Volcanic Trails 3: The Backroad To Landmannalaugar

Hot springs and colorful mountains The third section of the Volcanic Trails takes you up into the hills of the Fjallabak region and to the highland oasis Landmannalaugar. Crossing from the green mountains reflected in the “Swan Lake” we now hit the brightly colored hills of Ljósártungur, passing by a big “table mountain” into areas of fuming hot springs and boiling mud pools. The trek continues along thick obsidian lava fields entering a more active geothermal area of even more hot springs, arriving into the extremely bright colors of Landmannalaugar, one of the best-known part of the Icelandic highlands. Bright hills and gullies characterize this part of the trek and geothermal activity is predominant. The last morning we have time for a short hike or simply relax in the natural pool before getting on the bus back to Reykjavík. Total distance: 38 kilometers (24 miles) Altitude: 600-900 meters (2000-3000 feet) Maximum ascent: 400 m (1300 feet)