Land of fire, ice, and endless wonder.

Iceland

Islandia

We pick you up from your hotel in the evening and together we go in search of the Northern Lights in a comfortable coach/mini bus. Named after the Roman goddess Aurora, these colourful lights swirl around the sky in a dramatic dance, leaving different patterns and shapes. We drive away from the electric street lights of Akureyri to more rural areas where there is a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Once we find the lights, we make sure you have enough time to take plenty of photographs.   
The Northern Lights have had a number of names throughout the history. The Greek´s called this phenomenon the “Dance of the Spirits”. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, these lights were commonly believed to be a sign from God. The old Icelandic folktale tell us about the angels dancing in heaven, their dresses were suppose to create these magnificent shapes of light in the sky.

Akureyri Northern Light Tour

The Arctic Coastline slow drive tour goes along picturesque coastline road, impressive sea cliffs, small old fishing villages, local farmer's market and beautiful Siglufjörður.  
Siglufjörður was the main herring town in Iceland during the “Herring years”. In the early 20th century the workers arrived in full force to the area to make the most of this exciting time.   
Tour start in Akureyri and we do offer hotel, harbour or airport pickup/drop off free of charge.  
We begin with a visit to a former herring village, Hjalteyri, stepping 50 years back in time. We visit the local farmer's market Vellir in a authentic Icelandic farmers community at Svarfaðardalur and in Siglufjörður we visit the award winning Herring Era Museum. Here you will have ample time to explore the boats, workers living quarters, and the factory areas of this impressive museum.  
  
You will have time to explore the Siglufjörður town before we head back to Akureyri. Travel time is included in the total tour duration.

Akureyri Siglufjörður Half Day Tour to the Arctic Coastline

Goðafoss is in the glacial river Skjálfandafljót and is one of Iceland´s great waterfalls. There are a number of waterfalls in this same river; Ullarfoss, Barnafoss, Hrafnabjargarfoss and Aldeyjarfoss. ![goðafoss-north-iceland](http://www.ttv.is/static/files/Myndir1/IMG_9717.JPG)

Goðafoss plays a large part in Icelandic history. The legend tells of a local chieftain Þorgeir, who threw statues of the pagan gods into a waterfall after the nation became Christians. The name Goðafoss means waterfall of the gods. 

![laufas-turfhouse-north-iceland](http://www.ttv.is/static/files/Myndir1/laufas.jpg)Laufás in Eyjafjörður is located by the estuary of the river Fnjóská. The old farm is a good example of a wealthy vicarage in earlier times. The house that is a turf-clad timber building, has a history that goes right back to the Middle-Ages. It has been rebuilt regularly through the centuries whenever needed.   
The house that stands now was built between 1860 - 1877\. It was then rebuilt in the form we see today. The house is mostly timber frame structure, but part of the tunnels are built with stave construction and the oldest part of the house - The Bridal Room is a combination of both methods.

One of the gables, the one far most to the right, is slightly younger then the other ones and look a little bit different. It is not the same height as the others and the lining and size of windows is not the same.![laufas-turfhouse-north-iceland](http://www.ttv.is/static/files/Myndir1/img_2982.jpg)

The Old Farmhouse at Laufás was last inhabited in 1936\. Until a new vicarage was built beside it. In 1948 the National Museum's Historic Building Collection took the old house under protection and since then it has been a museum.

The artifacts in the house are both from the old house and also from neighbouring farms. They were collected mainly in the early sixties. The artifacts on display give visitors a good idea of how Icelanders used to live until the early 20th century.

In the church at Laufás is a pulpit from the year 1698\. However the church itself is from 1865\. The church is a good testament to the ambition of the keepers in their time. Like most Icelandic churches it is humble and beautiful building. 

Christmas House: Open all year round, this magical house looks like it came straight from a book of fairy ![christmas-house-north-iceland](http://www.ttv.is/static/files/Myndir1/img_2952.jpg)tales. Outside in the garden there are plenty of hidden things for you to find and enjoy! 

 Upon entering the Christmas House you are greeted with the warmth of a log fire and the songs and the scents of the festive season.

 Even the toilet is something to see. Try to find the Santa's troll mother (Gryla) hidden in her cave. The Christmas House is a magical place to visit, all year round. A fun tour for all the family.

Combo - Goðafoss - Laufas & The Christmas house PRIVATE

Our guides are fully qualified and have extensive knowledge of the Lake Myvatn area. Not only will you learn about the history, landscape and present day life, on this tour you will also hear about Icelandic folktales, humor and culture.  
This is a total 6 hour tour trough some of the most picturesque landscape in North Iceland. All travel time is included in that length. After about 35 minute drive from Akureyri we come the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss. We stop here for a good time for you to enjoy the scenery before we continue our drive to Lake Myvatn. After around 30 minute drive from the waterfall we come to Lake Myvatn itself and our first stop is at Skutustadir, Psuedo Craters. We then stay in the area for around 3 hours with many different stops during the day like at Dimmuborgir lava field, Grjotagja cave and Namaskard fumerols. At the end of the day we drive for an hour and 15 minutes back to Akureyri.

Full day Lake Myvatn Classic tour

Our guides are fully qualified and have extensive knowledge of the area. Not only will you learn about the history, landscape and present day life on this tour you will also hear Icelandic folktales. This is a round trip through some of the most picturesque landscape in North Iceland.   
The total tour length is 4 hours. All travel time is included in that length. We first drive for approximently 35 min to Goðafoss, then another 30 min to Laufas Turfhouse Museum. From Laufas there is then another 30 min drive to the beautiful Christmas House & Gardens. After visiting the Christmas house we drive a short sightseeing around the town of Akureyri before dropping the passenger off. This is a fully guided, informative and enjoyable tour, all entrance fee is included in the tour price.

Half-Day Combo Tour to Goðafoss, Laufas and The Christmas House

This is a tour everyone can enjoy big or small, young or old. We drive from Akureyri through the beautiful winter landscape on our way to Ljósavatn lake. On the way your guide will inform you about Iceland, it´s history and people. At the lake our expert guide will drill holes through the ice by hand. He will also show you how to work the rods and that we use for fishing. We will enjoy fishing in the lake for a good amount of time in the magnificent winter scenery at Ljósavatn assisted by our guide that will also tell you stories related to the site. 

You will also be offered some hot cocoa and refreshments while on the ice of the lake before heading back to lovely Akureyri.

Included in the tour are fishing rods and all other equipment you would need.

Ice Fishing

The first stop on this tour is at the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss. You have enough time to view the falls up close before driving to Lake Myvatn. At this area of outstanding natural beauty we take you to places of interest, such as the lava maze at Dimmuborgir. We stop for refreshments at a local restaurant (not included in the tour price) before driving on to the King of Icelandic waterfalls - Dettifoss.

Dettifoss is believed to be the most powerful fall in Europe. And of course the biggest one in Iceland! 

To visit Dettifoss is an experience you will never forget. Although we give you all the time you need to take photographs, your first glimpse of this giant fall will your best memory. Not far from Dettifoss is another waterfall. We walk with you to view this waterfall. The scenery around these waterfalls is as you would imagine it on some other planet. In fact Dettifoss recently played a big part in the 2012 Ridley Scott film, _Promotheus._

At the arrival back to Akureyri is an option to go into the **Akureyri Forest Lagoon** where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermal waters.

Lake Myvatn & Dettifoss

**Let Us Take You To Skagafjörður.** Tour to Skag**afjordur west of Akureyri. Here we visit local farmers, learn how Icelanders lived throughout the centuries. Meet the beautiful horse, goats & the Icelandic dog**. At the end of the day we visit an exhibition of the largest **Viking battle** in Iceland that took place the year 1238 and step back into history with a **VR experience.**

**The heritage of the Icelanders** plays a big role in every family. The **old Viking stories** tell us about how the families got to Iceland in the 9th century. Why they came here and what they brought with them. **Icelandic horses** & the I**celandic dog** are good example of things that have been here since the Viking days. Heritage provides us with the knowledge of how things were made and used in the rural areas of the world. On this tour we will visit the **Old Stable**, built of turf and rocks like Icelanders used to make houses for more then 1000 years. This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to find out more about Icelandic culture and daily life during different periods in history, as well as meet and learn more about the Icelandic horse. On this 7 hour tour we drive west from Akureyri, through **beautiful valleys**, pass some unique **jagged mountains** and steep cliffs, to visit some **locals on their farm**. At this farm you get to see how Icelanders live on a farm today, you also get a glimpse into how life and work was on the farm throughout the centuries. A newly built turf stable like they use to be in the _**“good old days”**_ is part of the farm as well. After plenty of time exploring the farm and some refreshments we drive **to Sauðárkrókur.**

**At Sauðárkrókur we visit an exhibition and VR experience** where we are able to jump back in time and take part in an Icelandic **Viking battle from the year 1238**. The exhibition is an immersive experience which invites its guests to experience history in a super modern and artful interactive installation.   
We stop at Sauðarkrókur for 1,5 – 2 hours so you will have plenty time to look at the **Viking Battle exhibition**, go to a café or restaurant for some lunch or stroll around the town. **(Lunch is not included in tour price).**

Local Life in past & present - Skagafjörður

From Akureyri drive along the fjords coastline directly to the small fishing hamlet of Hjalteyri. It is like stepping back 40 years in time when you arrive at this picturesque small hamlet. The ocean view is stunning and we can walk along a black sandy beach or even dip into a small hot tub, located on the spot 

We meet a local handcraft woman who uses old methods to make all kinds of things out of animal skin and furs. We get to taste some local refreshments there before we get going to the microbrewery of Kaldi beer for beer tasting.  
 Duration 4-5 hours, departure at 13:00,   
  
**_Highlights:_**  
 **_A bit different local handcraft_**  
 **_Black sandy beach_**  
 **_Hot tub on the beach_**  
 **_Local refreshment_**  
 **_Kaldi Brewery_**

Local taste, handcraft & Micro Brewery

Join us on a tour to the beautiful and mysterious Lake Myvatn area. A magical place were some of the series of Game of Thrones were filmed. Not only have we taken hundreds of people on this unique tour, but also the crew and producers of Game of Thrones from HBO itself. Beautiful waterfalls, volcano’s, unusual lava rock formations, steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pools and mysterious landscape. All this and much more is what you can experience on a tour that ends with a visit to the Myvatn nature baths. 

Let our “_Game of Thrones_” expert guide you around the iconic sites where some of this popular HBO series was filmed. The Myvatn area was the location chosen for the Beyond the Wall scenes in the 3rd season. Filming took place in 2012 and The Traveling Viking was lucky enough to guide some of the crew around the area. After Kit Harington (aka Jon Snow) broke his ankle in July, filming in Iceland did not begin until late November. This gave the crew a chance to experience the snow, frost and blizzards of an Icelandic winter and gave the actors a real sense of life Beyond the Wall.Beyond the Wall is home to the Wildlings or Free Folk under the rule of their king Mance Rayder. Under his command the Wildlings are gathering an army. The White Walkers however are on the move, threatening both the Seven Kingdoms and the land of the Free Folk. Jon Snow must join the Wildling army to try to discover Mance Rayder’s plans. 

Not only will you see where “_Game of Thrones”_ was filmed, you also get to see where J.R Tolkien got his inspiration for the magical world of _Lord of the Rings_ and find out about his strong connections to Iceland.

The first stop on this tour is at the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss. Many Icelanders consider this fall to be a symbol of Icelandic Christianity and you can find out more about this during the tour. As well as visiting the location sites from “_Game of Thrones”_ this tour also stops at many places of interest, such as Dimmuborgir (dark castles), Grjotagja (underground caves), Hverir (bubbling mud pits and steam vents), ending the tour at The Myvatn Nature Baths. Entrance fee to the baths is included in the tour price.

Myvatn Mystery & Magic - Game of Thrones

Once an essential mode of **winter transportation** has evolved into a popular recreational activity. But if you’ve never done it before, you might ask, why go snowshoeing? Here is the main reasons: **Its simple, it is easy and it is FUN!**

Snowshoe walking

The Diamond Circle tour is an unforgettable experience to some of Iceland´s most amasing natural wonders. We embark on a tour that takes you to the most beautiful places in North Iceland. The landscape and power of nature at magnificent Godafoss. The wonderers Asbyrgi where it is believed that it is formed when Sleipnir, the horse of the god Odin, touched the ground with one of his eight legs. We come to Dettifoss the most powerful waterfall in Europe and to Myvatn that will take your breath away. At the Lake Myvatn district we will visit Dimmiborgir lava maze and hike through the area. We also visit Hverir geothermal area where we will experience the bubbling mud pits.

The Diamond Circle

Iceland Tours

Skarfur Elvar Otkelsson <seo@icefloe.travel>