Modrudalur

Modrudalur sits at about 470 metres on the high desert between Myvatn and the eastern fjords, which makes it the highest inhabited farm in Iceland, and the ground around it is black sand and sparse grazing. The chapel there was built in 1949 by the farmer Jon A. Stefansson in memory of his wife; he did the work himself, including the altarpiece he painted, which is the sort of thing that would be unremarkable in the record and is arresting in person. The farm now runs a cafe known for its kleinur and lamb soup, a campsite and rooms, and it is the only stop on a long empty stretch of route 1.

What you actually see

• The highest farm in Iceland - about 470 metres, on the high desert.
• A chapel built by the farmer - raised in 1949 for his wife.
• An altarpiece he painted himself - inside the chapel.
• The only stop for a long way - cafe, campsite and rooms.

When to go

June to September for the fullest service; open but reduced in winter. Two hours.

Honest expectations

It is a working farm and a roadside stop rather than an attraction, and the cafe is the main draw. Prices reflect the isolation. The chapel may be locked outside the season. Sandstorms blow across the plateau in dry wind.

Nearby

Saenautasel is east; Myvatn is west along route 1.