Hiking in Reykjavik

Solitude.  That is the feeling I get when I look at this scene I captured of a deserted seaside shack along the Icelandic Coast.  On the previous day’s trip to the Blue Lagoon, we passed through the never ending lava fields that cover the land between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport.  Finding this landscape interesting and new to us, myself and two friends set out for a day hike through the hardened lava that began only about 15 to 20 minutes outside of the city.  Having really no expectations outside of a leisurely stroll along the coast, we were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful scenery that awaited us.

I really loved this abandoned shack by the coast, and you will see three more photos of it in this post, all from varying angles and distances.  I can’t decide which is my favorite, or if they all are, so if a particular one stands out to you, please let me know in the comments below.  The simple triangular shape, framed by the reddish roof, along with its overall rustic appearance, were the two things that stood out to me most.

Appearing flat during our first glance from the drive through, the lava fields were actually quite the opposite and required a lot of weaving, and even some climbing to get to where you wanted to go.

A vast expanse of hardened lava – you can see the shack again off in the distance.

At one point the coastline jutted in, forming a small bay with miniature islands that were covered in a grassy moss.

Unfortunately, the islands weren’t connected, and with the water being pretty deep in between, we had to walk around.

Obligatory “looking out into the distance” shot.

Further down the coast, a fluffy blanket of windblown grass covered the hardened lava, creating the beautiful scene pictured here.  In addition to the abandoned shack, a few old farmhouses dotted the coastline.

Off in the distance, opposite the coast, snow covered mountains rose out of the landscape.

Beautiful coastline.

Walking through the abandoned farmland.

Scale photo to show the surface I was walking on.  The grass was very soft and a nice compliment to the hard, rough lava.

A friend of mine photographing the farm.  I like the contrast in scale between her and the building.

Black lava coastline.

Approaching the shack (1).

And closer (2).

And closest (3).

A picture taken by my friend Kelly, showing the large crevices in the lava that you sometimes had to jump over.  You can see more of her photos here on her own blog:

http://yayiamkelly.blogspot.de/

Another from Kelly of me lounging in the fields.  While cold and windy, I had my music and could have stayed there all day.