Veiðivötn (Fish Lakes) are one of the most magnificent creations in Icelandic nature
- formed during extreme natural disasters in 1470
Located midway between the glaciers Hofsjökull and Mýrdalsjökull
- a cluster of 50 lakes on Landmannaafréttur
-  5km wide and 20 kilometers long area from south-west to north east
- created in the greatest natural disasters since the settlement (874–930)
But eruption in 870 formed some of this land here
- where the vatnaöldur fissures are now
- major explosive basaltic eruptions from up to 10 kilometers long fissure
- which laid ash all over Iceland with the only exception of the west fjords
- the eruption went on for several years but the magma exploded as it came in contact with water
The ash from the Vatnaöldur eruption is known as the Settlement Layer
- it is in two-colours and is still used today to time various events in Iceland's history
The Vatnaöldur eruption came from Bárðarbunga volcanic system
- one of the largest and most powerful volcano in Iceland
- and Bárðarbunga did it to Veiðivötn again few hundred years later
- from a fissure that was tens of kilometers long through the whole lake area
This was major explosive eruption that must have cause tremendous noice
- as the earth cracked open as eggshell from the glowing and explosive eruption
- and where the lava came in contact with water were powerful steam explosions added to the show
The Veiðivötn eruption started most likely in Bárðarbunga in the year 1477
- but the Veiðivötn fissures opened up 3 years later
no one knows for sure how long the eruption lasted or...
whether there was some pause between  different eruptions
- but we know for sure that this was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in Iceland since the settlement
- most of the lakes were formed during the Veiðivötn eruption
- and soon fish began to be noticed in the lakes
- but the lakes have also the alternative name "Fishing Lakes"
- until the 19th century
- only farmers used the lakes for centuries
but more frequent jeep travels increased the flow of tourists to the lakes
- a skilled fisherman could in the old days,  recognise a lake from the look of the trout from it
- from the colour and shape of the fish
The 1918 Katla eruption suffocated vegetation all in the area and the fishing decreased significantly
- but fishing began to increase again 5 years later
- and this region is constantly undergoing changes
- eruptions in one place affect the next
By the north-eastern edge of the lakes...
- are Hraunvötn a.k.a the lava lakes
- with craters of all sizes, makes and colours
- all possible formations, lakes, ponds and canyons
Hraunvötn offer the most beautiful formations in this whole lake region
and the beauty is staggering and even supernatural
- it's no wonder that such a world can make people crazy
