[72 
the topmost layer of lava and forming a series of waterfalls, as it finds 
its way down the northern wall of the rift, into the foaming river. 
Glymur has a very small volume of water, but its height is a good 
deal more than 100 metres, where it leaps into a narrow chasm of 
proportional depth, and the scenery from here is most magnificent. 
It is about 5 km. away from the head of Hvalfisr8ur, one of the 
finest firths in Iceland. The quickest way to reach it from Reykjavik 
is to take a motor boat (4 or 5 hours). 
LAKES 
Hvitirvatn. This lake covers an area of rather more than 50 sq. 
kilometres and is situated about 435 metres above sea level, under 
the south-western rampart of the great glacier regions of Langjékull. 
From the shore of the lake a very steep mountain, Skridufell, rises 
to about 1000 m. above the lake surface. At each end of Skridufell a 
glacier comes down with a sweep into the lake, presenting the ap- 
pearance from a distance of two gigantic waterfalls. Every now and 
then huge icebergs break off from the glaciers and are seen floating 
all over the lake. On the eastern shore of the lake is a very rich pasture 
land, stretching over an area of about 30 sq. km., where big flocks of 
wild geese, swans and sea-gulls are seen all the summer. The lake is 
also said to be teeming with char. The river Hvit4 drains the lake 
and is already a big river up there. 
Mpvatn lies some 100 km. from Akureyri and covers an area of 
about 30 sq. km. The lake itself and its environments present one of 
the most beautiful views obtainable in Iceland, and the peculiar forma- 
tion of the lava and the countless craters here, are said to be a fair 
representation of the landscape in the moon as viewed through a 
powerful telescope. The solfataras at Reykiahlid. near the north-eastern 
end of the lake, are also very interesting. 
As to Thingvallavatn see pn. 175—176. 
EXCURSIONS 
The best time for touring in Iceland is from the middle of June 
ill late in September. 
Revkiavik is by far the best starting point for tourists in Iceland. 
MOTORING 
Until quite recently the pony has been the only means of inland 
communication, but during the last 30 years or so, a good manv roads