Álftavatn
Álftavatn is a remote glacial lake in the Icelandic highlands, nestled among vivid rhyolite mountains streaked in rust, ochre, and green, with reflections of the surrounding peaks doubling the drama when the water is calm. The lake sits along the Laugavegur trekking route, so most visitors arrive on foot, which means you will have time to explore the shoreline and find your ideal frame. Early morning offers the best conditions, with low-angle light warming the colored hillsides and mist occasionally hovering over the water. Try shooting from the lakeshore with the mountains as a backdrop, using the water as a foreground element; a wide angle lens in the 16-24mm range captures the full sense of scale. The hut area provides a useful vantage point looking south across the lake toward Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Come prepared for rapidly changing weather, as overcast skies can add moody drama to the already striking palette. (Fjallabaksleið Syðri, Iceland)
