Hiking in Iceland’s Colorful Highlands

Much of the timing for our Iceland trip was based on when the Landmannalaugar highlands would be accessible and not covered in snow. Since getting there also requires fording several streams, it is necessary to wait until the flow rates are down.

We traveled by 4x4 van with a day tour from Reykjavík. The 14 other passengers came from Spain, Italy, Argentina and France. Our tour guide did a fantastic job of juggling the languages in her descriptions.

Landmannalaugar is a unique geothermal area located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland’s southern highlands. The name translates to “The People’s Pools,” a nod to the natural hot springs that have been a gathering spot for travelers for centuries. This area is renowned for its multi-colored mountains, formed from rhyolite rock, and it is located within one of Iceland's largest and most active geothermal areas. A sign suggests that they could give you 30 to 90 minutes warning of an eruption and instructions on how to flee.

The vibrant colors of the mountains—pink, red, yellow and olive green—result from the presence of minerals like sulfur, iron, silica and zinc. This dramatic landscape is the backdrop for relatively fresh black lava fields, clear rivers, bright green vegetation and cheery purple wild thyme flowers (like in Ireland!).

On the way back we stopped at Ljótipollur crater lake.Read more