Iceland: Day 21 - Landmannalaugar 1 - (Getting there and riverbed hike)
July 15, 2004
Landmannalaugar is the most popular spot as a starting point for hikers who want to explore Iceland's rugged interior. Landmannalaugar is nestled amongst magnificent rhyolite peaks and adjacent to the steaming Laugahraun lava flow that erupted in 1480. Rhyolite forms from very viscous lava that is extruded slowly out of a volcano like toothpaste squeezed out of a hole. Layering of different coloured rock from dusky pinks to grey-greens creates a kaleidoscope of colours within the rhyolite.
The road to Landmannalaugar is just a track, often bumpy and sometimes barely visible in the desolate landscape except for the rocks placed along its side. However, the popularity of this camping spot means that a lot of tour busses have started coming here and this may have helped keep the roads in better condition. A small river prevented us from getting all the way to the campsite but we parked the car and walked the rest of the way.
We checked out the campsite and since it was still drizzly we returned to the car to have lunch. As soon as the rain stopped, we headed off for a long hike down the riverbed valley among colourful mountains of rhyolite. We had a small delay in trying to ford one of the streams - its hard to imagine when the whole area gets flooded from springtime melts!
As the track leaves the main road, we pass by a dam...
the original waterfall would probably have been a lot prettier!
The 'road' to Landmannalaugar lined with rocks to mark the way.
Hmmm, these mountains look more ominous than colourful...
hopefully the wind doesn't pick up!
This is where we get out...
the Clio won't make the crossing but the tour bus seems to have no problems.
Even though the weather is drizzly, the panoramic view at Landmannalaugar is breathtaking.
We set off from the campsite which has a lavafield and rhyolite mountains as its backdrop.
With a bit of sun, the super green grass contrasts the orange of the mountains.
Rubby finds a green mountain.
Rubby checks out the striped zebra patterns.
We continue to hike up the river bed through the valley.
An outcrop of black obsidian shines out from the rest of the rhyolite while pieces of "peanut brittle rock" inspire us to stop for a cookie break.
The minerals in the rhyolite can react differently to create all sorts of colours.
Thermal deposits also contribute to the colourful surroundings.
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