökull. Hrútfellsjökull also lies on the east side of Langjökull.

  Between Þórisjökull and Geitlandsjökull is a valley called Þórisdalur. Along with stunning views, it features prominently in Icelandic folk tales; the outlaw Grettir the Strong of Grettis Saga, for example, is reported to have resided here for one winter.

  Langjokull and the Golden Circle

  

  Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route, the Golden Circle, would not be possible if not for Langjökull glacier; none of its three iconic features would exist in their current state without the melting ice.

  Gullfoss waterfall is the most obvious example of this. The river that feeds into it, the Hvítá, is a glacier river flowing straight from Langjökull; the scale of the ice cap is hinted at by the sheer volume of water that cascades here every second.

  The hot springs at Geysir, meanwhile, are supplied with water underground. Meltwater from Langjökull feeds into the surrounding lava fields, which have very porous rock, and flows in a subterranean river to the geothermal area, where it comes bursting out of the naturally forms vents.

  While Þingvellir would still have its National Park and World Heritage status without Langjökull, which it received for being the original site of what is now the longest-running representative parliament in the world, it would be notably less beautiful.

  Many springs exist throughout the park, also formed by the underground meltwater of the glacier. Due to its long filtration process, the water emerges as some of the clearest naturally occurring water in the world.

  Silfra fissure, therefore, is the best snorkelling and diving location in the country and consistently ranked as one of the top ten places for such activities in the world.

  Global warming

  Langjökull is shrinking fast and concerns have been raised about the glacier due to the effect of global warming. Some researchers fear that if climate change continues at its current rate the glacier may be gone in 150 years. Less optimistic scientists have said it could be gone in as few as 50.

  朗格冰川,

  

  Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church, located on top of the Skólavörðuhæð hill in the centre of Reykjavík. At 74.5 metres (245 feet) tall, it is the largest church in Iceland, and its tower offers a spectacular panoramic view over the city.  

  History and Design

  The church was designed by one of Iceland’s most renowned architects, Guðjón Samúelsson, who is said to have sought inspiration for his expressionistic design from elements of Icelandic nature.

  These include glaciers, mountains and lava formations, particularly the hexagonal basalt columns that surround the waterfall Svartifoss in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, in Vatnajökull National Park. These have influenced the architecture of many structures in Iceland, as well as a whole host of other artistic projects.

  It is also designed to resemble Thor’s hammer, with the handle facing up, as a nod to Iceland’s religious history.

  The church took 41 years to build, with construction starting in 1945 and finishing in 1986. The leaders of the Church of Iceland wanted a building that would tower over the Catholic Church of Landakotskirkja, also designed by Samúelsson.

  The large pipe organ inside Hallgrímskirkja, consisting of over 5000 pipes, was built by German Johannes Klais of Bonn and its construction was completed in December 1992.

  Outside the church stands one of the most famous statues of one of Iceland’s most legendary children, Leifur Eiríksson, by American sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder; Eiríksson was a Norse explorer from Iceland who discovered the continent of North America in the year 1000, more than half a century before Christopher Columbus.  

  The statue was a gift from the United States in 1930, on the millennial anniversary of Iceland’s legislative body, the Alþingi, founded in Þingvellir in 930 AD. This was the world’s first democratically elected parliament and is now located in Reykjavík.

  Culture

  

  The church’s namesake is the Icelandic priest Hallgrímur Pétursson, a 17th-century poet and author of the Passion Hymns (Passíusálmar). These hymns are a vital part of Icelandic religious tradition and a staple of local literature, having been reprinted over 75 times since their original publishing in 1666.

  The tower of the church is each day visited by hundreds of spectators who seek to enjoy its sweeping view of the capital. The observation tower can be accessed via a lift. There is a small fee to ascend above the clock, which goes towards the maintenance and running of the church.

  Hallgrímskirkja counts as the most iconic landmark of the city of Reykjavík and is visible throughout most of the capital, challenged only by the concert hall and conference centre Harpa. It is a useful tool for navigating as visitors wander the streets.

  It also serves as a focal meeting point for several cultural events, such as the annual gathering for watching the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. On this night, thousands of people set off dozens of fireworks in an ad-hoc, somewhat chaotic, yet unbelievably dazzling show.

  In the lead-up to the night many shops sell protective goggles that are recommended for all observers, particularly children, due to a few incidents of debris falling from poorly aimed fireworks.

  哈尔格林姆斯大教堂,

   

  Seltjarnarnes is a township in the Reykjavik district. It has a population of about 4600 people and land-wise it is the smallest township in the country (2 km²). It is situated at the tip of the peninsula of the same name. 

  The area around Grotta island and Bakkatjorn pond on Seltjarnarnes, both of them natural reserves, is particularly beautiful and rich with birdlife. A charming old lighthouse is located on Grotta.

  Culturewise the township features a Medical History Museum, an independent theater and a star observation society. Seltjarnarnes has also made a name for itself in sports, football team Grotta playing in Iceland's second level and their handball team playing the premier division.

  Seltjarnarnes,

  Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit: Marek Ślusarczyk

  Laugavegur is the main shopping street in Reykjavík, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

  Laugavegur in Reykjavík

  Laugavegur is one of the oldest streets in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Its name roughly translates to ‘the Water Road’, as it was up and down this area where women used to bring their laundry to be washed in the hot pools.

  It was properly constructed in 1885.

  The road begins in the east at Kringlumýrbraut, near the mall Kringlan and the town’s largest park Laugardalur, and runs west to Bankastræti, which leads into the downtown area. It is about two kilometres (just over a mile) long.

  The popular shopping stretch of the street starts at the city’s bus centre, Hlemmur, and continues to Bankastræti; east of here is the economic district.

  Driving on the shopping stretch of the street is banned in summer, allowing guests to enjoy without traffic. During pride, rainbow colours can be seen in almost every window.

  What to do on Laugavegur

  Wikimedia, Creative Commons, Photo Credit: Josef Knect

  Laugavegur is home to a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars, all appealing to different tastes. In terms of museums, it has just one, although it is a favourite amongst visitors; the Phallological Museum began as a strange hobby of one collector, and is now the world’s only museum dedicated to the understanding of the genitals of male creatures from across the animal kingdom.

  It even has a preserved member of a man who donated it, and letters from many promising to dedicate their own when the time comes.

  In terms of shops, Laugavegur largely has boutiques with high-end products, most of which are Icelandic designed and produced. It also has many tourist shops, selling fridge magnets, books, stuffed animals and all sorts of souvenirs. While the boutiques are beloved, these tourist shops are often scorned at, for selling things such as polar bear teddies to the unwitting, who do not know that you do not get polar bears in Iceland.

  If you want to shop for clothes and jewellery without breaking the bank, there are second-hand and vintage shops along the road too.

  Laugavegur has more competition than it used to with the opening of the Kringlan and Smárilind malls, but is still a thriving area. In fact, developers are beginning to open more and more shops and bars on the adjacent Hverfisgata, to turn this area into more of a hub for locals and visitors.

  The wealth of restaurants along the road have a diverse selection of menus. Some of these are traditionally Icelandic, but there are cuisines from all around the world, and some establishments are even fusion restaurants of diverse cultures.

  Veganism is on a rapid rise in Iceland, so those who do not eat meat and dairy will find many restaurants dedicated to them, and options at most others.

  In terms of bars, Laugavegur has many of the city’s most popular haunts. Dillon, for example, is a rock bar renowned for its live music. Lebowski Bar is renowned for its food, quizzes, ‘wheel of fortune’, and dedication to the movie from which it is named. Just off the street are many other great drinking holes, such as Loft Bar, KiKi and Prikið.

   

  Laugavegur (street),

  

  维克镇(Vík)，全名为Vík í Mýdral，是冰岛主岛上最南端的小镇，距离首都雷克雅未克约186公里。

  维克镇是冰岛一号环岛公路南岸沿线的著名旅游景点，无论是租车自驾还是参加冰岛本地旅行团。虽然小镇人口仅为300余人，维克镇的基础设施却十分完备，因此也是冰岛旅行中的重要旅途中转站，是休息、用餐或者住宿的绝佳去处。

  维克镇附近特色

  从首都雷克雅未克抵达维克镇大约需要两个半小时，沿途您将经过不少冰岛南岸的知名景点，其中包括斯科加瀑布(Skógafoss)和塞里雅兰瀑布(Seljalandsfoss)两大经典瀑布。

  天气晴朗的时候，附近的埃亚菲亚德拉冰盖(Eyjafjallajökull)以及米尔达斯冰川(Mýrdalsjökull)也清晰可见。两座冰川下都掩藏了活跃的火山，埃亚菲亚德拉火山就曾在2010年大爆发，导致了欧洲航空交通大瘫痪。天气条件极好时，游客还有机会远眺到西人岛(Vestmannaeyjar)。

  在抵达维克镇之前，您会首先抵达冰岛著名的观鸟海崖迪霍拉里(Dyrhólaey)。每年夏季5至8月的筑巢季节，海鹦就会来此筑巢栖居，迪霍拉里也将成为冰岛夏季观海鹦的最佳地点之一。

  冰岛最著名旅游景点之一雷尼斯黑沙滩(Reynisfjara)就位于维克镇旁。雷尼斯黑沙滩被誉为全世界最美的非热带沙滩之一，以黝黑神秘的火山沙砾和熔岩地貌而闻名。

  

  在雷尼斯沙滩，您可以找到独具冰岛特色的六棱玄武岩柱群与岩洞，大西洋中则矗立着壮丽的雷尼斯岩柱(Reynisdrangar)。有关雷尼斯岩柱的由来有许多个版本的传说，相传几只想把渔船拖上岸的巨魔因躲避不及阳光而石化，成为了如今的雷尼斯岩柱。

  雷尼斯沙滩是夏天观午夜阳光、冬天观北极光的绝佳地点，但在游览沙滩时一定要注意个人安全，远离大西洋的巨浪，以防危险发生。

  沿着一号公路继续东行，经过Skeiðarásandur黑沙滩，您将进入冰岛最大的国家公园——瓦特纳冰川国家公园(Vatnajökull)。大名鼎鼎的斯卡夫塔山自然保护区(Skaftafell)以及杰古沙龙冰河湖(Jökulsárlón)都位于国家公园内。冬季时，许多自驾游客会在游览完冰河湖后返回雷克雅未克；夏季时则有很多人选择继续向北进发，完成冰岛环岛之旅。

  维克镇附近的野生生态

  维克镇依傍着Reynisfjall山，与迪霍拉里海岬也很近。这一区域生活着丰富的鸟类。在小镇徒步，可以看到海鸥、暴雪鹱、海雀等鸟类，夏天更可以找到海鹦。

  维克镇沿海而建，游人也有机会看到海滩上慵懒的野生海豹，甚至还有几率远看到海中的鲸鱼或者海豚。

  维克镇的基础设施

  维克镇是冰岛南部的主要城镇之一，基础设施完备，加油站、商店、咖啡店、超级市场、温泉泳池、不同级别的住宿选择应有尽有，镇上甚至还有羊毛工厂供游人参观。

  维克镇人口很少，如果您对于食物有特别的要求、需要寻找特别的食材，维克镇的超市未必可以完全满足您的需求，最好的方法是从雷克雅未克买好所需的特别食材，带去维克镇食用。

  维克镇,

  

  Svartifoss, in spite of being just 20 metres (66 feet) tall, and not particularly powerful, is one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls. The beauty of its formation and surroundings draw thousands of guest a year, and have inspired artists for centuries.

  Columns of Svartifoss

  Svartifoss is best renowned for the hexagonal basalt columns that surround it and lay shattered at its base. These columns, which are very dark, lend the feature its name; Svartifoss means ‘Black Falls’.

  These columns are found in other places in Iceland, such as the Gerðuberg cliffs on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and on Reynisfjara beach on the South Coast. At none of these locations, however, is there a cascade of foaming white water to add to the beauty and fantasy of the site.

  The geology surrounding Svartifoss has inspired many artists and architects, spanning generations. To list them all would be impossible, but perhaps the most notable is Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church in Reykjavík, which took elements of Svartifoss’s columns and Thor’s hammer in its design.

  The capital’s National Theatre also drew inspiration from Svartifoss, as did the artwork ‘Milestones’ on Viðey Island, by Richard Sierra.

  Location of Svartifoss

  

  Svartifoss is located in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, a place once so beautiful it was once its own national park; since, it has become enveloped into the greater Vatnajökull National Park.

  This reserve is renowned for it diverse and spectacular sceneries. It is partly forested in birch, partly covered in lava, divided by rivers and streams, and has many glacier tongues and lagoons within its boundaries.

  Avid hikers, photographers and nature lovers, therefore, find Skaftafell to be an oasis of beauty.

  To many, Svartifoss is its highlight. The hike from the Skaftafell Visitors’ Centre to the waterfall is just over thirty minutes, and though relatively easy, requires a reasonable level of fitness and decent hiking boots.

  Sites Surrounding Svartifoss

  Svartifoss, within Skaftafell, has a host of sites that compete for attention from visitors. Perhaps most notable of these is Svínafellsjökull, one of the country’s most popular ice caps for glacier hiking.

  Visitors are encouraged to spend several hours following different treks in the path, to discover a whole host of unspoiled spots of incredible natural beauty.

  If travelling to Skaftafell from Reykjavík, the journey is direct, going east along Route 1. The four hours it should take you is likely to extend much longer, however, as you stop off at the many sites en route. These include the marvellous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, and the cliffs of Dyrhólaey and Reynisdrangar.

  Unfortunately, Svartifoss and Skaftafell are often both overlooked by travellers racing their way to the  Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, which are half an hour further along Route 1.

  While these sites are majestic places, where you can see enormous icebergs cruise from a vast lake to the ocean, amongst dozens of playing seals, Svartifoss still stands up as a natural highlight next to them, and visitors should still attempt to see it.

   

  Svartifoss,

  

  Skógar, in South Iceland, is a tiny village and popular stop for travellers. It has a population of about 20 people, features a regional museum and is close to the beautiful Skógafoss waterfall.

  The area had a regional school until 1949, now run as a hotel.

  The Regional Museum Site

  The museum features several buildings. The main building has many interesting artefacts, but its main attraction is an eight-oar fishing ship, a beautiful relic revealing Iceland’s maritime history.

  There is an electricity station in the area, built in 1929. There’s also charming little schoolhouse there, built in 1901 and serving until 1907. Furthermore, there is a beautiful church, built in the 19th century style, using material from decomissioned churches across the country.

  A transport museum at the site has a collection of vehicles, along with an exhibition on the history of transport and its development in Iceland. This story is surprisingly fascinating, seeming as Iceland was such a disconnected country until the mid-twentieth century.

  The timber house of Hölt has its earliest origins in 1878 but has since been restored, with the latest restoration occurring around 1950. The house has domestic artefacts ranging from 1870-1930.

  Another reconstructed old building dates back to 1920, and there is also an old reconstructed turf farm of seven houses, dating back to the 19th century, showcasing and exhibition on farm life of the time.

  Nearby Attractions

  There are several spectacular waterfalls in the area. The most famous, about five kilometres (three miles) from Skógar, is Skógafoss waterfall, one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

  You can walk to the top of the waterfall and on sunny days it may produce a rainbow.

  You can also travel by jeep to Fimmvörðuháls, one of Iceland’s most popular hiking routes. The volcanic glaciers Mýrdalsjökull (home to the Katla volcano) and Eyjafjallajökull are not  far off, the latter  famous for its 2010 eruption.

  Further north is Þórsmörk, one of Iceland’s most popular hiking sites.

   

  Skógar,

  

  Kerið is a volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland. It is close to the three major sites that comprise Iceland’s world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route and thus makes for the perfect detour for those on visiting these landmarks.

  Kerid and the Golden Circle

  The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular tourist route. Its three main highlights are Gullfoss, or the ‘Golden Waterfall’; the Haukadalur Geothermal Valley, with its many springs and geysers; and Þingvellir National Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland and the birthplace of the country’s parliament.

  

  There are several tour operators who offer trips to the Golden Circle. Many of those define their tours from others with extra stops, and Kerið crater is the most popular of these. It is approximately 40 minutes drive from Þingvellir and Haukadalur in different directions, providing visitors with two routes by which they can return to Reykjavík.

  If travelling to Kerið crater alone, please be aware that there is a small entrance fee, of 400 ISK (about two Euros, or three US dollars). This is only to help the landowners preserve and protect the crater; after all, it is on privately owned land.

  Other sites you may want to detour on when travelling the Golden Circle are the Sólheimar ecovillage, the Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn, the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, and the Friðheimar tomato and horse farm.

  Geology of Kerid

  Kerið is approximately three thousand years old, making it roughly half the age of most volcanic calderas found in Iceland. This is the major reason as to why Kerið’s slopes are red in colour, rather than a volcanic black; the iron deposits are, geologically speaking, fresh.

  This vivid redness is part of the appeal of visiting this crater. The crimson rocks contrast dramatically with their surroundings, particularly the intense azure colour of the waters within the crater lake, and the verdant bursts of vegetation.

  Kerið is approximately 55 metres (180 feet) deep, 170 metres (558 feet) wide and 270 meters (886 feet) in circumference. It is possible to take a path right to the crater’s edge, to fully encircle it, and to descend down to the pristine waters of the crater lake.

  Many crater lakes can be found in nearby, a region known as Iceland's Western Volcanic Zone. The area surrounding it is of barren, stark lava fields, further illustrating the volcanism of the region.

  Scientists believe that Kerið was once a cone-shaped volcano. Upon eruption, it is widely believed that the volcano depleted its magma reserve, causing the foundation to fall in upon itself and result in the formation it has today. Of course, this was two thousand years before settlement, so no one is quite certain.

  At some point in the centuries following the collapse, Kerið crater filled with water. The resulting lake is between seven and fourteen metres deep, depending on the time of year and the amount of rainfall.

  The reason why the lake is so vividly coloured is that of the minerals from the rocks, seeping into and dyeing the water the aquamarine colour for which it is renowned.

  凯瑞斯火山口(Kerið),

  

  Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is Iceland’s only international airport and the port of arrival for the vast majority of visitors to the country. In 2016 alone, almost seven million passengers went through its gates.

  The History of Keflavík International Airport

  Keflavík International Airport is a relic from the ‘invasion of Iceland’ in World War II, when Allied troops took over the island nation following the defeat of its colonial ruler, Denmark, at the hands of the Nazis.

  The British laid out a landing strip in the town of Garður, but considering Iceland’s incredibly strategic position in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, one strip was not quite enough.

  After taking control of the ‘occupation’, US troops constructed and opened two airfields for military purposes in 1942 and 1943. Though they returned the property after the war, the United States reclaimed it in 1951 after a controversial defence alliance with Iceland.

  This pact, and the general joining of NATO in 1949, caused decades of national protest, comparable to the ‘Women’s Day Off’ marches in 1975 and the ‘Kitchenware Revolution’ which followed the 2008 economic crash. The circumstances of it, however, also allowed decades of development at Keflavík Airport.

  The airport first started to separate civilian and military use in 1987, with the opening of the Leifur Eríksson Terminal. Named after the first European to settle the Americas, it would go on to handle all the guests coming to or leaving Iceland.

  The arrangement that the US would provide Iceland’s defences continues to this day, but their permanent bases at Keflavík were left at the expiration of the treaty in 2006. The airport was thus moved into full control of Icelanders and has expanded as a civilian hub ever since.

  Keflavik International Airport Today

  

  Keflavík International is located on the tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland’s south-westernmost region. The drive to the capital city of Reykjavík is only about forty-five minutes, and there is a bus service that continuously runs between the locations, day and night.

  This service provides guests with the option to stop at the Blue Lagoon en route in either direction, the iconic health spa renowned for its healing azure waters. The lagoon sits between the airport and the capital, refreshing guests after a long flight, or revitalising them in preparation for one.

  The airport itself has all the modern amenities one would expect from a port that experiences so much traffic. It has restaurants, bars and cafés, banks and money transfers, car rental options available, a smoking area and, of course, many options for duty-free shopping.

  Considering the price of and lack of availability of alcohol in Iceland, it is the best place to stock up on any tipple desired for your trip. Otherwise, you will have to locate specialist alcohol shops, which have limited opening hours, are sparse in the remote regions of the country, and have high taxes and duty.

  The main airlines that arrive at and depart from Keflavík are the two national carriers, the prestigious Icelandair and budget airline WOW. Over thirty different carriers have chartered flights to the port, however, which head to over ninety different destinations. This is only ever increasing, with new travel routes emerging as Iceland’s popularity continues to skyrocket.

   

  Keflavik International Airport,

  

  Fjaðrárgljúfur is a beautiful, dramatic canyon in South Iceland, close to the historic town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

  Fjaðrárgljúfur is little known and is thus far less crowded than other sites in the area, such as Skaftafell nature reserve, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Its beauty and isolation make it a dream location for photographers and hikers alike.

  Though the valley was only formed at the end of the last ice age approximately 10,000 years ago, the bedrock here is much older, dating back two million years. The ravine was created by the runoff from a glacial lake, which wore away the soft stone and left only the more resistant rocks behind.

  Geography of Fjaðrárglúgur

  

  Fjaðrárglúgur is about 100 metres (328 feet) deep and 2 km (1.25 mi) long, with sheer walls dotted with many waterfalls.

  It is possible to walk along the ridges above, or in the valley itself. The site is popular amongst photographers for the contrasts between the dark rocks, foaming waters and verdant moss. Of course, if the midnight sun or northern lights are out, it is a shutterbug’s paradise.

  If taking the route along ridges of the valley, look up as well as down, as, in clear weather, you will attain great views of the South Coast, Highlands, and surrounding glaciers.

  If taking the latter route, know that the river Fjaðrá runs through the canyon, and though its waters are often shallow, those exploring may have to wade through it. While this is safe, you will want either waterproof, sturdy boots, or sandals with a strap on the back that you can easily change in and out of.

  This tributary runs into the greater Skaftá river.

  Fjaðrárglúgur’s Surroundings

  The closest settlement to Fjaðrárglúgur is Kirkjubæjarklaustur, often nicknamed Klaustur by locals. This is a place with a long religious history; it was home to the country’s first convent, and is said to be the only place in the country that the Old Norse faith was never practiced.

  Many local sites are named after the nuns who once lived in the area, such as Systrastapi (Sister’s Rock) and Systrafoss (Sister’s Falls).

  Fjaðrárglúgur is a great place to stop for those travelling the South Coast as they make their way from Reykjavík or Vík towards Skaftafell and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

  The South Coast itself is lined with other features to visit during your travel. These include the dramatic waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss; the former is famed for its scale, and the latter for the fact that you can walk all around it.

  You will also see sites such the beach Reynisfjara, with its great sea-stacks, Reynisdrangar, said to be trolls frozen in the light of the morning sun. Other coastal features include the Dyrhólaey cliffs and arch, which is a paradise for birdwatchers in summer, due to the fact that it is home to thousands of nesting puffins.

  The South Coast can be explored in a day, but to get to all the sites and enjoy them properly, visitors are encouraged to spend two or three days in the region.
  Fjaðrárgljúfur,

  Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir

  Kirkjubæjarklaustur (referred to locally as ‘Klaustur’) is a village of approximately 120 inhabitants in the Skaftárhreppur municipality of south of Iceland.

  Situated by the Ring Road, approximately 250 km (155 miles) east of Reykjavík, Klaustur is one of the few villages providing amenities such as fuel, shops, a bank and a supermarket between Vík í Mýrdal and Höfn.

  History

  The history of Kirkjubæjarklaustur differs, in many respects, to the traditional Icelandic settlement. “Papar”, the Icelandic title for travelling Irish monks, were thought to have settled the area long before the Norsemen.

  In that tradition, it was claimed that pagans of no kind would set foot in Klaustur; this was a strictly Christian area.

  Stories have permeated, with one telling of a pagan, Hildir Eysteinsson, who attempted to move there in the 10th Century. Upon setting foot across the border, he fell instantly dead and was buried on the neighbouring hill, Hildishaugur (“Hildir’s Mound.”)

  Despite twisting the tongue, the full village name 'Kirkju-bæjar-klaustur' actually tells the story of the area well; 'Kirkju' means church, 'bæjar' means farm and 'klaustur' means convent.

  The word 'Klaustur' was added to the original name 'Kirkjubær' in 1186 AD when a convent of Benedictine nuns settled there.

  In the 364 years leading to the Reformation in 1550 AD, Klaustur did much for the oral history of south Iceland. Systrastapi (Sister’s Rock), the Systrafoss waterfall and lake Systravatn all take their names from the nun’s settlement.

  Folklore

  Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir

  The folklore relating to these sites are rich in tales of religious heresy, superstition and death.

  Sister’s Rock, for instance, has been said to be the burial site of two nuns executed for sinful behaviour. The nuns were accused of all sorts of behaviour, including selling their soul to the devil, removing communion bread from church, carnal knowledge with men, and blasphemy toward the pope.

  Guilty or not, the nuns were swiftly burnt at the stake.

  Following the Reformation, one of the nuns was vindicated for her actions, and it is said that flowers soon bloomed on top of her grave. The other’s grave has remained barren, a continuing reminder of the lady’s ethereal disapproval.

  Nearby attractions

  Despite its petite size, Klaustur is an important crossroads to the attractions nestled at the centre of the island, namely the Laki Craters in Vatnajökull National Park and the Landmannalaugar hiking trails in the scenic Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Only a few kilometres from the village itself lies the spectacular Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

  A short walk east of Kirkjubæjarlaustur will take you to the fascinating Kirkjugólfið “Church Floor”, an 80 square metre flat of basalt columns, shaped and formed naturally by tide and glacial melts. The aforementioned Sisters Rocks and Sisters Waterfalls can be walked to from the village as well.

  These three sites are little known of, so should be visited by those avoiding the crowds.

  Due to its location on the South Coast, Klaustur is visited or passed through by those travelling to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Skaftafell Nature Reserve or ice caves, or those encircling the whole country.

  教堂镇,

  

  雷尼斯岩柱群(Reynisdrangar)，又译雷尼斯德兰格，位于冰岛南岸的维克镇(Vík)旁，毗邻闻名遐迩的雷尼斯黑沙滩(Reynisfjara)。

  雷尼斯玄武岩矗立于大西洋中，是古时海崖的遗骸。岩柱在海浪中傲然挺立，与雷尼斯山(Reynisfjall)的岩壁相对而望，独有一份神秘的野性与壮美。许多电影与美剧都曾在此取景，其中就包括大热的《权力的游戏(冰与火之歌)》。

  游览安全事项

  

  雷尼斯岩与雷尼斯黑沙滩是冰岛南岸的著名景点，但在游览时要格外注意旅行安全。因南极洲与黑沙滩之间没有任何能够阻挡浪潮的大型陆地，海浪自南半球即开始蓄势，因此格外强劲汹涌，十分危险。海浪强度与天气无关，即便是在风和日丽的夏季，黑沙滩地区也有可能产生令人猝不及防的凶猛大浪。

  游客必须远离海洋，至少与其保持30米的距离，以防被卷入海洋，发生无可挽回的惨剧。

  民间传说

  

  雷尼斯岩柱的造型鬼斧神工，冰岛也流传着不少与岩柱有关的奇诡传说。

  一则传说道，夜间几只巨魔将一艘船只拖入海中，却选错了时机，在日出天亮时被阳光变为石柱，被永久地封印在岸边。另一则传说则言，两只巨魔杀害了一位妇女，女人的丈夫在黑沙滩上将巨魔变成了石头。

  雷尼斯岩生态

  雷尼斯黑沙滩是观赏雷尼斯岩英姿的经典地点，而在维克镇以及雷尼斯山上，游客还可以以俯视的视角领略雷尼斯岩的震撼规模。

  每年夏天，即5～8月，数以万计的海鹦还会来到雷尼斯黑沙滩地区栖居。海鹦憨态可掬的姿态惹人喜爱，游客有机会近距离观赏它们的萌姿，但一定要记得不要尝试去触摸它们，也不要打扰它们正常的栖息、破坏其栖息地。凶悍的北极燕鸥以及暴风鹱、海鸥等鸟类也会在雷尼斯黑沙滩的上空自由盘旋。

  许多海洋生物也以冰岛为家，海豹、鲸鱼、海豚就有可能在大西洋的惊涛中陡然现身。

  雷尼斯岩柱群,

  

  Haukadalur is a geothermal valley in South Iceland on the popular Golden Circle route. 

  Lying to the north of Lake Laugarvatn, it is home to hot springs, fumaroles, mud pots and geysers, including the famous Great Geysir and the active Strokkur. The area is noted for the vivid colouration of its surrounding hills, caused by elements deep in the earth being brought to the surface by the geothermal activity.

  History of Haukadalur

  Haukadalur has been mentioned in historic writings as far back as 1294, in which its geysers were described following an earthquake that activated them. Since the 18th Century, it has been drawing visitors to the island including two different Kings of Denmark in 1907 and 1922.

  Throughout the 20th Century, images of the Great Geysir erupting at Haukadular began to symbolise Iceland. It’s activity, however, was unreliable, so unnatural efforts were made to stimulate it more regularly, such as lowering the water table in 1935 and pumping soap into it 1981. 

  These, however, limited the geyser’s long-term activity, so that it rarely goes off today, although, in the early 2000s, it did have a period where it was spouting water over 140 metres (459 ft) high. Even so, the geyser Strokkur is still very active, erupting to heights of 30 metres (98 ft) every five to ten minutes.

  Today, most of the near-two million visitors to Iceland will see Haukadalur Valley on their travels.

  Surroundings of Haukadalur

  Haukadalur Valley is located about an hour and a half’s drive inland from Reykjavík, thus making many sites of the South and West easily accessible. The most notable of these are the other points on the Golden Circle: Gullfoss Waterfall (about five minutes away) and Þingvellir National Park (about forty minutes away).

  It is also, however, within an easy driving distance of Flúðir, home of the Secret Lagoon, the Kjölur Highland Road, which leads into Iceland’s interior, Sólheimar eco-village, and Faxi Waterfall.

   

  Haukadalur,

  Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Kkaefer.

  Faxi is a wide, serene waterfall in South Iceland. It can be found in the Tungufljót River.

  Faxi and the Golden Circle

  Faxi falls is approximately twelve kilometres (seven miles) away from Gullfoss and Geysir, two incredibly popular attractions on the Golden Circle. It is thus easy to detour from these for one extra attraction, and extend a day out.

  Some guided Golden Circle tours also promise an extra stop here.

  Gullfoss, otherwise known as the Golden Waterfall, is 32 metres (105 feet) tall, falling in two tiers into a beautiful canyon. It is fed by the Hvíta River, which is one of the most popular rivers for rafting in the country, accessible for novices.

  Though more powerful and dramatic than Faxi, it has less of its serenity, and there are usually much bigger crowds at Gullfoss.

  Geysir, meanwhile, is a geothermal area that, as its name suggests, is home to geysers. The most active of these, Strokkur, erupts to heights of up to forty metres (131 feet) every ten minutes or so.

  Geysir itself has been inactive for the past few years, only going off sporadically. The area is also home to many fumaroles, hot-springs and mud-pits.

  The final site of the Golden Circle, Þingvellir National Park, is a little further away, but still well worth the visit. This location sits directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, in the Mid-Atlantic Rift, and is an oasis of beautiful lava landscapes, forest and crystal clear streams.

  This location is also a historical centre, being home to the original site of the world’s longest-running parliament. Icelanders formed it here in 930 AD, before much of the rest of Europe had even starting thinking about representative democracies.

  The Golden Circle is as close to an essential-Icelandic experience there is, and Faxi is a perfect addition to extend the day.

  Activities at Faxi

  Photo Credit: Callie Reed

  Hiking through the countryside around Faxi waterfall is a pleasure. Many Icelandic horses and a wealth of birdlife can be expected in summer. The area also draws those who enjoy salmon fishing, and the falls is pregnant with them.

  Although it is not particularly rapid, kayaking and rafting are banned here. As mentioned, Hvíta is the rafting river of the area.

  A restaurant stands on site, where guests can enjoy lunch with a beautiful view.

  Other detours from the Golden Circle

  The Golden Circle only takes approximately half a day to traverse if travelling from Reykjavík. There are thus many sites, alongside Faxi, that visitors could add to their sightseeing journey if travelling alone.

  Those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation could enjoy the Fontana Spa at Laugarvatn, or else the secret lagoon at  Flúðir. Those interest in culture could see the eco village Sólheimar, the historical settlement of Skálholt or else the greenhouses and horses at Friðheimar.

  There are also many activities to be had in the area, such as snorkelling in Silfra, snowmobiling on Langjökull, or river-rafting (in summer).

  A comprehensive list of detours can be found on this site.

   

  Faxi,

  Wikimedia. Creative Commons. Credit: Praveen Kumar Bodigutla

  Skaftafellsjökull is a glacier tongue spurting off from Iceland's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull.

  Skaftafellsjökull itself

  The glacier tongue of Skaftafellsjökull sits in Skaftafell, a nature reserve in Öræfi, Vatnajökull National Park. It is one of many tongues stretching from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull itself. This ice cap covered eleven percent of the surface area of Iceland.

  This reserve was once a national park in its own right, before it was enveloped into a new, much greater one. The Vatnajökull National Park was created to incorporate many other protected areas, including the Jökulsárlon glacier lagoon in the south and the Jökulsárgjlúfur canyon in the north.

  It is now the largest national park in Iceland.

  Skaftafellsjökull is an excellent but concerning example of how climate change is steadily affecting the glaciers in Iceland.

  Over the last decade, Skaftafellsjökull has been receding dramatically, only strengthening the argument that environmental policies must look to preserve Iceland's unique, important and beautiful natural features.

  Many trees have been planted in the area to help absorb carbon dioxide around the glaciers, but tragically, many scientists believe that this is too little, too late.

  It is possible to hike Skaftafellsjökull's surrounding area in order to secure a fantastic perspective of this glacier tongue. After checking in with the Skaftafell Visitors Centre as to the best hiking trails and conditions, guests will follow an eight kilometre (five miles) trail (there and back), up 390 metres (1,280 feet) to the waterfall, Svartifoss.

  From here, you will be able to look out on the glacier and its adjacent lagoon.

  Svínafellsjökull

  Skaftafellsjökull and Svínafellsjökull are both glacier tongues of Vatnajökull within Skaftafell, and are often mistake for each other. For ease, the latter is often referred to as the former, though both are distinct features.

  The majority of glacier hiking tours in this part of the country are in fact done on Svínafellsjökull.

   

  Skaftafellsjökull,

  

  Harpa is Rekjavík’s premier concert hall and conference centre. Opened in 2011, its design was a collaboration between Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson, and the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects. Today, it is a cultural centre of Reykjavík and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

  History

  The idea for a purpose-built concert hall in Reykjavík had been tossed around since the 1880s, but it wasn't until this millennium that it began to gain traction. Construction finally began in 2007, with Icelanders as blissfully unaware as the rest of us as to the problems that year would bring.

  The wake of the financial crash of 2008 hit Iceland far harder than most other countries; its banks far overstretched themselves across Europe and ended up heavily indebting the people when they collapsed.

  The future of Iceland’s economy was uncertain, especially when the government declared they would not bail out the banks nor pay off their debts, much to the chagrin of countries like the Netherlands and the UK.

  In this tumultuous period, Harpa was left partially constructed, with no funds to finish it. The Icelandic populace was divided between having a half-finished construction site facing their downtown—a humiliating reminder of their country’s financial state—or spending money no-one was sure they had.

  The Icelandic government, however, decided that it was the only building in the country that warranted being raised, in spite of the dubious future of the economy, and fully financed its completion.

  When the European Court of Justice ruled that Iceland did not have to bend to the will of its debtors, the country was united in supporting it.

  Architecture

  

  Harpa won the prestigious Mies van de Rohe award in 2013, otherwise known as the European Prize for Contemporary Architecture, and is featured heavily in any tour of the city. Its structure is beautiful and unique; it has a facade of 714 glass panels, all of which are a different shape and built with an LED light that allows for shows whenever the sky is dark.

  Ólafur Elíasson is world-renowned for his large-scale installation art, and for the influences he draws from the natural world. This is clearly exhibited in Harpa. The building reflects the basalt landscapes of Iceland and the dark-coloured glass creates beautiful effects with the natural light. Considering the midnight sun and aurora borealis, this can be quite spectacular.

  Studio Olafur Eliasson employs 90 people, from architects to graphic designers, craftsmen to art historians. Based in Berlin, they work across the world, and are well-known for works such as London's 2007 Serpentine Gallery Pavillion and the annual event Life is Space.

  Henning Larsen Architects are similarly successful. They have collaborated on the construction of dozens of buildings in over twenty countries, such as the Copenhagen Opera House and Uppsala Concert Hall in Sweden. They are currently working on the creation of thirteen buildings around the world, many of which they scored the opportunity to work on due to their competition-winning designs.

  Harpa Today

  Today, Harpa is one of the jewels in Reykjavík’s crown. The hall hosts exhibitions, concerts, cultural events, meetings, and festivals such as Airwaves, Sónar and the Reykjavík Fashion Festival. Home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the offices of the Icelandic Opera, it is a centre of culture in Iceland’s capital.

  Many internationally known artists from around the world have performed here, including people such as Eddie Izzard and Cyndi Lauper. It also regularly showcases native talent, such as Björk and Of Monsters and Men.

  Below, you can see a video showing Harpa's construction:

  Harpa歌剧院,

  Credit: Wikimedia, Creative Commons. Photo by Debivort.

  Foss á Síðu is a historic farm in southeast Iceland, renowned for its folklore and natural beauty.

  The farm has been inhabited since Iceland’s Settlement Era, between 874 and 930 AD. The folklore, surrounding it goes back to the 16th Century when a family in the area was said to be cursed for nine generations and haunted by the spectre of a dog, which some still claim to see.

  Why it has been inhabited so long, in spite of the curse, becomes apparent when you see it. The farm is on a verdant hillock, against a dramatic set of cliffs that hold a beautiful waterfall.

  Foss á Síðu is hard to miss, being on the ring-road of Iceland en route to Jökulsárlón from Reykjavík. It is just 10 kilometres east of the village of Kirkjubæklaustur.

  丝语瀑布,

  

  Grótta is a nature reserve on the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, in the north-westernmost part of the Greater Reykjavík Area. It has been a nature reserve since 1974 due to its abundant birdlife.

  History of Grótta

  There has been a lighthouse at Grótta since 1897, and the one currently standing dates back to 1947. It was connected to the electric grid in 1956 and has remained more or less unchanged since.

  The area, however, has been used and referenced for much longer. Historical records show that a farm existed on the site in the 16th Century, which is probably where it got its name, thought to derive from the old word for a wheat-grinding mill. 

  Although it went through a period of abandonment in the 19th Century, Grótta is now one of the capital’s most visited sites, attracting both locals and foreign visitors throughout the year.

  Nature of Grótta

  Grótta is a haven of nature in Iceland’s capital. Surrounded by black sands and a rugged coastline, it is an awe-inspiring place to look out to the churning Atlantic ocean. In clear weather, you can see across the water to the Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes Peninsulas.

  Throughout summer, many species of birds nest in the area. Seabirds, such as Arctic Terns, form a colony on the rocks, and freshwater species, such as tufted ducks, can be found in the beautiful adjacent pond, Bakkatjörn. Nature lovers should also keep their eyes on the shoreline for seals, which are occasional visitors.

  Throughout June, areas will be cordoned off to protect the birds, so please stick to the walking paths. If you are disrespectful, the terns, which dive-bomb the heads of any too close to their eggs or young, will punish you for it, and you are likely to receive a fine.

  In winter, the area remains popular. It has little light pollution, making it one of the most popular spots in the capital area to view the Northern Lights. To make this even more comfortable, there is a geothermally heated pool you are welcome to warm your feet in while you wait and watch. 

  Grótta is connected to the mainland by a thin spit that in high tide becomes submerged beneath the sea; those walking over to the lighthouse, therefore, need to be aware of the tides, so they do not become stranded like many have before them. The tide chart can be seen here.

  What to do around Grótta

  Besides birdwatching in summer and northern-lights hunting in winter, there are multiple things to do around Grótta. 

  A golf course was established nearby, as was a museum on Icelandic Medical History. There are multiple hiking and biking paths, the Kvika footpath and Norðurströnd walking path taking you to the most scenic points. Seltjarnarnes also has a swimming pool and a large, verdant park. 

  Those passionate about surfing will also find opportunities in this area by talking to locals, as will those who would like to fish from the shore.

  It is possible to walk to Grótta from the centre of Reykjavík, although this will take over an hour. Otherwise, many buses leave to here every day from the bus station Hlemmur.
  Grótta,

  

  The South Coast of Iceland is the country's most visited sightseeing route, along with the Golden Circle.

  This incredible shoreline stretches from the greater Reykjavík area in the west to the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in the east and is lined with countless natural wonders such as cascading waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches and glaciers.

  Geography, Nature & Wildlife

  The South Coast is the most easily accessible part of the country’s southern region, found along the Route 1 highway (the Ring Road), which encircles Iceland. The area consists of a diverse lowland that transitions between, marshlands, bays, cultivated pastures, estuaries and black sand deserts.

  Underneath the soil rests a vast lava field, known as Þjórsárhraun. Its edges reach several hundred metres offshore where the ocean waves crash upon them, thereby protecting the lowland from the invasion of the sea. This results in the South Coast being unusually lacking in the deep fjords that so distinctly characterise the rest of Iceland's shoreline.

  

  The region boasts vibrant bird life during all seasons. Freshwater birds nest in the marshlands and around the estuaries, while seabirds flock around the cliffs of Reynisdrangar and Dyrhólaey, including the North Atlantic puffin between May and August. Some species stay throughout the harsh Icelandic winter, including the northern diver, the loom and various species of gulls and ducks.  

  Seals are often found along the shore, particularly around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. As with everywhere in Iceland, you should always keep an eye out to sea, as whales and dolphins reside all along its coastline.

  Highlights of the South Coast

  The South Coast offers an unprecedented array of natural wonders that draw thousands of visitors each day.

  When driving the route from Reykjavík city, the first major features are the two great waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which sit beneath the notorious subglacial volcano, Eyjafjallajökull. On clear days from these beautiful cascades, the Westman Islands can be seen across the ocean.

  A little further down the route is the glacier Mýrdalsjökull, which covers one of Iceland’s most explosive volcanoes, Katla. Many glacier hikes are taken here upon the outlet of Sólheimajökull.

  The aforementioned Dyrhólaey cliffs are next, home to many seabirds. Even if you come outside of puffin season, they are well worth a visit; jutting out to sea is an enormous rock arch of the same name, which you can marvel at from many angles.

  

  Adjacent to the village of Vík is the famous black-sand beach, Reynisfjara, home to the rock pillars of Reynisdrangar, said to be two trolls frozen by the light of the sun. Though beautiful, this area is gaining notoriety for its dangerous sneaker waves, so visitors should be sure to stay well away from the edge of the water, even on a calm, still day.

  There are no landmasses between Reynisfjara beach and the continent of Antarctica, so you can imagine how the waves can build momentum.

  After passing through Vík, you will cross the glacial sand plain of Skeiðarársandur, before entering Vatnajökull National Park, home to the largest ice cap in Europe, Vatnajökull itself, dozens of glacial outlets and the magnificent Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

  While almost all of these sites can be seen from Route 1, they make up a fraction of what the South Coast has to offer. The vast sand plains of Sólheimasandur are home to a crashed DC-3 Plane Wreck, and within the Vatnajökull National Park is the dramatic Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

  Less than a kilometre from Seljalandsfoss is the hidden gem of Gljúfrabúi waterfall, and short distances from Jökulsárlón you will find the Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash on the black-sand shore, and another glacier lagoon, Fjallsárlón.

  南岸,

  

  钻石冰沙滩位于冰岛南岸的杰古沙龙冰河湖(Jökulsárlón)旁，是一片遍布碎冰的绝美黑沙滩，属Breiðamerkursandur冰川平原的一部分。

  冰河湖内的碎冰被暗涌冲刷上岸，陈列在沙滩之上。透明的冰块和黝黑的沙滩形成了鲜明的对比，特别是在阳光明媚的日子里，冰块反射着太阳光芒，犹如钻石般闪耀，因此得名钻石冰沙滩。钻石沙滩是摄影爱好者、自然爱好者和野生生态爱好者们的天堂。许多野生海豹生活在这一地区，经常出现在岸边或冰河湖中的巨型浮冰上，因此钻石冰沙滩及周边地区也是冰岛观赏海豹的最佳地点之一。

  Breiðamerkursandur冰川平原

  Breiðamerkursandur冰川冲刷平原位于Hornafjörður峡湾地区。这片广袤的沙滩沿冰岛南岸延绵约18公里，从Kvíárjökull冰川脚下一直延伸到Breiðamerkurjökull冰川下的杰古沙龙冰河湖。

  Kvíárjökull冰川和Breiðamerkurjökull冰川同属欧洲最大冰川——瓦特纳冰原(Vatnajökull)的分支冰舌，位于瓦特纳冰川国家公园内。

  Breiðamerkursandur形成于火山运动。瓦特纳冰川的三只冰舌(Breiðamerkurjökull、Hrútárjökull、Fjallsjökull)由于火山活动而向前流动，碾碎了其下的岩石，同时推动了冰川沉积物，塑造出一片平原。

  冰岛有许多形成原理类似的冰川平原。Breiðamerkurjökull冰川的末端更切入地表，塑造出如今的杰古沙龙冰河湖。这座1935年才形成的湖泊是目前冰岛最深的湖。

  虽然冰河湖和钻石冰沙滩有着令人屏息的美景，但它们都是气候变化、全球变暖的产物。随着冰川不断消融，冰河湖和冰沙滩的冰将逐步消失，最终变为普通的湖泊与沙滩。

  杰古沙龙冰河湖

  

  杰古沙龙冰河湖是冰岛最热门的旅游景点之一。湖中漂浮着无数从冰川上剥离的巨型浮冰。湖泊与海洋相连，暗流不断改变着浮冰的形态与位置，冰河湖的景色因此瞬息万变。

  Jökulsá河将冰河湖与大西洋连接，湖内浮冰会随着河水流动不断向大海移动，最终汇入海洋，许多碎冰还会被海浪带到冰河湖的出水口，在Breiðamerkursandur黑沙滩上陈列，这就是著名的“钻石沙滩”。

  钻石冰沙滩安全须知

  钻石冰沙滩不似雷尼斯黑沙滩(Reynisfjara)那般危险，并没有汹涌澎湃的巨浪，但在游览沙滩时仍有许多需要格外注意的安全事项。

  首先要防范巨型冰川碎冰。任何时候都绝对不要攀上这些冰块，以免被冰块锋利的边缘割伤。

  更危险的是，貌似平稳的浮冰暗藏危险；有人踏上冰块时，冰块很有可能因为突然的重量改变而翻转，使人落水；落水者则还有可能被湖泊暗涌拖入海中，或者因体温骤降而休克，危及生命！

  为了禁止游客做出鲁莽且危害个人生命安全的行为，地方政府已经正式立例，对踏上浮冰的游客征收高额罚款。

  钻石冰沙滩

• 冰岛境内5晚住宿 (舒适级别、品质级别两种级别可选，私人卫浴、含早餐，具体信息请阅读每日行程及住宿信息)

• 6天租车：大众Polo或同级别车型 (预定时可升级车型)

• 车险：基础碰撞险、超级碰撞险、碎石险

• GPS定位导航系统

• 详细、实用又有趣的行程单，覆盖了行程中涉及到的冰岛自然、历史和文化

• 经验丰富的冰岛旅行网旅行专家帮您确认行程

• 税

• 蓝湖温泉门票（预定过程中可选择增加）

• 燃料

• 晚餐

• 午餐

• 温暖的衣物

• 舒适的登山鞋

• 驾驶执照

下面我们列出了这个自驾套餐中的可选住宿级别。在每日行程中，您可以看到每一天具体的首选酒店。舒适级别住宿为单人预订安排单人间，多人预订将安排双人间或三人间的组合。如果您多人同时出行但是希望安排单人间，请联系客服进行单间差升级。品质住宿会为单数人数预订提供一个单人间，余下提供双人间。
青少年、儿童与家长共享房间时，可享受产品的青少年、儿童价格。如果因为人数超额需要额外安排房间，需按成人价格计算。
我们会从Guide to Iceland优选的酒店中为您安排您预订时可选的最佳选择。冰岛全国的酒店质量水平差异较大，且严重的供不应求，您定的越早，效果越为理想。一些地区无品质级别的住宿，如果您选择品质级别，无品质住宿地区的住宿将被安排在舒适级别住宿中，我们的品质级别升级差价只增加了可升级的部分，为您合理安排最佳酒店。如果您有特别需求，可联系我们的客服，我们会尽力满足您的需求。注：特别安排将会有额外的房型或服务费用。选择日期即可查询位置并预订。

下面您能看到我们的自驾套餐提供的车型选择。我们为您提供的车绝大部分情况下都是两年内的新车，配置GPS定位系统，以及基础碰撞险(CDW)、超级碰撞险(SCDW)、碎石险(GP)。预订过程中，您可以选择手动或自动挡车。

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