We’ll start off by climbing a waymarked path up to the lava field of Laugahraun. The path is steep and strenuous but it soon levels out.
The lava field consists of dark basalt, ossified into strange formations and dotted with green moss. As we walk, we’ll see evidence of geothermal activity, including steam rising from vents in the ground, and puddles of bubbling mud.
Craggy volcanic mountains loom up on either side. We’ll head downhill to a plateau, just below the mountain of Brennisteinsalda (also known as the ‘Sulphur Wave’). This is a great spot for a snack break; take in the view of the multicolored rhyolite mountains and gorges.
The scenery changes significantly as we walk; the colorful, undulating hills are replaced with stark black volcanic slopes. The higher peaks are striated with snow all year round; the temperature drops significantly as we make our way through slushy patches of snow. As we cross the slope of Söðull, we’ll find a sobering memorial to a former trekker.
“In loving memory of Ido Keinan, who passed away in a blizzard so close to the safe hut nearby yet so far at only 25 years old,” reads a metal plaque drilled into a basalt cairn.
Keep climbing up the bare obsidian mountainside until we reach the Hrafntinnusker hut. Located at an elevation of 1110m, it’s the highest point on the trail, surrounded by snow and dark mountains streaked with ice.
Hiking distance: 10.7 km / 6.7 mi Walking time: 4-5 hours Ascent: 533 m / 1750 ft