Park Rangers in Vatnajökull National Park worry that the delicate plantlife, and beautifully desolate landscapes, of the desolate volcanic sands of Skeiðarársandur, in SE Iceland are under growing threat from off-road driving. The park lacks both the resources or the jurisdiction to protect the sands along most of the Ring Road across Skeiðarársandur.
The case of foreign travelers who will be charged with criminal off-road driving after camping in the middle of the wilderness, far off-road, is only the latest example of a growing problem.
Read more: Don't do this: Campers learn hard way ALL off-road driving is illegal
Off-roading a growing problem
The Ring Road between the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Jökulsárlón lagoon runs across a vast glacial outwash plain which varies from desert to delicate vegetation. While it looks very harmless to drive on the barren sand, any tracks left will have to be repaired by hand, and take years to disappear. The tracks leave the landscape badly marred and are ugly. All off-road driving on the sand is therefore banned.
Unfortunately this does not stop travelers from taking spins on the sands, leaving ugly marks in their wake. A local guide documented some of the marks left by off-roading adventurers on the sand. (see photos above). Skeiðarársandur is being turned into a playground for off-roading travelers who make a game out of tearing up the delicate vegetation, also moss, he commented.
Icelanders view the needless destruction as criminal disrespect of nature.
A Park Ranger in Vatnajökull National Park, which covers part of Skeiðarársandur, told the National Broadcasting Service RÚV that the park simply didn't have the staff or resources to repair the damage.
Reminder: ALL off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. There are no exceptions to this rule. Camping in camper vans or RVs is only allowed on designated camping spots. There is a zero tolerance policy on this law as several travelers have already experienced this summer.
Read more: One of the French off-roaders unhappy about paying small fine for his destructive driving
Read more: Photos: Local 4×4 club does its best to repair damages caused by French off-roaders
Park Rangers in Vatnajökull National Park worry that the delicate plantlife, and beautifully desolate landscapes, of the desolate volcanic sands of Skeiðarársandur, in SE Iceland are under growing threat from off-road driving. The park lacks both the resources or the jurisdiction to protect the sands along most of the Ring Road across Skeiðarársandur.
The case of foreign travelers who will be charged with criminal off-road driving after camping in the middle of the wilderness, far off-road, is only the latest example of a growing problem.
Read more: Don't do this: Campers learn hard way ALL off-road driving is illegal
Off-roading a growing problem
The Ring Road between the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Jökulsárlón lagoon runs across a vast glacial outwash plain which varies from desert to delicate vegetation. While it looks very harmless to drive on the barren sand, any tracks left will have to be repaired by hand, and take years to disappear. The tracks leave the landscape badly marred and are ugly. All off-road driving on the sand is therefore banned.
Unfortunately this does not stop travelers from taking spins on the sands, leaving ugly marks in their wake. A local guide documented some of the marks left by off-roading adventurers on the sand. (see photos above). Skeiðarársandur is being turned into a playground for off-roading travelers who make a game out of tearing up the delicate vegetation, also moss, he commented.
Icelanders view the needless destruction as criminal disrespect of nature.
A Park Ranger in Vatnajökull National Park, which covers part of Skeiðarársandur, told the National Broadcasting Service RÚV that the park simply didn't have the staff or resources to repair the damage.
Reminder: ALL off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. There are no exceptions to this rule. Camping in camper vans or RVs is only allowed on designated camping spots. There is a zero tolerance policy on this law as several travelers have already experienced this summer.
Read more: One of the French off-roaders unhappy about paying small fine for his destructive driving
Read more: Photos: Local 4×4 club does its best to repair damages caused by French off-roaders
