Mainly Geology

Álftaver is a vast protected region bordered by the rivers Kúðafljót to the east and Blautakvísl to the west.

Many beautiful waterfalls are found along this very powerful glacial river as it courses its way through the Djúpárdalur Valley.

Dverghamrar is a protected natural monument and the name of the formation is no coincidence but legend has it that it's home of both elves and dwarfs.

Katla Geopark is home to two of the largest basaltic flood lava eruptions in historical times in Iceland, Laki in 1783-1784 and Eldgjá around 938 AD.

Near Emstrur is the beautiful Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon which is a natural gem and not to be missed.

Eyjafjallajökull is the sixth largest glacier in Iceland, after Vatnajökull, Langjökull, Hofsjökull and Mýrdalsjökul. 

The view of the waterfall is best from the east side but a bit of a hike is necessary in order to get a good view.

The bedrock in Fjaðrárgljúfur is mostly palagonite from cold periods of the Ice Age and is thought to be about two million years old.

Foss á Síðu is the name of an old farm, approximately 10 km east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

The Sel (a natural cave used for shelter) in Hafursey is one of the best preserved remnants in the history of Iceland.

Many outlets glaciers flow from Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the most well-known are Sólheimajökull, Entujökull and Kötlujökull.

The vast desert east of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, is a outwash plain where glacial outburst flooding has continued to pummel the landscape. 

The caldera of Katla is about 100 km² but the volcanic system of Katla is much larger, or about 110 km long and 30 km in width.

An 8 month long eruption, which lasted from June 1783 til February 1784, was nothing short of catastrophic: 50%- 80% of livestock and 25% of the Icelandic population died.

Landbrotshólar is the most extensive area of pseudocraters in Iceland, measuring about 50 km2. Pseudocraters form when lava flows into rivers or wetlands.

One of Europe’s most beautiful and pristine highland lakes

East of Tindafjallajökull Glacier lies the impressive 200m deep Markarfljótsgljúfur Gorge which was carved out the land by the Markarfljót River.

At the very top of the falls, the river passes under a stone arch. As the rock is rather soft, the waterfall has changed over time.

Reynisfjall was formed in a subglacial and/or submarine eruption during the latter stages of the Ice Age.

Sea stacks are formed where waves have eroded portions of the headland.

Famed for its beauty and striking scenery, although its crashing waves can prove dangerous.

The waterfall Gljúfrabúi tumbles down from the Gljúfurá River. At night and in winter, the falls are illuminated.

Skaftá River is one of the large glacial rivers present in the region. It is particularly voluminous and long.

Sólheimajökull is an 11 km long and 1-2 km wide outlet glacier that originates from the southwestern part of Mýrdalsjökull.

While Tindfjallajökull is the smallest glacier in the country, it is situated on a giant crater, approximately 7-10 miles in diameter.