Iceland
is richer in hot springs and high-temperature activity than
any other country in the world. High-temperature activity
is limited to certain fields, characterized by steam vents,
mud pools, and sulfur. The largest geothermal power plant
in Iceland is at Nesjavellir, which provides hot water for
space heating and electricity in the capital, Reykjavik.
The Nesjavellir high-temperature area is connected to the
Hengil volcano system, the biggest in south Iceland. The
system includes a number of fissure swarms and mountains,
of which the tallest is Mt. Hengil at 803 meters (2634 feet)
above sea level. The area has erupted several times in post-glacial
times, and earthquakes occasionally occur. The area around
Nesjavellir is great for hiking: there are120 km (75 miles)
of marked hiking trails meandering spectacularly through
awesome landscapes that in addition to volcanic features
include hot springs, lush vegetation, rivers and lakes.
Þingvellir National Park is located only a few minute’s
drive from Nesjavellir. As the original assembly site of
Iceland's Althingi (Parliament), it is one of the country’s
most historic sites. It was in 930 AD that a code of constitutional
law was accepted and the Althingi established; one can almost
sense the Viking spirit in the atmosphere.
The
park is also a pearl of Icelandic nature, with a unique
geological history. The country is situated on divergent
plate boundaries that belong to two different tectonic plates:
the Eurasian plate in the north and the North American plate
in the west. Constant forces on these two plate systems
are causing the country to slowly split apart: as much as
2 cm (almost 1 inch) per year, and the middle of the country
is actually sinking. This process can easily be seen at
Þingvellir where an enormous rift valley is slowly
forming. It is believed that the area has sunk as much as
28-40 meters (90-130 feet) over the past 10,000 years.
Þingvallavatn lake is situated in the northern part
of the area covering a total area of 83.7 km2 (32.3 sq.
miles). The lake - the largest in Iceland -
reaches a depth of 114 meters (374 feet). Three main rivers
run into the lake, and 90% of the water that feeds it travels
through thousands of underground flanks and fissures on
its route from the distant highlands. The entire area offers
great opportunities for various outdoor activities, including
fishing, sailing, scuba diving and hiking. Four types of
trout live in the lake, including one that has its origins
in the Ice Age, and grows to be quite large.
A country hotel is operated at Nesjavellir aimed at serving
outdoor people: Hotel Nesbud, offering 40 double rooms with
good facilities. There are also outdoor Jacuzzis, the ideal
place to relax after a day’s hiking in the mountains
or fishing in Þingvallavatn lake. Nesbud also operates
a good restaurant specializing in local food, for example,
trout caught in Þingvellir.
Guided hiking tours around the colorful Nesjavellir and
Mt. Hengill areas are operated from Nesbud during the summer,
where there are breathtaking views over Þingvallavatn
lake.
For
further information, contact
Hotel Nesbud:
tel +354 482-3415, fax +354 482-3414
emai:l [email protected]
www.nesbud.is
