The great Hraunfossar, a stunning series of waterfalls formed by several rivers running a distance of about 900m across the Hallmundarhraun lava field, created a thousand years ago by a volcano erupting under the nearby Langjokull glacier. Hraunfossar translates as the “Lava Waterfalls”, but nowadays it’s clear glacial meltwater that tumbles down into the Hvita (White) river below to provide one of the most breathtaking views in the country.

A short walk through the many viewing points and platforms here brings us to another beautiful waterfall, but this is one with a tragic tale to tell. This is Barnafoss, or “the waterfall of the children”. The sad storey here is that there used to be a natural stone bridge over these ferociously powerful falls, and one day two children from a nearby farm fell to their deaths when they were trying to cross the river. The grief-stricken mother had the bridge destroyed, so that no others would ever suffer the same fate.

Husafell is a magical place to unwind after a day of wonder, with birch tree woodlands, waterfalls, rugged lava fields, crystal-clear water springs, medieval remains and much more to see. The fairytale setting of Husafell has been home to many artists, and the modern-day sculptor Pall Gudmundsson now makes interesting faces and even rock harps, which he cuts out of local stones. The Husafell Stone can also be found here, a legendary lifting stone that has been used to test the strength of the locals and in international competitions.

Snorralaug (Snorri’s Pool) is a smaller hot spring found just a few minutes walking's away in Reykholt, where local people have bathed since the 12th century. This pool was first mentioned in the medieval writings of Snorri Sturluson, a famous Icelandic poet and chieftain, who used to live and bathe here. Snorralaug is now a protected archaeological site, and Snorri’s storey is a very important part of Iceland’s history. There will be time to take pictures of the beautiful old timber church here, which dates back to the 19th century. You can take a look inside (we can´t guarantee that the church is open, but most of the time it is), where a viewing glass to a medieval smithy cistern can be seen.

Our next stop is a visit to Deildartunguhver (next to Krauma), famed as the most powerful hot springs in Europe. It produces more than 180 litres of boiling hot water per second! You can feel the fierce power of Mother Nature as you walk safely on boardwalks through billowing clouds of steam around the bubbling hot springs, or just see them from the viewing platform.

We will end the day at Europe's most powerful hot spring and watch it bellow as you relax in the baths of Krauma. Then we will finish the day with a meal at Krauma's restaurant.