Germany. The Kaiserstuhl Trail is one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trails, winding its way for about 22 kilometers through one of Baden-Württemberg’s most fascinating landscapes. The route runs from Endingen to Ihringen over the ridge of the extinct Kaiserstuhl volcano and offers an extraordinary variety of natural and cultural landscapes. Vineyards, shady deciduous forests, loess ravines, and impressive panoramic views characterize the trail. The geological history of the Kaiserstuhl is still visible today in striking basalt cliffs, loess walls, and distinctive ridges. Mediterranean-style vegetation, rare animal species, and the unique geology make this tour truly special. The route can be hiked in about six to seven hours.

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The Kaiserstuhl Trail at a Glance

• Distance: 21.7 km
• Ascent: 590 m
• Descent: 610 m
• Start / End: Ihringen and Endingen
• For those who don’t want to hike the entire route: There are options to descend to the train stations in Bahlingen or Vogtsburg, as well as the bus stop in Bickensohl
• The appropriate hiking map is available from KOMPASS: Hiking Map 883 Kaiserstuhl, Tuniberg, Kenzingen, Emmendingen, Breisach am Rhein 1:25,000 (affiliate link as an Amazon partner)

The Kaiserstuhl Trail has been certified by the German Hiking Association as a “Quality Trail: Wanderbares Deutschland” and took second place in the “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2019” competition—and rightly so, as it uniquely combines the joy of hiking, the experience of nature, and scenic diversity.

It all began with Volcanoes

The Kaiserstuhl owes its distinctive shape and fertile soils to its volcanic origins, which date back some 16 to 19 million years. During this period, the region was geologically active; magma rose from the depths and formed a complex volcanic area in the middle of what is now the Upper Rhine Plain. The remnants of this volcanic activity still shape the landscape today: basalt and tuff rock permeate the subsoil, and in many places, geological outcrops are visible, bearing witness to the region’s fiery past. The volcanic rock is overlaid by fertile loess that was deposited during the Ice Age and today creates ideal conditions for viticulture. Its volcanic origin not only makes the Kaiserstuhl geologically unique but also explains the region’s exceptional soil fertility and biodiversity.

Highlights along the Kaiserstuhl Trail

The Kaiserstuhl Trail never gets boring. The landscape is varied, and even in the final kilometers, you’ll still discover new things that will leave you in awe. The varied terrain, scenic overlooks, colorful plants, and brightly colored bee-eaters and green lizards seem to follow one after another. Here’s what I liked best about the Kaiserstuhl Trail:

Endingen Old Town

The Kaiserstuhl Trail begins or ends in the historic old town of Endingen, with its charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone alleys. From there, the trail leads to the Erleweiher, a small natural swimming lake on the outskirts of town. A short while later, you walk through a chestnut tree-lined avenue, whose trees—over 70 years old—constitute a living natural monument. A first cultural highlight follows with the Katharinenkapelle, a striking building from 1862 offering views of the surrounding area. The trail continues to the Bahlinger Eck, where it crosses the Hudenwälder—a relic of traditional forest management.

Badberg Nature Reserve

The Badberg Nature Reserve is one of the ecological gems of the Kaiserstuhl region and serves as a prime example of the region’s unique flora and fauna. Rare dry grassland plants, orchids, and heat-loving herbs—found in only a few places in Germany today—thrive on the sun-exposed, largely treeless slopes. The area is also a hotspot for insect diversity, including numerous species of butterflies and wild bees, and offers an ideal habitat for reptiles such as the sand lizard and the green lizard. I spotted many kestrels and red kites flying over the meadows. It’s definitely worth taking a short break here.

Eichelspitz Tower

The Eichelspitz Tower is a striking lookout point on the Eichelspitz, the second-highest peak in the Kaiserstuhl at 520 meters, offering panoramic views from the Black Forest across the Rhine Valley to the Vosges Mountains. The tower itself is a modern steel-and-wood structure.

Totenkopf with the Neunlindenturm

The Neunlindenturm is one of the most beautiful vantage points in the Kaiserstuhl and sits atop the highest peak of the low mountain range, the Totenkopf (556 m). The tower is located in the middle of the forest and offers a surprising, sweeping panoramic view of the entire Kaiserstuhl, the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest, and, on a clear day, as far as the Vosges Mountains. The viewpoint owes its name to a historic planting of nine linden trees, some of which still stand today.

Sunken paths, especially around Bickensohl

The Kaiserstuhl sunken paths are impressive testaments to a centuries-old cultural landscape. Over many generations, people and animals, wagons and carts have trodden and driven along these paths in the soft loess soil. Rainwater further eroded the ground, forming deep paths lined with steep walls. These unique earth formations once served as access routes to the vineyards. Today, only a few of these traditional sunken paths remain, but they are all the more significant: as cultural monuments, important recreational areas, and above all as valuable habitats for rare species. Wild bees and other heat-loving insects, in particular, find ideal conditions in the open, sun-drenched loess walls.

Vineyards and terraced Landscapes

The Kaiserstuhl Trail winds through the region’s characteristic vineyards and terraced landscapes, which define the Kaiserstuhl’s landscape and give it its distinctive character. Over centuries of work, winemakers have created a unique cultural landscape here, where grapevines thrive on artfully laid-out terraces, often lined with dry stone walls that also provide habitats for many animals. The warm southern slopes, the fertile loess soil, and the sunny climate make the Kaiserstuhl one of Germany’s most important wine-growing regions. Burgundy grape varieties, in particular, find ideal conditions here.

Green Lizards

With its bright green-blue scales, the green lizard is a real eye-catcher. It is one of the largest lizards in Central Europe and feels particularly at home on the warm, sunny slopes and loess cliffs of the Kaiserstuhl. Especially during the mating season in spring, the males display their intensely turquoise throats. If you hike with your eyes peeled, you might spot them sunbathing or darting into the bushes in a flash.

Bee-eater

The bee-eater is one of the most colorful and, at the same time, most unusual birds in Germany. Thanks to the warm, dry climate and the open loess landscapes, this originally Mediterranean breeding bird finds ideal conditions here. With its bright turquoise-yellow plumage, slender silhouette, and characteristic call, the bee-eater is not only an ornithological rarity but also a symbol of the extraordinary biodiversity in the Kaiserstuhl. It nests in steep, sandy loess cliffs, where it digs long tunnels into the ground. Its diet consists mainly of insects, particularly bees, wasps, and dragonflies, which it elegantly catches in flight. The return of the bee-eaters in the spring makes the Kaiserstuhl a hotspot for birdwatchers. There are good viewing opportunities near Ihringen, where there is even a small birdwatching hut behind the cemetery.

Hoopoe

With its striking appearance and unmistakable “hoop-hoop-hoop” call, the hoopoe is one of the most charismatic bird species in the Kaiserstuhl. With its rust-orange plumage, distinctive crest, and long, curved beak, it’s hard to miss. Thanks to its warm climate, diverse landscapes, and numerous cavities in old trees, dry stone walls, or nest boxes, the Kaiserstuhl offers ideal living conditions for the hoopoe. If you hike with your eyes and ears open, you have a good chance of spotting this rare bird near Ihringen. I’ve also seen a few hoopoes on my hikes, but only briefly or from a great distance. Maybe you’ll have better luck.

Flora

The Kaiserstuhl’s flora is exceptionally diverse and ranks among the most species-rich in Germany. The combination of a mild climate, south-facing slopes, loess soil, and historical land use creates ideal conditions for many rare and heat-loving plant species. Especially on the dry grasslands and in the loess ravines, a colorful variety of flowers blooms, reaching its peak in spring and early summer. This rich plant life also makes the Kaiserstuhl a paradise for insects.

The Wine-Growing Village of Ihringen

The charming wine-growing village of Ihringen marks the southern end or starting point of the Kaiserstuhl Trail and is an ideal place to end or begin a hike. As one of the warmest municipalities in Germany, Ihringen is known for its wine-growing and offers cozy wine taverns and vineyards serving local specialties and excellent wines. If you like, you can also stay overnight here or round off your visit with a wine tasting.

Best time to hike the Kaiserstuhl Trail

The trail is accessible year-round, but it does require a certain level of basic fitness, not least because of the sometimes steep ascents and the varying elevation profile.

The Kaiserstuhl is considered one of the warmest regions in Germany. Even in spring, you need to be prepared for strong sunlight: sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of drinking water should be packed in your backpack. You can refill your water bottles along the way, for example at a restaurant in Bickensohl. Along the way, there are sunken paths that provide shade, as well as numerous benches and picnic areas in shaded spots. The sections of the trail through the forest (such as the northern half of the route) are pleasantly shaded, though the climbs make them more strenuous than the southern section.

Practical Tips for Your Hike on the Kaiserstuhl Trail

Safety and Equipment

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good traction, as some sections are steep or rocky.
• Water: It gets very hot in the summer, especially on the south-facing trails. Be sure to bring plenty of water!
• Sun protection: A hat and sunscreen are essential.
• Check the weather: Some trails are slippery when wet, and fog can severely limit visibility.
• Don't forget your first aid kit

Getting there

• Public Transportation: Endingen and Ihringen are both easily accessible by train, making the Kaiserstuhl Trail ideal for a round-trip hike without a car. Trains depart every 30 minutes from Freiburg Central Station and from Breisach.

Places to Stop for Refreshments

• In Endingen, Bickensohl, and Ihringen, there are wine taverns, wine bars, and restaurants.

Book Recommendations for the Kaiserstuhl

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Then you'll definitely be interested in my articles on staying healthy on trekking tours or about midges in Scotland.

Der Beitrag Auf dem Kaiserstuhlpfad – Wandern zwischen Reben und Vulkanen erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Hokkaido, Japan. Off the beaten tourist track, the Notsuke Peninsula has many surprises in store, especially in winter. The wildlife encounters and views of the mountains of Shiretoko National Park and the Kuril Islands in particular make the peninsula a worthwhile destination for nature lovers and photographers. Here you will find out what you can see on the island in winter. You'll also get lots of practical tips for planning your trip.

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Winter on the Notsuke Peninsula

The Notsuke Peninsula is Japan's largest sand spit. It protrudes into the Nemuro Strait as a 26 km long, hook-shaped strip on the eastern edge of Hokkaido. The headland is surrounded by a shallow bay on one side and the rough Sea of Okhotsk on the other.

The narrow strip of land offers a unique ecosystem and an equally interesting landscape of submerged forests, and in winter, frozen wetlands and sea ice. Along its entire length, the Notsuke Peninsula offers breathtaking views of the Shiretoko Mountains and Kunashir Island, which is the first island of the Kuril Islands. 

The peninsula is characterized by vast salt marshes, swamps and a landscape dominated by sand dunes. Depending on the season, the area presents a different face, making every trip an unforgettable experience. I visited Hokkaido in winter. Then the peninsula is transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful snowy landscape. The shallow waters of the bay are then largely frozen and a vast white horizon of ice opens up, sometimes melting into the sky. In late February, the drift ice penetrates as far as Notsuke Bay, creating a rare and spectacular view. Unfortunately, I was there a little too early and didn't see any drift ice.

Highlights of the Notsuke Peninsula in Hokkaido in Winter

Notsuke Nature Center

A visit to the Notsuke Peninsula also includes a stop at the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center. It is located around 15 km from the base of the peninsula and offers information about the unique ecology of the region. There are exhibitions about the flora and fauna as well as guided tours, in winter with snowshoes. There is a restaurant to cater for small or large appetites, and if you like, you can buy a souvenir or two. The Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center also offers various nature tours. These are usually in Japanese. However, tours can also be offered in English on request.

Wildlife on the Notsuke Peninsula in Winter

The place is a paradise for birds. Even in winter, numerous gulls and sea ducks such as the harlequin duck or shellente can be observed here. However, the east of Hokkaido is famous for its giant sea eagles, which can be seen here regularly. With a bit of luck, you may also encounter the Manchurian crane here.

In winter, when the grass is not so high, sika deer can be observed particularly well. They move around in groups, especially in the rear part of the peninsula, and often stay right by the roadside. The deer are particularly active at dusk. Foxes can also occasionally be seen on the Notsuke Peninsula.

The waters around the peninsula also provide a habitat for seals and the occasional dolphin. Boat trips to the peninsula can be taken from the nearby fishing village of Odaito in summer.

Mystical Ghost Trees

The dead trees that protrude from the swamps like ghost trees are particularly striking. This landscape gives the peninsula a mystical atmosphere. There are two places where you can clearly see the dead forest:

Todowara: The trail to Todowara starts right next to the Nature Center. First, a gravel path leads to a small toilet building. From there, a wooden boardwalk begins across the swamp to the dead trees. Todowara was once covered by dense forests of todomatsu (Sakhalin fir) and ezomatsu (Yezo spruce). The trees have died due to subsidence and erosion. What remains is an unreal landscape of individual dead trees that are slowly weathering and will sooner or later disappear.

Narawara: Around the middle of the peninsula, you will see the Narawara forest, which consists of dead Mizunara oaks. The name Narawara comes from the Ainu word “Onnikuru”. This means “great forest”. Only remnants of the large forest remain today. There is a good view from the opposite bank. There is a small parking lot here. The mystical forest is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Birdwatching Hide on the Notsuke Peninsula

Just behind the lighthouse is a hide for birdwatching and photography. The windows face the bay and there is a small lake in front of it. The birdwatching hide is particularly interesting in summer. More than 250 bird species, including brent geese, waders and plovers, visit the area all year round. But a visit is also worthwhile in winter, as you have a beautiful view from here even without birds.

You can get to the birdwatching hide if you continue along the road from the Nature Center to the end. Just before the lighthouse, you can park your car in the Notsukezaki parking lot. From there, continue on foot for about 500 meters, as the rest of the gravel road is only accessible to fishermen.

Tips for your Visit to the Notsuke Peninsula in Winter

Accommodation

The small fishing village of Odaito is located opposite the Notsuke Peninsula and is an ideal starting point. I can highly recommend the privately run Odaito Nest , which is just a 10-minute drive from the Notsuke Peninsula. The room was huge, especially by Japanese standards, and there was everything you need as a traveler, including a communal kitchen. Our host also gave us a very special experience with a clam breakfast. Click here to visit the host's website..

The best Time to Visit

December to February is ideal for snow lovers and wildlife spotting. From mid-February, drift ice can be seen on the sea. May to October are perfect for experiencing the Notsuke Peninsula in bloom.

Conservation

The Notsuke Peninsula is a nature reserve with restricted access. It is important that visitors adhere to the barriers and stay on designated paths. Wild animals should not be stalked or fed. Otherwise, wild animals, such as foxes, lose their natural fear of humans, approach cars and quickly become roadkill.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur in Japan. Along the coastal road and on the peninsula, signs warn of tsunamis and indicate escape routes. On the Notsuke Peninsula, there is an elevated shelter at the level of the Nature Center.

Book Recommendations for Hokkaido

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love remote places and lonely landscapes as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my article about the Orkney Islands and my article Varanger Fjord: witches, street art and wildlife on the National Scenic Route.

Der Beitrag Wildtiere und Landschaften im Winter auf der Notsuke-Halbinsel erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

New Zealand. Farewell Spit is a narrow, curved sandbank on the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, near Golden Bay. It is one of New Zealand's most famous and remote destinations for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and landscape photographers. In the following article, you can discover what makes Farewell Spit so special and how to best explore the area.

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About Farewell Spit in New Zealand

At over 28 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide, Farewell Spit is one of the longest natural sand dunes in the world. It was formed over thousands of years by the deposition of sand from nearby rivers and coastal currents. Most of the spit is a nature reserve, classified as a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Farewell Spit is home to over 90 species of birds, including black-tailed godwits, northern gannets, and oystercatchers. Marine life, particularly New Zealand fur seals and unfortunately the occasional beached whale, can also be seen on the beach.

The Highlights of Farewell Spit

The Farewell Spit headland can only be explored on your own for the first four kilometers. For all other places worth seeing, you have to take part in a guided tour. The only tour provider is Farewell Spit Eco Tours (as of Nov 2024).

Unique Landscape of Sand Dunes

Farewell Spit is a fascinating combination of miles of sand dunes, quiet beaches, and a rugged coastline. The contrast between the Tasman Sea on one side and the calm tidal flats on the other is particularly impressive. Those who climb the huge sand dunes have a spectacular view of the surrounding area from the top. PHOTO TIP: The wavy lines painted into the sand by the wind are a great motif for detailed shots.

Wildlife

During low tide, numerous birds are foraging on the mudflats of Golden Bay, including black swans, oystercatchers, knots, and bar-tailed godwits. As soon as the water rises again, many of the waders move to the Tasman Sea side, where you can see them in large flocks at the waterline.

Some guided tours also visit the gannet colony, which is the only colony on a beach in New Zealand.

Most of the time you can also see fur seals resting on the sand. Unfortunately, Farewell Spit is also the scene of numerous strandings of long-finned pilot whales and is known as a “whale trap” due to its protruding coastline and long, gently sloping beaches. During my visit in November 2024, there was a stranded sperm whale on the Tasman Sea side. A sad sight.

Farewell Spit Lighthouse

Another highlight of a guided tour is the historic lighthouse. Here you can learn more about the history of the Spit and the work of the lighthouse keepers. A small exhibition shows exhibits from the animal world and provides information about the nature of the spit.

Shipwrecks

Farewell Spit has been the scene of numerous shipwrecks. Most of these incidents occurred when a ship ran aground on sand in shallow water near the spit, either through navigational error or because it was driven ashore in bad weather. None of the wrecks were visible during my tour, but we were shown a sand dune under which a ship is said to be buried.

Cape Farewell

Directly west of the spit is Cape Farewell, the northernmost point of the South Island. It offers dramatic cliffs and coastal views.

Wharariki Beach

Wharariki Beach begins just five kilometers west of the base of the headland, next to Cape Farewell. The beach is known for its striking rock formations with caves, cliffs and the offshore Archway Islands. At sunset, the beach is a popular destination for photographers.

Visit Farewell Spit: Tours and on your own

Access to much of Farewell Spit is restricted to guided tours in order to protect the fragile ecosystem. Farewell Spit Eco Tours is the only licensed tour provider. Possible tours with the 4×4 bus start either from the small town of Collingwood or at the parking lot at the base of the sand spit. Click here to visit the Farewell Spit Eco Tours website..

Want to explore Farewell Spit on your own? You can do that in the first four kilometers of the sand spit. You can walk along Golden Bay and also along the Tasman Sea. The Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach viewpoints are also freely accessible.

What makes the Tour special?

• Seclusion:As access is severely restricted, you experience Farewell Spit almost without other visitors and have the feeling of being in one of the most remote places in New Zealand.
• Unforgettable photo opportunities:Whether sunset, sand dunes or wildlife - there are numerous opportunities for impressive pictures.

Best time to visit Farewell Spit

Summer (November to February) is ideal for birdwatching as migratory species such as bar-tailed godwits and knot can be seen. The guided tours are timed with the tides to allow optimal access to the spit.

Tips for visiting Farewell Spit

• Bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars and camera.
• Clothing: Windproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking in sand and dunes.
• The tours are often fully booked quickly, especially in the high season. Book early!
• Respect the protected areas and follow the guide's instructions to ensure the preservation of this unique environment.

Book Recommendations for New Zealand

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love birding as much as I do? Then you'll definitely be interested in my article Birdwatching for Beginners - with Binoculars in Search of Happiness and my article Storks, Cranes & Co - Birdwatching around the "Stork Village" Linum.

Der Beitrag Ausflug zu den Dünen von Farewell Spit, Neuseeland erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

NorwayHistory, culture, and nature are strung together like pearls on a necklace along the Varanger Fjord National Scenic Route. The further north-east you drive, the more spectacular the landscape becomes, the more reindeer are spotted, and visiting the bird island of Hornøya is an unforgettable experience. In the following article, I'll show you what I particularly liked about the Varanger Scenic Route.

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Overview

The Varange Scenic Route is one of Norway's 18 national tourist routes and is particularly scenic. It runs for 160 km along the shores of Varanger Fjord from Varangerbotn to Hamningberg. You will see lunar landscapes, golden beaches, rolling hills, barren mountain ridges, birch forests, and swamps. And of course lots of reindeer and birds. You will also pass historically interesting places. The history of the Sami people, the Finnish settlers, the proximity to Russia, and finally the Second World War can be experienced in many areas and in various museums.

The road between Svartnes and Hamningberg is narrow and winding. Take your time when driving and enjoy the scenery. The road is closed in winter (November/December to April/May). Important to know: There is no petrol station or store on this section of the Varanger Fjord National Scenic Route. You will definitely be staying longer than planned, so take plenty of food and drink with you.

Varanger Sami Museum in Varangerbotn

The Varanger Sami Museum is dedicated to the history of the Sami at the Varangerfjord, Sami prehistory, and contemporary Sami culture. The modern information presented here goes far beyond the basic information available in many other exhibitions. The main building was built in 1994 and is inspired by traditional Sami architecture.

For an overnight stay, I can highly recommend the 8-Season Hotel gegenüber vom Museum sehr empfehlen.

Ceavccageaðge/Mortensnes

The Ceavccageaðge/Mortensnes area is considered one of the richest and most diverse cultural regions in Scandinavia. Remains from the past document 10,000 years of uninterrupted settlement. The traces of the settlements can be seen today as the remains of campsites, turf houses, and other dwellings as well as sacrificial sites and graves. The burial ground along the coast was used until the 17th century when the Christianization of the Sámi in Varanger began. In Sámi, the place is named after one of the sacrificial stones: Ceavccageaðge, which means fish oil stone. This vertically upright stone was coated with fish oil to ensure the luck of the catch.

There is a free hiking trail through the area, and a museum with a small café is open in summer. There is also a small peat house within the museum grounds, where you can stay overnight by prior arrangement.

Nesseby church

Nesseby Church is located directly on the shore between two bays of Varanger Fjord. However, the wooden church not only impresses with its photogenic location, but also with its history:

Nesseby Church dates back to 1858 and is the only church in eastern Finnmark that was not destroyed during the Second World War. How was it saved? A legend tells the story: Sverre Raddum was the vicar during the war. The tall, strong man was known as a tough guy. When the Germans wanted to burn down the church in Nesseby, Sverre stood on the steps and waited with his priest's collar around his neck and wouldn't let them in. He said in German: “If someone goes into the church or a place of worship with evil thoughts, he is guaranteed to be punished by higher powers”. The Germans gave up and the church was saved.

The area around Nesseby church is a designated nature reserve. It is well worth a walk. With a bit of luck, waders, ducks, geese, gulls and birds of prey can be observed here.

Airship mast at Vadsø

The town of Vadsø, with a population of around 5500, is known as the Kven capital of Norway due to the wave of Finnish immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. The local museum has an exhibition on Kven culture and the history of the region.

For me personally, the most interesting thing was that Vadsø was the starting point for Amundsen and Nobile's exploratory flights towards the North Pole. The airship mast is a reminder of this time of the great polar explorers.

The airship “Norge” moored at the airship mast in 1926. From here, “The Amundsen - Nobile - Ellsworth Transpolar Flight” took off over Spitsbergen and the North Pole to Alaska. In 1928, the airship “Italia” landed here with Umberto Nobile on its way to the North Pole. On the way back, the airship had an accident and a rescue operation began, during which the polar explorer Amundsen died.

The airship mast is part of the two-kilometer Vadsø Cultural Trail. This leads past other historical remains from the Middle Ages and the Second World War.

Ekkerøy - Beach and Birds on the Varanger Fjord

Ekkerøy is a small, tranquil peninsula and a worthwhile destination for birdwatchers and beach lovers. A wide sandy beach connects the former island with the mainland and is a perfect place for a lunch break.

If you want to go to the bird cliffs, drive a little further and park your car directly at the trailhead. Two circular trails of different lengths (1.5 km or 7 km) lead from here through the nature reserve. During the breeding season from May to September, up to 20,000 pairs of kittiwakes nest on the bird cliffs. Herring gulls, great black-backed gulls, and ravens also use the cliffs as a nesting site. The rich feeding grounds around the bird cliff also attract other bird species such as white-tailed eagles, gyrfalcons, buzzards, kestrels and merlins.

The settlement of Ekkerøy was not destroyed during the Second World War. The former fish factory now houses a museum.

Kittywake Hotel and War Relics on Varanger Fjord

Have you ever seen a Kittywake Hotel? No? Then you have the opportunity to do so at Kiberg harbor.

Kiberg was one of the largest fishing communities in the region in the 16th and 17th centuries and played an important role in the Pomeranian trade. During the Second World War, the village was of strategic importance due to its proximity to Russia, as up to 45 partisans worked here for the Soviet Union. The Partisan Museum tells of the local events of the Second World War. The remains of bunkers can still be found on the mountain above the harbor, bearing witness to history.

Heksefjellet (witches' mountain) Domen

On the way from Kiberg to Vardø, you will pass Mount Domen. A particularly eye-catching windbreak by the architect's “Biotop” in white with pink glazing invites you to linger. It is said that witches met with the devil, danced, drank, and held ceremonies here on Mount Domen. The devil is said to have lived in a cave here. Was this perhaps even the entrance to hell? From Domen you have a magnificent view of the fjord, the open sea and the small town of Vardø.

Vardø: Witches, Street Art, Birdwatching

Vardø is the easternmost town in Norway and, along with Hammerfest, it is also the oldest town in northern Norway. Vardø is also the only town on the Norwegian mainland that lies in the Arctic climate zone. This means that the average monthly temperature in July is below 10° Celsius. The most popular sights in Vardø are the memorial to the burning of witches, the Drakkar-Leviathan whale statue, the Vardøhus fortress, and the Pomor Museum, which is dedicated to the history of trade between Norway and Russia in the late 19th/early 20th century. 

Vardøhus Fortress in Vardø

The fortress was completed in 1738 and contains buildings from before 1825. Today it is under the command of the Norwegian Armed Forces and is open to visitors during the day. During the Second World War, the fortress was the last place in Norway to surrender to the Nazis. The town was occupied for five years afterward. Vardøhus Fortress is the northernmost fortress in the world.

Steilneset - in Memory of the Burning of Witches

The area around Vardø was one of the worst in terms of the extent of the brutal witch hunts. The Steilneset memorial in Vardø was erected in memory of the 91 people who were found guilty of witchcraft and burned at the stake. A 100-meter-long corridor tells the stories of the individuals. The texts are based on the old court records. The corridor leads to a room in the middle of which a chair is burning. The flames multiply in hanging mirrors.

Street Art in Vardo

Vardø was once a lively fishing community. But the town's population halved between the 1960s and 2000s, partly due to the collapse of the fishing industry.

Many traditional wooden buildings stood empty and were abandoned. Although they are empty, these listed buildings all have owners who often cannot afford to restore them properly. The idea of the street art project in 2012 was that the art created on these buildings could awaken them from their coma, which gave the art festival its name: “Komafest”.

Hornøya - Birdwatcher's Paradise in the Varanger Fjord

Varanger is one of the 100 best destinations in the world for birdwatching. No other place offers such easy access to the Arctic birdlife. The island of Hornøya in particular is considered a birdwatcher's paradise.

From the port of Vardo, you can cross over to the island of Hornøya several times a day. Incidentally, this was the main reason for my trip to Varanger Fjord. What is there here? Thousands of breeding birds and a path that takes you right through the middle of the breeding colonies. Puffins, shags, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and many other species breed here close together and try to drown each other out with loud squawking. For the sake of the animals, the path must not be left. At the end of the path, there is a lighthouse where you can spend the night.

Nordpol Kro

Nordpol Kro, located at the harbor, has been around since the middle of the 19th century. This makes it Northern Norway's oldest inn. It is very cozy and you feel like you have been transported back in time when you enter. In 1889, the polar explorer Fritjof Nansen is said to have had his last accommodation here before setting off on the Fram 2 expedition to the North Pole. 

Modern Architecture meets Birdwatching

There are several architectural highlights by Biotop spread across the Varanger peninsula. The architects specialize in photo hides and wind shelters. You will find Biotop birdwatching huts in Vestre Jakobselv, Vadsø, on the island of Ekkerøya, Kiberg, at the Domen witches' dance site, on the island of Hornøya, at the tip of the Steilnesodden headland and in Hamningberg.

Hamningberg, the abandoned Fishing Village at the End of the Road

Hamningberg is an abandoned fishing village. Many of the colorful wooden buildings date from before the Second World War. At that time, around 700 people lived here and the village was one of the largest fishing communities in Finnmark and participated in the Pomor trade. The last three inhabitants left Hamningberg in 1978, but today the settlement is a summer vacation resort and by no means looks deserted.

You can easily plan a whole day for the trip to Hamningberg. The scenery becomes more spectacular with every kilometer and photo stops and breaks to take in the rocky lunar landscape are a must. For example, the beach at Sandfjordneset, where there is even a table and chairs.

The colorful wooden houses of Hamningberg are particularly pretty to look at from the opposite shore. There is a small café with a terrace and a hiking trail to the fortress ruins on the mountain. If you want to stay here overnight, you can do so at the campsite to the west of the village.

Reindeer

In my opinion, the main attraction of Hamningberg was the reindeer, which roamed in small groups between the mountains, the village, and the beach. On a warm summer's day, they were probably looking for a little refreshment by the sea. I imitated the reindeer and also went into the cold water of the Barents Sea. Once you're in, it's not that cold anymore.

Nowhere else in Norway, Sweden, or Finland have I seen so many reindeer as here on the Varanger peninsula. About halfway along the Scenic Route, herds kept roaming left and right of the road. At one point, even our accommodation was surrounded by a grazing herd. The most photogenic, however, were the reindeer at the Hamningberg stand.

Book recommendations for Norway

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love the north as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about my Husky Guide Training – Two Months with Hetta Huskies in Finland or about Trekking on the Laugavegur in Iceland.

Der Beitrag Varanger Fjord: Hexen, Street Art, Wildlife an der National Scenic Route erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

NorwayBlåisvatnet (“Blue Lake”) is one of the highlights of the Lyngen Alps in northern Norway. Even on a gloomy rainy day, it shines in a bright turquoise blue and puts the icing on the cake of this scenic and varied hike.

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Stony Path to the Blue Lake, Lyngen Alps

But as is so often the case, you first have to work for the view of the beautiful Blue Lake. The 4.2 kilometer long path (one way) leads over the stones of a dry river bed. You can't walk fast here, every step has to be taken carefully. I was glad to be wearing ankle-high, sturdy hiking boots and to have trekking poles with me.

Shortly before the lake, the stones turn into rocks and a bit of climbing is required. But it's worth all the effort! The Blue Lake is the most beautiful thing I've seen in the Lyngen Alps in Norway

The trail starts off easy and comfortable. It goes through a small forest past a river. Even here I can hardly make any progress because of all the photo stops. On the way back, I even see a bunch of reindeer roaming along the riverbank.

Why is Blåisvatnet so blue?

Blåisvatnet is fed by meltwater from the Lenang glacier. Silt particles of quartz and feldspar are carried into the lake with the water and deposited at the bottom. These particles reflect the blue light components of sunlight particularly well, while absorbing other light components.

The “Blue Lake” hike in the Lyngen Alps at a glance

• Length: 8.4 km round trip
• Elevation gain: 189 m
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• Best time: In the afternoon and at the beginning of the evening light
• Nature: The path is largely stony.
• Marking: Red markings on cairns and rocks
• Parking: At the trailhead there is a large, paid parking lot “Lyngsalpan” in Sør-Lenangsbotn with WC and information boards. There are barbecue areas and the possibility to camp.

Yes, my pictures are all edited in Lightroom / Photoshop. But the water is really that blue, I didn't do anything to it. I took the darker photos with a gray filter. The blue has become particularly strong in these.

Alternative Route via Aspevatnet

A signposted path leads to the Aspevatnet lake, which does not have such blue water. From there, there is also a path to the blue lake. I have not walked this path, but I want to mention it for completeness.

Are you still looking for accommodation? Then I can highly recommend the old Solhov school in Lyngseidet . It's not around the corner (about an hour's drive) but the accommodation is extremely cozy and conveniently located near the ferry to Olderdalen.

Book recommendations for Norway

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the books with a click on the pictures on Amazon. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love the north as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about my Husky Guide Training – Two Months with Hetta Huskies in Finland or about Trekking on the Laugavegur in Iceland.

Der Beitrag Wanderung zum Blåisvatnet “Blauer See” in den Lyngenalpen, Norwegen erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Finland. The summit of Otsamo is a popular hiking destination in Inari. The 418-meter-high mountain offers a great view over the Inari lake area and a cozy shelter, which used to be the fire warden's hut. The Jäniskoski rapids, which are spanned by a suspension bridge, are another highlight of the hike.

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Hike to the summit of Otsamo at a glance

There are two hiking trails leading up to Otsamo: one starts in the nearby village of Inari and another at the Vasatokka Youth Center. I walked the route from Inari to Otsamo, which I describe below. In winter, there is a ski slope marked with blue pegs up to the summit.

• Start / Finish: Inari; north of the bridge over the Juutuanjoki, opposite the Siida Museum
• Length: about 19 km (there and back)
• Ascent: 300 m (mainly a steep ascent in the last 2 km before the summit)
• Marking: red wooden posts
• Shelter: two lavvus and a hut on the summit, each with a dry toilet and wood supply

What makes the hike from Inari to Otsamo peak so worthwhile?

Jäniskoski rapids and suspension bridge

The hike begins rather unspectacularly. The trail leads along wide paths through a pine forest and boulders. The route is part of the Juunta Trail, where information boards tell you about life by the river in the past.

After about 3.3 kilometers, you reach the Juutuanjoki River with its raging rapids Jäniskoski, over which a suspension bridge is spanned. It gets even wilder when you stand in the middle of the suspension bridge and look down through the grid floor. What you can also see is that there are wooden planks on the edge of the bridge for our four-legged friends.

At the suspension bridge, the Jäniskosken Lavvu invites you to take a break. After another 2.1 kilometers there is another lavvu, called Laurin Lavvu. Both have a fireplace, a woodshed and a dry toilet.

To the summit of Otsamo

After the rapids, the wide path becomes an easily accessible trail that winds through the mixed pine forest and follows the rushing Juutuanjoki River. Only the last two kilometers before the summit are steep. The vegetation changes, the trees become smaller and birch trees and rocks dominate the surroundings. If you turn around, you can see the lake landscape far below. From the small wooden hut on the summit, you have a 360-degree panorama that you don't find everywhere: far below, the lakes Inarijärvi and Muddusjärvi spread out and you have a view of the Juutuanjoki River and the Muotkatunturi and Joenkielinen fells.

After enjoying the view in all directions, I also went into the hut. A cool wind was blowing up there all day and I could see the rain coming in the distance. I unpacked my provisions and coffee and sat down by one of the large windows of the old fire warden's hut.

Fire warden huts

At the beginning of the 20th century, the forest wardens in northern Finland were responsible for around 90,000 hectares of forest. Their duties also included fire watching. More and more of these fire lookout huts with integrated observation towers were built. Around 1970, there were around 40 fire lookout huts like this one on Otsamo near Inari. In the 1980s, surveillance aircraft were increasingly used. Many of the huts were then converted into overnight or day cabins.

There was once a walk-on viewing platform on the roof of the hut. In the summer of 2024, the ladder leading up to it was unfortunately dismantled. But you can still go inside the hut and warm up or take a break sheltered from the wind and rain. There is a stove and a gas stove. Instructions for use are pinned to the wall in various languages.

The hut is only intended for daytime use and not for overnight stays.

Book recommendations for Finland

You want to know where the journey goes? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission, and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you, and you will do me a huge favor.

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love Scandinavia as much as I do? Do you fancy Norway? Then you might be interested in my articles about a Winter in Tromsø - the Gateway to the Arctic or about the Lofoten and Vesterålen - Winter Highlights.

Der Beitrag Hike zur Brandwächter-Hütte auf dem Otsamo bei Inari erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Portugal. The Atlantic island of Madeira is known as an evergreen island and a paradise for hikers and flower lovers. But landscape photographers also get their money's worth here: rugged coastlines, mystical laurel trees in the "fairy forest", mountain panoramas at sunrise or imposing waterfalls guarantee that the motifs will never get boring. In the following article, I will tell you about my favorite photo locations in Madeira.

#1 Fanal - mystical Laurel Forest in the Fog

My clear favorite among the photo locations on Madeira is the laurel forest Fanal. The most impressive thing is to visit it in the midst of a foggy day. You can wander along various paths or even cross-country between ancient, gnarled laurel trees. Due to the frequent fog, the trees are covered in moss and lichen. If there are fairies and forest spirits in this world, then it's definitely here.

We visited the Fanal twice and kept discovering new motifs and perspectives. We used both the wide-angle lens and the standard zoom lens. It is helpful to have a microfiber cloth with you to wipe off the fog drops. If the weather is sunny during your trip and there is absolutely no fog, then I can also highly recommend the sunset at Fanal.

Tip: next to the parking lot there is a camp with picnic tables, toilets and cooking facilities. There are various hiking trails around the fanal that looked interesting. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time.

#2 Mountain Panoramas around Pico Arieiro and Pico Ruivo

Timing is everything... and the best time to photograph the mountain peaks and their surroundings is definitely at sunrise or sunset. Also, before the tour buses arrive from Funchal or after the groups have left. The highest peak (Pico Ruivo at 1862 m) and the third highest peak (Pico Arieiro at 1818 m) of the island's central mountain massif both offer great views. However, Pico Arieiro and the "buzzard's nest" are even more spectacular with their many steps and precipices. The advantage of Pico Arieiro is that you can drive up by car. To reach Pico Ruivo, you first have to walk up the paved PR1.2 hiking trail for about an hour. The starting point is the Achada do Teixeira parking lot. PR1.2 and PR1.3, which continue in the direction of Encumeadas, offer many great motifs along the way, such as the many trees that have died in a fire and dominate the landscape like white skeletons.

Note: The approach from Funchal to Pico Arieiro takes you along the steepest road in Madeira, Caminho da Barreira, with a gradient of up to 45%. It is easier to get there from the east via ER 207, ER 202, or from the north via ER 103.

The wind can be quite relentless up there on the peaks and can quickly make your fingers stiff. So it's best to pack gloves and a hat as well as a windproof/waterproof jacket (we were there at the turn of the year, maybe it's a bit milder in summer).

#3 Ponta de São Lourenço

The Ponta de Sao Lourenço peninsula, the easternmost tip of the island, juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. There are several spectacular and sometimes more or less dizzying viewpoints. And again, the best time to take photos is at sunrise. Unfortunately, I missed it. But I did manage to capture the evening light.

The Ponta do Rosto and Ponta de Sao Vicente viewpoints are the easiest to access, right next to one of the parking lots. If you want to go higher, follow the path to the highest point on the north side of the rocky coast, the Mirador do Abismo. The path is quite steep in places and slippery due to loose debris, especially on the descent. There are further viewpoints along the entire hiking trail, which finally ends at Pico do Furado (160 m) with a view over the protected area as far as the lighthouse.

The many lizards that were around us during a break along the way were curious. I have always found lizards to be very shy...not so these ones on the peninsula. They must have an incredibly good sense of smell and were keen on our sandwiches. Soon they were trying to climb up my leg, and at some point, one had made it over my back and onto my shoulder. It was a bit like Jurassic Park...;-)

At 7.7 kilometers, the hike is not very long. However, the many great views can quickly extend the excursion to 4 to 6 hours.

Tip: if you've got your telephoto lens with you, you can take good photos of the yellow Canary Island chickadees at the Casa do Sardinha cafeteria surrounded by date palms.

#4 Rock Needles at Ribeira da Janela

The rugged rock needles at Ribeira da Janela are one of the most famous photo locations on Madeira. They are at their best at sunrise and when the sea is rough. Then the spray splashes up on the rocks or, with the help of the ND filter, turns into a diffuse coating over the stony beach.

There is a viewpoint, a camper van site and toilets at the rock needles.

Tip: If you stay a little longer after sunrise, you can still see the sun coming out from behind the mountains (I took this photo at the beginning of January).

#5 Levadas - Madeira's Water Pipelines

If you go hiking on Madeira, you can't avoid the levadas. Levadas are irrigation channels that criss-cross the entire island in a sophisticated network. With a gentle gradient, the water is transported from the rivers in the rainy north to the cultivation areas in the dry south. Often over many kilometers. The levada hikes usually do not have any major inclines, as the canals on the mountain flanks run almost parallel to the contour lines. The maintenance paths are often very narrow and oncoming traffic can sometimes be a challenge. Many levadas also run through tunnels that have to be walked through. Sometimes with your head down and wading through large puddles. A flashlight should therefore always be taken along on a levada hike.

The levadas, with their sometimes straight, sometimes curved lines, offer great subjects for wide-angle or even slightly telephoto shots. The often dense vegetation on the mountain slopes or on the damp walls offers many opportunities for detailed shots.

Tip: Hiking trails are often closed for repair work. Check the Visit Madeira websitein advance to find out whether your desired path is open.

I have hiked the Levada do Rei, Levada das 25 Fontes and the Levada do Caldeirão Verde and can highly recommend all three. The hikes are very popular, so it's smart to set off early before hiking groups from Funchal arrive. And because the three hikes are so popular, there is a café with a toilet at the start of each one.

#6 Waterfalls - the Kings of Madeira's Photo Locations

Many levada hikes are crowned by an impressive waterfall. I found the waterfall at the end of the Levada do 25 Fontes particularly spectacular. The waterfall at the end of the Levada do Caldeirão Verde is almost as beautiful. Those who like to work with ND filters will get their money's worth here.

Fancy a refreshment? Even in January, one or two hikers didn't miss out on the fun and jumped into the pool under the waterfall at the Levada das 25 Fontes.

#7 Lava Rocks near Porto Moniz - perfect Reflection or wild Surf

With wind and swell, the surf that crashes against the north coast is so powerful that the air fills with spray. It doesn't take long before you can taste the salt on your lips. On the stretch of coast between the two natural baths in Porto Moniz, you can take impressive pictures of the forces of nature at these moments. With less wind and waves, on the other hand, you can get the perfect reflection in the natural pools between the lava rocks... but only if you get there before all the bathers.

Book Recommendations for Nature Photographers

Would you like to learn more about landscape photography? Then I can highly recommend the e-books from Fotonomaden. In the "slow & simple" photography e-books (winter, forest, water, flowers & blossoms) you will always find 40 photo ideas on the respective topic. Each inspiration is accompanied by several sample images as inspiration and simply explained, easy-to-implement tips. (only in German)

Have you ever been to Madeira and what were your favorite photo locations? If so, please write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Would you like to read more photo tips or are you looking for new photo locations? Then take a look at my article on Wildlife Photography with Respect or my interview with the Fotonomaden on the subject of winter photography .

Der Beitrag Madeira fotografieren – die besten Fotolocations für Naturfreunde erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Iceland. The small town of Vík í Mýdral, in the very south of Iceland, is famous for its black beach Reynisfjara. The offshore rock formation was created long ago out of careless trolls, and the basalt columns are among the favorite motifs of many travelers. In the following article, you will learn where the most beautiful black beaches and rock formations near Vik are, where you can see puffins, and what else there is to discover.

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Vík í Mýdral - the "Bay at the swampy Valley"

Vík í Mýdral (translated as "Bay by the Swampy Valley") is the southernmost village on the Icelandic mainland and is located 186 kilometers from the capital Reykjavík. The village, which has only 318 inhabitants, is a perfect starting point for tours in the south. In addition to a campground, there are accommodations in various price ranges. It's best to book as early as possible, otherwise, it will be expensive! There is a gas station, a large supermarket, an outdoor outfitter, and of course a souvenir store with Icelandic sweaters and everything you can imagine.

Not far from Vík is the volcano Katla, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Iceland. When it erupts, the residents of Vík have to evacuate to safety in a very short time. The evacuation is practiced regularly. The elevated wooden church Reyniskirkja (1929) is considered a safe assembly point where all inhabitants should seek shelter from the lava, especially glacier flows.

Tip: You should plan a little more time for the drive to Vik because you will pass the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss on the way.

Reynisdrangar - Trolls or just a great Rock Formation?

Directly in front of the village of Vík, you will find the first black beach. From here you have a beautiful view of the rock needles Reynisdrangar, which rise about 66 meters high from the sea. But since we are in Iceland, these are not normal rocks. According to the legend, two trolls tried to drag a three-master to the shore at night. But trolls are known to be a bit bad at timing: they were surprised by the morning sun and in a split second, they and the ship turned to stone.

TIP: Do you want to experience Iceland to the full? Then you should opt for freedom on four wheels. With a rented campervan, you can explore the natural beauty of Iceland flexibly and at your own pace. Your lunch break? Preferably in an idyllic parking lot with a view. In the evening, head to one of the many well-equipped campsites. Whether you want to tour around Iceland on the Ring Road or seek adventure in the highlands. At Cozy Campers , you can rent both budget vans and highland campers, which you can use to drive the lonely F-roads in the highlands. The latter is already at the top of my wish list for my next trip to Iceland!

Reynisfjall - Tuff mountain with puffins

Reynisfjall is a 340 m high tuff mountain that separates the village of Vík from the beach Reynisfjara. It was formed in the penultimate ice age by a volcanic eruption under the ice. A hiking trail leads from Vík up to a viewpoint at 150 meters above sea level. There and back it is about seven kilometers. Along the way, you can see seabirds during the breeding season, and with luck, puffins.

On the other side of the mountain, at Reynisfjara beach, you will find the famous basalt columns and two caves. The beach is only about three kilometers from Vík as the crow flies. But the mountain Reynisfjall blocks the direct way and must be either hiked or driven around (about 16 kilometers).

Reynisfjara Beach - Basalt Columns, Caves, and Monster Waves

Next to the parking lot, various warning signs attract full attention: sneaker waves can suddenly and unexpectedly wash over the beach here and, in the worst case, cause an unwanted swim in the North Atlantic. This has cost some travelers their lives. Therefore, you should always keep an eye on the water and keep plenty of distance from the water line. Even if the sea looks quite calm and peaceful.

Basalt columns are formed by the slow cooling of the basalt lava. After the solidification of the lava flow and cooling of the surface, the first stress cracks appear here. With increasing cooling, the stress cracks continue to grow downwards and the typical hexagonal columns are formed.

Tip: If you stay overnight in Vík, visit Reynisfjara Beach before the tour buses from Reykjavik arrive. Or in the evening, when most of the visitors are already on their way home.

More about trolls and elves in Iceland...

...can be found in the following books*:

Dyrhólaey Peninsula - the "Door Hill Island

From Cape Dyrhólaey you have a breathtaking view of the south coast of Iceland. You will see the black beaches from above, rock formations, and puffins and you can hike to a historic lighthouse. Especially impressive is the rock arch, which is also called Dyrhólaey. From above, the arch doesn't look that big. But the opening is enough that in 1993 a daredevil pilot flew through the arch.

Cape Dyrhólaey is a volcanic island that was once off the coast. It was formed about 80,000 years ago by a submarine volcanic eruption. Through further volcanic eruptions in the last millennia, the island was connected to the main island by the advancing outwash plains. Today the cape is connected to the mainland and the peninsula is the southernmost part of the Icelandic mainland.

Also the volcanic islands of Hjörleifshöfdi (12 km east of Vík and also a very worthwhile destination) and the rocky cliffs of Ingólfshöfdi were connected to the main island by expanding sandur areas.

What else is there to discover nearby?

If you are in Vík, then besides Reynisfjara beach, Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar it is worth making a detour to the airplane wreck of Sólheimasandur and a hike to Hjörleifshöfði. From this island mountain, you have a great view over a wide offshore beach and up to the white cap of the Myrdalsjökull.

If you have some money left in your travel budget, I can also recommend a guided tour to the ice cave at Katla volcano and Icelandic horse riding at the black beach of Vík .

Book Recommendations for Iceland

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. This does not make the product more expensive for you.

Do you know the south of Iceland and Reynisfjara beach near Vík? How did you like it? Do you have any questions or suggestions for my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love peculiar rock formations as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the "Old Man of Hoy" - a sea stack on the Orkneys or about the Rock Formations at Mono Lake in California.

Der Beitrag Schwarzer Strand Reynisfjara und versteinerte Trolle bei Vík erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Iceland. After the first two days on Laugavegur, trekking in Iceland counts as a water sport for me. I curse the rain cover for my backpack, which always flies off halfway, and I no longer believe in Goretex boots and lightweight gear. On the way, I discover my hidden talent for repairing outdoor equipment: sleeping mats, shoe soles that fall off, fissures, and broken backpack buckles... On the last day and after about 55 kilometers on Iceland's best-known long-distance hiking trail, I finally feel I'm prepared for anything and immediately walk further over the Fimmvörðuháls to Skógar. Simply irresistible!

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Icelandic Weather provides Diversity

Laugavegur is considered one of the most beautiful trails in the world. But what exactly makes trekking on Laugavegur in Iceland so special? It can't be the Icelandic weather, can it? Or maybe it is because the weather gives the trail a very special atmosphere: light fog and low-hanging clouds made me not completely rule out the existence of trolls. Besides, the clouds gave my photos a great dramatic effect and the everlasting wind made me feel nature even more intensely. The quick weather changes also brought a certain dynamic to the hike: no sooner had one applied sunscreen than one was putting on one's rain jacket and looking for one's gloves.

Be prepared for bad weather and take waterproof and warm clothes with you. Even if the weather forecast promises only sun! You are on the trail for several days - the forecast can change. Don't forget: People have already frozen to death on the Laugavegur in bad weather!

Weather forecast for Iceland: vedur.is

More info about trails in Iceland: safetravel.is

What you will read here

There are already numerous blogs that describe the Laugavegur in all details and provide many facts. I don't want to write another one. So in the following I will write about some details that we experienced on the tour and that might help you when it comes to more than just GPS routes, camps and bus connections.

Do you know how to pack your backpack? Or how to calculate your own walking time? What is important when fording a river? Did you check your equipment beforehand for weak points or did you think about what you should take with you to repair your equipment or what spare parts you should bring?
You can read that and a few stories about it in the next chapters.

And why my post has this somewhat ambiguous title? Well, it corresponds to the naked truth. And there are already so many articles called: "Guide for the Laugavegur", "XX Tips for the Laugavegur", "Laugavegur - everything you need to know"... My title sounds more exciting, doesn't it?

The landscape drives to hike

Every day on Laugavegur surprises with a different kind of landscape. This motivates one to keep moving forward, after all, one wants to see what great view is hiding around the next corner or behind the upcoming hill. The more beautiful the landscape, the easier it is to walk. Even with my additional five kilograms of camera equipment.

We walked the trail in four stages:

Where is the luggage?

Imagine the following situation: You have well-tried and tested outdoor equipment - boots, sleeping pad, trekking backpack, sleeping bag, clothes, and, and, and... And then suddenly everything is gone. You wait for it to finally reappear, but no one can tell you where your luggage has gone. A week passes, the second week passes, and the third. And then you fly to Iceland to trek the Laugavegur and have either old, borrowed, or newly bought equipment. Thanks, Lufthansa! My partner's luggage was lost on the flight from Los Angeles to Berlin while changing planes in Frankfurt. It took three months for it to turn up! Hard to believe, isn't it? But alas, this happened with some regularity on several airlines in the summer of 2022.

My partner starts the Laugavegur with my 20-year-old discarded trekking backpack, an old inflatable sleeping pad, an aged sleeping bag, and borrowed mountain boots that were fortunately already broken in. That the soles almost fell off, we have only seen during the tour... And that the sleeping pad will not last long, we have also not suspected.

Check the equipment before the tour for the condition (the owned and borrowed) and reconsider the durability of some parts.

Stage 1: Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker

After a four-hour bus ride through the rain, we arrive in Landmannalaugar in the rain. Here we are supposed to start. However, my motivation is low, my backpack is heavy and somehow there are suddenly far too many people here. At the same time as our bus, two other buses arrived, whose passengers now spread out in the parking lot, visiting the toilet and besieging the party tent kindly erected by the campsite owners. Did the bus driver not tell something about a food truck with hot soup? I suppress the thought and unpack our sandwiches instead. I eat quickly so that the bread doesn't get so wet. Then we're off. All the others - most of them were day visitors - have already set off and we now have a free path.

After the first 5 minutes, I realize that I have not packed my backpack well: the camera and the telephoto lens are on top, and my backpack wobbles on my back, which is especially annoying when climbing over the first rocks. I repack: the lens comes down further, close to my body, about where my shoulder blades are. And the camera comes out around my shoulder because the photo motifs will not be long in coming. As rain protection for the camera, I have a waterproof bag* handy, which I put over the camera again and again during the day. Also good, but not waterproof, is the softshell cover for the camera from Peak Design*.

Here's how: Pack your backpack correctly

• Light equipment such as sleeping bag, sleeping pad, down jacket down.
• Medium-weight gear, such as clothing to the top outside.
• Heavy load camera lenses, tent, provisions, drinking water at shoulder height as close to the body as possible.
• Small items that are used frequently in the lid compartment.
• Keep a first aid kit handy.
• Use pack sacks to keep your gear organized and dry.
• Backpack too small? You can also attach bulky, light luggage to the outside.

We walk through the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar with smoking solfataras, colorful rhyolite mountains, yellow sulfur crystals, pitch-black volcanic rock as well as whimsical lava formations. Again and again, great views open up, like the one over the black lava field Laugahraun, colorful mountain flanks, and white snow areas. Finally, in the last section of the stage, we cross extensive snowfields. As soon as the glassy, black obsidian then mixes with the rocks, the hut at Hrafntinnusker is not far away. The mountain is littered with obsidian, which you may already know from the series Game of Thrones as dragon glass.

The camp at Hrafntinnusker is very exposed and partly covered with snow. The places for the tent offer some wind protection with small stone walls made of obsidian.

Did you know that it is forbidden to take stones from Iceland?
Do not forget!

Do you want to spend the night in the hut? Then book early, because there is not much space. If you bring your tent, you don't need to make a reservation. The cost for a tent with two persons is 5.000 ISK (as of 07/2022). If you go to pay in the hut, take a little more money: there are canned beer and candy bars.

This is how it works: Calculate walking time

Do you want to know how long you will be on the way? This is how you can estimate your time:

1. Time needed for the difference in altitude: per hour 300 hm in ascent, 500 hm in descent, or your personal experience value.
2. Time needed for the walking distance: 4 km per hour or your personal experience value.
3. Divide the smaller value in half and add it to the larger value. This is then your approximate time requirement without breaks.

Stage 2: Hrafntinnusker to Alftavatn

The second stage starts in the snow. The trail is easy to see here, as a trail of dirt stretches across the white snow fields. The dirt comes from the exposed, rocky sections of the trail that alternate with the snow. It is much easier to walk on them. When we left, it was foggy, the wind kept whipping rain in our faces, and we shimmied from trail marker to trail marker, which are particularly large up here and therefore easy to see. We struggle with our rain covers, which the wind keeps tugging off our backpacks. Also, additional belts, which we tie around, help only for a short time. (The next day I packed the entire contents of the backpack waterproof in pack sacks and garbage bags and hiked without rain cover).

How much Rain, Wind and Fog should it be?

At some point, the point is reached that it is better to spend the day in the tent and wait until the weather gets better. Where exactly this point lies is difficult to say, it depends on many things. Better think twice about what suits you. Plan a buffer day and take a little more food with you. That way you can just sit out bad weather.

We set off for the day - after checking the weather report, which promised an improvement in the weather. Wrapped up warm and rainproof, with the map in a waterproof map case*, compass, GPS, thermos and Emergency Shelter*, where two of us would have found quick shelter.

At some point, it clears up. We look into a wide valley and see at the very back the lake Alftavatn with the hut. The path now goes downhill and the landscape becomes greener again. The camp at the lake consists of two cabins, a shower, and toilet house, and - here it comes - a restaurant! It is tiny, but all the more cozy for it.

When there is no Wind in Iceland, there is a Storm...

What was blowing across the meadow as we pitched our tent was definitely not wind. We held our tent cover down with our hands, feet, and stakes, and then somehow managed to tie everything down and tighten it up. The aluminum poles bent threateningly far toward the ground but held up after further support from a trekking pole. The tent meadow at the lake offers no protection, everything is flat, and there are no stone walls or bushes behind which one can warp.

The Thing with the Sleeping Pad

After we have set up the tent, the next surprise comes: one of our sleeping mats breaks down. It keeps the air inside, but some of the internal weldings of the single air chambers have come open. One half of the mat is now just a big bump, the suitable lying surface has been halved to about 30 centimeters... only brute force helps: we press forcefully on the mat and let more of the welds open up. Deflate a bit and then it somehow works out with lying down. But comfortable is different.

The sleeping pad was a bit older. To me, this has already happened with another similar mat after 8 years. Whether I continue to rely on air-filled mats with this chamber system on tours??? Rather not! What experiences do you have? Please drop me a line!

Currently, I use the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm*. It's light, compact, and super warm with an R-value of 6.9. Inside it, there are many small triangular chambers that provide thermal insulation. I hope it lasts a little longer.

Stage 3: Alftavatn to Botnar

The night it stormed and rained continuously. In the morning it was a little less stormy, but the rain just won't stop. Slowly the campground empties, at some point, there are only three tents left, including ours. During a short rain break, we take down and pack our backpacks. About 16 kilometers lie ahead of us. We decide to stop at the restaurant after 100 meters. A perfect rain shelter with coffee and cake. Well... it was already noon (it opens only at 12:00). We wait here until the rain stops and then start our daily stage with dry clothes. Since it does not get dark in Iceland at the beginning of July, one is fortunately completely free in his timing!

Good to know: sunrise and sunset in Iceland

Spare Parts and Repair Kit

Before the tour, I considered for a long time, which spare parts and what I should take along for possible repairs. After Iceland, we went to Greenland for hiking at the Tasermiutfjord and for a kayak tour through the fjords. So it was worthwhile to think about these "little things". And maybe take a little more with us: Screws, cable ties, spare buckles for the backpack, armor tape, sewing kit, my Leatherman, and so on. I needed the sewing kit on the very first day, a spare buckle on the second day, and the screws on the third. What else I had with me but didn't need: floral wire, nails, rubber bands in various widths, super glue, buttons, rivets, ribbon, small leather/rubber pieces, velcro, and sturdy trash bags. In addition, I have collected on the trail everything possible, which was so on the way and seemed useful and thereby done equal to the environment what good.

Shortly after I had firmly reconnected the sloping sole with the trekking boot, we had to take the boots off again immediately: a river blocked our way. This was the first ford on the Laugavegur for us - up to here we could jump over all the rivers, cross them with the help of stepping stones, or just walk through quickly.

So boots off, waders* on, pant legs up, open the hip belt, and trekking poles* in the hands.

Wading through a river: how to do it, you can see here .

After about four kilometers we reach the Hvanngil hut with a beautiful and better wind-protected campsite. After that the landscape changes again, it becomes stonier and bright green, moss-covered mountains rise from the black plain. The way to the Botnar hut is long but offers many great motifs for all photo enthusiasts. With tired legs and feet, the view of the camp at the end is certainly one of the most beautiful motifs.

And because it is so beautiful here in the camp, we stay two nights and use our free day for a day trip and for photography. The first day we had pitched our tent at a great view. But for the second night we moved down into the valley, where it was much more sheltered from the wind.

Hiking Backpack and Camera

In addition to the necessary hiking gear, I carried about five kilos of camera gear across Laugavegur. The camera was mostly hung around my torso, ready to hand. With the shoulder strap, it didn't bother me much. Only when I used trekking poles, the camera was a bit of a hindrance and I then tied it to the backpack.

The camera clips "Capture" from Peak Design, which many photographers like to use, with which you can attach the camera to the shoulder strap of the backpack, unfortunately did not fit on my backpack. I have to try again with other screws, the supplied were just too short. Now I have discovered from Tasmanian Tiger a camera mount for the backpack and modular lens bags that you can attach to the outside of the backpack. Maybe I'll give those a try.

How do you carry / attach your camera to your trekking backpack? Do you have any tips? Then write them in the comments.

Stage 4: Botnar to Thórsmörk

With a view of one of the many glacier tongues of the distant Mýrdalsjökull, we continue on the last section of Laugavegur. After a steep descent we cross the river Botnaá, which has cut deep into the rock. Fortunately there is a bridge. The landscape here looks completely different from the first three days. Later we walk through black sand on which willow bushes grow. After another climb we see the sea for the first time. It seems eternally far away. Thórsmörk, the legendary forest of Thor, on the other hand, is not so far away. But before we enter the forests of dwarf birches and yellow and blue flowers, we have to ford the river Þrongá. This was the deepest and widest river we had to ford.

Arrived at Camp Langidalur we first sit down in the sun and toast with a beer (at the reception you can buy all kinds of useful and tasty things). Almost wistfully we look back on the trail - is it really already over? The next day the weather is supposed to be nice. I decide to go further. In front of me lies the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, which leads between the two glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull to Skógar. I go on alone. My partner takes the bus back to Reykjavik, because the broken sleeping mat does not really invite to extend the tour.

There are three camps in Thórsmörk: Basar, Langidalur and Húsadalur. All three have a bus connection to Reykjavik. Langidalur is closest at the end of Laugavegur. At Basar is the trailhead of the Fimmvörðuhál. Here also many overlanders camp with their vehicles, who don't want to ford the river Krossa. Camp Húsadalur is the largest and offers the most comfort, including a restaurant, sauna, cabins and glamping tents.

You can buy bus tickets online at Trex .

So what exactly made the Trekking on Laugavegur so special?

When I look back on the hike along Laugavegur, I would love to walk it again next summer. Iceland shows its prettiest side on these 55 kilometers, each stage has its own character. It never gets boring or monotonous. And the Icelandic weather then adds a bit more drama and atmosphere to the landscape. Simply beautiful. However, only if you are not freezing and not wet. But if you prepare a bit and take gloves, a scarf, a beanie, and long underwear with you on your summer vacation, you will have a great time on the trail.

Humid, stormy, irresistible - and sometimes the sun shines!

Many things that are necessary for the success of a trekking tour on the Laugavegur in Iceland, I have not gone into. These are, among others, the use of map, compass and GPS, stove and food, appropriate clothing, onion layer prinzig, emergency equipment ... The list could be continued even further. I will take up these topics in the coming articles.

Book Recommendations for Iceland

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. This does not make the product more expensive for you.

Do you know the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland? How did you like it? Do you have any questions or suggestions regarding my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

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Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love trekking as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the circumnavigation of the holy Mount Kailash in Tibet or about 100 kilometers of hiking on the Hexenstieg in the Harz mountains.

Der Beitrag Feucht, stürmisch, unwiderstehlich – Island Trekking auf dem Laugavegur erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Iceland. After two hours, I had almost gotten used to the constant uphill walking. It felt almost funny when I saw a wide plain in front of me. A minute ago everything around me was green, here it is now stony and windy. In the distance I recognized a cairn. It had to be huge. Shortly after, I kept the stone man company for a while and enjoyed the panoramic view of the surrounding glaciers and canyons from the Fimmvörðuháls Trail, one of the most beautiful trekking routes in Iceland.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

Thor's forests, dizzying views, canyons, glaciers, white snowfields, black lava formations, volcanic craters and countless waterfalls.... Did I forget something?

Von Þórsmörk (Básar) bis nach Skógar sind es rund 25 Kilometer und 870 Höhenmeter bergauf. Der Weg geht steil hinauf bis zum Fimmvörðuháls, wo die Hütten Fimmvörðuskáli und Baldvinsskáli stehen. Von dort geht es dann nicht ganz so steil rund 1060 Höhenmeter wieder hinab. Viele Wanderer, die den beliebten Laugarvegur Trail gehen, setzten ihre Wanderung über den Fimmvörðuháls Trail bis nach Skogar fort. Die Strecke lässt sich in zwei Etappen mit Übernachtung bzw. Camping in/an der Hütte unterteilen. Für mich war es ebenso die Fortsetzung des Laugarvegur und zugleich der krönende Abschluss einer meiner schönsten Wandertouren. Ich bin beide Etappen des Fimmvörðuháls an einem Tag gelaufen, anfangs bei schönstem Sonnenschein. Abends um 23 Uhr kam ich bei Regen in Skogar an. Der Zeltplatz war voll, meine Beine waren müde, meine Füße waren nass, meine Nase lief, aber ich hatte ein breites Grinsen im Gesicht.

Stages of the Fimmvörðuháls Trail

Stage 1: Þórsmörk (Básar) - Fimmvörðuháls (ca. 10,5 km; ascent ca. 1220 m, descent ca. 259 m)

Stage 2: Fimmvörðuháls - Skógar (approx. 14 km; descent approx. 1060 m)

Where is the Fimmvörðuháls Trail the most beautiful?

The Fimmvörðuháls Trail gives you a little bit of everything Iceland has to offer. It's hard to say which section I liked best. The trails are very different and it is the variety that makes the trail. It never gets boring.

Forests of Thor and dwelling place of the gods

It starts in the forests of Thor - also known as Þórsmörk. Here blue and yellow flowers bloom, there is water and the dwarf birches grow lush and don't seem so dwarfish anymore. The path zigzags up through Goðalönd, the dwelling place of the gods, to several viewpoints. From here the valley of the wide glacial river Krossa can be seen for a long time. Soon, the path becomes more exposed. On both sides deep canyons cut into the landscape and there is a great view of the mountain Útigönguhöfði and the glacier Tungnakvíslajökull on the other side. Up here, no more trees grow and it goes steeply up a grass-covered mountain flank further and further.

View to the valleys Hvannargil and Hraungil

After the steep ascent it is time for a rest. The path leads straight across the stony plain of the plateau mountain Morinsheiði at the end of which the next highlight is waiting: the view into the valleys Hvannargil and Hraungil. A great point for an extensive break and to gather strength. Now we go up a narrow section at Heljakambur, it gets a bit steeper again and at an easy climbing spot there is even a metal chain for safety.

Snow and lava fields

Now it goes further and further up to the lava field Godahraun. At some point the first snow fields begin and the colors of the landscape reduce to black, white and gray. From time to time there is also some red mixed in, from the lava rock underneath. Here Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010, the craters Magni and Modri erupted before the main crater. By now the lava has cooled down a long time ago, but it is still sharp and cuts your skin or rain pants if you are not careful. The trail continues between the Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjökull volcanoes. At the 1116 meter high pass Fimmvörðuháls it is almost done. At least for those who plan to spend the night at the huts.

Trail of the waterfalls

Two huts at the pass invite you to stay, camp or just to warm up for a while. From here the view reaches all the way to the coast. Afterwards the trail leads over a gravel road. Only at the bridge, which leads over the river Skógá, it continues on a trail - I have called this section for me the "Trail of the waterfalls". The waterfalls line up like pearls on a necklace - one more beautiful than the other. Especially when the sky is a bit more dramatic, the photos become especially beautiful. Unfortunately, this is then also often associated with rain, so I mostly just took pictures with my phone. Next to the waterfalls, steep canyons open up that can even keep up with the picturesque Múlagljúfur Canyon in southeast Iceland.

Even though this last section is incredibly beautiful, it also drags on quite a bit. Especially when you have already covered 20 kilometers. The trail ends at the impressive Skógafoss - but only after you have mastered the last challenge: about 370 steps down to the campsite.

Tip: After the bridge over the Skógá River, you'll find several springs along the trail where you can refill your drinking water.

The Fimmvörðuháls Trail at a glance

Start and end: Básar (247 m) in Þórsmörk via Fimmvörðuháls (1116 m) to Skogar (60 m)

Length: about 25 kilometers

Height difference: Direction Þórsmörk to Skogar about 870 meters up and 1060 meters down

Tip: It is easier to go steep up than steep down, so for me the direction Þórsmörk to Skógar was the favorite.

Overnight: In two cabins at Fimmvörðuháls (book in advance) or in a tent next to the cabins. Wild camping is prohibited. At the start/end point at campsites or hotel (Skógar) or hut (Þórsmörk).

Directions to get there: from / to Þórsmörk or Skógar Campsite there are buses. You can book in advance through Trex. Attention: If you take the bus from Skógar to Reykjavik, you will have to stay in Hvolsvöllur for about six hours. There is not much to see here, except the gas station with restaurant, a few Icelandic horses, a souvenir store and the lava exhibition. Alternative: the Straeto bus from Skogar. Bookings in advance are not possible. If the bus is full, you will have to wait for the next one, which will come the next day.

Do not forget: Trekking poles, sunglasses and sunscreen, rain gear and warm clothes (no matter what the weather is at the beginning!!!), gloves, hat, first aid kit with emergency blanket.

Check the weather forecast! If you are hiking at the beginning of the season, check the condition of the trail, for example on Safetravel.is. Do not start the tour in bad weather / forecast. You walk mostly in exposed terrain, where you have no protection in bad weather and also miss the view - not worth it. It is better to stay one day longer in the camp. Plan a reserve day, if necessary instead smaller day tour in Þórsmörk!

The best Season: mid July - early September

Trail conditions: trails, scree, snow and lava fields, gravel road. In July 2022 I didn't have to ford any rivers from Þórsmörk Langidalur to Básar, the Krossa was crossable dry with mobile bridge. However, it is better to ask about the current status beforehand.

Drinking water: There are hardly any places on the way where you can fill up. However, you can melt snow at the top of the pass or buy drinks at the huts.

Map: Landmannalaugar, Porsmörk, Fjallabak - 1:100.000 *

Orientation: the trail is marked throughout with pegs

Book Recommendations for Iceland

Do you want to know where the journey is going? Then I can recommend this travel guides* to you.

You can order the travel guides on Amazon by clicking on the pictures. If you buy a product via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. This does not make the product more expensive for you.

Do you know the Fimmvörðuháls Trail in Iceland? How did you like it? Do you have any questions or suggestions to my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love trekking as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the circumnavigation of the holy Mount Kailash in Tibet or about 100 kilometers of hiking on the Hexenstieg in the Harz mountains.

Der Beitrag Fimmvörðuháls – Trekking auf der Lava des Eyjafjallajökull erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.