Mýrdalssandur is one of several "deserts" on the south coast of Iceland: broad, uninhabited stretches of sand deposited by flooding glacial rivers.

Traditionally, these areas have been very difficult to cross because of the treacherous and changeable glacial rivers. It's not hard to see why travelers in earlier times would prefer the more rugged routes “behind” the mountains.

The photo shows red meadow grass with the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in the distance.

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