Guidebook for Laugar

Hólmfríður Sólveig
Hólmfríður Sólveig
Guidebook for Laugar

Parks & Nature

Mývatn offers a unique natural environment. With large contrasts and small distances you can experience the most and the best that Iceland has to offer. Large open spaces with roads and walkways lead travellers to interesting locations, were volcanic eruptions have played a crucial role in the formation of the landscape. Whether the plan is to enjoy the landscape, examine unique natural phenomena or take a closer look at the pant and bird life, Mývatn has it all.Furthermore the area offers a variety of services in accommodation, food and entertainment, based on years of experience and knowledge. A large number of travellers visit Mývatn in the summer, but many believe the lake and its surroundings to be no less impressive in the wintertime.
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Mývatn
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Mývatn offers a unique natural environment. With large contrasts and small distances you can experience the most and the best that Iceland has to offer. Large open spaces with roads and walkways lead travellers to interesting locations, were volcanic eruptions have played a crucial role in the formation of the landscape. Whether the plan is to enjoy the landscape, examine unique natural phenomena or take a closer look at the pant and bird life, Mývatn has it all.Furthermore the area offers a variety of services in accommodation, food and entertainment, based on years of experience and knowledge. A large number of travellers visit Mývatn in the summer, but many believe the lake and its surroundings to be no less impressive in the wintertime.
Falling 45 m with a width of 100 m, Dettifoss is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Visitors generally approach Dettifoss on the east side of the River Jökulsá where the road through Hólssandur is better. However, there are plans to improve the road on the west side. Please take care whichever route you chose. On the eastern bank, the footpath down to the falls is extremely rough and a number of accidents have occurred when visitors have strayed from the track. The grassy slopes on the western bank become extremely slippery when they are wet. Selfoss is a smaller waterfall a little way upstream with a drop of 10 m. There are easy paths from Dettifoss, which allow a pleasant 1 km walk. Below Dettifoss, the Hafragilsfoss waterfall cascades 27 m into a deep canyon. It is best to drive to Hafragilsfoss, which is located in an environment that is geologically and historically as fascinating as Dettifoss. Some years ago, plans were proposed to harness the hydroelectric potential of the canyon, but they were scrapped when the lava strata in the area were found to be too porous for a reservoir. On the east bank of the canyon, near Hafragilsfoss, the river has cut through a crater row named Randarhólar to expose a volcano's lava pipe in the cliff wall.
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Dettifoss (West Side)
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Falling 45 m with a width of 100 m, Dettifoss is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Visitors generally approach Dettifoss on the east side of the River Jökulsá where the road through Hólssandur is better. However, there are plans to improve the road on the west side. Please take care whichever route you chose. On the eastern bank, the footpath down to the falls is extremely rough and a number of accidents have occurred when visitors have strayed from the track. The grassy slopes on the western bank become extremely slippery when they are wet. Selfoss is a smaller waterfall a little way upstream with a drop of 10 m. There are easy paths from Dettifoss, which allow a pleasant 1 km walk. Below Dettifoss, the Hafragilsfoss waterfall cascades 27 m into a deep canyon. It is best to drive to Hafragilsfoss, which is located in an environment that is geologically and historically as fascinating as Dettifoss. Some years ago, plans were proposed to harness the hydroelectric potential of the canyon, but they were scrapped when the lava strata in the area were found to be too porous for a reservoir. On the east bank of the canyon, near Hafragilsfoss, the river has cut through a crater row named Randarhólar to expose a volcano's lava pipe in the cliff wall.
Ásbyrgi is one of the wonders of nature, a wide, horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliff faces up to 100 m high. It is 3.5 km long and over 1 km wide. At its innermost end lies Botnstjörn, a small pond surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. A distinctive rock formation rises up from the centre of Ásbyrgi, up to 250 m wide, known as Eyjan. The area is covered in woodland consisting mainly of birch, willow and mountain ash. Several thousand recently planted pines also prosper. Arctic fulmar nest on the steep cliffs, while many other birds prefer the woods and meadows. Ásbyrgi was formed by two or more catastrophic floods caused by glacial bursts from the northern part of the Vatnajökull ice cap, one between eight and ten thousand years ago and a second approximately three thousand years ago. Since then the bed of the river has moved eastwards. However according to legend, Sleipnir, the Norse god Odin's eight-legged horse, put one of his hooves down as the god rode by. Although Ásbyrgi is part of the National Park, it is run by the Iceland Forest Service.
Asbyrgi
Ásbyrgi is one of the wonders of nature, a wide, horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliff faces up to 100 m high. It is 3.5 km long and over 1 km wide. At its innermost end lies Botnstjörn, a small pond surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. A distinctive rock formation rises up from the centre of Ásbyrgi, up to 250 m wide, known as Eyjan. The area is covered in woodland consisting mainly of birch, willow and mountain ash. Several thousand recently planted pines also prosper. Arctic fulmar nest on the steep cliffs, while many other birds prefer the woods and meadows. Ásbyrgi was formed by two or more catastrophic floods caused by glacial bursts from the northern part of the Vatnajökull ice cap, one between eight and ten thousand years ago and a second approximately three thousand years ago. Since then the bed of the river has moved eastwards. However according to legend, Sleipnir, the Norse god Odin's eight-legged horse, put one of his hooves down as the god rode by. Although Ásbyrgi is part of the National Park, it is run by the Iceland Forest Service.
As part of an active volcanic zone, the highlands north of Vatnajökull are constantly being reshaped by earthquakes, volcanism, geothermal activity and the interplay of fire and ice. The Ódáðahraun desert is notable for unusual geological formations, sands and broad lava fields that have been formed by various volcanic sources during different periods. With its spooky, barely passable lava outcrops, its chilly, dangerous glacial rivers and its treacherous outlaws, Ódáðahraun has long awakened fear among Icelanders. In the old days, people avoided the area, though that did not prevent them from telling memorable stories about natural ASK-Viti-P1040169-GOand supernatural phenomena. One of the most notable features in the highlands north of Vatnajökull is Askja, a central volcano located in the Dyngjufjöll mountains. Askja takes its name from a magma chamber that collapsed, resulting in a deep lake. It is also known for the explosion crater Víti which was formed in an eruption in 1875. Since then, several minor Askja eruptions have occurred: the first between 1922 and 1929, the latest at Vikraborgir in 1961. Herðubreiðarlindir and Grafarlönd are oases created in the Ódáðahraun desert by springs flowing from under the lava fields and providing water for plants to prosper. Often called HER-Herdubreid-P1040199-GOthe Queen of Icelandic Mountains, Herðubreið is also considered to be Iceland's national mountain. It is a volcanic table mountain which was created by repeated eruptions when the land was covered by ice up to 1,500 m thick during the last Ice Age glaciation. The Kverkfjöll central volcano includes two calderas, both filled with glacial ice, and is divided into an eastern and western range of peaks by the outlet glacier Kverkjökull. In the western range, the valley of Hveradalur is a true meeting point of ice and fire, since it is one of Iceland's most powerful high-temperature areas. In front of the glacier, the hyaloclastite hills of Kverkfjallarani were formed when eruptions occurred under the much more extensive ice of the last glaciation. At Hvannalindir, water emerging from under a lava field produces a unique oasis in an otherwise quite unvegetated environment where lava has flowed over the land since the last glaciation. HOW TO GET THEREHVA-Hvannalindir-P1040106-GO All roads through the areas just north of Vatnajökull are classed as highland roads. While some of these are passable in a smaller 4WD, only a modified, higher 4WD can manage others. Note that some routes lead over large rocks or require slow manoeuvring between lava outcrops. The rivers may rise unexpectedly, becoming treacherous or impassable. Both road conditions and weather may change suddenly, so you should prepare for all possibilities and ask rangers for the latest information. Long-distance hikers should inform a ranger of their plans. Where there is little traffic, all visitors should carry the most important safety equipment, such as communication and navigation devices. Since these highlands are open to people throughout the year, travel is only restricted by the weather or road conditions. The Road Administration shows when roads are open on its website, www.vegagerdin.is/english. Since the highland soil is delicate, damage caused by off-road driving may take decades to heal. Should you witness any off-road driving, please report it to a ranger. In winter, however, vehicles may be driven over snow on frozen ground, both on and off roads. Information about tour operators offering trips to the area are available at vistitmyvatn.is, east.is and visitakureyri.is
Askja
As part of an active volcanic zone, the highlands north of Vatnajökull are constantly being reshaped by earthquakes, volcanism, geothermal activity and the interplay of fire and ice. The Ódáðahraun desert is notable for unusual geological formations, sands and broad lava fields that have been formed by various volcanic sources during different periods. With its spooky, barely passable lava outcrops, its chilly, dangerous glacial rivers and its treacherous outlaws, Ódáðahraun has long awakened fear among Icelanders. In the old days, people avoided the area, though that did not prevent them from telling memorable stories about natural ASK-Viti-P1040169-GOand supernatural phenomena. One of the most notable features in the highlands north of Vatnajökull is Askja, a central volcano located in the Dyngjufjöll mountains. Askja takes its name from a magma chamber that collapsed, resulting in a deep lake. It is also known for the explosion crater Víti which was formed in an eruption in 1875. Since then, several minor Askja eruptions have occurred: the first between 1922 and 1929, the latest at Vikraborgir in 1961. Herðubreiðarlindir and Grafarlönd are oases created in the Ódáðahraun desert by springs flowing from under the lava fields and providing water for plants to prosper. Often called HER-Herdubreid-P1040199-GOthe Queen of Icelandic Mountains, Herðubreið is also considered to be Iceland's national mountain. It is a volcanic table mountain which was created by repeated eruptions when the land was covered by ice up to 1,500 m thick during the last Ice Age glaciation. The Kverkfjöll central volcano includes two calderas, both filled with glacial ice, and is divided into an eastern and western range of peaks by the outlet glacier Kverkjökull. In the western range, the valley of Hveradalur is a true meeting point of ice and fire, since it is one of Iceland's most powerful high-temperature areas. In front of the glacier, the hyaloclastite hills of Kverkfjallarani were formed when eruptions occurred under the much more extensive ice of the last glaciation. At Hvannalindir, water emerging from under a lava field produces a unique oasis in an otherwise quite unvegetated environment where lava has flowed over the land since the last glaciation. HOW TO GET THEREHVA-Hvannalindir-P1040106-GO All roads through the areas just north of Vatnajökull are classed as highland roads. While some of these are passable in a smaller 4WD, only a modified, higher 4WD can manage others. Note that some routes lead over large rocks or require slow manoeuvring between lava outcrops. The rivers may rise unexpectedly, becoming treacherous or impassable. Both road conditions and weather may change suddenly, so you should prepare for all possibilities and ask rangers for the latest information. Long-distance hikers should inform a ranger of their plans. Where there is little traffic, all visitors should carry the most important safety equipment, such as communication and navigation devices. Since these highlands are open to people throughout the year, travel is only restricted by the weather or road conditions. The Road Administration shows when roads are open on its website, www.vegagerdin.is/english. Since the highland soil is delicate, damage caused by off-road driving may take decades to heal. Should you witness any off-road driving, please report it to a ranger. In winter, however, vehicles may be driven over snow on frozen ground, both on and off roads. Information about tour operators offering trips to the area are available at vistitmyvatn.is, east.is and visitakureyri.is
http://www.lystigardur.akureyri.is/The Public Park was first opened in 1912 and the botanic section added in 1957. The park has been enlarged three times since 1912 and is now about 3.6 ha and lies at 40-50 m altitude at Eyrarlandsvegur road near midtown. The aim of the botanical garden is to grow trees, shrubs and perennials in the demanding climate of Northern Iceland, which is characterized by pronounced seasonality of temperature and day length. Situated in the shelter of Eyjafjord, which is one of the longest fjords in Iceland and provides a favorable microclimate for plant growth we are able to grow beside the 430 native species the surprising number of 6600 alien taxa.
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Botanical Garden Akureyri
Eyrarlandsvegur
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http://www.lystigardur.akureyri.is/The Public Park was first opened in 1912 and the botanic section added in 1957. The park has been enlarged three times since 1912 and is now about 3.6 ha and lies at 40-50 m altitude at Eyrarlandsvegur road near midtown. The aim of the botanical garden is to grow trees, shrubs and perennials in the demanding climate of Northern Iceland, which is characterized by pronounced seasonality of temperature and day length. Situated in the shelter of Eyjafjord, which is one of the longest fjords in Iceland and provides a favorable microclimate for plant growth we are able to grow beside the 430 native species the surprising number of 6600 alien taxa.

Arts & Culture

The program for 2016 at the Akureyri Art Museum is without a doubt diverse. It offers group exhibitions from various artists, solo exhibitions and exhibitions with a specific theme. Icelandic and international artists; older and more experienced artists as well as young, up-and-coming artists.
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Listasafnið á Akureyri / Akureyri Art Museum
8-12 Kaupvangsstræti
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The program for 2016 at the Akureyri Art Museum is without a doubt diverse. It offers group exhibitions from various artists, solo exhibitions and exhibitions with a specific theme. Icelandic and international artists; older and more experienced artists as well as young, up-and-coming artists.
Steep yourself in Iceland´s rural past by taking a wander in one of the country´s largest turf farm settlements, Grenjaðarstaður. A well-curated display, comprised of 1000 or so items, highlights include the porcelain teacup with protection for one´s moustache, an engagement ring made of human hair and some elaborately decorated baking moulds. Manned by a friendly local guide, there’s a place to eat a picnic, and if you ask nicely, you might get a free hot drink.
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The Turf House Museum
Aðaldalur Staðarbraut
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Steep yourself in Iceland´s rural past by taking a wander in one of the country´s largest turf farm settlements, Grenjaðarstaður. A well-curated display, comprised of 1000 or so items, highlights include the porcelain teacup with protection for one´s moustache, an engagement ring made of human hair and some elaborately decorated baking moulds. Manned by a friendly local guide, there’s a place to eat a picnic, and if you ask nicely, you might get a free hot drink.

Sightseeing

The Dimmuborgir area consist of a massive, collapsed lava tube formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East, about 2300 years ago.[3] At Dimmuborgir, the lava pooled over a small lake. As the lava flowed across the wet sod, the water of the marsh started to boil, the vapour rising through the lava forming lava pillars from drainpipe size up to several meters in diameter.[4] As the lava continued flowing towards lower ground in the Mývatn area, the top crust collapsed, but the hollow pillars of solidified lava remained. The lava lake must have been at least 10 meters deep, as estimated by the tallest structures still standing. The lava flow surface remains partly intact around the Dimmuborgir area, so that the Dimmuborgir itself sits below the surrounding surface area. The area is characterised by large hollow cell- or chamber-like structures formed around bubbles of vapour, and some dramatically standing lava pillars. Several of the chambers and pillar bases are large enough to house humans, giving rise to the term "castles" (borgir).
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Lava field Dimmuborgir
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The Dimmuborgir area consist of a massive, collapsed lava tube formed by a lava lake flowing in from a large eruption in the Þrengslaborgir and Lúdentsborgir crater row to the East, about 2300 years ago.[3] At Dimmuborgir, the lava pooled over a small lake. As the lava flowed across the wet sod, the water of the marsh started to boil, the vapour rising through the lava forming lava pillars from drainpipe size up to several meters in diameter.[4] As the lava continued flowing towards lower ground in the Mývatn area, the top crust collapsed, but the hollow pillars of solidified lava remained. The lava lake must have been at least 10 meters deep, as estimated by the tallest structures still standing. The lava flow surface remains partly intact around the Dimmuborgir area, so that the Dimmuborgir itself sits below the surrounding surface area. The area is characterised by large hollow cell- or chamber-like structures formed around bubbles of vapour, and some dramatically standing lava pillars. Several of the chambers and pillar bases are large enough to house humans, giving rise to the term "castles" (borgir).
The Goðafoss is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of North-Central Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road.
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Godafoss
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The Goðafoss is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Bárðardalur district of North-Central Iceland at the beginning of the Sprengisandur highland road.
The Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is situated in the north of Iceland at the northern part of the Sprengisandur Highland Road which means it is to be found within the Highlands of Iceland.
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Aldeyjarfoss
Sprengisandsleið
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The Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is situated in the north of Iceland at the northern part of the Sprengisandur Highland Road which means it is to be found within the Highlands of Iceland.

Food Scene

Dalakofinn is a restaurant and grocery store, situated at highway 1 in the town Laugar in Þingeyjarsveit municipality. We are open all year round. In the summer time we also run a camping area right next to the local sports field, which is only a few hundred meters away from our restaurant. If you are passing by, please look inside, we'll give you a warm welcome!
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Dalakofinn Útibú
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Dalakofinn is a restaurant and grocery store, situated at highway 1 in the town Laugar in Þingeyjarsveit municipality. We are open all year round. In the summer time we also run a camping area right next to the local sports field, which is only a few hundred meters away from our restaurant. If you are passing by, please look inside, we'll give you a warm welcome!
Restaurant Salka is one of the oldest historical building in the town of Húsavík. They offer a sneak peak into the local pantry of Icelandic's culinary food traditions, as well as a relaxing atmosphere on your journey around Iceland
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Salka Restaurant
6 Garðarsbraut
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Restaurant Salka is one of the oldest historical building in the town of Húsavík. They offer a sneak peak into the local pantry of Icelandic's culinary food traditions, as well as a relaxing atmosphere on your journey around Iceland
Restaurant Gamli Baukur is located by the harbour in Húsavík. It offers you a superb scenery over the harbour and the mountains across the bay. The restaurant offers fresh local seafood and other local and international dishes, as well as various beverages. This driftwood built house is the ideal place to sit down, enjoy the fresh local food or simply relax with a drink and observe the buzzing harbour area.
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Gamli Baukur
9 Hafnarstétt
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Restaurant Gamli Baukur is located by the harbour in Húsavík. It offers you a superb scenery over the harbour and the mountains across the bay. The restaurant offers fresh local seafood and other local and international dishes, as well as various beverages. This driftwood built house is the ideal place to sit down, enjoy the fresh local food or simply relax with a drink and observe the buzzing harbour area.
Vogafjós restaurant is located inside our cowshed and offers homemade local food such as smoked trout, mozzarella and salad cheese made from our own milk. We make our own Geysir rye bread, which is baked in the ground in the geothermal heat and we also make our delicious Geysir bread ice cream and homemade cakes. Our product "the raw smoked lamb" is also unique to taste, as well as the panfried trout and lamb. We are fully licensed and specialize in high quality, healthy products. While enjoying your meal, you can watch the cows being milked or experience the great view of Lake Mývatn. Guests are also allowed to go inside the cowshed to pat the calves and even try the fresh milk. We think it is very good for all of us to know what we are eating because "you are what you eat" and most of our food is from the farm or from the nearest region. Opening hours during the winter time varies, from December 2015 to February 2016 the restaurant is open from 11.00-20.30 (kitchen closes at 20.00). From March 10 the restaurant is open from 11.00-22.00 and the kitchen closes at 21.00. Opening hours during the summer time is 11.00-23.00 (kitchen closes at 22.00).
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Vogafjos Farm Resort
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Vogafjós restaurant is located inside our cowshed and offers homemade local food such as smoked trout, mozzarella and salad cheese made from our own milk. We make our own Geysir rye bread, which is baked in the ground in the geothermal heat and we also make our delicious Geysir bread ice cream and homemade cakes. Our product "the raw smoked lamb" is also unique to taste, as well as the panfried trout and lamb. We are fully licensed and specialize in high quality, healthy products. While enjoying your meal, you can watch the cows being milked or experience the great view of Lake Mývatn. Guests are also allowed to go inside the cowshed to pat the calves and even try the fresh milk. We think it is very good for all of us to know what we are eating because "you are what you eat" and most of our food is from the farm or from the nearest region. Opening hours during the winter time varies, from December 2015 to February 2016 the restaurant is open from 11.00-20.30 (kitchen closes at 20.00). From March 10 the restaurant is open from 11.00-22.00 and the kitchen closes at 21.00. Opening hours during the summer time is 11.00-23.00 (kitchen closes at 22.00).

Drinks & Nightlife

Café Amour
9 Ráðhústorg
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R5 Micro Bar
Ráðhústorg
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41 locals raden deze aan
Götubarinn
94c Hafnarstræti
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Shopping

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Casa
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Essentials

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Bónus
Kjarnagata
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28 locals raden deze aan
Nettó
Glerárgata
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30 locals raden deze aan
Hagkaup
17 Grenivellir
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Samkaup Strax