Monday 7/08/2017 Landmannalaugar Valley
Fjallabak Nature Reserve, ICELAND
Participants: Jenny Asquith, Greg Burke, Andrew Burns, Sharon Burns, Stefano Cacioppo (Guide), Enrico Chierici (Guide), Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Tony Fitzpatrick, Simon Marlton, Danilo Ortelli, Jenny Woods
The Landmannalaugar Valley is a popular area of Iceland for trekking. The most popular walk, a six day trek starts from the campground. This excellent day walk takes in many features of the area and you access three peaks for fabulous views of the dramatic volcanic landscape and painted hills.
Max elevation: 1070 m
Total climbing: 1161 m
Total descent: -1183 m
Average speed: 3.06 km/h
Total time: 08:15:57
We were camped at the busy Brennisteinsalda Campground along the river Yokulgilskvisl the night before before heading off for our walk about 9:30am. The weather was quite cold and variable to start so as we were initially climbing Susournamur, it was difficult to get the clothing layering correct.
On this walk we conquered three peaks (Susournamur 920m, Brennisteinsalda 855m and Blahnukur 943m), each with fantastic views of extensive lava flows, turquoise lakes, and incredible hills that looked to be painted red, green and yellow.
Once down off our second peak, Brennisteinsalda , we passed geothermal areas along the stream known as Haoldukvisl with a number of steam vents and bubbling pools.
View of Blahnukur (our third peak) from Brennisteinsalda
The final peak, Blahnukur, was the highest and most impressive, again it was hard to stop taking photos. Once on top the sun came out as if on cue and lit up the nearby “painted” hillsides. A rainbow emerged at the same time just for additional effect.
The final descent back to camp was quick and straightforward if not a little dusty being a relatively fresh volcanic slope.
Once back to the campground we had time for a swim in the hot springs as the sunshine beamed down onto us. It was a fitting end to a great day.
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