Liz O’Gorman
Tour Consultant
Solheimajökull Glacier
Solheimajökull is the glacier snout, an outlet which extends from the mighty Myrdraljoskull glacier of the Icelandic South Coast, and is surrounded by some of Iceland’s grand volcanoes. During the summertime, a glacier lagoon forms in front of the Solheimajökull glacier adding charm to its location.
A pathway takes you to a point where you can view the glacier snout and appreciate the amazing surroundings and colours. Parts of the glacier look black, these areas are known as ‘dirt cones’ where the core is ice and snow, and covered by settled ash and other materials, which actually protects the core from erosion.
Why not take yourself closer to a glacier than you ever thought possible by taking a guided glacier walk with ‘Icelandic Mountain Guides’. This gives you the chance to explore the ice ridges, water cauldrons, ice sculptures and deep crevasses on this spectacular glacier. Whilst enjoying all the features of the glacier and its breathtaking surroundings, you will learn from the guides about the behavior of glaciers and their impact on nature.
No technical skills are required and the experienced glacier guide will teach you how to use the basic glacier equipment provided for the glacier walk, such as crampons and an ice axe. An experience that will certainly leave lasting memories.
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is a favourite stop among travellers along the Golden Circle route, due to its historical significance, the unique geology and the beautiful landscape and geographical features.
When Viking settlers arrived in the 10th century this became the site of Iceland’s parliament from 930AD until the 18th century, making this the world’s oldest parliament and shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation and is a preserved site.
History aside, Thingvellir is a real natural wonder and has a very special appeal for nature lovers. It is the visible site of the mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The plates are being pulled apart by 2 centimeters per year, creating the Thingvellir Rift Valley, where you can see lava fields, rocky landscape, fissure walls and the beautiful Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, best known for Silfra Gorge, a spectacular dive and snorkeling site, where you are literally swimming between two continents in clear, glacier water!
Whilst you are there, you must take the time to enjoy the experience of walking through such an impressive fissure, to visit the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall, set in a peaceful and almost hidden location behind the rugged landscape, and is also the sight where ‘A Game of Thrones’ was filmed!