In a cataclysmic event, 1783-84, a vast expanse of block lava was formed. The eruption was the largest in recorded history and created a lava field called Eldhraun, or Fire Lava, that covers over 560 square kilometres. This beautiful lava field is located on the south coast of Iceland, just by the country’s ring road. The lava field is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The jagged rocks and twisted formations with deep basins, hollows, statues and cracks seem otherworldly and mystical. With thick overlays of grey and neon-green moss, this location offers almost endless possibilities for the perfect nature shot. An old gravel road lies embedded between the big lava boulders, making you feel like you have been transported to another world. The contrast between the moss and the surrounding black lava adds to its beauty, especially when it rains, making the colours even more vibrant and beautiful.
Eldhraun
South coast, Iceland
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Climate
The South Coast of Iceland is known for its unpredictable and ever-changing weather. The region is characterized by a subarctic oceanic climate, which means that the temperatures are relatively mild, but the weather can be quite stormy and windy.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
The no 1 route in Iceland lies through this area. There is an old gravel road next to the new one that leads you easily 7 kilometres along the lava field. That road is rough, with little or no room to manoeuvre.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
3 km from the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the main road is a small parking lot that can be used as a tech base. There are a few privately owned roads that lead to farms further inland that could be used as basecamps of larger sizes with permission from the owners. Kirkjubæjarklaustur lies within 10 kilometres and might be best suited for larger basecamps. Phone coverage is excellent here. No facilities are at this location.
Risk factors
The lava is a jagged scoria stones with big boulders and sharp edges. The lava field is hollow with lots of small and large crevasses, small caves, gaps and fissures that might be hard to spot because of the moss that is covering it.
Lava fields in Iceland are preserved by law.
The moss is a very delicate ecosystem, and you must follow an existing path or road to prevent damage.
Visitors
The area is a medium tourist attraction where people tend to stop for a short while, take a photo and continue with their journey. The lava field is vast so finding a secluded spot should not be hard. The ring road lies through this area.
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