Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

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crossing the colourful Landmanndaugar
Over the last decade we’ve tackled various parts of the hike together in different
directions and in different seasons; Siggi often using his Spidey sense to take us
off-route to explore the neighbouring hills. But completing the traditional trail from
start to finish is an undeniable act of pilgrimage we undertake with a certain
amount of reverence. And it’s not just us; every person who calls this giant seismic
rock home feels the call to complete the journey at some point in their life.
The decision to tackle the hike in a southerly direction may seem rather arbitrary
considering there’s only a slight descent in elevation throughout, but on the walk
towards Álftavatn – as the vista opens up to the looming Tingfjallajökull mountain
range – one begins to understand the dramatic reveal of Laugavegurinn’s second
act.
The Álftavatn hut and its summertime orbit of neon tents mark the halfway point
of the traditional trek and is where everyone – regardless of speed or stamina –
takes a well-deserved break from the elements. It’s like some kind of Nordic
Burning Man fuelled by weariness and Snickers bars instead of hallucinogens and