Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Brandsgil and Brennisteinsalda
For a couple of easy
hikes
from the Landmannalaugar campsite, either head south
for 2km down
Brandsgil
, a tight, colourful canyon full of shallow streamlets and
hot springs in the riverbed, or west past the hut and up onto the obsidian-rich
Laugahraun
lava field, following the first couple of kilometres of the Laugavegur trail.
You end up on a ridge overlooking the flow, near a concentration of steam vents at
Brennisteinsalda
, from where you can circuit back to the campsite via
Grænagil
, a
narrow canyon.
2
Bláhnúkur
On a clear day you really should ascend
Bláhnúkur
(945m), the large, bald peak to the
south. There's a straightforward, marked trail up the northeast face from near the
campsite; it's steep but around an hour should see you on the summit enjoying
staggering 360 degree views; all around are multicoloured hills, with the campsite
edged by moss-covered lava. Of to the northeast is
Tungnaá
, a sprawling area of lakes
and intertwined streams at the source of the Skaftá, which empties into the sea near
Kirkjubæjarklaustur. For the descent, either retrace your steps or - if you've good boots
and little fear - follow the trail along the peak and off down the steep, slippery scree
slope covering Bláhnúkur's west face. You end up at the edge of the
Laugahraun
lavafield as above, with a choice of paths back to base.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
LANDMANNALAUGAR
By bus
Landmannalaugar's bus stop is at the hot springs
area. Return services from Reykjavík travel via Hella and
Leirubakki daily from June to mid-September; there are
also onwards connections from Landmannalaugar to east
Skaftafell via Eldgjá and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and north to
Mývatn via Sprengisandur.
Destinations
Eldgjá (1 daily; 1hr 15min); Hella (2 daily; 2hr
15min); Hveragerði (2 daily; 3hr); Kirkjubæjarklaustur
(1 daily; 3hr 45min); Leirubakki (2 daily; 1hr 45min);
Mývatn (1 daily; 10hr); Reykjavík (2 daily; 4hr); Selfoss
(2 daily; 3hr 15min); Skaftafell (1 daily; 4hr 45min).
By car
The main road to Landmannalaugar is the four-
wheel-drive-only F225, which turns east off Route 26 just
past Tröllkonuhlaup (see p.114) via thirty-year-old black
ash and lava deposits on Hekla's northern flanks, crosses a
couple of rivers and intermittent oases of grassland, and
finally reaches a major ford immediately west of
Landmannalaugar.
INFORMATION
Tourist information
The ranger's o
ce is at the hot
springs area, where you can buy maps of the hiking trails.
You need to register here before starting the trail to
Þórsmörk; having had to rescue many badly-equipped
hikers over the years, rangers might ask to see your kit
before allowing you to head off.
ACCOMMODATION
Campsite
Hot springs area
T
568 2533,
W
fi.is.
A
gravel patch beside a large amenities block and the
lodge. The weather here can be atrocious, with incredibly
strong winds - ominously, the campsite has bins full of
rocks for weighting down tent edges. Campers are not
allowe
d to use
the hut's kitchen, so bring cooking gear
along.
1000kr
Hiking Lodge
Hot springs area
T
568 2533,
W
fi.is.
The
Icelandic Hiking Association runs a large, self-catering
lodge at Landmannalaugar with toilets, showers and
ample kitchen space. Accommodation is in bunk beds
(bring your own sleeping bags) which you need to book as
far in advance as possible, although space m
ight be
available at short notice. Closed Sept to mid-June.
5000kr
Laugavegur
Laugavegur
, the 55km hiking trail between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, is the
best of its kind in Iceland, with easy walking and magnificent scenery. Huts
with
campsites are laid out at roughly 14km intervals, splitting Laugavegur comfortably into
four stages
: six days is an ideal time to spend on the trip, allowing four for the trail and
a day at either end, though you could hike the trail in just two days.
