Travel
Another Iceland: volcano, glacier, and the loneliest house in the world
Or how to make your journey even more exciting
In the autumn of 2021, I went to Iceland once again. The main plan was to watch a volcanic eruption that had started in the southeastern part of the island.
Unfortunately, by the time I got my visa and got there, the eruption had already stopped. But there was still steam rising from the lava fields, and the climb became one of the most vivid memories of the trip.
But by no means the only one! The volcano may have calmed down, but I didn't. Going around the island a second time seemed boring to me, so I stayed on the south coast and explored new places.
This article summarises the most important things about the three most unusual experiences on this trip.
Unfortunately, by the time I got my visa and got there, the eruption had already stopped. But there was still steam rising from the lava fields, and the climb became one of the most vivid memories of the trip.
But by no means the only one! The volcano may have calmed down, but I didn't. Going around the island a second time seemed boring to me, so I stayed on the south coast and explored new places.
This article summarises the most important things about the three most unusual experiences on this trip.
The volcano had calmed down a couple of weeks before I arrived, so I only managed to catch the lava fields. But they were beautiful af.
Heimaey Island
The largest and only permanently inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago.
How to get there: by ferry from Landeyjahöfn harbour. Buy tickets on the official website of the Herjólfur Ferry Company.
A round trip with a car seat costs an average of 12,000 ISK (≈ 80 EUR).
How to get there: by ferry from Landeyjahöfn harbour. Buy tickets on the official website of the Herjólfur Ferry Company.
A round trip with a car seat costs an average of 12,000 ISK (≈ 80 EUR).
There are seven flights per day at convenient intervals. The ocean crossing takes only 40 minutes.
The ferry passes uninhabited islands and even strong winds cannot prevent tourists from seeing the beauty from the deck.
The ferry passes uninhabited islands and even strong winds cannot prevent tourists from seeing the beauty from the deck.
Apart from the puffins that nest on the local cliffs during the summer season, Heimaey is known as the site of the world's loneliest house. Strictly speaking, the house is on the separate island of Elliðaey, which is visible from the ferry.
The house was built in the 1950s by an association of local hunters. The island serves as a nesting ground for puffins, and is listed as a protected area.
The house was built in the 1950s by an association of local hunters. The island serves as a nesting ground for puffins, and is listed as a protected area.
But there is a better option: an abandoned house on Suðurey Island, viewed from the southernmost point of Heimaey Island.
It's only a 10-minute drive from the pier to the lookout.
It's only a 10-minute drive from the pier to the lookout.
What else to see on Heimaey
— Eldfell volcano;
— Urðaviti lighthouse and the volcanic beach around it;
— the elephant-shaped rock Halldórsskora, and on the way to it, stop at the scenic spot Herjólfsdalur;
— the black pickaxe Stafkirkjan.
After all that you relax, have a coffee, and eat some freshly baked pastries in Vigtin bakhús while waiting for the ferry to depart.
— Eldfell volcano;
— Urðaviti lighthouse and the volcanic beach around it;
— the elephant-shaped rock Halldórsskora, and on the way to it, stop at the scenic spot Herjólfsdalur;
— the black pickaxe Stafkirkjan.
After all that you relax, have a coffee, and eat some freshly baked pastries in Vigtin bakhús while waiting for the ferry to depart.
Falljökull Glacier
One of the most popular places in the south of Iceland for glacier trekking. It is not recommended to get there on your own. Firstly, the road passes through rivers where only high vehicles can pass. Secondly, you need special equipment.
Good news: accredited professional companies offer a variety of climbing tours to suit all tastes and budgets.
All tours, as well as hiking treks in the park, start from the base camp here.
Good news: accredited professional companies offer a variety of climbing tours to suit all tastes and budgets.
All tours, as well as hiking treks in the park, start from the base camp here.
I took a 4-hour beginner's overview tour from Arctic Adventures.
Prices for glacier adventures start from 80 EUR.
Don't forget to pay for parking. Cameras at the entrance to the park automatically record your car number. Price: 1,000 ISK (≈ 7 EUR) for one day. There are terminals in the car park and you can pay by card.
Prices for glacier adventures start from 80 EUR.
Don't forget to pay for parking. Cameras at the entrance to the park automatically record your car number. Price: 1,000 ISK (≈ 7 EUR) for one day. There are terminals in the car park and you can pay by card.
Our group was small. Only 8 people with a guide, who was very enthusiastic about local nature and made a lot of jokes. We spent almost three hours on the glacier.
Icelanders have a saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes". On the glacier we had sunshine, snow, rain, and a double rainbow over the century-old ice.
Would I come back to these places again? Hell yeah.
Each one of them is worth trading time and a portion of your travel budget for the experiences you'll get in return.
Each one of them is worth trading time and a portion of your travel budget for the experiences you'll get in return.
Bonus: interactive Google map
More locations + places you won't find in the article.