Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
The picturesque Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach is located only 28km west from Vagnsstaðir Guesthouse. Conveniently located by the ring road and part of Vatnajökull National Park, this natural wonder should not be missed. Jökulsárlón is known for its pristine blue waters and floating icebergs in all shapes and sizes and if you are lucky you might even be able to spot some seals basking in the lagoon.
The lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean so the icebergs are pushed out to sea by the current. The power of the wind and waves crashing onto the black sand beach below the lagoon can cause these icebergs to be pushed back to shore. The icebergs vary in size, but seeing hundreds of them twinkling in the sunlight against the black sand beach you can imagine why the beach got its name, The Diamond Beach.
Local, travel companies offer various types of boat tours on the lagoon like Amphibian Boats, Zodiac Boats and Kayaks and there are some food trucks and cafe on location.
Höfn
Höfn is a blooming community by the roots of the biggest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. Höfn’s growth in the 20th century from a small village to today’s town was a result of the development in the fishing industry and keeps on blooming due to today’s tourism industry.
Höfn is located 50km east from Vagnsstaðir Gueshouse and offers diverse services including various restaurants, supermarket, swimming pools and golf course.
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The scenic Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a glacial lagoon located around 35 km west from Vagnsstaðir Guesthouse. The steep outlet glacier, Fjallsjökull comes down from Vatnajökull and is gradually breaking into this lagoon. This Glacier lagoon is not as well known as the lagoon next to it makes this a perfect peaceful place to enjoy the untouched nature.
Fjallsárlón offers boat-tours on the lagoon as well as a bistro with fresh and tasty refreshments.
Múlagljúfur Canyon
Múlagljúfur is a beautiful canyon that is located 45km west from Vagnsstaðir Guesthouse. The hike up the canyon takes about 30-40 minutes and at the top you will be rewarded with spectacular views. This canyon has been hidden from travelers for years, but has recently began to make its way to travelers bucket lists for a good reason.
Heinaberg
Heinaberg is located 20km east from Vagnsstaðir Guesthouse. A beautiful area located off the beaten path and consists of Heinabergsjökull glacier and the glacial lagoon Heinabergslón. The scenic area offers excellent conditions for hikers, with several interesting hiking trails.
Local Travel company offers kayaking-tours on the lagoon during the summer time.
Vestrahorn
Vestrahorn is located 60km east from Vagnsstaðir Guesthouse. Vestrahorn is a 454-meter-high mountain surrounded by a black sandy coastline. On a calm weather day and depending on the tide, you might be lucky enough to see the mountain reflected in the water.
In the Second World War, the Horn area became a base for the British army and later a NATO radar station was set up at Stokksnes. At Stokksnes you can feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean as the waves hit the rocky shore with massive force. Please note that a small fee is charged to use the access road.
Hoffell
Hoffell is located 40km east of Vagnsstaðir Gueshouse and known for the spectacular scenery of mountain slopes carved out by glaciers through the years. Due to the incredible natural beauty, wildlife and diversity of the fauna Hoffell is popular for hikers with numerous hiking trails in the area.
There are hot tubs in Hoffell which are heated naturally by the geothermal water in the area.
Skaftafell
Skaftafell is ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities and is located 85km west from Vagnsstaðir Guesthouse. In Skaftafell you can enjoy scenic nature and various hiking trails, short and easy trails lead to the waterfall Svartifoss and Skaftafellsjökull glacier, and for the avid hiker that wants to reach further they can choose a hike to Morsárdalur valley and/or Kristínartindar mountain peaks. Skaftafell is also the perfect base camp for those who seek to climb Iceland’s highest mountain peak, Hvannadalshnúkur.
Travel companies operate guided hikes to the nearby glaciers and mountains. You can also book sightseeing flights over Vatnajökull glacier and other renowned attractions.
Ingolfshöfði Cape
Cape Ingolfshofdi is an isolated headland on the south coast half way between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This historical nature reserve is home of thousands of nesting seabirds, like puffins and great skuas. The cape is named after the first settler of Iceland, Ingolfur Arnarson, who spent his first winter in Iceland there in the year 874 AD.
During the summer months it is possible to take a birdwatching tour to the cape with a local company called From Coast to Mountains.
Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008 and covers over 14.000 square kilometers. It covers the whole Vatnajökull Glacier as well as land that has been affected by the glacier throughout the years.
The park‘s visitor centres are all located in lowland areas. Each of them has an exhibition about the park‘s nature and cultural heritage. In 2019, Vatnajökull National Park was inscribed upon the UNESCO World Heritage List.