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Journey:
Daily the bus goes from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar, but only during
the short summer season from mid June to end of September.
The scheduled time is 4 hours, but be aware of always possible
variances. Even in summer it can get impossible to ford the rivers.
The bus shown here didn't go far - it stopped due to a engine
breakdown.
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Overview:
A first afternoon stroll from Landmannalaugar up the black
mountain Bláhnúkur (940m) enables to view the surroundings of
tomorrow's first leg. |
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Sandy cone:
The george of Grænagil represents all the
typical colours and forms of the local landscape. |
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Fountain valley:
In Grænagil the water easily forms the
ground. |
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Landmannalaugar:
The hut (580m) is run by the Icelandic walking institution F.I.
There is also a campground and a private café and shop. |
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Well equipped:
Guests may use the kitchen's equipment as the need. However, dishes and
cleaning are their duty, too.
The photo was taken after everyone had had their breakfast. It was very
crowded! The hut accommodates 78 persons, it was fully booked.
In late evening a wet and freezing single walker asked for a place - he
was refused without any pity. Pre-booking is essential. You can do it
via email.
By the way - don't forget to bring your provisions. |
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Cold and airy:
Spoilt European townspeople can't really understand why the bathrooms
always are built with drafty ventilation and can only be reached by
crossing the open court. |
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Luxury:
It is your only chance before Þórsmörk to
buy provisions. And you can even order a cream tea. |
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Hot Pool:
The natur highland spa invites to have a comfortable bath. Hot water is
always ready. But you will get cold when walking 300 yards back to the
hut. |
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The Start:
Now we are off! The discounter's umbrella did not survive the first day
of walking! |
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Shining:
Rain enforces the colours of Brennisteinsalda (855m). Left of the
hillside the trek passes the mountain. |
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Rolling Hills:
With easy ascends and entertaining views the the trek goes on. This is
the view back to Landmannalaugar. |
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Cloud area:
Fog and rain mixes up with steam of hot springs. |
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Snowy crossing:
Always be aware of the weather risks! Caught by a snow storm you will
be in danger to lose orientation. The path is marked every 50 meters
but you might not be able to see the next one. There have been
fatalities like walkers who freezed to death in July! |
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Lonely Home:
The F.Í. hut of
Hrafntinnusker is situated in a hostile surrounding at 1,027m.
Don't expect the weather to be fine. Also temperatures won't be
comfortable.
Tough walkers will be able to walk on to the next hut at Álftavatn.
But you will miss the visit of the nearby icecaves of Íshellir which
can be found within half an hour.
There is also the worthwile view point on top of Söðull
mountain just 20 minutes away. |
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One-room-sleep-12-flat:
Everybody's bedroom
also is everybody's living room. There is another flat for 36 people
overall. |
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Contrasts:
After a 30-min-walk
you arrive at the ice caves and gasp at the 60 meters of a glacier,
with hot springs right at its feet.
Don't move below the icy roofs. You won't be the first one to be buried
here. |
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Boiling grounds:
As far as you can
view, everywhere the boiling hot water is steaming in the air. |
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Cold tongue:
This is how summer
appears in Iceland.
following page:
2.
Hrafntinnusker - Álftavatn
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