Iceland’s
most popular tourist area, upcountry Árnessýsla
county, boasts a wealth of natural wonders and wellmarked
historical sites. Hot springs and geothermal heat
characterize the region and make their impact on the
culture of the area, as well as on the historical
sites that mark milestones in the history of the land
and society in Iceland. Upcountry Árnessýsla
stretches from Þingvellir National Park to the
Þjórsá River and into the central
highlands. Its inhabitants number some 2,500 in
four municipalities.
Þjórsárdalur Valley was the site
of a flourishing Settlement Age community that was
later abandoned and then disappeared under ash in
1104, when Mt. Hekla erupted for the first time in
Iceland’s history. While some 40 archaeological
relics are registered in the valley, it is expected
that further work will reveal an even greater number.
The first research work was carried out in the 19th
century, while the most recent studies date from the
year 2001. Among the settlements studied was the farmstead
at Stöng.
When it was decided to build a replica of a Commonwealth
Era farmstead in 1974, in commemoration of the 1,100th
anniversary of Iceland’s settlement, the ruins
of the farm at Stöng were used as a model for
the construction. Árnessýsla is a partner
in Destination Viking Sagalands project, www.destinationviking.com.
The reconstructed medieval farm, Þjódveldisbærinn
Stöng, is open to the public in summer. Not far
away is Gjáin Canyon, with its spellbinding
natural beauty characterized by grassy hills, rivulets,
waterfalls, mountain springs, and caves. There are
numerous beautiful waterfalls in Þjórsárdalur
Valley and vicinity, including Háifoss, one
of the country’s highest.
Skálholt is an ancient manor farm and bishopric
whose history dates back to 1056. For centuries the
school that was operated there, Skálholtsskóli,
was the leading educational institution in Iceland.
Skálholt occupies a position of well deserved
dominance in the history of Mediaeval Icelandic books
and manuscripts, for it was there that the books and
manuscripts currently found in library collections
were written and preserved.
Now a protected historical site, Þingvellir
is revered in the hearts and minds of Icelanders.
It was the site where Althingi, the Parliament of
Iceland, was founded in 930, and where a great number
of remarkable events in Icelandic history occurred.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004,
Þingvellir National Park is among some 800 sites
of cultural and natural significance that are considered
to have unique value for the global community. www.thingvellir.is
The best-known geyser in the world, Geysir, has lent
its name to the English language for hot springs that
periodically spout. Historical sources back to the
13th century mention Geysir, whose activity has varied
through time, and often changes because of earthquakes.
When Geysir was at its most active, its eruptions
spouted scalding geothermal water streams some 60
- 80 m into the air. There is a multimedia exhibition
in Geysir Center.
A large number of exciting daytrips are offered in
the region. Leisure activities include angling, golf,
and swimming - there are many golf courses in
the area and 11 swimming pools, most with hotpots.
There are also long and short horseriding trips, river
rafting down the Hvítá and Þjórsá
rivers, snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier and
ATV (all terrain vehicles) excursions into Haukadalsskógur
Forest. Interesting walking trails and low hills are
found throughout the region, and of course everyone
stops at Kerið, a huge crater that is now part
lake.
Flúðir is a growing village that has the
special advantage of usually experiencing good weather,
making it ideal for camping. A popular farm zoo is
located at Laugarás, and a selfsufficient Eco
Village is operated at Sólheimar.
All types of accommodation are available, including
hotels, summerhouses, farmhouse accommodation, hostels
and camp sites. Visit www.sveitir.is and www.icefire.is
for more information about the region. It is possible
to drive several ring-routes in the area, and having
an Upcountry map in the car is highly recommended.
This map, available at service stations, information
centers and on the Net, www.sveitir.is,
contains lists of tourist services and leisure activities.
The Upcountry is a popular destination in all seasons.
