Iceland. Laugavegur trail

  The Laugavegur trail begins in the Landmannalaugar valley, which we reached by tourist bus. This place marks the start of a journey through "cosmic landscapes" - colorful mountains, hot springs, "steaming ground," moss, glaciers, and canyons. All this diversity can be seen by covering just 57 kilometers of the route...

  Map of the trek...

 After reaching the Landmannalaugar valley from the Reykjavik campground by tourist bus, we immediately headed to the thermal springs. This was our first encounter with Icelandic hot springs. The temperature in the stream varied between 30-45 degrees, so you could choose the most comfortable spot... 

 After spending half an hour in the hot spring, we changed and set off on the route. The weather started to deteriorate, so we wanted to gain altitude quickly to see at least something...

 Many tourist routes depart from the Landmannalaugar valley, allowing you to view the colorful mountains from all sides. But we followed the main path...

  Gaining altitude and climbing to the first peak, we were treated to the best views of the colorful mountains...

  Then the sky clouded over, and it started to drizzle...

  As we continued along the route, we found ourselves in the realm of steaming mountains...

  

   Next to the steam were areas covered with amazingly colored moss, which was also very soft. 

   A fantastic steaming lake surrounded by equally fantastic moss...

   After ten kilometers, we reached the first campground. The campground was located at a height, without good spots for tents, and was quite windy. We had plenty of time, so after a snack, we decided to continue to the next campsite...  

  

 Again, we found ourselves among volcanic-colored mountains...

  The low cloudiness focused attention only on the mountains...

   Even though it was already August, the snow at an altitude of about 1000 meters had not yet melted...

   The highlands ended with a steep descent, revealing a completely different picture before us...

   This is what makes this route impressive. You might think you’re walking on one planet, only to find yourself on a completely different one...

  Descending into the valley, we stopped for the night at a campground near a lake. Although the price was quite high (28 euros for two), all you got for this money was a place for a tent, access to a toilet, and water. No kitchen or lounge. Of course, you could pitch a tent outside the campground and not pay for "air," but that would break the rules, and we played by the rules. Officially, tent camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds...  

  

 The next day’s route passed through green spaces without significant altitude changes... 

  

   Sometimes we had to cross rivers on foot... 

  At times, the river turned into a waterfall...

  Rust-covered signs...

 Mountains seemed to rise from the plain. These landscapes were the highlight of the day... 

   Around noon, after covering about 20 kilometers, we reached the next campground. Traditionally, this route is completed twice as slowly, stopping at this campground for the night. But that's not our method...

  We had lunch here, rested a bit, and then continued...

 And here, completely different landscapes unfolded before us... 

  Crossing a canyon... 

   Green spaces...

  

  A typical Icelandic picture - a small house nestled in nature...

   That day, we covered 35 kilometers and reached the campground in Thorsmork...

 Here, the Laugavegur trail ends, and the next one, Fimmvörðuháls, begins. The weather "smiled" upon us, so we took advantage of the opportunity and progressed a bit faster...