What to do in Husafell area?
September 29, 2016
Husafell is a beautiful area placed between lava mountains and Langjokull glacier. Icelanders travel a lot with their tents or campers to Husafell in the summer time since the area is known for good weather conditions. Somehow the degrees on the thermometer are always a bit higher in Husafell!
Husafell and Husafell area is a paradise for nature lovers. Husafell‘s nature is characterized by dence woods – the Icelandic kinds, with low trees, mainly birch. There are unique lava formations, crystal-clear mountain springs, warm geothermal water, magnificent ravines, caves, bird life and of course the magical glaciers with rushing glacial rivers and landscape.
There are immense things to do in and around Husafell, besides having a nice lunch at Hotel Husafell, taking a swim in Husafell‘s geothermal pool or playing golf at the golf course.
Here are some suggestions – it will be a difficult choice!
Hraunfossar
Hraunfossar are close by Husafell, about 6km along road 518. Hraunfossar is a series of waterfalls running out of the lava Hallmunndarhraun (the word hraun means lava). This lava field flowed from a volcanic eruption of one of Langjokull glacier‘s volcanos lying under the ice.
Barnafoss is another beautiful waterfall close to Hraunfossar. It is worth checking them both out together. Barnafoss means Waterfall of the children. The name is drawn from an accident which is said to have taken place in former times. A natural bridge is said to have been over the waterfalls and two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths while crossing the bridge. Afterwards, their mother is said to have destroyed the bridge.
Deildartunguhver
Deildartunguhver is a hot spring in Borgarfjordur, about 30km away from Husafell. This hot spring is known to be the most voluminous natural hot spring in the world. The water is very hot, about 97°C (207°F) so take care not to put your fingers in it to test… There is lots of steam and the area can look a bit mysterious. Some of the water is used for heating in the nearest towns of Borgarnes and Akranes.
Horticulture is an important part of the agricultural activities in the area and at Deildartunguhver you can usually buy fresh grown vegetables. It‘s a friendly place, usually self served, just pick your items in a bag and pay ISK in the box. Sometimes there are people selling their hand-made items like wool garments and such, so good to have some cash if you see some eye catching souvenirs
Vidgelmir cave
About half an hour drive from Húafell, is Videlmir cave. It is wide and big, about 1600 m long and the highest point inside and its widest is about 16 meters. Therefore it can be said the largest lava tube in Iceland. There is much to see and you‘ll know why Vidgelmir is often considered one of Iceland‘s most precious natural wonders. If you have time in Iceland, make sure that you stop by and take the tour around the cave. You can check out the beautiful cave at www.thecave.is.
Reykholt
Reykholt is a true historic site in Borgarfjordur. It‘s located about 23 km from Husafell. Snorri Sturluson, one of Iceland‘s best-known authors lived in Reykholt 1206-1241. In front of Snorrastofa (Snorri‘s home) is an ancient geothermally-heated natural pool; Snorralaug or Snorri‘s pool. The warm pool is nice for dipping your toes in while you enjoy the nice environment. Snorrastofa is a cultural centre and an institute for research in medieval studies and archeology. There is also a church in Reykholt, popular for concerts and other musical events. Check the schedule to see if there is something going on in the church while you visit.
Steðji Brewery
In Reykholt we recommend a visit to Stedji Brewery, an exciting and innovative family micro-brewery producing beer with old Icelandic traditional recipes, some containing ingredients of which one might thing pretty weird like whales testicles. But don‘t worry, that beer is only seasonal for the Icelandic traditional festival Þorri, where we like to eat traditional food and travel back in time… But Stedji also uses their own natural spring water which originates from Langjökull glacier and is considered to be among the purest and cleanest sources of water found in the world.
Stedji serves guests who like to visit and learn about their brew. You can find further information about Steðji Micro Brewery at www.stedji.com.
