HEAD TO THE NORTH
With a quick flight from Reykjavik to the town of Akureyri,
Northern Iceland gives visitors a picturesque look into the
nation’s most treasured natural wonders. More familiar is
South Iceland’s Diamond Circle, but what many don’t know
is that the North also boasts a tour that will take you to Lake
Myvatn, the Godafoss waterfalls, the geothermal area called
Namaskard, the Jokulsargljufur canyon and much more.
Godafoss (Goðafoss), which translates to “the Waterfall of
the Gods,” is a historical monument and stunning sight near
ring-road 1. It is named as such from the ancient Viking story
about Thorgeir Ljosvetningagodi (Þorgeir ljósvetningagoði),
an ex-Pagan Chief who converted to Christianity in AD 1000
by throwing pagan idols of Nordic gods into this waterfall as a
proclamation of the new faith.
Namafjall mountain (also known as ‘Namaskard’ or ‘Hverir’) is
a geothermal area that looks as celestial as it is serene. With
boiling and bubbling mud pools, this high-temperature area is
often referred to as “Hell’s Kitchen” for the steam that rises
from it and the strong sulfur odor caused by hydrogen sulfide.
Take a walk on the Icelandic moon.
SNORKEL THE SILFRA
Beautiful Iceland
DO AS THE LOCALS DO
If you are a music lover, then Iceland is a great place to follow major
international acts like Foo Fighters, who are headlining this year’s
Secret Solstice. In addition to being home of major musicians such as
Sigur Ros, Of Monsters and Men and Bjork, Iceland has a breadth of
festivals to check out, depending on the time of year you are visiting.
Secret Solstice is back in its fourth year, bringing 72 hours of never-
ending daylight, incredible live acts, and some of the most unique
parties nestled in Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. The 2017 lineup
includes headliners Foo Fighters, The Prodigy, Richard Ashcroft,
Pharoahe Monch, Foreign Beggars, Dubfire, and Kerri Chandler.
With side events that utilize the beautiful and natural terrain, visitors
of this festival can expect events such as performances in the
Raufarholshellir lava tunnel system outside Reykjavík. Formed over
5,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption, the Raufarhollshellir cave
system is a magnificent phenomenon of nature, which instills a sense
of wonder in all who journey within it. And for the first time ever,
guests can be part of this ultra-special concert, in this natural space.
When you think of the most ideal places to snorkel in the
world, your imagination might fill with images of tropical
waters in Hawaii or Indonesia. What many may not know
when planning a trip to Iceland is that it’s waters are some
of the most clear in the world and offer a rare opportunity
to swim between continental plates. Scuba divers and
snorkelers are attracted to this freshwater beauty for many
reasons but most its geological significance: The Silfra is
located between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Offering exceptional visibility, there are three main dive
sites: Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and the Silfra Lagoon. If
you’re a newbie or first time snorkeler, this is a great place
because the area is shallow upon entry. The “Ice” in Iceland
certainly applies to the water temperature, which ranges
between 36–39°F but can be relieved with a dry suit. The
lava rocks are constantly filtering the water so it is truly
some of the clearest water in the world. It’s so clean that
you can drink it while snorkeling. You will view underwater
majesty for as far as the eye can see while staying more
hydrated than you have ever been.
TRAVEL TIP: WHAT TO WEAR
“If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” Pack for
all seasons and occasions when visiting Iceland, where the
weather is often windy and unpredictable. Each day will bring
multiple changes in temperature, so preparing for anything is
the best way to stay warm and comfortable for your Nordic
adventures. A beautiful day can rapidly turn into a windstorm
so pack layers that will allow you to go from t-shirt weather to
winter weather in the turn of a moment.
SUMMER 2017 39 FLYWASHINGTON.COM