Vestmannaeyjar (The Westman Islands) ELDFELL VOLCANO, HEIMAEY ISLAND Eldfell Volcano has become the main attraction of Heimaey Island, which is the largest in the Westman archipelago, also known as Vestmannaeyjar. Follow a scenic hiking trail for 45 to 60 minutes to the summit for a fantastic panoramic view. With gravity on your side, you can hike down in about 30 minutes. The trail is steep in places but not difficult. The views from the top are worth the effort. Bring your water bottle.
HÚSAVÍK Húsavík, the Whale Capital of Iceland, is one of the oldest settlements in the country. As the translation implies, people come here for the whale- watching tours in Skjálfandi. Up to 23 species of whales, including Blue whales, as well as large colonies of puffins, frequent the bay. The East HÓLMANES NATURE RESERVE Part nature reserve, part public park, this hiker-friendly nature hotspot allows ramblers to bird-watch or look for wildlife (reindeer, in this case) while hiking the somewhat hilly terrain. Hólmanes is also known for its interesting geological features.
STUÐLAGIL Stunning blue-green glacial water flows through this unique basalt canyon in the beautiful Efri-Jökuldalur valley, a natural gem within the Fljótsdalshérað region, which in recent years has established itself as one of the most exciting destinations in East Iceland for hiking and other outdoor activities. SKÁLANES NATURE RESERVE Situated around a long-abandoned farm, east of Seyðisfjorður, Skálanes Nature Reserve is known for its lush flora: fields of lupines stretch as far as the eye can see. The towering cliffs dominating the horizon provide nesting habitat for 40 bird species. Reindeer and foxes inhabit the surrounding meadows. The farm also functions as a hub for education, environmental research, and historical exploration of Iceland’s past.
HERJOLFSDALUR Herjolfsdalur is a lush valley in The
Westman Islands and is celebrated for its rich Viking history that dates back over a millennium. Archeologists in the 20th century undertook excavation expeditions which provided evidence of Viking activity at Herjolfsdalur and Heimaey. Important artifacts include ruins and traces of traditional houses and sheds.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, the ice and the weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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