Geosites near the Ringroad - 1-2 day route
Many famous geosites are within Katla Geopark and everybody should be able to find an interesting site as the variety is high. Within the Geopark, there are several central volcanoes, high rising mountains, beautiful waterfalls, moss-covered lava fields, and large black beaches. The geosites listed here are all close to the Ringroad (road nr. 1) and are easily accessible for most people. There are numerous other geosites within the geopark, along with museums, exhibitions, and shows, and we encourage you to have a look at them as well. This route goes between the towns of Hvolsvöllur and Vik. It takes about two hours to drive the route, but with the stops, it is a full-day tour. This route can also be turned into a two-day route by incorporating other routes into it. There are many hotels, hostels, cabins, and camping sites near the route, so finding a place to stay should not be difficult. For more information about the waterfalls, geosites, and available accommodation, please visit www.Katlageopark.com.
Town of Hvolsvöllur
There are many things to be done in the town, we recommend checking out the Lava Centre and Saga trail exhibitions, as well as one of the several restaurants in town. There are also a couple of hiking trails nearby, along with a swimming pool and gas stations.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the best-known waterfalls in Iceland and the only one you can safely walk behind. There is another beautiful waterfall nearby, called Gljúfrárbúi, and is about 300 meters north of Seljalandsfoss. The waterfalls are close to road nr. 1. and the turn to the waterfalls is well marked.
Steinahellir cave is a small palagonite cave with a long history. A small carpark is in front of it along with information signs about its history. The area around the cave is quite spectacular as well, as the surrounding area is littered with large boulders that have fallen off the steep, nearby the mountainside.
Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcano
The glacier is especially beautiful when it has fresh snow covering it and the outline of the caldera can be seen underneath the ice. There is a viewpoint on the right-hand side of the road (if you are driving east) shortly after the stop at Steinahellir cave.
Rútshellir cave is another palagonite cave but has an old sheep shed in front of it as well. It is possible to go in there and have a look around. A similar rock formation is nearby called Drangurinn, where you can see a few more old sheep sheds and small barns built next to the rock.
Skógafoss and Skógar museum
The waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland with a short hiking trail leading up the side, giving a chance to have a look at it from above. The nearby Skogar museum is worth a visit as well and there is a small restaurant there that is perfect for lunch.
Sólheimajökull outlet glacier
It is possible to walk towards the glacier for a better view and to go on guided trips onto the glacier. The glacier has been retreating quickly over the last few decades and a small glacial lagoon has formed in front of it with a few icebergs in it.
Dyrhólaey island
The view from there is absolutely gorgeous and during the summertime, a number of puffins nest there. A carpark is on the lower island, called Lágey, and from there it is possible to hike up to the higher island.
Reynisfjara, a black sand beach is one of the more well-known beaches in Iceland, famous for its black sand. The view from there over the Reynisdrangar sea stacks is very good and there is pillow basalt on the side of the nearby mountain, but do not enter the cave as rocks can fall from the ceiling there. The waves on the beach are dangerous, so do not go too close to the sea either!
Town of Vik
There are many things to be done in the town, we recommend the Lava Show and the exhibition at Katla Centre, but if you want more outdoor activity you can go zip lining or horse riding. The beach at Vík is always fun to visit as well, and there is a campground, a swimming pool, and gas stations in the town.
Here you can get a printable version of the route.