Island hat eine Vielzahl von bekannten, spektakulären Touristenattraktionen. Die Blaue Lagune, der Goldene Kreis und Mývatn sind alle sehenswert, aber manchmal verdecken ihre Berühmtheiten einige der anderen Juwelen, die Island zu bieten hat. Für den Besucher, der nach etwas anderem sucht, oder jemand, der seinen zweiten oder dritten Ausflug auf die Insel unternimmt, finden Sie hier einige weniger publizierte Ideen, wie Sie Ihre Zeit verbringen können:

1Laugurvegur

Das isländische Hochland, in der Mitte der Insel, hat einige der spektakulärsten Landschaften auf dem Planeten. Nur im Sommer zugänglich, bieten sie eine einzigartige Gelegenheit für jeden Besucher im Juli oder August. Der Laugurvegur Trail ist ein Traum für Wanderer. Eine Strecke von 50 km, die in zwei bis vier Tagen zurückgelegt werden kann, führt Sie durch eine unglaubliche Vielfalt an Landschaften.

Angefangen mit einem leichten Anstieg auf Schwefel vulkanischen Felsen, kommen Sie bald zu spektakulären, mehrfarbigen Hügeln, von denen Sie Aussicht auf vier Gletscher haben. In den folgenden Tagen besuchen Sie auch eine Aschewüste, trostlose Moorlandschaft, den inzwischen berüchtigten Vulkan Eyjafjallajökull und Islands größten Wald. Es gibt drei Berghütten entlang der Strecke, die sowohl Camping- als auch Schlafsäle bieten, obwohl Reservierungen erforderlich sind.

Empfehlenswert ist, die Route in Landmannalaugur zu beginnen und nach Þórsmörk zu wandern, da Sie durch eine spektakuläre Abfahrt in das Tal um den Álftavatn See belohnt werden.

2Musikfestivals

Die isländische Musikszene ist überraschend groß für eine Insel mit solch einer kleinen Bevölkerung. Die Isländer haben Livemusik wirklich angenommen, was zu aufeinanderfolgenden Generationen talentierter und unabhängig denkender Musiker geführt hat. Das größte Ereignis im musikalischen Kalender ist das Iceland Airwaves Festival im Oktober.

In der Nacht werden Bars und Clubs in ganz Reykjavík zu Veranstaltungsorten für Festivals, da die Stadt sowohl von populären isländischen Künstlern als auch von Gastspielern aus Nordamerika und Europa besucht wird. Während des Tages füllen sich die Cafés und Straßen mit jungen Künstlern und Künstlern, die ihre Talente dem plötzlichen Zustrom von Besuchern präsentieren möchten. Airwaves ist einzigartig, da die verschiedenen Veranstaltungsorte ein echtes Gefühl für die Menschen, die Stadt und die Musik vermitteln.

Für den wirklich abenteuerlustigen Festivalbesucher beherbergt Island auch Aldrei for Óg Suður, der normalerweise um April in der isolierten Fischerstadt Ísafjörður stattfindet. Das Festival, das von der isländischen Blues-Legende Múgison organisiert wird, ist kostenlos und bietet die besten lokalen und nationalen Talente sowie die dramatische Landschaft der Westfjorde, die immer noch kämpfen, um dem Winter zu entkommen.

3 Strandir

Horror-Fans sollten die Küste von Strandir in den Westfjorden nicht verpassen. Ein guter Ausgangspunkt für eine Reise ist das Museum für isländische Zauberei und Hexerei in Hólmavík. Es enthält eine faszinierende Sammlung schrecklicher Artefakte, kombiniert mit einer prägnanten und gut erklärten Geschichte. Zu den Highlights zählen eine Hose aus den Beinen eines Toten und der „unsichtbare Junge“.

Eine Übernachtung in Djúpavik wird ebenfalls empfohlen. Ein kleiner Weiler unter einem spektakulären Wasserfall, das Dorf enthält auch eine verlassene Heringsfabrik direkt aus einem Horrorfilm. Fünfzehn Minuten die Straße von Djúpavik entfernt, können Sie im nordwestlichsten Swimmingpool Europas entspannen, einem Outdoor-Vergnügen an einem einsamen Strand. Aus dem angenehmen, geothermisch erwärmten Wasser können Sie das Treibholz aus Sibirien beobachten.

4 Húsavík

Whale-Watching wird in ganz Island angeboten, aber die erste Adresse ist Húsavík an der Nordküste. Die Húsavík Bucht ist ein natürlicher Sammelplatz für Wale vieler verschiedener Arten und bietet daher die größte Vielfalt und häufigste Sichtungen. Glückliche Besucher könnten sogar einen Blauwal sehen, das größte Säugetier des Planeten. In Húsavík befindet sich auch das isländische Phallusmuseum, eines der einzigartigsten Museen der Welt.

Mit ein bisschen Planung bietet Island endlose Möglichkeiten für den abenteuerlustigen Reisenden. Egal, wohin Sie auf der Insel fahren, fragen Sie unbedingt einen der freundlichen Einheimischen nach Empfehlungen, denn Island ist voller versteckter Ecken und Winkel und jeder hat seine Favoriten

Der Beitrag 4 Reiseziele in Island abseits der ausgetretenen Pfade erschien zuerst auf Realmag.

Start Slideshow

1Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the northernmost capital of the world and with approx. 120,000 inhabitants the largest city of Iceland. The name Reykjavík means „smoking bay“ and is probably due to the steaming springs in the surrounding area.

Reykjavík was founded by the Viking Ingólfur Arnarson, who moved about 870 with his family and followers from Norway. Until the end of the 18th century, the place consisted of only a few farms.

Today, over 200,000 people live in the emerging region. Especially in the artistic and musical field you will find a thriving scene in Reykjavík. Artists such as „Björk“, „Sigur Rós“, „Emiliana Torrini“ and „Of Monsters and Men“ are already known far beyond the borders of Iceland.

Writers and visual artists such as Einar Jónsson and Ásmundur Sveinsson made a name for themselves internationally in the 20th century. Reykjavík was proclaimed the 29th UNESCO City of Literature on 2 August 2011.

2The Blue Lagoon

Bláa Lónið (Blue Lagoon) is a hot water lake that was created as a by-product of the nearby geothermal power plant. The power plant produces a 240 ° C hot mixture of sea and fresh water, from a depth of approx. 2 km, to the surface. After being used to generate electricity and operate a district heating network, the mixture flows into the surrounding lava field.

So a salt water lake has formed there with a temperature level of 37-42 ° C. The typical blue-white color is caused by diatoms, which are located in the deep water. Bathing in Bláa Lónið has proven to reduce psoriasis and other skin diseases.

A visit to the Blue Lagoon will be an unforgettable bathing and wellness stay. Highly recommended!

Tip: The Blue Lagoon is located between the airport and Reykjavík. A bathing and wellness stay is thus on the way to / from the airport.

3The „Golden Circle“

The „Golden Circle“ is a classic day trip from Reykjavík. Visits Þingvellir, geyser and Gullfoss.

The old Parliament Þingvellir is located directly on the spectacular rift valley between American and European continental plate. Þingvellir translated means the „level of popular assembly“. At 930 AD Legislative assemblies were held here by Norwegian Vikings. Þingvellir is thus one of the oldest parliaments on earth. In the year 1000 the affiliation to the Christianity was decided, 1944 the Republic of Iceland proclaimed.

The „big geyser“ is the eponym for all geysers, but only rarely erupts. To visit is his little brother „Strokkur“ (churn), which is located next to the Geyser. His outbreaks are relatively regular at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes. The hot water column reaches a height of 25 to 35 meters.

The Gullfoss is a waterfall of the river Hvítá. Its average water flow is about 110 m³ per second. The maximum during a flood of the century was 2,000 m³ per second. The waterfall falls over two steps in total 30 meters in depth.

4Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a volcanic archipelago in the south of Iceland. Of the 15 islands, however, only Heimaey is constantly inhabited. The main island can easily be explored on foot on a day trip to the Eldfell volcano. A walk along the coast offers unique panoramas.

Since 2010, there is the new port on the opposite mainland. A boat trip takes about 30 minutes. The one way trip costs about 8 to 9 €. If you want you can take your car on the island. But much more interesting is an island exploration on foot. Solid shoes are useful because of the rocky ground.

5Skógafoss Waterfall and Laugavegur Trekking Trail

Skógafoss (forest waterfall) is 25 meters wide and crashes 66 meters into the depths over the former coastline of Iceland. On the eastern side of the waterfall, the famous trekking path Laugavegur passes.

The hike takes four days and is well signposted. On the way there are huts with fully equipped kitchens at a distance of day trips, which are usually fully booked in midsummer. Meals must be taken, but the kitchen can be used in the cabins. Camping is possible at the huts and only allowed there.

6Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is famous for its hot and cold springs and the colorful mountains of the surrounding volcanoes. The Bláhnjúkur volcano, for example, consists of gray-blue Pechstein, while the reddish-brown slopes of the Brennisteinsalda volcano consist of quarternrachite or rhyolite rock.

Here, too, the Laugavegur trekking path leads past. Further hikes lead over partly steep paths to the mountain Bláhnjúkur. Another easy to walk round trail leads through the gorge Grænagil. Hikers can refresh themselves in a natural hot spring just a few meters from the trekking village.

Maps for short hiking trips and current weather information can be obtained from the tourist information office in the trekking lodge Landmannalaugar.

7Peninsula Snæfellsnes

On the peninsula Snæfellsnes (snow mountain peninsula) you will find all the scenic beauties of Iceland in the smallest area. That’s why they have been called the „Island in Miniature“. Today, the western part of the island is a national park.

Guided tours are offered by the National Park Authority in Hellnar. In the south of the peninsula you can take walks along the coast and in the lava fields.

In the north, you can take the ferry from Stykkishólmur to the idyllic island of Flatey, which served as the backdrop for the television series Nonni and Manni.

8Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss is the largest waterfall in northeastern Iceland. With his height of fall, he is theoretically one of the strongest performers in European comparison. So he could provide the equivalent of an electric power of 85 MW. Nearby are the slightly smaller waterfalls Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss, which are really worth seeing.

9Lakeland Mývatn

The lake Mývatn (mosquito lake) got its name from the in summer very large mosquito swarms, which in turn are the basis for the considerable fish wealth and the diverse duck population. However, most of them are harmless mosquitoes that do not sting.

In the vicinity of the lake are numerous natural wonders of volcanic origin, which can be admired on a tour.

In the northern part of the lake, an old mine was converted into a thermal bath. The „Jarðböð“ (German earth baths) and the „Mývatn Nature Bath“ offer excellent swimming.

10Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón means „glacial river lagoon“ and is with 18 km ² the largest and also the deepest glacier lake of Iceland. The lake is known for the icebergs floating on it, which can dazzle in a variety of colors. The blue shades are caused by the different crystals in the ice and their reflection, the black comes from volcanic ash.

On the shores of the lake are numerous hiking trails, from which you can also observe the species-rich wildlife of Iceland.

The glacial lake has served as a venue for popular film productions such as James Bond – Die Another Day, James Bond 007 – In the Face of Death, Tomb Raider, Beowulf & Grendel and Batman Begins.

Der Beitrag Top 10 Sights & Natural Wonders of Iceland erschien zuerst auf Realmag.

Enjoy the drive from Reykjavík, through the unique landscape over the hot spring Nesjavellir to Nationalparkingvellir National Park. This place has some special features. So here are the border of the Eurasian and American Earth columns and the oldest parliament of the earth. As early as 930 AD, the Norwegian Vikings held meetings here.

Discover during a short hike, the geological importance, which was due to the situation in the midst of four volcanic systems.

Continue to the Gullfoss waterfall, also known as the „Golden Waterfall“. The roaring masses of water rush down into the ravine of the river Hvítá. Experience the spectacle very close to its natural platform and feel the spray on your face.

The journey takes you further into the hot water area around Geysir and Strokkur. As a land of geysers, Iceland has countless natural wonders. Hot springs eject the water at regular or irregular intervals as a fountain. The Great Geyser and Strokkur are among the most spectacular in the country. About every 10 minutes the Strokkur encounters a 30 meter high fountain.

On the way back you visit the diocese of Skálholt, which was founded around 1000 and is one of the most important historical places in Iceland. Particularly impressive is the artistic design, as well as the objects from the 17th century.

A little further on is the town of Hveragerði. The additional name „the flourishing city“, was awarded due to the numerous greenhouses. More than 14 ha of land is under glass, thus establishing vegetable and flower growing.

With these impressive experiences of natural beauties and historical significance, you drive back to the capital.

Der Beitrag The highlights of Iceland – along the Golden Circle erschien zuerst auf Realmag.

Iceland has a multitude of well-known, spectacular tourist attractions. The Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle and Mývatn are all definitely worth seeing, but sometimes their fame masks some of the other jewels Iceland has to offer. For the visitor looking for something a little different, or someone making their second or third trip to the island, here are some less publicised ideas of how to spend your time:

1Laugurvegur

The Icelandic Highlands, in the centre of the island, has some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Only accessible during the summer, they offer a unique opportunity to anyone visiting in July or August. The Laugurvegur trail is a hiker’s dream. A 50km trail that can be covered in two to four days, it takes you through an incredible variety of landscapes.

Starting with an easy climb up sulphur-belching volcanic rocks, you soon come to spectacular, multi-coloured hillsides from which there are views of four glaciers. In the following days you also take in an ash desert, desolate moorland, the now infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano and Iceland’s biggest forest. There are three mountain huts along the route which offer both camping and dormitory rooms, although reservations are required.

It is recommended that you start the route in Landmannalaugur and trek to Þórsmörk, as you will be rewarded by a spectacular descent into the valley around Álftavatn lake.

2Music Festivals

The Icelandic music scene is suprisingly large for an island with such a small population. The Icelanders have really embraced live music, resulting in successive generations of talented and independent-minded musicians. The biggest event on the musical calendar is the Iceland Airwaves festival held in October.

At night, bars and clubs all over Reykjavík become festival venues as the city is taken over with music by both popular Icelandic artists and guest performers from North America and Europe. During the day, the cafes and streets fill with young performers and artists eager to showcase their talents to the sudden influx of visitors. Airwaves is unique, as the multiple venues give you a real feeling for the people and city as well as the music.

For the really adventurous festival-goer, Iceland also hosts Aldrei fór ég Suður, usually held around April in the isolated fishing town of Ísafjörður. Organized by Icelandic blues legend Múgison, the festival is free and offers the cream of local and national talent, as well as the dramatic landscape of the West Fjords still struggling to escape from the winter.

3Strandir

Lovers of horror should not miss the Strandir coast in the West Fjords. A good starting point for a trip is the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft in Hólmavík. It contains a fascinating collection of horrific artefacts, combined with a concise and well-explained history. Highlights include a pair of trousers made from the legs of a dead man, and the ‚invisible boy‘.

An overnight stay in Djúpavik is also recommended. A tiny hamlet below a spectacular waterfall, the village also contains an abandoned herring factory straight out of a horror movie. Fifteen minutes up the road from Djúpavik, you can relax in the most Northwesterly swimming pool in Europe, an outdoor delight situated on a desolate beach. From the pleasant, geothermally heated water you can watch the driftwood floating in from Siberia.

4Húsavík

Whale-watching is offered all over Iceland but the premier location is definitely Húsavík, on the Northern coast. Húsavík bay is a natural gathering place for whales of many different species and therefore offers the biggest variety and most frequent sightings. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of a Blue Whale, the planet’s biggest mammal. Húsavík is also home to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, one of the most unique museums in the world.

With a little bit of planning, Iceland offers endless opportunities for the adventurous traveler. No matter where you go on the island, make sure to ask one of the friendly locals for recommendations because Iceland is filled with hidden nooks and crannies and everybody has their favourites.

Der Beitrag Alternative Iceland: 4 Destinations Off the Beaten Track erschien zuerst auf Realmag.