Icelanders have always been keen mountain climbers; they have even written poems about climbing mountains, falling, scraping, and cutting themselves – but always getting to the top. Still, there is at least one mountain in Iceland you simply can't climb: Eystrahorn in the southeast part of East Iceland. It is a mere 756 m, but made up of gabbro and granophyre and extremely steep; landslides are almost a constant, so much so that even the great Sysiphus wouldn't even be able to get started.
Unusual materials that give Eystrahorn a wonderful color
Still, Eystrahorn is impressive to look at. During the ages, precious minerals, such as gold, silver, and mercury, have been found there. Much to the Icelander's dismay, only in small quantities, so don't even take out your teaspoon to embark on a quest to get rich quickly. Those minerals give Eystrahorn a wonderful color, emphasized by the black, sandy beach running all the way to its sister mountain, Vestrahorn.
The whole surrounding is a feast for the eye and photographers
The area between the mountains Vestrahorn and Eystrahorn is called "Lón," meaning lagoon, and sports an incredibly varied birdlife. It is the first stop after a very long flight for millions of migratory birds. It is usually packed with birdlife and quite an impressive stop. When you pass the slopes at Eystrahorn on the Ring Road heading further east, an even more impressive sight opens up. It is fully worthed to stop and view the cliffs by the shore. There are at least three stops where you can take your time and view the magnificent cliffs that are constantly being battered by the Atlantic Ocean.
If you're planning to tour Iceland in a rental car, make sure to read this article about the type of car that would be best for your trip.
Comments