Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Weather Conditions
Never underestimate the weather. Proper clothing and equipment is essential.
Visitors need to be prepared for inclement conditions year-round. The weather can
change without warning, and it's essential for hikers to get a reliable forecast before set-
ting off - call 902 0600 (press 1 after the introduction) or visit
www.vedur.is/english
for a
forecast in English.
Emergency huts are provided in places where travellers run the risk of getting caught in
severe weather.
If you're driving in winter, carry food, water and blankets in your car.
Hire cars in winter generally have snow tyres fitted.
Geological Risks
When hiking, river crossings can be dangerous, with glacial run-off transforming trickling
streams into raging torrents on warm summer days. See (
Click here
)
for more informa-
tion on how to cross rivers safely.
High winds can create vicious sandstorms in areas where there is loose volcanic sand.
Hiking paths in coastal areas are often only accessible at low tide, so seek local advice
and obtain the relevant tide tables.
In geothermal areas, stick to boardwalks or obviously solid ground. Avoid thin crusts of
lighter-coloured soil around steaming fissures and mudpots.
Be careful of the water in hot springs and mudpots - it often emerges out of the ground
at 100°C.
In glacial areas beware of dangerous quicksand at the ends of glaciers, and never ven-
ture out onto the ice without crampons and ice axes (even then, watch out for cre-
vasses).
Snowfields may overlie fissures, sharp lava chunks or slippery slopes of scoria (volcanic
slag).
Always get local advice before hiking around live volcanoes.
Only attempt isolated hiking and glacier ascents if you know what you're doing. Talk to
locals and/or employ a guide.
It's rare to find much by way of warning signs or fences in areas where accidents can oc-
cur (large waterfalls, glacier fronts, cliff edges). Use common sense, and supervise chil-
dren well.
