Stunning Imagery: Iceland's Awe-Inspiring Uplands
In the heart of Iceland, lies a vast, unpopulated expanse of black deserts, mountains, canyons, and glaciers - the Icelandic highlands. This untouched wilderness, covering approximately 400-500 square kilometers, is a haven for those seeking solitude and raw, natural beauty.
Renowned Morgunblaðið photographer, Ragnar Axelsson, has captured the dramatic beauty of this remote region through his black-and-white photographs. His work emphasises the stark, powerful beauty of the landscapes and their rugged inhabitants.
One such location that Axelsson's lens has graced is Langisjór, a place where the Jokulsá á Fljótsdal glacial river is pictured in all its icy glory. The dam at Eyjabakkar, a new addition to the highlands, also finds its place in Axelsson's portfolio.
Öræfi in East Iceland and the Dimmugljúfur canyon are other locations that Axelsson has immortalised through his art. His photographs often depict the volcanic craters, lava fields, and the ethereal, sometimes desolate nature of these places, bringing attention to their extraordinary visual and emotional impact.
The Icelandic highlands are home to unique wildlife as well. Reindeer can be found roaming the East Highlands, as depicted in one of Axelsson's photographs.
Apart from the highlands, the Glacier Lagoon and Þórsmörk National Park are other popular tourist attractions in Iceland. However, these lie more broadly in the Icelandic wilderness and are slightly outside the classic highlands area.
The top tourist attractions within the highlands include Landmannalaugar, Askja, and Kerlingarfjöll. Landmannalaugar is especially famous for its multicolored rhyolite mountains, extensive lava fields, and natural hot springs, offering excellent hiking and soaking opportunities. Askja is noted as the heart of volcanic wilderness, with vast craters and rugged terrain that appeal to adventurous travellers.
In summary, for the Icelandic highlands, Landmannalaugar, Askja, and Kerlingarfjöll form the core of what tourists seek out, and Ragnar Axelsson's photography richly documents the dramatic natural environments and unique cultural moments of these places, often focusing on their raw geological and human elements.
While specific Ragnar Axelsson photographs and their exact locations may not always be easily found, his portfolio is widely recognized for capturing Iceland’s stark wilderness, making his work a significant reference point for appreciating the highlands' visual and emotional landscape.
As the mountain roads in the Icelandic highlands open in June or early July and close in September, it's a seasonal journey worth embarking on for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in one of Europe's most unpopulated areas.
News about the Icelandic highlands often features the stunning black-and-white photography of renowned Morgunblaðið photographer Ragnar Axelsson, who immortalizes the rugged landscapes and unique wildlife of this remote region. His work offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of those who live in this unpopulated expanse, showcasing the raw, natural beauty that attracts adventure-seeking travelers.
