Iceland’s famous Northern Lights aren’t the only attractions
Iceland’s Northern Lights aren’t the only reason for a trip north; The sprawling charms of southern Iceland lie in its impressive collection of majestic waterfalls and glaciers, unique geology, and fascinating medieval history.
South Iceland is the setting for one of Iceland’s most popular sagas and home to many of its heroes, for example Njáll’s saga, arguably the best of the 13th century Icelandic sagas, takes place largely in southern Iceland. The renowned saga is based on the issue of blood feuds in the Icelandic Commonwealth, demonstrating how honor requirements can lead to minor slights escalating into prolonged, destructive bloodshed.
Njáll, the title character, was said to live in Bergþórshvoll, which is where he, his wife, and grandson were burned to death in 1011, near Hvolsvollur. Don’t expect to see medieval ruins though, as although the farms still exist, the farm buildings are purely 20th century constructions, although the scenery is still very impressive.
The southern region of Iceland also contains two of the most important places of power in medieval Iceland. Skálholt was where the Bishop of Iceland was located from 1056 to 1106, when North Iceland received a bishop of its own. It is considered a place of special historical interest and offers something to do while watching Iceland’s glorious Northern Lights. The other historically important seat of power in southern Iceland is Thingvellir, which was the meeting place of the Althingi, the joint parliament and court founded in 930, and where Iceland was finally declared a republic in June 1944.
The southern eastern region of Iceland is dominated by the Vatnajökull glacier, which together with part of the surrounding area forms Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Iceland. It is the largest and most voluminous glacier in Iceland, as well as in all of Europe, and covers more than 8% of the country. Interestingly, according to Guinness World Records, Vatnajökull is also the object with the longest line of sight in the world at 550 km, although this has been hotly debated as it appears to be based on a supposed sighting by a British sailor in 1939. Can you imagine ? a better backdrop for Iceland’s stunning Northern Lights?
Clearly, when you visit Iceland’s famous Northern Lights, you won’t have to strain to keep yourself entertained during the day, with the many fascinating sights and attractions that South Iceland has to offer.