Silent Hiking & Camping at Iceland's Active Volcano

► GEAR (affiliate links)

► ABOUT THIS HIKE
In July 2023 I spent 5 days hiking over 110km on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. The southern most peninsula of Iceland is right below Reykjavik and is currently volcanically the most active area of Iceland. I started at the lake Kleifarvatn at the Seltún geothermal area. I climbed over the mountains to Djúpavatn lake via Arnavatn lake. I explored Sogin and Grænadyngja and Trolladyngja, young volanic fissures with geothermal sites and beautiful vibrant colors. I then descended down towards the old lava fields near the Kellir crater towards the 2023 Litli-Hrutur Volcano eruption site. I camped at a safe distance that night as I watched the volcano shoot out lava. I visited the lava flow up close and neighboring volcanic peak of Litli-Hrutur.
The next day I followed the beautiful scenic route south through the Geldingadalir Valley around the Fagradalsfjall Volcano that erupted in 2022 and 2021. I got back to Kleifarvatn lake via the old Ogmundarhraun lava fields dating back to 1151AD. I hiked to the other side of the lake where I spent the night on the beach. The next day I hiked over the eastern ridge of the lake and got a ride to the small town of Grindavík in the afternoon. I explored the southwestern tip of the peninsula where I visited the old craters of Stampar and camped between the sand dunes of Sandvík beach. Lastly I the colorful Gunnuhver hot spring and famous Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is fed by hot water from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant that also supplies all of the communities of the Reykjanes Area with hot water for house heating and other purpose.

This is an ambient film without dialog.

► TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Aerial Intro
1:31 Day 1 - Seltún, Grænadyngja and Trolladyngja
3:45 The volcano
7:29 Walking to the lava flow
9:54 Day 2 - Fagradalsfjall volcano, Grindavík
12:55 Kleifarvatn lake
14:17 Day 3
17:06 Sandvík beach
18:54 Day 4 - Gunnuhver Hot Springs
20:21 The Blue Lagoon
20:50 Outro with photos

#hiking #solocamping #iceland #reykjanes #volcano #LitliHrútur

[TessLowe]

One does not simply walk into Mordor… unless one is Harmen Hoek.

[Sparker]

Possibly one of the most beautiful videos I’ve ever seen. The music score, the landscapes and cinematography, just breathtaking. Please never stop what you’re doing.

[michaelwood]

To set up camp beside an active volcano had to be a most unbelievable experience. I have never seen this portion of Iceland. It is magnificent and otherworldly. Another brilliant film my friend! You bring it like few others are able and I am grateful. ❤

[earthflash]

Your exquisite photography is the finest in the world. You are extremely gifted.
Thank you.

[johnogden]

True insanity that you don't have more subscribers- the cinematography and sound design in your videos is so absurdly good. Keep it up

[ihackstv]

This is a piece of volcanic art. Please never stop making these videos, your hikes are alway incredible to watch. As someone who has lived in the city all my life, I never get to be in naturescapes like this, and I truly felt dreamy seeing these videos and beauty of the earth. Thanks Harmen!

[relaxingtravel-LosAngeles]

rewatching this.. deserves more views and minutes.

[morakanemorakane]

Not many people allow nature to tell its own story….you are a phenomenal storyteller who uses no words in telling a story. Your work is amazing. 🫡

[laseourable]

Harmen, you choice of music score - is just brilliant. Thank you for inviting us to your journeys. Be safe!!

[Vinemaple]

Harmen, your films always deliver a well-balanced combination of the intensity, power, raw beauty of nature and the feelings of calm, serenity and peace only to be found through encounters with nature.

The hiking locations you choose, the filming angles, the drone shots, the soundtrack, and how you magically blend them together into these breathtaking footages one after another. You have truly taken the hiking films genre to another level, the quality of your content is just unparalleled!

I'm so grateful and blessed to have found your channel and to be taken along on these incredible journeys with you. you are a huge inspiration to someone like me who have yet had the chance to set feet in these stunning landscapes, I can't express my appreciation for you and your work enough. Thank you so much! 🙏❤❤

[Sae]

This is the best and most sophisticated trekking video I have seen so far... Congratulations!👏

[alldialzonme]

The amount of variety and framing you achieve solo is crazy. You make those automated drone shots look easy. Not to mention the care and time you put into making a solo production look like it was filmed by a crew of cameramen.

[garrypaton]

I have now watched several of your movies. I am speechless. Totally. I realise the amount of hard work and attention to detail that is required. This, as well as other movies on your channel, isn't simply a 'youtube'; it is visual art. You deserve recognition. Well done.

[R-Dub_]

Your videos are next level, I'm captivated by them, thank you for effort this clearly takes you

[paulmeyer]

Harmen, your great interest in nature, your great choices in hiking venues and your great artistic videography skills are uniquely superior...thanks for exposing us to the beatiful volcanic wonderland of Iceland👌🏻

[jatFIVEFOURAA]

You've outdone yourself this time. Truly amazing

[limseikliy]

Can feel your passion in doing this & love every single angle that we could see from your lens. Such an art without any affectation. Keep it up!

[Donny]

Thanks for the amazing videos Harmen. I’m living my best life through your videos. I will give everything to do what you do. God bless you and keep you safe🙏🏽

[aidafarinaismail]

This is beautiful, and magnificently therapeutic. Makes everything else, our worries seem so small in comparison, everytime I watch your videos. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[fummag]

My man, i was there this summer, i saw these things, nature and its power, loneliness and beauty and it was a completely surreal experience for us to be so close to the "colder" lava (1-2 meters) and its crackling sound, like glass breaking every second. A good friend, my brother and I hiked in the same terrain, the same places, the same landscapes then you. Your video with this music, these shots.... You just made me cry.

Thank You so much !