Guillaume Fandel

Kerlingarfjöll 'Old Lady Mountains'

ICELAND | Wednesday, 3 July 2013 | Views [718] | View Larger Image

The mountain used to have a small glacier, now melted away. This glacier was very popular for summer skiing. In year 2000, all the ski lifts were disassambled due to climate change and the glaciers' retreat. It is pretty common to see, and even cross, snowdrifts in this area; because of rude and tough weather condition in center of Iceland, snowing during august may always happen.

Tags: iceland, highlands, volcanic, steams, medium format, ryolite, outlaw, fairy, tales, hiking

These 4 pictures have been taken in Kerlingarfjöll which is a mountain range in the middle of the Icelandic Highlands, reach by Road 35 (S-W of the Hofsjökull glacier) only 3 or 4 month per year.

''Fjöll' means mountains and 'Kerling' means old lady ( in a sense of 'witch'). The name of the area, inspired by ancient folk tales, come from a 25m high volcanic tuff stone pillar. It is said that an old troll lady was caught out by the sunrise and therefore turned to stone.

The area was hardly ever visited before the past century both because it was very remote, but also because it was thought to be the homeland of trolls and the only people that would venture there were thieves and outlaws.

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This area of the Highlands is one of the best unspoiled gems, it's one of the most active geothermal areas in Iceland, where you can see splashing mud puddles, vents through which the earth breath angrily, hot springs, rivulets, fog, steams..
What strikes me the most is also this fascinating vitality and captivating vibe that appeals to 5 senses ( even smell with sulfuric steams) .

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Guillaume Fandel

Kerlingarfjöll 'Old Lady Mountains'

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