Day 3.The Colorful Landscape of Landmannalaugar & The Beautiful South Shore
Today you will drive to Landmannalaugar area, only passable by a 4 x 4 vehicle in summer. The track passes through a wide variety of canyons, valleys, over rock ridges and black lava, weird plain of lava rocks surrounded by captivating mountains. The mountain track over Landmannaleið offers some of the finest scenic views available throughout this fascinating region. Off the track there are various trails leading to the volcano Hekla, which is in view on and off to the south of the trail. Come to Landmannahellir, a cave that runs some distance into a hillside. The scenic interest in the area is tremendous. The surrounding mountains are perhaps the most varied and colourful in Iceland. On a clear day you can see the snow covered peak of the great Mt. Hekla crowning the magnificent landscape. This area is highly recommended for nature lovers and those interested in geology. It offers numerous hiking trails for long and short hikes. The trail proceeds cutting across some relatively recent lava streams and through the Dómadalur valley.
At Landmannalaugar is a warden station, mountain hut and a popular camping site. Near the hut is a warm water pool created by the confluence of natural hot water and cold water springs which issue within a short distance of one another from underneath the edge of the obsidian lava field. Here you can take a relaxing bath in the beautiful and almost surreal surroundings. Head back for the circular highway. Stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss where it is possible to walk behind the waterfall in summer. The waterfall Skógafoss is a little further east and don’t miss the Folk Museum at Skógar, close to the waterfall.
The glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull are towering above.
On March 20th 2010, a volcanic eruption started on Fimmvörðuháls, a mountain ridge between the glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The eruption on Fimmvörðuháls lasted a couple of weeks. After this eruption came to an end a new and bigger eruption started underneath the nearby icecap of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier. This eruption came to an end on 23. May 2010.
Underneath the icecap of Mýrdalsjökull is Katla, one of Icelands most dangerous volcano. Make a short detour to the glacier Sólheimajökull (passable only during summer) before continuing to Dyrhólaey natural reserve and a nesting colony of numerous seabirds. Drive to Reynisdrangar, with spectacular coast and beautiful rock formations. The promontory at Dyrhólaey is a massive natural arch carved by the relentless pounding of the winds and surf with rich birdlife in summer.
Driving distance
330 kilometers
Highlights of the day:
Landmannalaugar
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Reynisfjara beach
Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve
Overnight:
Vík area