Upcountry Árnessýsla Travel Guide

Travel guide for Upcountry Árnessýsla in South Iceland, including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities, food and drink, where to stay, cultural customs, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Upcountry Árnessýsla

Upcountry Árnessýsla is a region located in South Iceland, in Nordic countries, in Europe. It is a scenic and breathtaking region, marked by highlands, glacial rivers, and geothermal wonders. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty of Iceland, engage in outdoor activities, explore the local culture, and relax in comfortable accommodations.

List of Places to Visit in Upcountry Árnessýsla

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Icelandic Lighthouse Museum: This museum offers a chance to explore the rich history of Iceland and its lighthouses. You can also climb the lighthouse and admire the stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

  • Skógasafn Museum: Skógasafn is a cultural museum that showcases the country’s history and culture. It features an impressive collection of traditional Icelandic artifacts, including farming tools, cooking utensils, and clothing.

  • Þjóðveldisbærinn Stöng: This ancient settlement holds great importance in Iceland’s history. It is the reconstructed site of a farm that was destroyed during the 1104 eruption of Mount Hekla.

Natural Attractions of Upcountry Árnessýsla: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kerlingarfjöll: These mountains in the highlands of Iceland provide excellent hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place to experience Iceland’s untouched natural beauty.

  • Hveravellir Nature Reserve: Hveravellir is a nature reserve known for its geothermal area. Here you can soak in hot springs and enjoy a stunning view of the Northern Lights.

  • Þjórsárdalur Valley: This beautiful valley is one of Iceland’s untouched gems. It offers a great hiking destination and a chance to experience Iceland’s rural countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upcountry Árnessýsla

  • Laugavegur Trail: This is Iceland’s most famous multi-day trek with magnificent scenery that leads hikers from the geothermally active geysers in Landmannalaugar to the hot springs and glaciers of Thorsmork. It’s a must-do if you enjoy hiking in the mountains.

  • Vatnajökull Glacier: For those less inclined to hike, a bike tour of the Vatnajökull glacier offers an invigorating and stunning way to experience the nature around Upcountry Árnessýsla.

Best Things to Do in Upcountry Árnessýsla: Activities and Tours

  • Northern Lights Tour: This is a magical experience in Upcountry Árnessýsla where you can gaze at one of nature’s stunning phenomena, the aurora borealis. There are many operators that offer guided tours to increase your likelihood and knowledge of seeing the lights.

  • River rafting: If you’re looking for an adrenaline-rush, white-water rafting down the Hvítá river offers a fun and exciting adventure accompanied by stunning views.

  • Horseback riding: Iceland’s native horses provide a unique and comfortable experience as you explore the countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Upcountry Árnessýsla

Day Activity
1 Arrive to the region and explore local dining and nightlife
2 Guided tour of the Skógasafn and Skógafoss waterfall
3 Hiking the famous Laugavegur trail
4 A relaxing day of hot springs in Hveravellir
5 Tour the geothermal area at Geysir and the nearby Þingvellir National Park
6 Horseback ride through the stunning countryside
7 Depart the region and head towards other destinations in Iceland

Food and Drink Scene of Upcountry Árnessýsla

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lamb: Icelandic lamb is highly sought after, and it’s easy to see why. Its delicious, tender, and flavorful.

  • Fish: Due to Iceland being an island nation, it comes as a given that seafood is abundant around Iceland. The trout from rivers near the highlands in the region is positively exquisite.

Local Beverages

  • Brennivín: Iceland’s national spirit and definitely worth a try if you’re a lover of strong tasting alcohol.

  • Icelandic beer: Brewing beer was banned in Iceland between 1915 and 1989, but since that ban was lifted numerous craft beer options have popped up. Pairing a craft beer with a freshly caught meal goes down a treat.

Where to Stay in Upcountry Árnessýsla: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Fosshotel Hekla: Nestled by the foot of Mount Hekla, the hotel promises fine dining, a spacious outdoor hot tub, and an array of activities and tours for your leisure.

  • Golf Hotel Iceland: A perfect spot for golf enthusiasts, the hotel has easy access to nearby golf courses. With beautiful views of the valley and countryside, it’s an ideal place for a relaxing stay.

  • Midgard Base Camp: Perfectly located in the heart of the region, this base camp is a cosy choice and offers tours and outdoor activities to complete your experience.

What to Buy in Upcountry Árnessýsla: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Icelandic wool products: Icelandic sheep is a unique breed, and their wool is treasured for its warmth and quality.

  • Skyr: A type of Icelandic dairy product that is known for its creamy texture and tart taste.

  • Icelandic Salt: Harvested from the Westfjords of Iceland, these crunchy sea salt flakes can be the perfect addition to your kitchen’s condiment collection.

Local Culture and Customs of Upcountry Árnessýsla

  • Iceland is a community-driven country, where the environment is highly respected. Therefore, it is important to clean up after yourself and respect the natural surroundings during your stay.

  • Tipping isn’t customary in Iceland, workers such as servers and dishwashers will already be paid a fair and decent living wage. Although, taxi drivers will thank you for rounding up ticket prices.

Best Time to Visit Upcountry Árnessýsla

Upcountry Árnessýsla is sublime year-around, but the best time of year to visit would be the high summer as the region can get cold and harsh during winter. However, Iceland is known for neither going with nor defying stereotypes as it can offer absolute weather haplessness, so it’s important to be prepared with the right clothing if traveling during winter.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upcountry Árnessýsla

Do:

  • Pack for Iceland’s unpredictable weather and dress in warm clothing.

  • Research ahead to plan out activities in advance as some tourist attractions require reservations unless you’re interested in going in small group tours or private tours.

Don’t:

  • Perhaps most importantly, don’t litter the countryside. Be responsible for your trash disposal.

  • Don’t ignore signs or warnings, as weather and natural conditions can change quickly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Upcountry Árnessýsla

Upcountry Árnessýsla is a relatively safe region for visitors. The roads can be treacherous due to harsh weather conditions making it important to drive cautiously. Remember to check weather forecasts and road conditions before any trip.

Health in Upcountry Árnessýsla

Iceland is a safe and healthy destination, however, if you have any allergies, it’s best that you pack and carry your medication. Also, it’s worth noting that due to the remote location of some attractions, it can be hard to get medication if any medical attention is needed, so it’s advised to be preventative and prepared.

Getting to Upcountry Árnessýsla: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Upcountry Árnessýsla

The closest international airport is Keflavík International Airport. From there, you can rent a car for the 2.5-hour journey to Upcountry Árnessýsla.

Bus Stations Near Upcountry Árnessýsla

Buses operate from Reykjavik to the region, and your accommodation will be able to assist you with arranging local transportation.

Other Options

It’s recommended that you rent a car, giving you the flexibility to explore the region at your pace. 4x4 vehicles are not necessary, but it is advisable to rent vehicles with more substantial tire and suspension package.

How to Get Around in Upcountry Árnessýsla

Driving is the best way to explore the countryside, especially the highlands where some of the routes can only be accessed by 4x4 vehicles or to thoroughly travel off the beaten path.

Where to Go Next from Upcountry Árnessýsla: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re extending your stay after exploring Upcountry Árnessýsla, there are some amazing destinations to continue your Icelandic adventure.

  • Reykjavik: The capital city of Iceland is a lively spot with plenty of attractions, excellent dining options, and an impressive nightlife.

  • Golden Circle: A must-see attraction known for its geyser, Þingvellir National Park, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Conclusion

Upcountry Árnessýsla is a region that offers magical moments of Icelandic nature and history. Take time to explore the local culture and cuisine, as well as the natural beauty of Iceland. Make sure to be respectful towards the countryside, safety precautions, and enjoy this breathtaking region of Iceland.

Rainbow over Gullfoss Rainbow over Gullfoss Strokkur Strokkur