Excursions

The following excursions can be arranged by Gestamottakan -Your Host in Iceland.
For further information contact the conference organizer  Þetta tölvupóstfang er varið gegn ruslpóstsþjörkum, Þú verður að hafa JavaScript virkt til að sjá það.
Most excursions require a minimum number of participants. Other excursions are available upon request.

Join us in an adventure at sea with an unforgettable trip into the world of whales and sea birds. The various types of whales commonly sighted include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, the popular humpback whales and killer whales (orcas). The majestic fin- and sei whales are also occasional companions to our boats. We will be accompanied by sea birds such as gannets, puffins, guillemots, cormorants, gulls, kittiwakes, arctic terns, and many more. Our trips take us past several islands inhabited by colonies of puffin.

The Golden Circle is without doubt one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland, and not without reason. The tour consists of the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot springs and Þingvellir national park, all of which are famous in their own right, but can easily be enjoyed in the course of one day, making for an ideal day tour. Gullfoss, or the “Golden Waterfall” as the name implies, is located on the Hvitá river. The falls cascade 32m down in two stages. Often, colorful rainbows created by the sun on the spraying water can be enjoyed. In winter, massive ice formations decorate the falls. Not to be missed by anyone, the beauty of this waterfall can hardly be expressed fully in words. The geothermal field in Haukadalur is a natural wonder of hot springs and boiling mud pools. The “Great Geyser” even gave its name to this spectacular phenomenon. Today, the Geysir itself is no longer erupting, but nearby Strokkur sends up a column of water and steam up to 30 meters high every few minutes to the delight of onlookers, who strive to catch the moment on film. At the Geysir center visitors can enjoy a multimedia exhibition and learn more about the geology and history of the area. Also on spot is a restaurant.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Þingvellir national park is of immense historic and symbolic importance to Icelanders. It was long the site of the original Althing, or national parliament of the settlers, and the setting for many of the most important events in the history of the island. Established in 930, the Althing was an assembly of free men that gathered at Þingvellir for two weeks each summer to settle disputes, set laws and arrange marriages. Þingvellir is also renowned for its geological significance. The area is located on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, where the continents of Europe and America drift apart, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity. Standing in the Almannagjá fissure, the visitor is literally situated between the continental plates.

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Jeep Safari Tour - Saturday 13 June

We start by driving in our modified super trucks along the south shore, heading for one of the places that Icelanders appreciate most, Þórsmörk (The Woods of Thor).
On the way we make a stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall to walk behind the waterfall and at a small glacial lagoon.
Many glacial rivers have to be crossed on the way to Þórsmörk which is situated in a valley the south of Iceland surrounded by three glaciers and mountains which create favorable circumstances for growth for the over 170 plant species you can find in the area.
Many walking paths are marked in Þórsmörk, making it an ideal place for short hikes with views of glaciers, woodlands and other colorful landscape.

BLUE LAGOON - Geothermal Seawater is a part of a unique eco-cycle where high technology and nature work in perfect harmony in Iceland's environment, and making the BLUE LAGOON - Geothermal Seawater, well-known for its active ingredients and healing power. The origin of the seawater is from 2000 meters beneath the surface. In its travels through porous lava, a blend of sea and fresh water undergoes mineral exchange and then near the surface, concentration occurs, due to vaporization, evaporation and finally, sedimentation. The lagoon at BLUE LAGOON - Geothermal Spa holds four million liters of water, all of which is renewed in 24 hours. The geothermal seawater's special ecosystem has a self-cleansing effect. Regular sampling shows that "common" bacteria do not thrive in this ecosystem. Thus additional cleansers such as chlorine are not needed. Its unique active ingredients: minerals, silica and blue green algae have been praised for their benefits on healthy skin and on skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. The aquamarine blue color is the result of these active ingredients: minerals, silica and algae.