Vatnajökull is not only the biggest glacier in Iceland but in the whole of Europe. It covers over 8100 km2 and has around 30 outlet glaciers. Vatnajökull National Park was founded in 2008 on the foundation of Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárgljúfur reserve. The National Park is the largest protected area in Europe. For those looking for a shorter but stunning guided walk, this is a fantastic introduction to the unique world of glaciers. The easiest way to access it is via Skaftafell, which is also a part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park. From Reykjavik, follow route 1 along the south coast for approximately 320 km, until you see a sign for Skaftafell National Park, where you will make a left turn. The journey will take around 4 hours in favourable conditions.

credit: _davidphan

The Silfra fissure is actually a crack between the North American and Eurasian continents, meaning that you dive or snorkel right where the continental plates meet and drift apart about 2cm per year. The Silfra fissure is located in the Thingvallavatn Lake in Thingvellir National Park. As Silfra is a part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The crystal clear waters that flow through it are the result of an incredible natural slow-filtration process. Here, the meltwaters from the Langjökull glacier are constantly percolating through the porous lava fields of the surrounding landscape, a process that can take a single drop of water up to a century to reach the fissure. The result is pure glacial water with virtually limitless visibility.

credit: Bernard McManus

credit:  Diego_Delso

credit:  HER-S

credit: Francisco Antunes 

credit: Francisco Antunes 

credit: Francisco Antunes 

credit: Francisco Antunes 

credit: Francisco Antunes 

Hvítserkur is an impressive, 15 meter high cliff. It protrudes out of the sea in the western part of the Huna Bay near the coast a short distance from the farm Suluvellir. The sea erosion has carved three holes through its foundations and sculptures it in the shape of a petrified monster. It is really close to the shore and huge and with nothing else around. Legend has it that the cliff was once a troll intent on destroying the Þingeyrar Church located close by. Before the troll could execute its plan, the sun rose on the horizon turning the troll into stone

credit: Dan (catching up)

credit: lundur/Iceland

credit: JCyn 

credit: GammaCygni 

credit: GammaCygni