The first day of Iceland's most celebrated trek — from the steaming rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar across a rainbow landscape of volcanic colour to the Hrafntinnusker hut.

Stops on This Tour (10)

1. 1
   Landmannalaugar Hot Spring The Laugavegur begins at a natural hot spring surrounded by rhyolite mountains. The trail is open mid-June to September only — before and after, snow makes navigation dangerous. Registration with ICE-SAR (Icelandic Search and Rescue) is strongly recommended. Download your audio before starting; mobile signal is nonexistent on the trail. Weather changes in minutes — carry full waterproofs, warm layers, and emergency shelter.
2. 2
   Laugahraun Lava Field The trail crosses a field of obsidian-black lava — solidified from an eruption in 1477. The contrast between black lava and the surrounding pastel mountains is surreal. The rhyolite ranges are painted in pink, green, yellow, and white by mineral deposits and geothermal activity.
3. 3
   Brennisteinsalda Viewpoint Brennisteinsalda is considered the most colourful mountain in Iceland — layers of ochre, rust, green, and sulphur yellow created by volcanic minerals. Fumaroles steam on its flanks. The geology here is young — most features are less than 10,000 years old.
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   Stórihver Geothermal Area Steam vents hiss from the ground and the earth is hot underfoot. Stay on the marked trail — the crust beside fumaroles can be thin, concealing scalding mud below. The sulphur smell is intense. This is an active volcanic system; the ground is literally alive.
5. 5
   Rhyolite Ridge Ascent The trail climbs steadily through a landscape that resembles an alien planet. Mineral-stained rhyolite mountains ripple with colour — no vegetation interrupts the geological canvas. The Arctic wind at this elevation can be fierce; adjust layers frequently.
6. 6
   Snowfield Crossing Snowfields persist at higher elevations into August. The trail crosses several snow patches — follow the marked poles carefully. In fog, navigation depends entirely on trail markers; a GPS device is essential backup. The silence between wind gusts is absolute.
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   Hrafntinnusker Pass The high point of the day at approximately 1,100 metres. Obsidian — volcanic glass — litters the ground, giving the area its name: "Obsidian Arch." The black glass was highly valued by Viking settlers for tools and trade.
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   Obsidian Plateau The plateau is dotted with ice caves and steam vents — hot and cold exist in direct proximity. Volcanic craters filled with blue-green water punctuate the dark landscape. This is the Central Highlands of Iceland — uninhabited, vast, and shaped entirely by fire and ice.
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   Hrafntinnusker Descent The trail begins descending toward the mountain hut. Views open south toward the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap — beneath which Katla, one of Iceland's most dangerous volcanoes, sleeps restlessly. The last eruption was in 1918; the next is overdue.
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    Hrafntinnusker Hut The mountain hut sits in a world of volcanic desolation and beauty. Sleeping bag accommodation in communal bunks — book through the Iceland Touring Association. The warden monitors weather and trail conditions. Tomorrow's route descends through the Alftavatn valley, trading volcanic palette for green highlands.

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