Europe’s Past, Present, and Future:
Utopias and Dystopias
University of Iceland | Reykjavik, Iceland
June 22-24, 2020
Bookings are made via the booking form. Please note, attendees can book accommodation and tours via the same booking form.
Cancellations: No refunds will be awarded on cancellations received after June 5. Refund requests should be submitted to ces2020@sena.is
Day Tours – June 21
GLYMUR WATERFALL, HIKE & SWIMMING
Glymur waterfall is Iceland’s second highest and with its height of almost 200 meters it is an awesome and spectacular sight. After the underwater traffic tunnel under Hvalfjörður (Whale fjord) opened in 1998 it has become a more secluded place as most tourists and natives do not drive past it as the modern human has places to go and places to be, and today the sight is a well-kept secret. Reykjavik Outventure specializes in small group tours. Our team are big nature lovers that love to hike and show travellers our spectacular nature. We have put some of Iceland’s best activities in one tour for you to get the most out of your stay here in Iceland. Come and join us on this 7-hour day tour from Reykjavik where you hike up to one of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls, soak geothermal swimming pool afterwards & taste the Icelandic Skyr.
Date: 21.06.
Departure from: Hotel
Departure time: 09:00. NOTE! Pick up starts at 08:45
Duration: 7 hours
Included: Free wifi, pick up & drop off, guidance, skyr, entrance fee
Price: ISK 13.000
REYKJANES PENINSULA: LAVA, HOT SPRINGS & LOBSTER SOUP
Explore Iceland’s volcanic landscape with endless fields of lava & hot springs. Learn all about the history & culture of the youngest part of Iceland. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or its closest bus stop. See where bus stops are located at www.busstop.is.
Your first stop is the oldest village in the Reykjanes Peninsula. House ruins of the first settler of Iceland, a black church, and an anchor from the biggest ship at that time in the North Atlantic Ocean, which ran aground there with no one on board. Drive from the North American part of Iceland over to the European part. Walk between the two continents, or even stand in between them. Visit the old female ghost called Gunna at the hot spring Gunnuhver. She was a woman who fell into the geothermal hot mud pools. These hot springs are a mix of Sulphur, oxidized lava, and blue water. Right next to Gunnuhver are the most amazing cliffs called Reykjanes Cliffs. They are a part of the biggest ridge on planet earth – marveling over the ocean while the waves break at the cliffs and take you to the present completely. A stop will be made in the Grindavik fishing village for lunch. There you can choose between a delicious Icelandic lobster-, lamb meat- or vegetable soup, while enjoying the beautiful harbor view.
Make a stop by the Blue Lagoon to see what all the fuss is about. Walk in the latest erupting lava fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in a surreal environment with ice blue water running past you. The last stop we make before heading back to Reykjavik is the geothermal area in Krysuvik. This place is located in the middle of an active volcano with a big lake at the bottom of it.
Date: 21.06.
Departure from: Hotel
Departure time: 09:30. NOTE! Pick up starts at 09:00
Duration: 7 hours
Included: Lobster soup, Free wifi, Hotel pick up & drop off
Price: ISK 14.900
Day Tours – June 25
GOLDEN CIRCLE WITH SECRET LAGOON & FRIÐHEIMAR
The tour will start with nice bath at the Secret Lagoon by Flúðir village http://secretlagoon.is/ The Secret Lagoon consists of natural hot springs which have been kept natural and unique so guests can get the true Icelandic feeling. The natural surroundings of the pool and the steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm water holds 38 – 40 degrees Celsius (100 – 104 Fahrenheit) all year. In the area there are several geothermal spots and a little geyser which erupts every five minutes, showing off for the guests relaxing in the hot spring.
Just remember to bring your bathing suits and towel
After a nice relax at the Lagoon it is time for lunch at Friðheimar http://fridheimar.is/en. Friðheimar will start with welcoming you with a small introduction of their work and little surprise that will lift your spirit. There you can gain some insight into the processes of greenhouse horticulture, as it is quite remarkable that it is possible to grow vegetables in the cold climate, by creating warm Mediterranean conditions, all year round.
After lunch you will head for Gullfoss waterfall, which many consider to be the queen of Icelandic waterfalls as it is both high and mighty and stumbles dramatically in a deep gorge. After Gullfoss waterfall you will stop at Geysir geothermal area in Haukadalur where you can see geysers, hot springs, steam vents and eerie blue algae. Strokkur is one of the largest and most powerful geysers and erupts almost every five minutes.
Your last stop will be at Þingvellir National Park, where the Icelandic Parliament was founded over 1000 years ago. At Þingvellir you will see how the earth is ever so slowly pulling apart along the North – America and Eurasian tectonic plates and you will be able to stand where the Viking settlers stood centuries ago to edict national laws.
After Þingvellir you will be heading back to Reykjavik and estimated arrival time is around 18:00.
Date: 25.06.
Departure from: University of Iceland, main building
Departure time: 09:00. Pick up at 08:45
Duration: whole day event, returning to Reykjavík around 18:00
Included: Bus, guidance, entrance to the Secret Lagoon, greenhouse visit & lunch at Friðheimar
Min: 25 pers.
Price: ISK 22.000
GLYMUR WATERFALL – HIKING TOUR!
(Swimming and refreshments at Restaurant Kopar in Reykjavik harbour)
Glymur is Iceland’s second highest waterfall, and with its height of almost 200 meters, it has an amazing and spectacular sight. Since 1998, when the underwater traffic tunnel in Hvalfjörður (Whale fjord) opened, Glymur has become an even more secluded location. Most tourists and natives do not drive past it as the modern human has places to go and places to be, and today, the stunning sight of Glymur and its surroundings is a well-kept secret. The hike up to this beautiful waterfall is breath taking. You walk through a cave, cross a river walking over a tree log, and hike up a steep trail next to the big ravine Glymsgil, which Iceland’s second highest waterfall streams into. Glymsgil formed after the big ice age, with water running from the glaciers lying on top of the mountains surrounding Glymur.
When on top, you cross the river barefooted and enjoy packed lunch with the great view of Iceland’s untouched nature.
After the hike, you soak in one of Iceland´s geothermal pool. We have used our hot springs to build bathing facilities so we can enjoy our geothermal water.
End the tour by Reykjavik old harbour at its finest restaurant for a meal and beer tasting. Wine can be for those who do not want beer.
Date: 25.06.
Departure from: Hotel
Departure time: 13:15. NOTE! Pick up starts at 13:00
Duration: 7 – 8 hours (the hike is approx. 3 hours)
Included: Free wifi, pick up & drop off, guidance, skyr, entrance fee
Price: ISK 17.500
What to bring: Good shoes, waterproof jacket, extra socks, swim wear and a towel
WEST ICELAND – LAVA CAVE, WATERFALLS, SEALS AND KRAUMA SPA
Explore the Western part of Iceland. Visit Grabrok Volcanic Craters, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls as well as the Deildartunguhver the most powerful hot spring in Europe where you will bath in Krauma Geothermal SPA powered by its waters. The highlight of this tour is a visit inside the stunning Vidgelmir Lava Cave.
You’ll be picked up in Reykjavík and swept off west to the historic area of Borgarfjordur the region that can be regarded as the setting for most of the Icelandic sagas. First, you’ll visit Grabrok Volcanic Craters. Just few meters away from the famous Ring Road there are three craters Stora (Big) Grabrok, Grabrokarfell and Litla (Small) Grabrok that formed approximately 3.400 years ago during massive eruption shaping the landscape around. Solid, wooden stairs lead up to the top of Stora Grabrok from where you can admire other colourful craters, lava fields and lake Hredavatn.
Next you will see the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls spread at around 900 m. The waters flow out of the Hallmundarhraun, a lava field that was formed around 1000. Just few meters away you will find another interesting waterfall – Barnafoss. Its name, “the waterfall of the children,”.
The highlight of the tour is a visit to a colorful Vidgelmir Lava Cave. Just shy of 1600 meters the cave features amazing colors and lava formations that lurk in the depths of the earth. During this 1,5 hour long expedition you will have a chance to see one of the largest lava caves in Iceland with its stunning lava stalactites and stalagmites.
Just before the relaxing final of this tour you will pass by Reykholt historic site. There you can learn a bit about history of Iceland and see Snorralaug – small hot spring, used by local people in the earlier days but it is not accessible for bathing anymore.
At Krauma Geothermal SPA you can enjoy great facilities including five relaxing geothermal baths, a cold tub, and two saunas. Admission fee is included in the price! A perfect way to end a great tour.
Date: 25.06.
Departure from: Hotel
Departure: Pick up between 08:30 – 09:00
Duration: Approx. 11 hours
Included: Pick up & drop off, guidance, entrance fee to Víðgelmir cave and Krauma spa, lunch buffet at Hraunfossar Restaurant/café
Price: ISK 28.600
What to bring: Good shoes, warm clothes, bathing suit and towel
Multi Day Tours – Departure June 25
2-DAY SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA TOUR
DAY 1 – 25.06.: The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
After pickup in Reykjavík, you’ll start the drive to the mystical Snæfellsnes peninsula. Your first stop will be the beach at Ytri Tunga. This beach is well known for its seal colony. The seals here are curious and friendly to visitors who view them at a distance.
After viewing these cute creatures, you’ll continue on to the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Both offer stunning natural landscape, and during the 30 minute stop here you can enjoy a walk along the cliffs. Afterward, you’ll head to the Djúpalónssandur pebble beach. This beach is home to some beautiful rock formations, the most famous being Lóndrangar. You will go on a light hike to the perfect viewpoint of this stunning rock pinnacle.
Before heading to your final destination of the night, you’ll visit the famous Mt. Kirkjufell. This picturesque mountain is a must-stop on any tour of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Majestically looming over the small town of Grundarfjörður, this mountain is sure to impress. Nearby you will also find the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.
After a day filled with fun, you’ll drive to the charming seaside town of Stykkishólmur. You will stay overnight in a comfortable hotel in the area. In the evening you can enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the town’s restaurants (not included) and in the winter time, you can look for the Northern Lights in the sky above you.
DAY 2: The Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Borgarfjörður fjord
After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to head to the beautiful Borgarfjörður fjord where you will visit the Hraunfossar waterfalls. These stunning series of waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river from ledges created by less porous rocks in the lava. Close by is the Barnafoss waterfall. The name translates to “Waterfall of the Children.”
After enjoying these beautiful waterfalls, you’ll head up to Deildartunguhver he highest-flow hot spring in Europe. In this area, you will go on a tour of the Víðgemlir Lava Cave. During this 1,5 hour long expedition you will have a chance to see one of the largest lava caves in Iceland with its stunning lava stalactites and stalagmites.
Afterwards, you’ll visit the KRAUMA Spa to enjoy a relaxing soak at the natural geothermal baths. This brand new beautiful Spa offers five relaxing geothermal baths, a cold tub, two steam baths and more, all in a very natural environment.
After a relaxing time at the spa, you will return to Reykjavík.
Date: 25.06. – 26.06.
Departure from: Pick up from hotel
Departure time: 09:00. Pick up between 08:30 – 09:00
Duration: 2 days / 1 night (returning in the afternoon)
Included: Free wifi on the bus, pick up & drop off at selected hotels, accommodation in a guesthouse w/breakfast (1 night), admission to Krauma and Víðgelmir
Price: ISK 49.900 per person in double / twin room. ISK 55.900 per person in a single room
What to bring: Good shoes (hiking boots), warm & waterproof clothes, swimsuit and towel
3-DAY AKUREYRI & LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
Akureyri & Local Highlights focuses on the Local Highlights of the Northern part of Iceland with the town of Akureyri as a base. The town is centrally located in North Iceland and therefore perfect for all day trips. We make sure that each day is an adventure that you will be able to share with friends for the rest of your life.
DAY 1:
The first day of your short break and arrival to Akureyri. Enjoy a comfortable check in at your accommodation in Akureyri and take the day off to get ready for your relaxing break.
DAY 2:
Enjoy an amazing journey through the Lake Mývatn area, full of extreme contrasts, bird life, flora, geothermal activity, geology and saga. We begin our day by stopping at Goðafoss Waterfall in Skjálfandafljót River. From there we go to Lake Mývatn area and visit all the highlights of the area, such as Hverir Mud Pools, Grjótagjá Rift, Dimmuborgir Lava Fields and many more. Our last stop by Lake Mývatn are the Mývatn Nature Baths based in the middle of lava fields with great view over the area.
DAY 3:
Whale watching
Date: 25.06. – 27.06.
Departure: Flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri 25.06. around noon. If you like to go earlier or later please contact ces2020@sena.is
Departure time: 26.06. pick up at hotel 08:45
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Included: Return domestic flight REY-AEY-REY, accommodation w/ private bathroom (2 nights), 2x breakfast, pick up & drop off at hotel, guidance, entrance fee for Mývatn Nature Baths, Whale Watching.
Price: ISK 115.900 per person in a double / twin room. ISK 131.900 per person in a single room
What to bring: You should wear warm and comfortable clothing as your first layer and waterproof clothing as your second layer. You should also wear good hiking boots. Please remember to bring your swimsuit and towel!
3-DAY SOUTH COST WITH GLACIER HIKE
Please be ready at your pickup location at 08:30. Pickup starts at 08:30 and the tour will depart from Reykjavík at 09:00.
This 3-day summer south coast tour takes you on an epic adventure in South Iceland. Home to some of Iceland’s most popular sights, this area of Iceland is sure to delight any traveler. On this tour, you will explore the Golden Circle, hit the highlights of the South Coast and visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. During the tour, you will also go on a glacier hike and a boat ride on Jökulsárlón both of which is included in the price! This tour offers great value to those who want to see as much as possible in a limited amount of time.
After pickup in Reykjavík, you’ll start by going on a tour of the Golden Circle. This famous route will take you to some of the sights Iceland is most famous for. At Þingvellir National Park you’ll be able to see where the tectonic plates are diverging and learn more about Icelandic history. At Geysir you can see the geysir Strokkur erupt before visiting Gullfoss waterfall. To top off a great day, you’ll also visit the Kerið Crater before spending the night at a comfortable guesthouse.
On day two, it’s time to explore the South Coast. You’ll visit some of this area’s most famous waterfalls; Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss. You’ll also visit some lesser known gems such as Gljúfrabúi and Írafoss. Next, you’ll travel to the Sólheimajökull glacier for a light glacier walk, before visiting the stunning Reynisfjara black sand beach.
Day three is the last day of the tour, but the adventure is not over yet! Departing from your guesthouse in the morning, you’ll travel to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. On the way, you’ll make selected stops, for example at the charming village of Vík. Once at Jökulsárlón you’ll go on a boat tour on the glacier lagoon, where you can see the icebergs that float on the lagoon up close. After three days of fun on the South Coast, you will be dropped off at your selected location in Reyjavík.
Date: 25.06. – 27.06.
Departure: Pick up at hotel
Departure time: 09:00. Pick up starts at 08:30
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights. On day three you will return to Reykjavík around 21:15
Included: Free wifi on the bus, pick up & drop off at selected hotels, accommodation in guesthouse w/breakfast
(2 nights), guidance, admission to Kerið crater, glacier walk, boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon
Price: ISK 69.900 per person in a double / twin room. ISK 81.900 per person in a single room
What to bring: You should wear warm and comfortable clothing as your first layer and waterproof clothing as your second layer. You should also wear good hiking boots.