Day 6 - Laugavegur: Hvanggil to Botnar Emstrur

Jul 31

Black volcanic plain, icy rivers and a precipitous canyon

Cascading stream in front of golden moss covered hills Iceland — *The day dawns dull, but it’s dry and the views – again – are fabulous.*

You might think there could be no new sights to see after the last incredible five days, but you’d be wrong. This short 12.2km/7.6mi day with little elevation loss and gain has rivers, volcanoes and a wide volcanic plain. You’ll have plenty of time to set up camp and then visit the remarkable Markarfljótsjgljúfur, a delightful short loop with views along the canyon as well as of Entujökull and Mýdalsjökull capping the mighty Katla.

Map of the days hike — *Walking wise it’s pretty straightforward today.*

Walk with Us

You’ll cross wide plains today, and cross rivers. Flowers thrive in what resembles pure gravel.

closeup of large pink flowers of arctic riverbeauty — *Arctic River Beauty* (*Chaemerium latifolium).*

Man with backpack wading knee deep river Laugavegur track Iceland — *Crossing from Emstrua. We meet a small group coming from the other side.* *Firm-soled sandals are really worth carrying on this hike* *but, if in doubt, the safest option is to wear your hiking boots or shoes because they provide the most secure footing.*

Track across mossy plain with mist shrouded mountains in background — The trail is well-trodden.

It’s astonishing what grows in these rocky soils:

an interesting Rumex form

Poa alpina

Gushing meltwater stream through harsh rocky plain — *Crossing more streams - here, glacial meltwater.*

Closeup of assorted volcanic and glacial rocks on ashy plain — *Random rocks either dropped out of a glacier or spewed out of a volcano, dunno which. So often here, we wish we knew more geology.*

Distant hiker passing through gap between mossy hill and lava formations onto ash plain — *Through a gap and onto ….*

distant hiker on track across ash plain with white track marker post in foreground — *…. Another vast ash plain, with conical hills rising abruptly from its surface.*

Hiker descending into rolling volcanic hills with low cloud on hills behind — *Your final long descent for the day.*

Botnar Emstrur hut nestled amongst black rolling hills — *And finally Emstrur comes into sight, nestled amongst the folds of ash.*

Back view of hiker seated beside tent — *Set up the tent and have a quick cuppa.*

Don’t miss the 2km/1.2mi loop to the canyon, Markarfljótsjgljúfur. We weren’t even aware of this side trip until the hut warden recommended it.

Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea)

Lychnis alpina

Common Wintergreen (Pyrola minor)

Numerous wonderful little plants grow along the path on the way to the canyon; it is one of the most botanically rich spots we’ve seen and botanists should not miss this diversion.