Not impressed? Check out the two folks roughly in the middle. PIC maveri2401
O ne can argue until the end of time about the absolute best spot in Iceland to witness the forces of nature coming together in the most stunning way possible. But a place called Hrafntinnusker might just take first prize.
Even if you´ve been here the name might not ring a bell. The word itself is pretty unfavorable to foreign language speakers. Try saying it as locals do with emphasis on both the R´s.
While the landscape is world class so is the ground you stand on
Hrafntinnusker is the name of a large ridge in the center of Iceland and one through which you hike over if you happen to join the very popular Laugavegur hike from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork. Practically thousands of reasons why this is such a hot place. We could tell you about its uniqueness but that would be a poor description. Most of Iceland is unique in one respect or the other.
A better option would be to tell you this is where so many things in Iceland seem to come together in a visible way. On one hand you have unbelievable views Southward to where deep green valleys and enticing blue lakes and streams are visible in summertime. Turn North and snow and ice pack the rather more barren and grey landscape as far as one can see. The simple contrast makes for a memorable Kodak moment.
Ah, but there is more.
While the landscape is world class so is the ground you stand on. This part of Iceland is geologically active and this is very visible from the vapors coming from the ground here in various places. It does not take Einstein to figure that out. A chunk of Hrafntinnusker is made of large lava formations which are always fun to wander about.
It is also here you can come across extremely weird rock formations known as obsidians. Obsidians are in effect volcanic glass formed as sharp rock which are produced when flowing lava cools with minimal crystal growth. The reason for its jaggedness is the fact it is so hard and brittle and breaks easily. Those are very beautiful and we think of them as a national treasure and it is forbidden to remove them at all.
Getting to this place is not too easy. You will have to walk from Landmannalaugar and the hike can be quite arduous and only recommended for the fittest. Do take this seriously as its a long way to nearest hospital of something happens.
