点评:If you're looking for a typical sightseeing tour, this is not it.
If you're looking for a true adventure into one of the most remote and spectacular parts of Iceland, then book the Svalvogar Circle Tour with Iceland Backcountry Travel. It was without question the highlight of our cruise around Iceland.
Our guide, Guðmundur ("Gummi"), was outstanding. His knowledge of the Westfjords, his storytelling, and especially his driving skills made the day unforgettable. You immediately feel that you're exploring the area with someone who has spent a lifetime here.
The scenery was simply breathtaking. We drove through the beautiful Dýrafjörður, visited the historic village of Þingeyri, passed abandoned farms, crossed mountain passes, and enjoyed incredible views of the rugged Westfjord Alps.
The real adventure began on the legendary Svalvogar Road. The narrow road follows the dramatic coastline between steep mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views around every corner. Driving on the loose gravel added a sense of adventure, but at all times Gummi demonstrated complete confidence and professionalism. It was clear that we were in the hands of an experienced local guide, allowing us to focus on enjoying one of the most beautiful drives we have ever experienced.
One of the most memorable stops was down on a remote beach. There were no handrails, no marked trails, and no tourist facilities—just raw Icelandic nature. We carefully made our way along the cliffs toward the ocean side, where we could look directly up at nesting seabirds on the cliff faces. It felt like discovering a hidden corner of Iceland that very few visitors ever experience.
Later in the day we stopped at a small café in the middle of nowhere. We had a wonderful conversation with the owner, who told us she could not remember ever having spoken with Danish visitors before.
Then came the journey back.
The mountain road had only reopened in early June after the winter closure. Gummi explained that during winter the snow can reach many metres in places, and it takes months before the road can be cleared.
Most people would probably take the winding road back.
Not Gummi.
Instead, he smiled and took what he called the shortcut—straight over the mountain. The specially built Ford Excursion climbed effortlessly up the steep terrain while we were pressed back into our seats. It was an off-road experience unlike anything we had ever tried.
As if that wasn't enough, we drove to a spectacular viewpoint just as an intense storm swept across the mountain. The wind was so strong that it lifted the windshield wipers off the glass and threw mud and small stones against the vehicle. Even Gummi looked surprised and exclaimed, "Holy moly!", saying it was the strongest wind he had ever experienced there.
Turning the vehicle around on the tiny mountaintop was another unforgettable moment. It felt as though the rear wheels were almost hanging over the edge. Gummi laughed and explained his simple rule:
"When I can see the church in Þingeyri in my rear-view mirror, I know I'm far enough back to turn."
Seconds later he calmly turned the large Ford around as if it were the easiest thing in the world.
This wasn't just another excursion.
It was an adventure full of breathtaking scenery, unforgettable moments, genuine local hospitality, and experiences that most visitors to Iceland will never have.
A huge thank you to Guðmundur ("Gummi") and the entire team at Iceland Backcountry Travel for giving us memories that will last a lifetime.
Highly recommended—without hesitation, 5 out of 5 stars!
翻译:如果您想要的是常规的观光旅游,那此行程并不适合您。
如果您渴望体验一场真正的冒险之旅,去探索冰岛最偏僻却最壮丽的地区,那就预订冰岛荒野旅行公司提供的斯瓦尔沃加尔环线之旅吧。这无疑是我们冰岛游中最精彩的环节。
我们的导游古德蒙杜尔(“古米”)表现得极为出色。他对西峡湾地区的了解、生动的讲解,尤其是高超的驾驶技术,让这一天成为了难忘的回忆。你会立刻感觉到,自己正和一位在此地生活了一辈子的人一同探索这片区域。
沿途的景色简直令人叹为观止。我们驾车穿行在美丽的迪拉峡湾,参观了历史悠久的廷盖里村,经过了许多废弃的农场,翻越了山口,还欣赏到了西峡湾阿尔卑斯山区那令人心醉的壮丽风光。
真正的冒险则从那条传说中的斯瓦尔沃加尔公路开始。这条狭窄的公路沿着陡峭的山脉与大西洋之间的海岸线蜿蜒延伸。处处都能欣赏到令人叹为观止的景色。在松散的碎石路上驾驶增添了一份探险的意味,但Gummi始终展现出十足的自信与专业素养。显然,我们正由一位经验丰富的当地向导带领,这让我们得以全心沉浸在这段有生以来最美妙的驾车体验之中。
最令人难忘的一站便是那片偏僻的海滩。那里没有护栏,也没有标记好的步道。这里没有任何旅游设施——只有原始的冰岛自然风光。我们小心翼翼地沿着悬崖向海边走去,在那里可以直接仰视到峭壁上筑巢的海鸟。这种感觉就像是发现了冰岛一个鲜少有游客涉足的隐秘角落。
当天晚些时候,我们在荒郊野外的一家小咖啡馆稍作停留。我们与店主畅谈甚欢,她告诉我们,自己记不起以前曾与丹麦游客交谈过。接着就是返程了。
这条山间公路在冬季封闭后,直到6月初才重新开放。古米解释说,冬季时有些地方的积雪厚度可达数米,需要数月时间才能清理干净。
大多数人可能会选择那条蜿蜒曲折的公路返回。
但古米不会。
他微笑着选择了他所谓的捷径——直接翻越山岭。那辆专门改装的福特Excursion轻松爬上了陡峭的坡道,而我们则被牢牢压在座椅上。这是一次前所未有的越野体验。
不仅如此,我们驾车抵达一处绝美的观景台时,一场猛烈的暴风雨恰好席卷了整座山。风势强劲到把雨刷都从挡风玻璃上吹了下来,泥水和小石块也纷纷砸向车身。就连古米也显得惊愕不已,脱口喊道:“天哪!”他说那是他在那里经历过的最强风力。
在狭小的山顶上掉转车头也是一个令人难忘的时刻。当时感觉后轮几乎都悬在悬崖边缘了。古米笑着解释了他的简单准则:
“当我在后视镜里能看到Þingeyri的教堂时,我就知道自己退得足够远,可以掉头了。”
几秒钟后,他便从容地把那辆大型福特车转了过来,就好像这是世界上最容易的事一般。这可不仅仅是一次普通的旅行。
这是一场充满惊艳美景、难忘瞬间、纯朴热情的当地待客之道,以及绝大多数冰岛游客都体验不到的特别经历的冒险之旅。
衷心感谢古德蒙杜尔(“古米”)以及冰岛荒野探险旅行公司的全体团队,是你们为我们创造了终生难忘的回忆。
强烈推荐——毫不犹豫地给出5星评价!