Icelandic Highlands: Awe-inspiring Sceneries Captured in Photographs
The Icelandic Highlands, a largely uninhabited region, stretches across approximately 400-500 square kilometers in Europe. This untamed territory exhibits a breathtaking assortment of landscapes, including black deserts, towering mountains, deep canyons, and glaciers. These extraordinary features were primarily shaped during the second ice age.
Although only accessible via mountain roads from June to September, photographers and explorers flock to this wilderness to capture its raw, untouched beauty. The renowned Morgunblaðið photographer, Ragnar Axelsson, has beautifully captured the Highlands' dramatic landscapes through his camera lens. His stunning photographs showcase the region's diverse geological wonders.
One of the most fascinating attractions in the Icelandic Highlands is the Landmannalaugar Geothermal Area, located within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Known for its colorful, rhyolite mountains, vast lava fields, and natural hot springs, this area offers respite and is a perfect resting point for travelers in the Highlands. The warm geothermal river, called "People’s Pools," is a popular spot for swimming during the summer months.
The Highlands are also dotted with volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and smooth obsidian deserts. These striking geological formations highlight Iceland's volcanic activity and add to the dramatic scenery. During the warmer months, visitors can explore the vast lava fields and capture the stark contrast between the barren rock and surrounding lush greenery.
Swift rivers, such as Tungnaá, can also be found hidden amongst the mountains. These water bodies contribute to the rugged landscape and provide a stark contrast to the vast, snow-covered glaciers that dominate the region. Some of the most majestic glacier expanses and rushing alpine rivers offer breathtaking photographic opportunities in the spring and early autumn.
The Icelandic Highlands also boast towering volcanic mountains like Askja and Hekla. These peaks provide challenging hiking trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Nestled amongst volcanic ash deserts or carpeted with moss, the cones and crater lakes provide a dramatic backdrop to any hiking adventure.
Exploring the Icelandic Highlands is not for the faint-hearted, as most of the terrain remains inaccessible for much of the year. The rough terrain can be navigated only via specially equipped vehicles on F-roads, which become accessible during the summer months. Brave travelers who venture into this wilderness are rewarded with rare experiences, from immersing themselves in unique natural hot springs to witnessing the untouched beauty of some of Europe's last vast uninhabited wilderness areas.
References:[1] https://www.visiticeland.com/article/the-icelandic-highlands[2] https://www.icelandmagic.is/icelandic-highlands[3] https://lava.is/blog/icelandic-highlands[5] https://www.budget.is/blog/top-things-to-do-in-iceland-the-ultimate-bucket-list
News about the Icelandic Highlands highlights the diverse lifestyle experiences it offers, from the challenges of off-road travel to the tranquility found in hot springs like the People’s Pools. travel enthusiasts would also enjoy exploring the region's geological wonders, such as the Landmannalaugar Geothermal Area, and capturing stunning photographs of its landscapes, including the towering volcanic mountains like Askja and Hekla.
