Laki is one of the most amazing mountains in Iceland. Really! Not because of its shape, or because it is tall or anything like that. It is famous and amazing thanks to the views it offers. Laki is situated almost exactly in the middle of a Lakagígar volcanic fissure made up of 134 volcanic craters. All this started on the 8th of June, 1783 when the Earth cracked in one of the greatest volcanic eruptions of all time.
At the end in February 1784, the result was devastating. At least 50% of all Icelandic livestock died as well as about 25% of the population. Additionally, this eruption which produced more than 12 km³ of volcanic material and covered 565 km² of the surface. The eruption and its emissions heavily influenced not just the Icelandic climate, but the European climate as a whole. It is believed to have had a big impact on events which ultimately resulted in the French Revolution.
Both the Vatnajökull Glacier and the Mýrdalsjökull glaciar are visible from this point.
How to find and get to Mt. Laki:
Laki mountain is in the Icelandic highlands approx. 50 kilometers north of Kirkjubæjarklaustur (2 hours ride). The route will take you past the famous and beautiful Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and the Fagrifoss Waterfall. Then after crossing several streams and rivers there is a parking lot, where you can rest and where you´ll get information about the area from the rangers. You can climb Laki mountain quite easily in less than 30 minutes.
GPS coordinates of Mt. Laki: 64.070248, -18.237391 Take me there!
