Highlands Tour with stop at Laki Volcano

3 days

Highlands Tour with stop at Laki Volcano
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DAY ONE

You have probably heard that Iceland has many natural pools and geothermal areas and that Icelanders really do enjoy their pool time, and this adventure certainly makes you find out why.

 

Starting this journey from Reykjavik, we are going to see the “Mecca” of the geothermal areas, the Landmannalaugar; but before that, our first stop is Þjórsárdalur valley.

 

Witness a true wonder of nature, Hjálparfoss

In this magnificent valley, in a lava field, north from the stratovolcano Hekla, you will see a true wonder of nature, a twin waterfall named Hjálparfoss, it is the point where the rivers Fossá and Þjórsá join and merge in this exquisite cascade.

 

Afterward, on our way to the Landmannalaugar, we will stop to take a look and admire the lake Ljotipollur which is a crater lake with high edges in the astonishing shade of red color, that makes a beautiful contrast with the azure blue water.

 

We will also see the Frostastaðavatn lake, which is very popular among photographs from all over the world. Before taking a dip in the geothermal pool, you will have a unique chance to take a hike on the hiking trails, which are surrounded by fantastic rhyolite mountains in the shades of red, pink and golden yellow.

 

After a real swimming and relaxing treat in a naturally heated pool, we are heading towards Kirkjubæjarklaustur, with a stop at Eldgjá, triple volcano, and waterfall Ófærufoss. And just before we drive to our quiet location to spend the night, we will have a quick stop to check out the impressive waterfall in the river Syðri Ófæra, often called little Gullfoss or Silver Falls.

 

DAY TWO

On the second day of this Highlands journey, we are going to visit Lakagigar. If you have ever wanted to visit the Moon, you are on the right spot. Lakagigar is a row of craters, formed in one of the world’s most massive mixed eruptions in recorded history.

 

This series of eruptions emitted a vast quantity of lava and volcanic ash from a fissure stretching 25 kilometers across the area west of the ice cap. This area is a globally unique phenomenon, and as such, it is protected as a natural monument.

 

Skafta Fires

Are you familiar with the term “Skafta Fires”? Well, in 1783, a large lava flow streamed from Lakagigar, and it is believed that this was one of the most significant lava flows in a single eruption ever. The molten lava filled the gorges through which rivers Skaftá and Hverfisfljót flowed.

 

This was a catastrophic time for Icelanders, and it was called Móðurharðindin (Haze Famine). Your local guide will tell you the stories about this time and how this eruption had affected people and nature.

 

On our second day, we will also see the Fjarđárgljufur, a canyon which is 100 meters deep and about 2 kilometers long, with the Fjarđá river flowing through it. The canyon is created by progressive erosion, and its origins date back into the Ice Age.

 

We will end the day with food and drinks and enjoyable conversation before a good night’s sleep.

 

DAY THREE

And on the last day, there are also surprises. You will be privileged to see a fantastic mountain road, which is not a common route for most people so that you can count for a unique experience. The locals call this road Öldufellsleið, and it connects Skaftártungur and Rangárvelli.

 

Throughout this spectacular road, you will be able to see Mýrdalsjökul and Eyjafjallajökul, two of the most famous glaciers in Iceland. While driving behind the Mýrdalsjökul, we will pass the famous black desert with one of the most beautiful volcanoes Mælifell on our way to a real nature miracle canyon Markarfljótsgljúfur.

 

From this point, the next stop is Reykjavik, through the Emstrur desolate and lonesome area, that is truly eye-catching and uncanny. Our journey ends here, but experience and memories of this magical adventure will stay for good.

Things to keep in mind
Itinerary

Location
Things to keep in mind