This is the third piece in a series about no-frills wild camping (also known as free camping). It’s one of the best ways of combining exotic adventure and low budget travel while experiencing the best nature has to offer and follows Extreme Environmental Experiences in the UK and Short Wilderness Breaks. If you’re interested in learning more about the type of adventure travel that brings you right back to nature, gives you time for yourself, increases your self reliance and brings you back to nature, this is the series for you. When I’ve covered personal experiences of some of the top free camping locations in the world, I’ll go on to the details of how-to and what-next
Gullfoss at dusk
Laugavegurinn in Iceland is well worth a wild week or weekend just for the incredible variety of its landscape. Add to this a mix of nearly 24 hours of summer sun, an amazing quality of light that enhances the pastel hues of everything you see in the midnight hours and the fact that you can stop over for free if you’re flying IcelandAir between the US and UK and you’re in for an unforgettable experience. This area, bound by Landmannalaugar, Hrafntinnusker (Obsidian Skerry), Lake Alftavatn (The Lake of the Whooper Swans) and the river Sydri-Emstrua in Fremri-Botnar offers mountains in almost every colour of the rainbow, great glaciers, roaring hot springs, winding rivers, extensive lakes and the profuse vegetation that makes one think that Iceland and Greenland should swap names.
Although you can sometimes find other people on the Laugavegurinn trail, it’s always possible to find a peaceful spot. Whether you prefer to hike for days over distance or drive and take a short hike, there are endless wild camping possibilities, especially if you first consult with a guide who knows the area really well.
the route to Pingvellir at dawn
Highlights include the verdant green around the hot spring Stórihver, a breathtaking view of colourful rhyolite mountains from Háskerðingur, dark palagonite mountains on the steep trail towards Jökultungur, the peaceful river banks of Grashagakvísl, the Markarfljótsgljúfur” canyon, Thorsmork birch woodand and the ridge Brattháls that leads to Hvanngil ravine.
Kristján Vilhelmsson of Iceland Holidays says; “It doesn’t really matter where you are in Iceland when the days are so long. It’s just great to have all that daylight after the long dark winter. However, if I had to choose one place (which is hard) I would probably go for Langisjor. The scenery is unbelievable and it’s possible to hike up to the top of Sveinstindur Mountain which gives you a fantastic view in good weather.”
Or Try
- The Praries of Southern Manitoba in Canada where you can get right off the beaten track
- Athenree, Waikato in New Zealand for great camping, hot springs and sea
- Playa Famara in Lanzarote, Canary Islands for accessible windswept beauty and great surfing too
- The coast of Playa del Diablo, Uruguay for a different kind of coastal experience; wilderness and civilisation, both within easy reach
The next of the series is Bivouacking Biggies
