The Rauðinupur Hiking Trail
The Melrakasletta peninsula in the far north-east is indeed one of the least visited regions in Iceland. This remote peninsula is 2 hours from Myvatn and 2 hours from Husavik, a wild place near the arctic circle with only Road 85 coming in or out.
Raudinupur: A remote cape
Cape Rauðinupur is, as the name suggests, located at the tip of the peninsula, making it one of the northernmost points in the country.
Travelers often choose the Eastern Fjords after Myvatn, maybe following up with via Dettifoss and the Jökulsárgljúfur Park, and don't bother visiting this peninsula, but they are missing out.
It takes about an hour to go from Asbyrgi to Cape Rauðinupur via Road 85. The dirt road is in quite good condition and accessible to a normal city car.
When you yet to the far north of the peninsula, Rauðinupur is not really indicated, instead look for signs to Nupskatla. From here, 7 to 8 km along a small dirt road will get you to the old farm where the hiking train departs from.
The place is quite deserted, in fact you'll probably be the only people there, not a sound except the calls of the Arctic terns flying overhead. It's an easygoing hiking trail, with an elevation of about 50 meters. There is one short passage where you will be crossing over boulders along the water edge, but otherwise the hike is very relaxed.
You only need 1H 15 to hike the return trip to the famous Karl Rock with its many local birds.
Bird-watchers really appreciate this area, home to countless noisy Arctic terns, gassins, cormorants, puffins, collards and various murres. It is one of the few places in Iceland where you can observe a colony of gansers in the wild.
June or July are the best months for bird watching, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
To get to the red and black rocks, take the path to the right of the farm. After the gate, you can't miss the huge rocky peaks rising from the sea.
Just head in that direction and you can't get lost! The trail is clearly visible and heads straight to the orange lighthouse with its stunning view of the Greenland Sea. There are few places that feel so much like the edge of the world, and in this case it's pretty much a reality! Alone in the middle of nature and in silence except for the waves, the wind, and the birds. The shores of this hostile coastline are awash with Siberian lumber that becomes flotsam and jetsam on the beach.
The hike out to the lighthouse will take 45 minutes, including 20 minutes to navigate the boulders, so the trip back can be done in about 30 minutes.
For better photos consider bringing a telephoto lens!
