We rented this Toyota RAW 4 for the trip around Iceland. We drove 2660 km.
The new volcano Fagradalsfjall could be seen on the horizon. At that time, the volcano was inactive but the smoke still stretches up to Reykjavik.
Another view of the countryside around Reykjavík. The pyramid on the horizon is the old Keilir volcano. At present, there are regular small earthquakes in its vicinity. Maybe we're looking at a future active volcano.
In the middle of the peninsula stretches a volcanic mountain range with several flooded calderas. This is Lake Kleifarvatn.
Living organisms are gaining ground very slowly in this inhospitable environment. The time scale here is in the order of hundreds and thousands of years.
The surroundings of the lake provide wonderful views.
Sometimes hidden in clouds.
Our first hike led to the Fagradalsfjall volcano through the typical Icelandic country.
Walking off the sidewalk is almost impossible.
We only got to this black slope. The lava is about 2 weeks old. Unfortunately, it was not possible to go further for dense clouds with zero visibility. So we didn't see the volcano itself. By the way, this valley was then about 50 m deep. Already at the end of September, the new lava filled it completely and began to flow over the dam.
The lava current is cold on the surface. But beneath it, in lava tunnels, liquid lava still flows.
Close-up view of a lump of fresh lava.
After returning from the volcano we continue. The Krýsuvík geothermal area serves only as a tourist attraction.
Care must be taken as the concentration of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide is increased around the ponds.
Nearby is another geothermal area Gunnuhver. This one is already much more active at first glance.
Hot water is used to generate electricity. The capacity of the power plant is 200 MW.
The largest lighthouse in Iceland. Built in 1907-1908, when the original lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake.
What a strong earthquake can do.
The beginning of the Atlantic ridge, which stretches northeast and ends north in the sea near the town of Húsavík. To the right is the American continent, to the left the European continent.
source: Wikipedia
The ridge winds across the island and virtually all volcanic activities take place in its zone.
A visible sign of the presence of the ridge is also multiple directionally oriented cracks in the width from 1 to hundreds of meters.
A special kind of art is developing in Iceland. Instead of building simple cairns these artists choose stones of a specific shape to create kinds of sculptures. In this case the mother is standing on the American shore and her child is sailing to Europe at a speed of 2.5 cm/year. Amazing symbol.
Sandvík. A place that is not on the tourist maps. Some exclusive pictures from this photogenic beach.
First encounter with wildlife. Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
