亮点 
赫伦瀑布群(Hraunfossar)又名熔岩瀑布，坐落于冰岛西部的博尔加峡湾地区(Borgarfjörður)；无数条溪流从豪德门达熔岩原(Hallmundarhraun)泻出，汇聚成了这组秀丽旖旎的瀑布群。熔岩瀑布旁还坐落着另一座更加湍急的瀑布：儿童瀑布(Barnafoss)。
地质概况
赫伦瀑布群造型独特，瀑流从一片广袤熔岩原下汩汩流淌而出，别有一番自然野趣。冰岛第二大冰川朗格冰川(Langjökull)之下掩藏了多座火山，赫伦瀑布所栖的熔岩原即形成于其中的一次火山爆发。
瀑布的瀑流最终也将汇入自朗格冰川发源而出的白河(Hvítá)。同熔岩瀑布一样，白河亦是冰岛西部的著名自然景点之一，也是距离首都雷克雅未克最近的热门漂流地点，适合经验各异的漂流探险运动爱好者。水流丰沛的白河还滋养了黄金圈景区闻名遐迩的黄金瀑布(Gullfoss)。
赫伦瀑布群为火山运动所塑造，熔岩原下也隐藏着许多神秘的火山通道与洞穴。冰岛最长的岩洞Víðgelmir即坐落于瀑布附近；洞穴长达1595米，高15.8米、宽16.5米，火山活动在这座熔岩洞穴的内壁上留下了奇妙的纹理与色彩。
瀑布与熔岩原近千年的地质历史尽显冰岛自然之迷人，洁白瀑流与黝黑熔岩原的强烈色彩对比营造出梦幻般的意境。许多奇诡的故事也在这片熔岩原上流传，根据冰岛民间传说，熔岩原就是骇人“巨魔”的家园。
熔岩瀑布旁的儿童瀑布也是冰岛西部的一处著名景点。与熔岩瀑布的宽阔平缓不同，儿童瀑布更加狭窄、更为湍急、瀑布规模也更小。奔涌无前的儿童瀑布背后，还有一个悲伤的传说。
相传儿童瀑布上曾有一座石桥，而在在过桥时，附近农场的两个男孩掉入瀑流中，不幸溺死。一说悲痛欲绝的母亲盛怒之下将石桥捣毁，一说母亲用冰岛如尼文字对石桥施以诅咒，其他过桥的人也将如她的儿子们一样，溺毙河中；直到石桥被地震摧毁，诅咒才被解除。无论传说如何，这座石桥如今已不复存在。这座湍急无情的瀑布也由此得名：儿童瀑布。
周围景点
距离赫伦瀑布群最近的聚落是雷克霍特小镇(Reykholt)。雷克霍特是冰岛的历史文化名镇，也是北欧中世纪文学家、史学家与贵族首领斯诺里·斯图鲁松(Snorri Sturluson)的故乡。斯诺里创作了《挪威列王传》(Heimskringla)等传世之作，以经典的萨迦笔法记录了挪威国王的历史；他的《散文埃达》是记载北欧神话最重要的文献，《雷神》等电影大片的情节就取自这部作品。
在雷克霍特镇上的Snorrastofa博物馆，游客可以了解到斯诺里的生平与作品，以及冰岛中世纪恢弘而动荡的历史。家族征战、权力斗争、国王干涉，不亚于《权力的游戏》的征伐漫长而残酷，最终导致冰岛丧失独立、并入挪威。
历史悠久的博尔加内斯小镇(Borgarnes)也距离熔岩瀑布不远。博尔加内斯是冰岛最早有人定居的地点之一，著名《埃吉尔萨迦》(Egils saga)的故事情节即发生于这一地区。游客可以参观镇上的定居中心博物馆，了解千年之前的冰岛历史起源。
Deildartunguhver is a hot spring located in Reykholtsdalur, a district of west Iceland. Deildartunguhver is the highest flowing hot spring in Europe and is widely known for its rapid flow rate of 180 litres (380 pints) per second.
Geothermal activity at Deildartunguhver
Reykholtsdalur is one of Iceland’s most popular places to see hot springs, along with the Geysir Geothermal Area, the Highlands, the Reykjanes Peninsula, Reykjadalur Valley and Námaskarð Pass. While each of these areas have their appeal, at no other does the water rise with such ferocity.
The water at Deildartunguhver hot spring emerges at a constant 97 degrees Celsius (207 degrees Fahrenheit), making it incredibly dangerous for those who venture too close. Thankfully, there are a number of wooden walkways and observation points that lead you around the hot springs without putting you at any risk.
Due to the sheer energy bubbling under Deildartunguhver, much of the water is used for heating Icelandic homes. One pipe travels 34 kilometres (21 miles) to Borgarnes, whilst another travels 64 kilometres (40 miles) to Akranes.
This means that if you’ve taken a shower or bath within a 64-kilometre radius of Deildartunguhver, you will have touched the water from the hot spring.
All Icelandic hot water comes from hot springs such as this, except in some parts of the Westfjords which are now geologically much older than the rest of the country, and thus less active.
This is a fantastic example of how Icelanders efficiently use the geothermal energy provided and is one of the major reasons as to why Iceland has such an excellent reputation for green energy.
Points of Interest at Deildartunguhver
Whilst in the area, many visitors choose to make a stop at Krauma Geothermal Bath & Spa, a fantastic and relaxing complex that makes for a cheaper, more isolated alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
Visitors to Kraua will experience the hot water of Deildartunguhver blended perfectly with glacial water from Iceland’s smallest ice cap, Ok (which rhymes with ‘talk’), creating the perfect bathing temperature.
Krauma has a total of six pools, a relaxation room and two steam baths.
Visitors to Deildartunguhver with an interest in botany will also be able to check out the Blechnum Spicant, aka; “deer fern”, a type of plant that grows nowhere else in Iceland.
Surroundings of Deildartunguhver
Deildartunguhver is located in west Iceland. The two most notable points of interest nearby are two waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.
Hraunfossar, or the ‘Lava Falls’, is, in fact, a series of tiny cascades that trickle through an old lava field. Barnafoss, or ‘the Children’s Falls’, is a more powerful rapid, steeped in a dark legend.
Deildartunghver is also near Víðgelmir, the longest lava cave in the country, trailing for 1,595 metres (5,200 feet) beneath the surface of the earth.
The most significant settlement near Deildartunghver is Reykholt, a beautiful village with a fascinating history. This settlement was once home to Snorri Sturluson, a historian, writer, chieftain and poet without whom we would know very little of the Nordic mythology, folklore and history at the time.
His works, and life--full of politics, betrayal, affairs and war--can be learnt about in the town at the Snorrastofa Centre.
Borgarfjörður is a fjord and a district in south western Iceland, by Faxaflói bay. It covers the coastal land between Reykjavík and the Snӕfellsnes Peninsula.
Economy, History & Culture
Though mostly rural, several townships are in the fjord, the largest being the town Borgarnes, with a population of around 1763 people. This is a commerce and service centre for a large part of the southwest. Of particular note here for travellers are the Settlement Centre and the Centre for Puppet Art.
Another town, Hvanneyri has an Agricultural University and a museum showing the developing of Icelandic farming. The latter building also has an interesting handicraft centre.
Reykholt, though small in size, is one of the most historically important places in the country and hosts a centre for medieval studies, Snorrastofa.
Snorrastofa is named after writer and chieftain Snorri Sturluson, author of Snorra-Edda and Heimskringla. Snorri's Edda is the most important historical source we have about the Norse Gods and the history of Scandinavia.
Among the many who have found inspiration in it are author J.R.R. Tolkien (most famous for The Lord of the Rings), G. R. Martin (most famous for Song of Fire and Ice) and composer Richard Wagner with his four operas collectively named Der Ring des Nibelungen.
Nature
Hvíta river runs through the fjord, but should not be confused with the popular rafting river of the same name. This hold the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, which trickle in rivulets out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field. Near here is another famous waterfall, Barnafoss.
Many of the other rivers in the area are very popular for salmon fishing.
The mountains of the district are highly scenic and varied, lending further beauty to the area. Many rare minerals have been found here, giving some a beautiful, distinctive colouration. There is still volcanic activity in a few of these mountains, best noted at Deildartunghver, the highest flowing hot spring in Europe.
Other nature activities that can be enjoyed are horseback riding and lava caving. Riding is popular throughout the area, though caving is best at Viðgelmir, the longest lava cave in Iceland.
雷克霍特(Reykholt)是冰岛西部的历史文化名镇，亦是冰岛中世纪文豪斯诺里·斯图鲁松(Snorri Sturluson)的故居所在。
斯诺里·斯图鲁松
斯诺里·斯图鲁松是冰岛中世纪的贵族首领，曾任议会法律宣讲人，更是一位传奇的文学家与史学家；他的作品记载了北欧地区的当代与古代历史，还完整辑录了北欧神话谱系与诗歌传统，是现代人了解冰岛中世纪历史文化的必读作品。
斯诺里最负盛名的作品是《散文埃达》(Snorra-Edda)与《挪威列王传》(Heimskringla)。《埃达》将口头传授的北欧神话以文字形式记录下来，其内容庞杂丰富，在世界神话中独树一帜，以恢弘的语言描绘了世界的诞生与毁灭，以及众神的争斗与命运。
人们耳熟能详的奥丁、索尔、洛基等神祇都出自《埃达》。北欧神话还给予了当代奇幻文学与电影作品无尽的创作灵感，在《雷神》、《指环王》等大片中都能发现《埃达》故事的影子。
《挪威列王传》则以中世纪萨迦笔法记录了公元九世纪初至十二世纪末的挪威国王事迹。这些萨迦记述了北欧地区维京人与英格兰国王的亲缘联系、北欧首领的纠纷斗争、政权组建等内容，是研究北欧与欧洲早期历史的重要文献。
生于乱世，斯诺里的生平也恢弘动荡，不亚于《权力的游戏》中的任何一个人物。除了诗人、史学家等身份外，斯诺里还曾担任冰岛政坛要职，与挪威国王过从甚密。冰岛内战爆发之际，挪威国王意图吞并冰岛，斯诺里最终成为了政治斗争的牺牲品，被暗杀于雷克霍特的居所之中。
为了纪念斯诺里，雷克霍特镇建起了Snorrastofa博物馆，供游客了解这位冰岛传奇人物的生平与成就。
周边景点
雷克霍特是冰岛西部一座宁静而美丽的乡村小镇。与冰岛许多地区一样，小镇的平静地表下也涌动着活跃的地热能；冰岛最古老的地热泳池之一、以斯诺里之名命名的泳池Snorralaug就坐落在小镇上。
雷克霍特是距离熔岩瀑布(Hraunfossar)与儿童瀑布(Barnafoss)最近的聚落，这两座闻名遐迩的瀑布风格迥异，是冰岛西部景区的必游自然景点。欧洲流速最快的德尔达图赫菲温泉(Deildartunguhver)也位于小镇附近。
如果选择在雷克霍特地区留宿，游客可以住宿在周围的乡间酒店中，或者选择别具特色的乡间小木屋住宿。
冰岛西部的儿童瀑布(Barnafoss)水势汹涌，与一旁水流平缓的赫伦瀑布群(Hraunfossar，即熔岩瀑布)形成了鲜明对比，尽显冰岛自然的迥异之美。湍急瀑布的背后却流传着一个悲伤的民间传说。
民间传说
相传，儿童瀑布附近的Hraunsás农场上生活着两个活泼的男孩。一天早上，父母离家前往教堂，让孩子们留在家中，但百无聊赖的孩子不久就决定出门去教堂找父母。
孩子们知道一条通往教堂的近路：走过临近瀑布上的石桥，他们就能很快到达。而来到石桥上时，咆哮瀑流、高耸断崖的可怖景象让孩子们突感晕眩，不幸失足落水。这座瀑布也因此被人们唤作“儿童”瀑布。
他们的母亲悲痛到近乎疯狂，故事的结局则有两个版本。一个版本说，母亲最终将石桥捣毁；另一个版本说，母亲用北欧神秘的如尼文字诅咒了石桥，任何胆敢过桥的人都将与她的孩子一样，落水而亡。而后来的一场地震将石桥崩毁，诅咒也就此解除。
这则悲惨的民间传说或许只是虚构，但儿童瀑布的急流的确相当危险。许多冰岛民间传说听起来颇为恐怖，但实际上是家长用来吓唬不听话的孩子的，在当时具有很强的教育意义。
周边景点
儿童瀑布狭窄而汹涌，洁白的瀑流在幽谷间回旋冲荡，激起阵阵低矮白浪，独有一份凌厉之美。另一座著名的冰岛西部瀑步与儿童瀑布仅仅几步之隔，即熔岩瀑布。
熔岩瀑布由一系列从熔岩原下汩汩流出的溪流组成，流速平缓，笼罩在祥和静美的氛围之中。熔岩瀑步与儿童瀑布相映成趣，冰岛自然地貌的多样在冰岛西部得以淋漓尽致的展现。
欧洲流速最快的地热温泉——德尔达图赫菲温泉(Deildartunguhver)也距儿童瀑布不远；温泉水温接近沸腾，为临近城镇供给热水。
雷克霍特(Reykholt)、博尔加内斯(Borgarnes)两座历史文化名镇也同样位于冰岛西部景区。雷克霍特的Snorrastofa博物馆集中展出了中世纪文豪斯诺里·斯图鲁松(Snorri Sturluson)的生平与作品，他创作的挪威列王萨迦与北欧神话埃达都是世界文学中的绝对经典。
博尔加内斯的移民定居中心则以冰岛历史为主题，游客将了解到千年前维京人定居冰岛的经过。著名的《埃吉尔萨迦》也发生于博尔加内斯地区。
Photo by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir
Grábrók is a volcanic crater east of Lake Hreðavatn in the fjord of Borgarfjörður in West Iceland.
Formed approximately 3,400 years ago, the crater rests by the campus of Bifröst University and is a popular hiking destination for residents of the area.
Geology
Grábrók is the largest of three craters within the same volcanic fissure. The fissure is only about 7 kilometres (4,3 miles) in length with the average thickness of 20 metres (66 feet). As the last eruption happened, the lava dammed the river Norðurá and pushed it east up the valley. The lava, known as Grábrókarhraun, also dammed the valley which is now, consequently, Lake Hreðavatn.
Surroundings
Both the lava field and its craters have been protected as a nature preserve since 1962. All three craters, Grábrók, Rauðbrók and Smábrók, are easily accessible from the Ring Road and boast comfortable hiking trails fit for people of all ages. The view from the top is particularly scenic, where you can see over the university campus below, where it rests within the moss-covered lava fields of Borgarfjörður. Between Bifröst University and Grábrók is the popular roadside restaurant Hreðavatnsskáli.
Photo from: Into the Lava | Audio Tour of Víðgelmir Lava Cave and Borgarfjörður
Viðgelmir is the largest lava tube in Iceland at 1585 metres (5200 ft) long. It is located in the country’s west, and is one of the most popular destinations for lava tubing.
Geography and Geology of Viðgelmir
Viðgelmir is situated in the Borgarfjörður of west Iceland, beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field. It was formed during a lava flow that occurred in the area in 900 AD.
Lava tubes are formed when a river of running lava cools from the outside, creating a solid shell. When the liquid lava within this flows out, a cave is left remaining.
This river must have been vast, as it left the largest cave in the country. Not only is it the longest, but also its widest, with the walls 16.5 metres (54 feet) apart at one point, and the highest, which the ceiling up to 15.8 metres (52 feet) above the ground.
As with many lava caves in Iceland, Viðgelmir has both lava stalactites, which come from the ceiling, and stalagmites, from the ground. The former were formed when lava at the top part of the cave cooled as it dripped from above, and the latter indicated where this lava landed, pooled and began to stack.
Unlike in limestone caves, these features never grow back if broken off, thus it is absolutely essential that you do not touch them or attempt to break them off. There are large fines for those who break these rules, and many of the more beautiful features are cordoned off.
Lava Caving in Viðgelmir
Viðgelmir is one of the country’s most popular lava caves, and the easiest to traverse for beginners.
Unlike lava caves such as Leiðerendi on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Viðgelmir has a paved walkway and installed lights. This means those who are less confident on their feet do not need to worry about the uneven lava or relying on their own torch.
The scale of the cave also makes walking it much less challenging, as there is no crawling, stooping or clambering needed to get through.
History of Viðgelmir
Viðgelmir is one of the many caves in Iceland that humans were known to have lived in.
Through Iceland’s medieval period, it was a common punishment for criminals to be outlawed from society. Many of these moved into caves and lived out their lives as notorious bandits.
It is very likely, considering the age of the evidence found, that this was the case in Viðgelmir. These artefacts are now kept in the National Museum of Iceland.
Krauma地热温泉是冰岛西部的一座新建温泉泳池，定址于欧洲流速最快的地热温泉——德尔达图赫菲温泉(Deildartunguhver)旁。
Krauma温泉在2017年末开放，设有5座温泉泳池、1座冷水池、2间蒸汽房以及1间休息室，供温泉客伴着篝火的噼啪声响惬意休息。
温泉设施
Krauma温泉直接引入德尔达图赫菲的接近沸腾的天然温泉水，以及来自冰岛最小冰川Ok的清冽冰川融水，二者混合为最完美的温泉温度。蒸汽房的蒸汽也直接形成自天然温泉，房间内充满了木制清香。
从Krauma温泉的餐厅与酒吧向外望去，德尔达图赫菲温泉及周遭的山谷风光便能映入眼帘。餐厅使用冰岛农场本土食材，致力烹调出最正宗的冰岛料理，并提供多种饮品与小吃选择。
Krauma温泉全年开放，最多可容纳140人；餐厅内部最多可容纳70人，天气良好时，外部露台还可额外容纳60人。
周边景点
冰岛西部的自然风光美得淳朴。除了德尔达图赫菲温泉外，赫伦瀑布群(Hraunfossar，即熔岩瀑布)与儿童瀑布(Barnafoss)也是冰岛西部的必游旅行景点。
Hallmundarhraun熔岩原地区的Víðgelmir熔岩洞穴，以及冰岛境内第二大冰川朗格冰川(Langjökull)与Krauma温泉也相距不远。
雷克霍特(Reykholt)与博尔加内斯(Borgarnes)两座小镇则以悠久的历史文化吸引着人们。雷克霍特镇上的Snorrastofa博物馆最适合中世纪文化爱好者前往，博物馆展出了冰岛中世纪历史学家、诗人、首领斯诺里·斯图鲁松(Snorri Sturluson)的生平事迹与文学作品。博尔加内斯镇则是最早有人定居的冰岛聚落之一，定居博物馆向游客详细介绍了千年之前的北欧移民热潮。著名的《埃吉尔》萨迦的主人公，中世纪维京诗人埃吉尔(Egill Skallagrímsson)，就曾在博尔加内斯定居。
