Wednesday 24 September 2014

Snæfellsjökull National Park, Iceland

Snæfellsjökull National Park was the first National Park in Iceland and it also is the only one in Iceland to extend to the sea.
The main attraction to the park is the Snæfellsjökull volcano which is actually called Snæfell but since there are other mountains/volcanoes in Iceland by the same name, it is referred to as Snæfellsjökull. The volcano is an active one and its' summit is covered by a glacier. Mostly it is known worldwide due to Jules Vernes' book "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" as the entrance into the world beneath.
The volcano has been quiet for 1,800 years, but its' violent past can be seen all around it with moss covered lava fields stretching as far as the eye can see. It is also considered to be one of the 7 most potent 'energy sources' on the Earth, and has been attributed various mysterious powers.

Things to see and do:
Spotting orca whales off the coast
Climb the Snæfellsjökull glacier - only with a tour guide.
Walk 1km from Djupalonssandur to Dritvik beach - here high cliffs that look like out of the Jurassic period tumble into the sea with stretches of black sand beach separating them. There used to be a settlement of 600 fisherman during summers here until the 19th century, you can also spot a shipwreck.
Saxholl Crater - It is possible to walk around and up it. There is a great view from the top.
Londrangas Basalt Cliffs - remains of an ancient volcano crater between 61m and 75m in height. It's home to puffin and fulmar colonies.
Vatnshellir Cave - an 8000 year old lava tube. To book tours and for more information, go to www.vatnshellir.is















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