After boarding our Superjeeps in Reykjavik, we cross fertile South Iceland
farmlands, opening up to grand views of Hekla volcano's snow-covered top
(elev. 1491m). Hekla's next eruption is long overdue and expected at any time
so you just might catch the show. Since Iceland's human settlement in the
ninth century, Hekla's 20-30 eruptions have ranged from pretty little tourist
attractions to explosive disasters. There's no wonder Hekla has long been taken
for the entrance to Hell for damned souls. Conditions permitting, we may make
it up onto the volcano’s eruptive ridge, ca 900m above sea level, where the air
is crisp and the views incomparable. Pushing deeper into Iceland's eruptive
interior, we take in and touch scenery so unreal it is repeatedly used for other-
world Hollywood A-films. When we arrive in Landmannalaugar we can hike, or
dip in Iceland's most famous natural hot pool, or both. When you havet been
suitably geothermally cooked, it’s time to head north through “does-this-really-
exist” looking surroundings with stop at Gjáin (Games of thrones site) before
driving towards Reykjavík.