Lava Trails & Viking Tales

OVERVIEW

Explore Iceland’s legend-laced volcanic landscape on a walk-through lava field, a climb up a small magic mountain, and a visit to a farm with an unusual crop. First, you’ll travel by coach along the incredibly picturesque coast to Berserkjahraun, an ancient field of lava spikes and mossy boulders. If its name sounds familiar, that’s because the phrase “going berserk” comes from an old Icelandic tale about two warriors who were killed here; these Berserkers were known to fight in an uncontrollable trance-like state. Then it’s on to Helgafell; where legend has it that those who scale this 240-foot “Holy Mountain” are granted three wishes. You’ll have your chance to confirm if that’s true – and be rewarded with sweeping hilltop vistas no matter what. In Stykkisholmur, you’ll you will have some free time. A different sort of museum awaits you on a lava-surrounded farmstead in Bjarnarhofn. Here you’ll visit the Shark Museum and meet the resident farmer who specializes in shark curing. You’ll also have a chance to taste his products, but a word to the wise: they’re quite ‘aromatic.’ Might be wise to bring some mints for the way home.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach around West Iceland’s volcanic landscape for some wonderful first-hand experiences.
• Visit the legendary lava field where the term “going berserk” comes from.
• Scale a small mountain, more of a flat top hill, that is said to richly reward those who climb it.
• Tour a farm and its small museum where the crops smell and taste distinctly fishy.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a bottle of water, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.