Iceland being located so close to the Arctic circle and geologically so young presents several unique hazards:

• Volcano hazards

• Weather hazards

• Falling hazards

• River crossing hazards

• Navigation hazards

Volcano Hazards:

Iceland is well known for it’s volcanoes. There are at least 30 active volcanoes on the island. If you are hiking the Laugavegur Trail beware that you are in the direct path of Katla which is predicted to blow soon. If it does, a tidal wave of 20-30 feet of glacier water and snow will come crashing down from the glaciers. While hiking we came aross several signs indicating the danger if she blows. The small town of Vik, Iceland apparently will only get a 20 minute warning to get out of the way of this danger. If you are hiking in the area, your chances of survival are slim. 

If you do go visit the currently active volcano Fagradalsfjall, be aware that along with lava danger, there are dangerous gases that are emitted. Be sure to the wind to your back and follow the directions of the SAR team on site. 

Weather Hazards:

Weather is extremely variable in Iceland. Fortuanely there are several resources you can use to get weather predictions.

Iceland Weather Service: https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/areas/

Dial Up: For up-to-date weather information, visit the Icelandic Meteorological Office website or call +354 902-0600 and press ‘1’ to hear the weather forecast in English.

Mountain Forecasts: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/countries/Iceland

Weather Surface Maps: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/maps-and-charts/surface-pressure

Iceland Road Conditions: http://www.road.is/

Webcams: http://www.road.is/travel-info/web-cams/

Falling Hazards:

If hiking, there are several hazards associated with the terrain in Iceland. First, majority of the soil is loose volcanic soil that has very little traction. We watches several people fall repeately on steep descents. Also, in abundance is volcanic rock which is extremely sharp including a section we across that included obsidian rock (see photo on the left). Falling down and slicing yourself on that rock would result in a pretty signifigant wound.

Navigation Hazards:

I have made entire blog post about navigation in Iceland. As far hazards, whiteout conditions while hiking can pose major issues. There are cairns or nylon pylons in some of the more remote stretches but even then, depending on the conditions it is possible to get turned around. At a mininum you should bring a map and compass, and ideally a GPS unit whether using your cell phone or a handheld unit.