West Iceland & Snæfellsnes -- A Tapestry of History and Beauty
We leave Reykjavík heading north and enter the town of Borgarnes. In their day, both the Viking hero, Egill Skallagrímsson and the brilliant scholar and strategist, Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241), lived in this area. One option of the tour takes us inland through farmland that was once under control of both these epic figures and arrive at Hraunfossar falls, which appear mysteriously from the lava. Adjacent to them is another waterfall, Barnafoss. From here, we proceed to Snæfellsnes Peninsula and ultimately as close to Snæfellsjökull itself as we can get.
Another option of the tour during summers takes us to the quaint seaside village of Stykkishólmur, where we embark on Seatours Unique Adventure boat tour among the islets of Breiðafjörður. Puffins, cormorants, and many other seabirds await us, and with luck, we may see Iceland’s largest bird of prey, the Sea Eagle. During this 2 hr 15 minute cruise there is the option of a lunch onboard. Otherwise, at about 1:30 pm the ship docks and lunch may be bought at a restaurant in Stykkishólmur.
After lunch we travel across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and head further west to Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-covered volcano. This crowning jewel of one of Iceland’s newest national parks is believed by many to be one of the earth’s natural energy centres, and the area is also setting of many fascinating folk tales and legends. We visit a monument to a legendary character at Arnastapa, and marvel at the coastal formations and birdlife.
Depending on timing and group preference, we may have an afternoon coffee stop either in Arnastapa or at Hótel Búðir. Time permitting, a visit the Settlement Centre, Landnámsetrið, reminds us of the tremendous historic significance of the area, before we return to Reykjavík.
Included: Certified, English-speaking driver-guide, boat trip from Stykkishólmur with guide, admission to Settlement Center Museum.
Optional: Soup lunch on boat tour, lunch in Stykkishólmur, coffee & refreshments at either Arnastapi, Hotel Búðir or the Settlement Center.
Length: 8 hrs. +/- depending on stops, road conditions, weather etc.
Price: € 132 per person, minimum 3 persons, reasonable surcharge for fewer. Price change due to fuel and govt. fee hikes.
Price subject to change due to currency fluctuation and rising fuel costs.
