10 Sep 2014 – Landmannalaugar

Mon: thanks to Peggy for this write-up…

‘Woke up to another grey drizzly day. Today is our free day. Ian was determined not to stay indoors. He pored a over the map and decided on an area called Landmannalaugar. Ian and I was talking about the volcano that erupted in 2010 earlier. We were not sure about road condition so I asked at the desk. I mentioned the volcano and they said 4 wheel drive required and that we could rent one.

All through the trip I chatted about the volcano to Amy. Meanwhile Ian was looking for a place to hire 4 wheel drive and apparently saw a place but neither Amy or I heard it.  So we kept going and the roads were really dodgy. Amy kept going bravely. we saw the most fantastic views.

A testament to the views Ian took 200 odd photos of the area.  Breath taking to quote Ian. Took 1.5 hours to go 30 km without stopping to take photos. Well worth the effort. Like the day before the weather cleared on our arrival and stayed clear till we left.

Landmannalaugar is a place in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the highland of Iceland.. It is at the edge of Laugahraun lava field that was formed in an eruption around the year 1477. Lies at the northern end of the Laugarvegur hiking trail and a popular destination for tourists. The Iceland Touring Association operates a mountain hut with sleeping bag accommodations for 75 people and a public toilet with showers.

The colours and views in this area cannot be justified with pix, paintings or words. You need to be there to really feel and see the effects they have on you…

Another night at Hotel Selfoss and dinner at Kaffi Krus. Did not have the time or energy to check around this place but the view from the bedroom window is a reminder of the river and the bridge. Two paintings by some local artists on the hotel walls which caught my eyes.