If you’ve read my previous story about the Fagradalsfjall volcano you know that I didn’t have much luck witnessing actual eruption. But the hike was a great experience anyway, so two weeks later, I’ve returned to the same place, took a slightly different path and went on planning to see the eruption.
Judging from the cover photo - I managed.
I invite you to navigate through this photo story and experience the Icelandic landscape through the lens of my camera.
Hiking through the Nátthagi Valley
I start the hike in the late afternoon. The weather is nice, it is sunny and warm.
![Visitors on the ridge of the hill leading above the valley](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-1.DM1AXp83_aoml6.jpeg)
Enjoying the warm colours, I hike towards the best viewing spot, but this time taking some off-beaten, less-travelled hike.
The landscape is simply stunning!
![Amazing landscape views towards south from the hike on Langihryggur, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-2.V5BRk2mg_Z6YO6b.jpeg)
I cannot count how many times I stop on the way to capture some fantastic views.
![Stunning colors of the ground at Geldingadalur area, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-3.DKTnbwVI_14qnNr.jpeg)
After few kilometres, I reach the saddle on the main ridge of Langihryggur, and it seems like I’m just in time as the volcano is active and we have some spectacle to watch!
Fagradalsfjall Volcano
I sit in ave and admire the powerful, raw element.
![A photo of erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-6a.Cuq2ajoT_ZyVa8t.jpeg)
It didn’t take long, though. For me, the show lasted 10-15 minutes and then it became calm again. Maybe if I came a few hours earlier… Another time!
But man, imagine what Frodo must have felt on his last part of the journey looking through the landscape like this:
![A view of Fagradalsfjall volcano and surrounding lava fields, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-6b.BLgPvNTB_pOqBf.jpeg)
I take a look towards the west, at the lava fields, bathed with the evening sun and distant hills covered with the fumes.
![Lava fields on upper part of Geldingadalur Valley, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-7.CYDenIZg_1qp19I.jpeg)
”Happy” golden hours
Since the volcano spectacle transpired quickly, I use the remaining time of that evening to hike around and enjoy the landscape.
![One of the many amazing views over the Stóri-Hrutur at Geldingadalur area, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-8.BXNnmLnq_Z1yC3gh.jpeg)
THE FCKNG MAGNIFICENT ICELANDIC LANDSCAPE. Right?
The light is warm and soothing, making everything looks even more mesmerizing. No wonder people just stand there and watch.
![People admiring sunset over Fagradalsfjall at Geldingadalur area, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-9.CuDZOyE4_1cn4KT.jpeg)
The walk to the parking lot felt a bit long. It is a couple of kilometres. But it is pretty amazing.
![People admiring sunset over Fagradalsfjall at Geldingadalur Valley, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-11.BMUdRCcs_Z41rxg.jpeg)
Occasionally, I knee to look down at scarce yet beautiful plants.
![Scarce, yet beautiful plants finding their way on this barren land, Geldingadalur area, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-10a.C5GL2-AW_Z1PexG4.jpeg)
![Small 'Islands' of moss and grass spread over a dry, arid surface, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-13.Cz9jyLcd_zq9LM.jpeg)
![Some small flowers blooming during short summer, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-10b.Cc3nOV0p_Zjvm6t.jpeg)
Closer towards the end, someone in the sky switched on a display of fabulous pink/blue/violet hues, and I can’t help myself but simply watch and enjoy.
![A view of some great looking landscape, Geldingadalur area, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-12.CUC4ZSzm_ZwI2Px.jpeg)
![Pink haze sky with some rocks on the foreground, Geldingadalur area, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-14.BiOR4-aM_ovjxJ.jpeg)
Finally, reaching the end of the trail, I’m greeted with one last, incredible view.
![One last view towards the entry of Nátthagi Valley, Iceland](/_astro/fagradalsfjall-volcano-landscape-iceland-15.CV6ZK03y_1xtTHR.jpeg)