Our second Highland haven, Hrifunes Guesthouse, is an oasis surrounded by moss-covered lava fields, black sand plains, meandering glacial rivers, and the ever-active volcanoes of South Iceland. Nestled in the serene beauty of Skaftártunga, between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, this guesthouse offers a picturesque retreat, just 230 km east of Reykjavik. As we approached the hotel, a charming little church emerged on the horizon, seemingly lost in this breathtaking landscape. Bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun, it became an intriguing photographic subject. Later that night, the same quaint church would serve as a captivating foreground for capturing the elusive northern lights – Skaftárhreppur, Highlands Region, Iceland.

Venturing through Iceland's highlands along the F208 is a journey into a rugged, and dynamically geological canvas. This remote and sparsely inhabited expanse blankets a substantial portion of the country, showcasing striking volcanic sculptures, glaciers, flowing rivers, and vast stretches of lava fields. Here, infrastructure is minimal, and the formidable terrain restricts passage to unpaved F-roads, typically accessible only during the summer months. Yet, amidst these challenging conditions, the highlands nurture a rich tapestry of life, where moss-draped lava fields thrive.These moss-covered lava fields are a realm ripe for crafting almost abstract compositions, where nature herself becomes an artist - Highlands Region, Iceland

After a brief stop at the Stútur Crater, our journey along the F208 led us into an enchanting world of moss-covered lava fields, reminiscent of a lunar landscape. Amid this surreal terrain, a winding little water stream meandered, with imposing mountains serving as a majestic backdrop. This captivating beauty of Iceland's highlands unfolded before our eyes—a hidden gem accessible solely during the summer months via rugged, unpaved F-roads. These remote mountain tracks offered us a glimpse into the pristine wilderness of this unique country, where the 'F' in F-roads signifies fjall, Icelandic for mountain - Highlands Region, Iceland.

On our way back from Landmannalaugar, we made a quick stop at Stútur, a relatively smaller crater in close proximity to Lake Frostastaðavatn. After a short but steep hike up, we had a wonderful view of the surroundings, with moss-covered lava fields that resembled a lunar landscape. While Stútur crater may not be as imposing as some of Iceland's larger volcanoes or craters, I believe that its modest size actually worked to our advantage as travel photographers. It compelled us to focus on capturing its intricate details, the rugged terrain surrounding it, and the interplay of light and shadow on its surface. - Stútur Crater, Highlands Region, Iceland

Sigöldugljúfur is a captivating canyon located near the Highland Center Hrauneyjar, where we stayed while exploring the southern part of Iceland's Highlands. Situated within the expansive volcanic and geothermal region of the country, this canyon is defined by its rugged landscape, characterized by towering cliffs and deep crevices carved by the Sigölduá River over centuries. In contrast to some of Iceland's more famous attractions, Sigöldugljúfur and its waterfalls remain hidden from the masses due to its remote and less accessible location. This made it an ideal destination for us, as we were seeking to photograph these more remote and less-visited places. During our stay Highland Center Hrauneyjar we visited the canyon twice. Our first visit, towards the end of our third full day presented a challenge. The setting sun casted long shadows over half of the canyon, making photography difficult. As a result, we focused on capturing abstract details to avoid dealing with excessive contrast between light and shadow. To fully appreciate the canyon's grandeur, we made the decision to return the following morning when the light conditions would be more favorable. Although the canyon would be cloaked in shade, this presented a better opportunity to create a well-lit composition that would showcase the incredible beauty of Sigöldugljúfur in all its glory – Sigöldugljúfur, Highland Region, Iceland.

Just off the Ring Road, it’s about 50 meters walking from the road, in the southern part of Iceland between the towns Hvolsvöllur and Vík lies a hidden gem – the beautiful yet relatively lesser-known Írárfoss, also known as the Irish River Falls. Its source is the mighty Eyjafjallajökull glacier, and it gracefully flows into the deep waters of Eyjafjalladjúp, forming a picturesque scene. Iceland boasts an astonishing number of waterfalls, nearly too many to tally – with some estimates suggesting there are as many as 10,000. These waterfalls are not just numerous; they come in a splendid variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique charm. It's interesting to note that while Irarfoss stands taller and more impressive than the Coo Waterfalls in Belgium, it often goes unnoticed by travelers. In contrast, the smaller and less imposing waterfalls of Coo, in Belgium, continuously steal the spotlight. Such is the fascinating paradox of these natural wonders – some remain hidden gems, while others, despite their grandeur, are easily overshadowed – Ring Road nr. 1, Southern Region, Iceland

On the third day of our stay in Iceland's Highland, we embarked on a journey to Landmannalaugar, also known as the 'People's Pools.' This place is located in the heart of Iceland's southern Highlands and boasts incredible beauty. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by rhyolite mountains in shades of red, pink, green, blue, and golden yellow, creating a truly breathtaking scene. Landmannalaugar has a rich history of being renowned for its natural hot springs, which is why it earned the name 'the People's Pools.' Travelers have been coming here for centuries to take a respite and relax in these warm springs after their arduous journeys.
When we arrived in the morning, the sky was clear, but the strong wind made it feel much colder than the actual temperature. Our primary goal was to ascend Mt. Brenninsteinsalda, which stands at approximately 855 meters. We aimed to enjoy the stunning views from this elevated vantage point and capture the beauty through our camera lenses. The hike proved to be quite challenging, and upon reaching the summit, the wind became even stronger. Setting up a tripod was a real struggle due to the cold and the wind. Nevertheless, I managed to capture some photos before we began our descent. During our hike back, we occasionally found sheltered spots in the landscape that shielded us from the strong wind, making it easier to photograph the stunning scenery. Despite the demanding conditions, Landmannalaugar's beauty left a profound impression on us – Landmannalaugar, southern Highlands, Iceland.

At the end of our second full day in Iceland's Highlands, we made a stop at Háifoss. This spectacular waterfall is renowned for its impressive height of 122 meters and its remote location in the south-central region of Iceland, within the Þjórsárdalur Valley, part of the Highland interior. Its Icelandic name, "Háifoss," translates to "High Falls." The waterfall dramatically plunges from a cliff into a deep, narrow canyon carved by the Þjórsá River. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged, volcanic terrain, creating a stunning and starkly beautiful natural attraction. While we had been informed that reaching Háifoss typically requires just a short hike from the nearby parking area, strong winds on this particular day made it a challenging endeavor. Although the trail offered excellent views of the waterfall, I occasionally hesitated to approach the canyon's edge for a better vantage point with my camera. The fear of the wind pushing me into the canyon or causing my camera and tripod to vanish into its depths held me back. Nevertheless, I managed to capture a handful of shots, and I'm relatively pleased with two of them – Háifoss, Þjórsárdalur Valley, Highlands Region, Iceland.

On the second day of our Highland expedition in Iceland, we encountered fierce winds that seemed capable of tearing the car door from your grip or toppling your camera tripod. The temperatures plummeted, and it felt as if the real temperature was close to freezing, leaving us shivering in the cold. Faced with these harsh conditions, we opted to explore less exposed locations, and one of these hidden treasures was Gjáin, a small valley hidden somewhere in a hard-to-reach place nestled in the Þjórsárdalur Valley in Iceland's South Highlands. The place turned out to be a delightful surprise—a little paradise amid the rugged Icelandic landscape. Here, a cluster of small waterfalls and cascades meandered through a lush, green valley, providing a striking contrast to the barren surroundings. Gjáin boasts its fair share of waterfalls, each unique in size and shape, contributing to the overall charm of this hidden oasis in the Highlands—Gjáin, Highland Region, Iceland.

During our stay at the Highland Center Hrauneyjar in Iceland, we also explored the nearby Ljótipollur, also known as the 'Ugly Puddle.' This unique site is part of the Veiðivötn volcanic fissure system, which includes several crater lakes in the region. Despite its unflattering name, Ljótipollur turned out to be a fascinating destination. We learned from our guide, Willy, that Ljótipollur was formed around the year 1480 during a volcanic eruption. The crater measures approximately 1 kilometer in diameter and plunges to a depth of 100 meters. Its peculiar name is somewhat misleading because the place is quite picturesque. Our visit involved a hike around the rim of Ljótipollur, allowing us to appreciate the stunning views of the Highlands and its volcanic landscapes. The crater itself stands out with its striking red color, caused by the presence of iron and minerals in the soil – Ljótipollur, Highlands, Iceland