Checklist for Hikers

Many tourists in Iceland travel on foot. Some shuffle off to the pool, others stroll down the Laugavegur shopping street, while others actually trek the Laugavegur hiking trail. This article has mainly to do with the serious hikers, who come here to enjoy the beauty of nature, which can also be quite treacherous.

The shorter and more local trails are left out for the most part. Tourist information centres all over the country offer brochures covering the local areas in much more detail. Many of the longer trails tempt the hikers to prolong the hike by staying an extra day in one of the many mountain huts just to explore the immediate vicinity.

In each year of the last decade quite a few serious accidents involving hikers have occurred. The unpredictable Icelandic weather often comes as a surprise, but frequently it is the hiker’s overestimation of his or her abilities or, conversely, an underestimation of the conditions, which cause trouble. All kinds of weather conditions can be expected on most highland hiking trails, and sometimes markers are hidden by snow patches.

Those, who enter ice caves always run great risks, because of cave ins.

In 1970 a few hikers died of hypothermia hiking Mt pass Fimmvorduhals. (A very popular hiking trail between Skogar and Thorsmork).

Remember: Hikers only leave their footprints and only take memories back home!

Hikers Must Registrer at Nearest Departures Points Before Highland Hiking!

Useful links:

For information on road conditions, see https://www.vegagerdin.is/en or call the Road Administration Information Line (+354) 1777

The official source for safe adventure in Iceland

Practical information before enter The Highlands

Equipment list – recommendations for a 3-4 day hiking trip in summer

Clothing:

Wind and water resistant coat
Wind and water resistant pants
Hiking pants
Fleece sweater
Long johns
Undershirts
Thin fleece sweater or other sweater for layering
Socks (2-3 pairs)
Gloves or mittens
Cap
Hiking shoes
Clothes for changing or to use after hiking
Shoes to wear while fording
Personal items
Mattress
Sleeping bag
Water bottle
Maps
Compass/GPS !!!

Shared items:

Tent
Camping gas stove (Primus) and pots
Fuel for the Primus stove
Telecommunications devices (VHF radiotelephones/satellite phones)

Various items:

Earplugs
Headlamps
Sunglasses
Goggle for dust, ash, ect.
Camera
Pocketknife
Cutlery
Plate (bowl)
First aid kit
Bandages for the heels
Sunblock (also necessary in Iceland)
Toothbrush and toiletries
WC paper
Reading material/iPod or other entertainment
Matches

A kilo of food should be planned for each day and expect that dry food will always be for dinner. More!!

The intended weight of the items in the equipment list is in the range of 15-16 kg; note that this is calculated by assuming two individuals split up the shared equipment. A backpack should not be very heavy so that it doesn’t hamper the experience of the trip. Check your backpack well so that it’s not too heavy. Don’t take anything unnecessary, but do remember to bring the important items.

Remember: Hikers only leave their footprints and only take memories back home!

More about Iceland when Travel:
Camping in Iceland
Hiking in Iceland
Swimming pools
Golf Courses
Angling in Iceland
Highlands Routes
Highland Travel Guide
Bus Schedule in Iceland
Car Rental
Tours and Travel