Hraundalur is a beautiful valley extending from the mouth of Loðmundarfjörður. The valley is one of several in this otherwise remote location. The landscape is desolate and magnificent, enveloped in melancholy. The ancient, colourful hot spring hills of the mountain Skúmhöttur lend a picturesque quality to the surroundings, and large cliff walls dominate the top. The thick stack of lava layers made of dark basaltic rock forms the shapes of the mountains. There is also an unusually large amount of silica-rich and light-coloured rock on the surface,in an area that is the second largest of its kind in the country. Below, streams and rivers wind down from the moors above, and the bright green moss forms a beautiful contrast in this otherwise poetic landscape.
Hraundalur
East, Iceland
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Climate
The weather in the East of Iceland is characterized by its cool and maritime climate. Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, and snowfall is common. Summers are relatively mild. Fog is occasionally present along the coast. In the region, the combination of its rugged fjords and extensive coastal line can create harsh and unpredictable winds. The fjords act as natural wind channels, amplifying the force of the prevailing North Atlantic winds that sweep across the region. These winds can be particularly biting in the winter months, making the already cold temperatures feel even more frigid. The coastal areas are susceptible to strong gusts, especially during storms.
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 road leading to this location is a very rough gravel road through a high mountain pass to get to Loðmundarfjörður. From the bay is a 3.5-kilometre-long rough gravel road to the mound of the valley, and superjeeps or 4-wheelers should only be used to travel there. During the winter months, it would be wise to check the weather forecast, as this region has lots of snow that tends to stay.
Permits
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Basecamp and facilities
There is a farm at the entrance to the valley with fields and lots for medium basecamps. The valley is further up a very rough gravel road, 3.5 km away. You would use shuttles or superjeeps to transport equipment or people to the valley. Phone coverage is dismal at this location.
Risk factors
The road to Loðmundarfjörður is treacherous, even in good conditions. The road is not serviced by the government during the winter. Phone coverage is bad at this location.
Visitors
This location is very delolate with few farms close to it that are not lived in during the winter months. Loðmundarfjörður has one of Icelan´s largest Eider duck breeding grounds that is underway from last week in April to June, depending on the weather.
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