Sænautasel

North Iceland

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The remote, reconstructed turf farmhouse Sænautasel, dating from 1843, brings the past to life…plus it sells pancakes and coffee. This is one of several old farms on Jökuldalsheiði heath that were originally abandoned when Askja erupted in 1875. The area was a source of inspiration for Halldór Laxness’ master work, Independent People; notice that many farm names here match the fictional farms in the book. The farm is in a lovely lakeside spot, about 35km southeast of Möðrudalur and has a basic camping area.

It's signposted 5km south of Rte 901, on Rte 907.

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1. Aðalból

16.92 MILES

Rte F923 (off Rte 910, for 4WDs only) leads you to the valley of Hrafnkelsdalur, full of sites relating to Hrafnkell’s Saga. The remote farm Aðalból was…

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Skriðuklaustur is the site of both an excavated, late-15th-century monastery and the photogenic home of an Icelandic author feted by the Third Reich. The…

4. Wilderness Center

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This brilliant attraction opened in 2016 and defies easy classification. It's a remote farm that offers museum exhibits, unique accommodation, local food,…

5. Kárahnjúkar Dam

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A scenic 60km drive from the Rte 910 turn-off takes you to the Kárahnjúkar dam and Hálslón reservoir, where information boards and viewing areas allow you…

6. Bustarfell

27.3 MILES

This high-quality folk museum is set in a photogenic 18th-century turf-roofed manor house southwest of Vopnafjörður township. The on-site Cafe Croft…

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