North-South crossing: volcanoes, deserts and glaciers

This morning, we headed south towards the Dómadalur track (F225), which skirts the famous Hekla volcano before plunging into the Fjallabak reserve, through a pumice desert. First tracks, first bumps, and first thrills of adventure!

Arriving at the magical site of Landmannalaugar for a first hike in the heart of the Icelandic highlands. Here, Iceland reveals itself as alive, colorful, vibrant: the glowing red crater of Ljótipollur, the blue peak of Bláhnúkur, the peaceful shores of Lake Frostastaðavatn…

Settling into the refuge for the next two nights.

Today's loop crosses a mineral world of a thousand shades: reds, greens, blues, blacks and yellows.

The route descends into the Laugahraun lava flow through the Grænagil gorge, where a small stream carries bluish stones. Through the solidified magma and obsidian veins, the path reaches the geothermal area at the foot of Brennisteinsalda, the "sulfur mountain".

The orange rocks contrast with the black of the lava, while the mud pools bubble and exhale sulphurous vapors: a truly supernatural scene!

From the pass, the ascent offers a breathtaking view of the entire massif. The descent crosses the Vondugil valley, dotted with the white plumes of cotton grass, before reaching the Súðurnámur ridge.

At the end of the day, a well-deserved relaxation in the site's natural hot spring.

Early departure via the F208 track. River crossings, volcanic landscapes and the famous "fire gorge" (Eldgjá) punctuate the route: welcome to the highland adventure!

We then rejoin Route 1 heading towards the Skaftafell region and its glacial tongues.

Further on, discover the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where the glacier slowly releases its icebergs, which drift majestically towards the ocean. Arctic terns and curious seals enliven this otherworldly landscape. The muffled crunch of colliding ice blocks echoes in the cold air, while the deep blue hue of some icebergs seems almost unreal.

On the other side, on Diamond Beach, fragments of ice washed up on the black sand sparkle like diamonds in the changing light, a spectacle both fragile and magnificent, etched in the memory of every traveler.

A full day dedicated to exploring Vatnajökull National Park, a jewel of southern Iceland.

Our hike begins in a rare forest of birch and willow trees before reaching superb balcony trails overlooking the glacial tongues.

Between ice, lava and vegetation, the panoramas are breathtaking.

A highlight: the discovery of the Svartifoss waterfall, famous for its black basalt columns, natural sculptures formed by the slow cooling of lava.

Heading west towards the spectacular Lakagígar eruptive fissure, the site of a cataclysmic eruption in 1783.

Over a distance of 27 km, around a hundred volcanic cones were aligned, spewing ash and sulfurous gases for eight months. These "Skaftá fires" caused one of the most serious climatic crises of the last millennium: a quarter of the Icelandic population perished, and the volcanic cloud, driven by the winds, caused a sudden drop in temperatures and widespread famine across Europe, from northern France to Russia.

Hiking in the area allows you to explore lakes, collapsed craters and magnificent panoramas from the summit of Laki.

Settling into the refuge, for total immersion in this end-of-the-world setting.

After leaving the volcanic landscape of Laki, we rejoin Route 1, heading towards the south coast.

Stop in Vík, a village nestled at the foot of the Reynisfjall cliffs, then discover the Dyrhólaey promontory, a refuge for colonies of seabirds: Arctic terns, guillemots, razorbills and adorable puffins (until mid-August).

The view over the vast stretches of black sand is sublime, and in strong winds, the ballet of birds in the sea spray is an unforgettable spectacle.

Last stop at the majestic Skógafoss waterfall, before returning to Reykjavik for a free evening in the Icelandic capital.

Just outside Reykjavik, the Mosfell moorland immerses us in the raw and captivating atmosphere of Iceland. We quickly take the legendary Kjölur track, which winds between the Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers.

Head to the Kerlingarfjöll region, in the heart of a mineral desert. Hike through this surreal landscape: orange rhyolite slopes, fumaroles rising into the mist, solfataras, and hot springs create a captivating setting. With every step, new colors and contrasts emerge. Between breathtaking panoramas and geological explanations, the feeling is one of a journey outside of time.

An early departure for Goðafoss, the “waterfall of the gods.” According to legend, an Icelandic chieftain once threw statues of Norse deities into the falls during the country's conversion to Christianity. A place both historic and majestic, surrounded by impressive basalt columns.

We continue towards the volcanic region of Mývatn, a geological and ornithological paradise. A walk among the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir and the petrified lava formations of Dimmuborgir.

At the end of the day, there is the possibility of relaxing in the region's natural hot springs, a moment of pure well-being amidst the lava landscapes.

A full day of hiking to discover the geothermal landscapes of Mývatn and the Krafla volcano. The solfataras and fumaroles of Hverir-Námaskarð offer a striking spectacle, before reaching the volcanic area of ​​Krafla, whose nine eruptions between 1975 and 1984 shaped the lava flows.

We explore Leirhnjúkshraun, where the still-warm lava flows exhale sulphurous vapors. In places, we walk through ancient lava tunnels, remnants of past eruptions.

An unforgettable day in the heart of a vibrant, ever-changing, almost primal landscape. (And be warned: here, even the shower water smells of sulfur!)

In the early morning light, we take the F88 track, heading towards the desert heart of Iceland and the edge of Vatnajökull. Crossing vast expanses of pumice and the famous black desert of Ódáðahraun, streaked with red and brown hues.

Arrival at Kverkfjöll, at the edge of the glacier. Here, nature takes on an extreme form: volcanoes, ice, and silence create a breathtaking scene. The guide punctuates the journey with scenic stops and fascinating geological stories.

A day of pure adventure, at the ends of the earth.

Morning hike at the foot of Vatnajökull, then drive to the spectacular Askja caldera, dominated by the Drekagil canyon, the “dragon’s gorge”.

Exploration of this exceptional site, marked by the eruptions of 1961 and surrounded by lava fields and craters.

Anecdote: It was here, in this lunar setting, that the astronauts of the Apollo mission, including Neil Armstrong, trained in the 1960s, judging it to be the closest possible place to the surface of the Moon.

The adventure continues through wild trails to reach Nýidalur, a true oasis in the heart of the highlands.

The Sprengisandur trail unfolds its magnificent landscapes: lava fields, brown sands, glacial rivers and endless horizons.

Crossing fords and rivers by vehicle adds a touch of adventure to the day, the feeling of moving through an exploration novel, between sky, stone and water.

A feeling of absolute freedom in these remote lands where nature reigns supreme and human traces are rare.

Early departure via the legendary Sprengisandur track (F26), renowned for its sudden weather changes. Crossing the Fjallabak nature reserve, then a stop at the superb Hjálparfoss waterfall, nestled in the heart of a volcanic landscape.

In the afternoon, return to Reykjavik. Settle into the city and enjoy a free evening: stroll through the colorful streets, cozy cafes, street art and Nordic atmosphere to gently conclude this Icelandic immersion.

Last moments in Iceland. Depending on the flight time, there may be a last coffee in the colorful streets of Reykjavik or a stroll along the harbor before the transfer to Keflavík International Airport.

Flight back to France, heart and mind still filled with landscapes of lava, ice and light. Iceland leaves an indelible mark on everyone, that of a country where the Earth still seems to be being born.