Glacial Lagoon

Jökulsárlón is the best known and the largest of a number of glacial lakes in Iceland. It is situated just by the road no. one, midway between Skaftafell National Park and Höfn. Appearing first only in 1934-1935, the lake grew from 7.9 km² in 1975 to at least 20 km² today because of heavy melting of the Icelandic glaciers. Approaching a depth of 200 m, Jökulsárlón is now probably the second deepest lake in Iceland.

Jökulsárlón is separated from the sea by only a short distance, and the combined action of the glacier, the river that empties from the lake, and the ocean may eventually transform it into an inlet of the sea. There are plans to prevent this from happening, since the only road in the area passes over the narrow isthmus.

Seals are often seen in the lake and in the river running to the sea and occacionally one can see whales out on the sea.

Boats take you close to the icebergs. A unbelievable experience and great opportunity for photographing one of Icelands great nature sites.

This is where Iceland meets Greenland. You can watch the icebergs calve and break away from the clacier right beside you, on a breattaking cruise around a glacial lagoon.

Ingólfshöfði

A bird watching and history trip in a nature reserve.

Ingólfshöfði is an isolated headland between black sands and the Atlantic Ocean, with thousands of nesting seabirds, especially puffins and the great skua. This historical cape is named after the first settler of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson, who spent his first winter in Iceland there in the year 874 AD.

To get to Ingólfshöfði you cross 6 km of waters, marshes and sands in a tractor-drawn hay cart. A guided tour takes about 2,5 hours, included 25 minutes each way in the hay cart and 1,5 hours hiking around the cape.

Kayak Tour

Introductory Kayak Trip at Hofsnes Farm

Beginners friendly and easy kayaking trip on the gentle running stream Landáll at Hofsnes farm, 30 km east of Skaftafell National Park. The first 2,5km from road no. one is very easy, and it is even possible to have a child (1-7 year old) in front of a parent in some of our boats. About 8 year old kids should be able to paddle their own boats at least when we do the shorter version of the trip that ends at Bakkahorn.

The trip ends at the parking for Ingólfshöfði trips (see the Coast Tour).

Northern Lights

The surrounding mountains offer a great opportunity to see the dance of the northern lights. This only happens in the winter between October and February.

Hunting

There are many posibilities for the hunter in Southeast Iceland. You can hunt deer, ptarmigan, gray goose and sea birds. Hunting in Iceland is restricted to seasons for each type of game. A gun owners licence and a hunting permit from your country is required. It is highly recommended that hunting be planned well in advance and we offer various services in this regard. For deer hunting info visit: www.hreindyr.is. For info on permits contact veidistjorn@ust.is

Hiking

There are many marked trails and trips you can make. Maps and more info is available in our reception and in the Tourist information center in Höfn.

Birdwatching

At the southeast-coast you can expect to see a great variety of birdlife. For example you can see Puffins, Great Skua, Harlequeins and Guilllemonts. You find some info (in Icelandic) at www.fuglar.is. We recommend bird watching.

Fishing

You can choose from fishing salmon in the "Laxá" river, (1km from Arnanes) or go fishing trout in a nearby lake. Visit www.strengir.is for further information.

Seals

It takes just about 5 minutes to drive from Arnanes to the beach where seals can often be seen. They rest on small cliffs at the beach.

Activities

• Sailing on the glacial lagoon - www.jokulsarlon.is
• Tours on the glacier - www.glacierjeeps.is
• Bird-watching, ice-climbing, walking on the glacier etc - www.hofsnes.com
• Bird-watching - www.fuglar.is
• Glacier excursions, incentive trips, surprise outings - www.vatnajokull.is

• The Icelandic meteorological Office - www.vedur.is
• The Icelandic Road Administration - www.vegag.is
• The Icelandic Tourist Board - www.icetourist.is