The 5 extreme points of Iceland - and why you should go there!

Magazine The 5 extreme points of Iceland - and why you should go there!

Rifstangi and Hraunhafnartangi.

The northernmost point of Iceland is called Rifstangi. Until recently Hraunhafnartangi was considered to be the northernmost point of Iceland and therefore the closest point to the Arctic Circle. However, in 2016 it was confirmed that Rifstangi was in fact 68 metres further north and grabbed the crown as the northernmost point.

To get there you need to hike around 4 km from road 870, unless you have a 4x4 car which will take you somewhat closer to the promontory, keep in mind that it is illegal to drive off-road in Iceland.

Why should you go there?

Hraunhafnartangi

For the serene quiet and the feeling of being totally alone in the world and only be 3 kilometres from the Arctic Circle. There you can also take a look at the Hraunhafnartangi lighthouse which was moved there in 1945 from Rifstangi. Close to the lighthouse is an ancient burial mound called Þorgeirsdys, mentioned in the Saga of Fóstbræðrasaga the viking Þorgeir Hávarsson killed 14 of his enemies before being sleighed himself.

Rifstangi is a bit more lonely place, there is not much there other than an abandoned farm called “Rif”, a quite a lot of driftwood and a shipwreck. It is however well worth the visit while  you are there in the first place.

Make sure you get a photo of yourself at either place as you can go to Hotel Norðurljós in Raufarhöfn and get a certificate for having gone to the northernmost point of Iceland which is a cool add-on to have and  you can show it to your children and grandchildren while remiscing about your trip to Iceland.

Kötlutangi

The southernmost promontory of Iceland was formed out of the Katla eruption in 1918, up until then Dyrhólaey was generally considered to be the southernmost point of the country. Ever since then the ocean has been nibbling at the promontory and it is predicted that in the end Dyrhólaey will once again regain the crown as the southernmost point.

Why should you go there?

For the apparent reason that this peace of land will eventually give in to the constant encroachment of the ocean and will seize to exist in a few decades time, very much like the Atlantis.

Bjargtangar

Látrabjarg

Is the westernmost point of Látrabjarg which is the largest and the westernmost seacliff in the country. It is 14km long and stands 441 meters tall at its highest point. The cliff is a home to millions of birds and is the biggest sea-bird cliff in Europe. The lighthouse standing on Bjargtangar is traditionally thought of as the westernmost point of Iceland although it sits almost 10 metres from the edge of the cliff. Furthermore, Icelanders generally seem to think it to be the westernmost point of Europe which is wrong since Flores in the Azores holds that title.

Why should you go there?Látrabjarg - Puffin

If not for the spectacular view then you shuould go there for the birds. If you are a fan of birdwatching you are sure in for a treat as the cliff is considered to be one of the most remarkable sea-bird cliff in the whole world with an amazing bird life. Amongst the greatest hits is the puffin, one of the trademark birds of Iceland.  

Gerpir

Gerpir is the easternmost tip of Iceland. It is a part of the Fjarðarbyggð area which is the easternmost municipality area in Iceland. It is made up of six fjords which is very suiting since it means “settlement of fjords”. Years ago there used to be a number of crofters and fishermen living there but the Peninsula has been uninhabited for decades. The Gerpir area has magnificent sights and views that make up for a truly memorable trip.

Why should you go there?

The area is especially popular for hiking and walking, the area has several marked trails for that purpose. Additionally, the area is very popular amongs kayaking enthusiasts and mountain bikers.

Hvannadalshnúkur

Hvannadalshnúkur is a peak on a crater rim of the the Öræfajökull volcano and is the highest point of Iceland sitting at 2.109,6 metres (6.921 ft), only few kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. The volcano is the fifth tallest volcano in Europe and the largest post-glacial volcano in Iceland. Additionally, Öræfajökull is just a small part of the biggest glacier in Iceland, the gigantic Vatnajökull.Hvannadalshnúkur

Why should you go there?

For amazing landscape and climbing. The climb to the highest point is not considered very technically challenging although climbers have to deal with numerous crevasses. It is highly recommended that get a guide before taking on the summit to stay safe unless you have an experienced team with you.

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