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Subjects :Mælifell is a 791-meter-high volcano that stands out in a desert of black sands. It was once hidden under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the third largest glacier in the country, but about 10000 years ago it was exposed when the glacier retreated at the end of the last ice age. The volcano remains close to this ice sheet, just to the north. As such, it is surrounded by volcanic landscapes and many pristine glacial rivers. It is particularly renowned for its vivid green coloration in summer, which contrasts sharply with the black sands that surround it. The name Mælifell means "measuring hill"; Nine other mountains in the country share this name, as they were used as navigation points by ancient Icelanders. The "green mountain" and the harsh and volcanic environment in which it is inserted are the main subjects of this place.
Recommended equipment :From wide-angle to telephoto, to have different shots of the volcano immersed in the wasteland of black ash. But it is the drone that is the real "game changer" to photograph this place: rising high you discover the wonderful network of rivulets into which the glacial river that surrounds Maelifell divides, which contrast with the black of the volcanic ash of the land as if they were silver threads. The view from above is spectacular and you can frame Maelifell from different angles.
Best months :It is only possible to visit Maelifell in summer, which is the only period when the roads are open. The roads to Maelifell are usually opened in early July and become impassable around mid-September due to snow, and attempting to cross them is extremely dangerous for both travellers and rescuers: you can only reach Maelifell if the road is marked in green or dotted green (on www.road.is).
How to get there :First of all, it is NOT EASY to get to Maelifell. Maelifell is tucked away deep in Iceland's southern highlands. To reach it, you have to drive the difficult roads of the highlands, also called F roads. It is not a beginner's trip: you have to drive a large 4-wheel drive car and you have to cross unpredictable rivers. There are three ways to reach Maelifell:1) From the west: the most scenic route2) From the south: the easiest route3) From the east: route with the largest river crossingYou can reach Maelifell from the west via the F210 road alone or via the F261 and F210 roads; Both of these roads are incredibly scenic and rugged mountain roads that require medium-sized river crossings. The easiest road from the south is the F232 – it's the least bumpy road and there's only one medium-sized river crossing, or rather, a waterfall crossing! There are huge stones at the bottom of the river and the crossing is very bumpy. The last option is to take the F210 from the east. The eastern F210 is not difficult, but there is a major obstacle on the way: the great river crossing Holmsa.Il my advice is to join the organized tour of a local agency that will take you there safely on a superjeep modified for these rough terrains. Damaging your rental car can be a very expensive experience in Iceland!
Visits :There are no tickets or tolls: admission is free. It is located between the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve (southwest) and Fjallabak Nature Reserve (north).
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