The wind blew all night and for a good part of the day. I can't imagine the situation in Hornstrandir.
It's a magnificent region, and it's understandable that Icelanders want to keep it pristine for generations to come. There are countless hiking and trekking opportunities... as long as you bring everything with you and leave nothing behind. The only signs of civilization are sometimes an isolated house in the middle of nowhere, belonging to a family or an individual who has inherited it. On a 16-km stretch between two relatively busy points, we didn't encounter anyone. At most, a couple of hikers at the start of the route. In the event of an incident, you can only count on yourself and the equipment you carry. Icelandic rescuers are very efficient, but warning them is another matter.
I think back to the story Hrolvur told us: a hiker had fallen and broken his arm after a pass. Luckily, other hikers arrived and were able to organize rescue. Iceland had only one helicopter for the entire country at the time. The man had to wait several hours, despite the presence of rescuers, because only a motorized evacuation could help him.
Despite these conditions, serious accidents remain rare. Perhaps because the harshness of the area encourages everyone to be better prepared? After five days in the reserve, I think we were relatively well equipped, but probably not sufficiently prepared for the complexity of some of the passages.
Weather-wise, you have to be prepared for anything. Wind is the most formidable enemy, followed by cold and fog, then rain. But when the sun finally appears, it instantly erases all the previous challenges. At least for a ray of light.
#Iceland #Hornstrandir #Trek #NatureIceland #Rhike #IcelandWild #TravelNotes #Inkavik
