If you were dropped just twenty minutes beyond the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, the landscape at Heiðmörk Nature Reserve would fool you into thinking you were on Mars.
The Rauðhólar, or red hills, are 5,200 year old pseudocraters which were created when lava flows on top of swamps making the water boil into steam, that explodes!
The deep vibrant maroon coloration is caused by the oxidation of iron mineral in the lava.
Elliðaárhraun lava fields where the red hills are found used to be much larger, once there were 80 of these magnificent pseudocraters.
During World War II the gravel like material of the area was used to construct roads and other such projects.
Though the red hills are certainly the major highlight, there are dozens of miles of trail to explore within the reserve.
Over four million trees have been planted in the park since 1950, it is how the name Heiðmörk came to be – derived from a deeply forested namesake in Norway.
Walking in the woods is lovely, but admiring the marvelously mossy vegetation on the lava formations is even more so.
In some areas it looks like it is just starting its journey to take over,
while in others it has already blanketed the scenery.
Walking along the gravel roads uncovers an abandoned boat, not far from the water.
Wildflowers pop in autumn and are a charming distraction when looking for some of the 60 species of birds spotted in the area. Birders should head to Elliðavatn Lake, it is the source of Reykjavík’s drinking water and home to a great array of waterfowl.
Many loons were sounding their infamous call and fluttering about around the water.
From the hills, to the forest, and the lake – it is such an incredible place to wander and very much unknown to tourists.