August 19: Day 1 of Laugavegur Trail

It was the first day of my 4-day Laugavegur adventure with another stop in Landmannalaugar.  The four hour drive followed the famous South Coast route including our pass by the infamous Hekla Volcano, which was known as the “The Gateway to Hell.”  

Landmannalaugar is renowned for its vibrant, multicolored mountains formed by rhyolite rock, a unique volcanic substance that creates a stunning blend of reds, oranges, yellows, and greens. This geothermal wonderland sits within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, an area shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. Interestingly, the region is home to one of Iceland’s largest geothermal fields, with hot springs, steaming vents, and lava fields scattered across the landscape. The constant geothermal activity not only creates the warm thermal pools but also keeps parts of the ground warm enough to melt snow even in the depths of winter — a true testament to the raw power of Iceland’s volcanic heart.

One of the highlights of today’s 9.6 mile trek was a visit to the “ugly pool” where we had a snack while taking in this beautiful viewpoint.  The blue waters, green moss and red rocks made for a colorful portrait.

After a tasty salmon pasta dinner, we made our way to the people’s pool and enjoyed a relaxing soak in the warm thermal bath.