Iceland Search and Rescue urges travellers in the highlands to show the outmost caution, prepare well and carry the correct equipment. There is much more snow in the highlands than usual at this time of year, and the snow is very wet, making it heavy to hike in.
Laugavegur hiking trail remains difficult: up to 2-3 meters of snow
One of the most popular hiking trails in the highlands, the Laugavegur hiking trail, has been opened to traffic, but conditions remain difficult. Much of the trail, which is located in the southern highlands connecting the nature reserves Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, is still under snow. According to an travel alert on the web page of Iceland Search and Rescue hikers can expect thick snow between Álftavatn lake and Landmannalaugar. The snow is up to 2-3 meters deep:
They do get up to 20 hours of thick fog in this pass which, with the snow, makes it very difficult to find your way. Around Hrafntinnusker the snow is very wet so those who have not reserved a bed in the hut must keep walking all the way to Álftavatn in very wet and heavy snow. This requires a great deal of energy and stamina! GPS or compass, good equipment and experience is essential!
The southern leg of the trail is also difficult, due to the melting snow which makes river crossings challenging. The only part of the path which is easily passable is the very southernmost leg, between Emstrur and Þórsmörk.
Many highland roads still closed to all traffic
Due to heavy snow cover large areas of the highlands are still closed to traffic. Kjölur Road is open, the roads to Landmannalaugar have been opened, as are the roads to the highland center at Hólaskjól, in Southern Iceland, Kverkfjöll as well as the Dreki lodge in the Dyngjufjöll mountains, north of Vatnajökull glacier. However, the road between the nature reserve in Landmannalaugar and the highland center in Hólaskjól are still closed.
Other highland roads are closed and are in general covered with snow.
Prepare your travel well
Even when conditions are good travel in the highlands is challenging and is not recommended to unexperienced or poorly equipped travellers. Due to the unusual conditions this year, the late spring and heavy snows, anyone planning to drive or hike in the highlands is adviced to prepare well.
Iceland Search and Rescue maintains an information page where you can find information on how to travel safely, with tips on hiking and driving, how to plan your trip and what equipment you need.
Be sure to check the web page of the Icelandic Road Administration for information on the conditions of mountain roads, which roads are open and what areas remain closed to all motorized traffic.
Iceland Search and Rescue urges travellers in the highlands to show the outmost caution, prepare well and carry the correct equipment. There is much more snow in the highlands than usual at this time of year, and the snow is very wet, making it heavy to hike in.
Laugavegur hiking trail remains difficult: up to 2-3 meters of snow
One of the most popular hiking trails in the highlands, the Laugavegur hiking trail, has been opened to traffic, but conditions remain difficult. Much of the trail, which is located in the southern highlands connecting the nature reserves Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, is still under snow. According to an travel alert on the web page of Iceland Search and Rescue hikers can expect thick snow between Álftavatn lake and Landmannalaugar. The snow is up to 2-3 meters deep:
They do get up to 20 hours of thick fog in this pass which, with the snow, makes it very difficult to find your way. Around Hrafntinnusker the snow is very wet so those who have not reserved a bed in the hut must keep walking all the way to Álftavatn in very wet and heavy snow. This requires a great deal of energy and stamina! GPS or compass, good equipment and experience is essential!
The southern leg of the trail is also difficult, due to the melting snow which makes river crossings challenging. The only part of the path which is easily passable is the very southernmost leg, between Emstrur and Þórsmörk.
Many highland roads still closed to all traffic
Due to heavy snow cover large areas of the highlands are still closed to traffic. Kjölur Road is open, the roads to Landmannalaugar have been opened, as are the roads to the highland center at Hólaskjól, in Southern Iceland, Kverkfjöll as well as the Dreki lodge in the Dyngjufjöll mountains, north of Vatnajökull glacier. However, the road between the nature reserve in Landmannalaugar and the highland center in Hólaskjól are still closed.
Other highland roads are closed and are in general covered with snow.
Prepare your travel well
Even when conditions are good travel in the highlands is challenging and is not recommended to unexperienced or poorly equipped travellers. Due to the unusual conditions this year, the late spring and heavy snows, anyone planning to drive or hike in the highlands is adviced to prepare well.
Iceland Search and Rescue maintains an information page where you can find information on how to travel safely, with tips on hiking and driving, how to plan your trip and what equipment you need.
Be sure to check the web page of the Icelandic Road Administration for information on the conditions of mountain roads, which roads are open and what areas remain closed to all motorized traffic.
