Hiking
Hiking gets you closer to the scenery than anything else in Iceland, and exploring the countryside on foot is how many locals and visitors alike spend much of their time off. In reserves and the couple of national parks you'll find a few marked trails , and where they exist you should always stick to them in order to minimize erosion. Elsewhere you'll need to be competent at using a map and compass to navigate safely over the lava, sand, rivers and ice you'll find along the way. If you're unsure of your abilities, there are two hiking clubs to get in touch with: Ferdsafelag Islands (The Touring Club of Iceland, Morkin 6, IS-108 Reykjavik; tel 568 2533, fax 568 2535, www.fi.is ); and Utivist (Hallaveigarstigur 1, IS-101 Reykjavik; tel 561 4330, fax 561 4606, www.utivist.is ). Both run guided treks of a couple of days duration to a week or longer, and maintain various mountain huts in reserves and the Interior where you can book a bunk . Local tourist information offices can also put you in touch with guides. Whether you're planning to spend a weekend making short hikes from camp in a national park, or two weeks hiking across the Interior, come properly equipped for the likely conditions. Weather changes very fast in Iceland, and while there are plenty of sunny summer days, these will be spaced by rain, storms and the real possibility of snow on high ground or in the Interior, and you can get caught out easily even on brief excursions. Always carry warm, weatherproof clothing , food, and water (there are plenty of places in Iceland where porous soil makes finding surface water unlikely), as well as a torch, lighter, penknife, first aid kit , a foil insulation blanket and a whistle or mirror for attracting attention. The country is also carpeted in sharp rocks and rough ground, so good quality, tough hiking boots are essential - though a pair of neoprene surf boots with thick soles are useful to ford rivers. On lava, watch out for volcanic fissures , which are cracks in the ground ranging from a few inches to several metres across and which are usually very deep. These are dangerous enough when you can see them, but blanketed by snow they'll be invisible - take care not to catch your foot or fall into one. Another hazard is river crossings , which you'll have to make on various trails all over the country. Rivers levels are at their lowest first thing in the morning, and rise through the day as the sun melts the glacial ice and snow that feeds into them. When looking for a crossing point, the river will be shallowest at its widest point; before crossing, make sure that your backpack straps are loose so that if necessary you can ditch it in a hurry. Face into the current as you cross and be prepared to give up if the water gets above your thighs. Never attempt a crossing alone, and remember that some rivers have no safe fords at all if you're on foot - you'll have to hitch across in a vehicle.
ANDREAandrea cuevas says "to make better foods// and to cut diz web site
" IcelandAaliyah says "Iceland is a beautiful country! Make sure to bring all your necessities. And have fun,exploring this wonderful country!" This Has To Be!PoorStudent says "This has to be the lamest country ever!" coolioomjay im so cool says "omjay iceland is like sooooo totally awsome ya knw check it out" Icelandcrackhead says "iceland sux, go f*** yourself" ................ says ".........................................is diz tirng ern ?????????????????????????????????????......................................................................" alohaAshley says "this sounds like a good country but you need a liitle more food" alohaAshley says "this sounds like a good country but you need a liitle more food" greathorse world says "the food here is amazing, don't knock it until you try it. this is a place where you can expierence the breathtaking landscapes, the extreme outdoors, delicious foods, a distinctive culture, and many other wonders. " how rude!unknown says "This is a well recpected web sit and it is upsetting to know some of you guys are leaving rude comments. I understand that you have your opinons but if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say nothing all. Well I been to Iceland and the place is absoultly beatuiful." yUR MOM`UNkNOWN' says "AlRiTE lETSz CEE'h hERE,
i CANt EVEN BEGiN tOO' StARt WitH WHy` yEW GUySz EAt ALl tHAT NASty StUFF...MANNNN...
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Your Tip for Iceland
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