Volcanic Eruption - Lava Hike
Hiking Distance: Around 3 miles one-way
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By a stroke of major luck, the Geldingadalur volcanic eruption started erupting again, one day before we arrived in Iceland. It was erupting a year before when I purchased the airline tickets, but the eruption ended shortly after. Needless to say, the first thing we did upon arrival and getting our rental car was to zoom to the trailhead and start hiking to the lava. Luckily, the eruption was super close to the airport and right on the start of our loop.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, you might have thought all of Iceland was there, parked and hiking. It was interesting to see so many people trying to see the lava, a likely once in a lifetime opportunity. Some were really struggling to get there. The trail started out fine but then became much rockier and longer than I expected. Upon reaching the lava, it was a bit surreal, and a nature experience I had not ever expected in my outdoor pursuits. A truly amazing experience.
Unfortunately, our camera with the better pictures was destroyed a day after visiting. But not to worry, thousands of others have good shots, video and drone images online.
Near the start looking back toward the parking area in the far distance
Near the start, about to go up the first hill
Switchbacks up the first hill
Some bad weather in route started to get us worried we would not be able to see anything
Hiking along this ridge for a few miles with no trail, just some markers (and several hundered people).
I believe this was the old lava flow from the year before
During the next week, a cone would start to form, but for us, it was just a long crack in the ground of open earth.
More of the old lava flow
Visitors watching the lava from the hillside above
At the edge of the lava, watching it slowly move toward us.