Hrafntinnusker

Where is the most beautiful place in Iceland?

 

There are no roads in Hornstrendur in the Westfjords, and no one lives there. The only way to Hornbjarg is to take a boat from Bolungarvík or Ísafjörður and enjoy going around the area on foot.

Where is the most beautiful place in Iceland?

After working as a photographer for almost 40 years and having travelled more than most around the island, I often get this question; Which place is the most beautiful in Iceland? After all these years, I still have no idea. It depends on the light, the time of year, the mood. However, I will name three places. Hrafntinnusker, Hornstrandir and Langanes. I could also have said Landmannalaugar, Lónsöræfi and Lakagígar, even Langisjór and Askja. But I’m forgetting to name Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Vatnajökull and Flatey in Skjálfandi. I’m going to stick to the places I mentioned first. Hrafntinnusker, where geothermal heat and glaciers uniquely meet. Hornbjarg stands out by the ocean on Hornstrandir and Langanes for the midnight light, where the wind always blows from all directions.

There are no roads in Hornstrendur in the Westfjords, and no one lives there. The only way to Hornbjarg is to take a boat from Bolungarvík or Ísafjörður and enjoy going around the area on foot.

Hornbjarg 08/07/2020 14:17 – A7RIV : FE 1.4/24 GM

The midnight sun is mirrored in the ocean at Stóri-Karl, a rock on the north side of Langanes, where one of Iceland’s largest gannet colonies is located. From Þórshöfn, there’s an OK trail suitable for jeeps to the peninsula.

Langanes 07/06/2018 23:33 – A7RIII : FE 2.8/100 GM

Looking into a hot spring in Hrafntinnusker, the area is one of the largest high-temperature areas in the country. The easiest way to get to Hrafntinnusker is along a footpath from Landmannalaugar. The route, called Laugavegur, runs from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and is the busiest hiking trail in the highlands of Iceland.

 

Hrafntinnusker  13/09/2020 17:00 – A7R IV : FE 1.4/24 GM

Photo and text: Páll Stefánsson