Possible dangers of the ever-changing Icelandic nature
Police officer Reynisson wants more signs that warn of possible danger. Photo: Iceland Monitor / Sigurður Bogi Sævarsson
“Conditions by glaciers and beaches can change day to day and somebody has to react to this. Signs with information and increased education of tourists so they understand the possible danger is something that has been effective,” says Víðir Reynisson with the police of South Iceland.
One of these ever changing places is Sólheimajökull glacier that hundreds of tourists visit every day. There is a parking lot a few hundred meters from the glacier and from there people can walk to and on the glacier. According to Reynisson this is perfectly safe with the right equipment and/or a guide.
The glacier is perfectly safe with the right equipment and/or a guide. Photo: Iceland Monitor
Those who dismiss warning sings the main concern
“Our main concern are those who travel alone and wander away from the track, those who dismiss the warning signs. We have reports on minor accidents, though others more serious have happened.” Reynisson refers to an accident that happened last July, where a tourist walking above the track of Sólheimajökull fell a few dozen meters and was seriously injured. Another accident happened in 2011 when a Swedish tourist fell down a crack in the glacier and lost his life to hypothermia.
Glacier tours to become challenging in the future
According to Benedikts Bragasonar, who runs Arcanum travel company, Sólheimajökull glacier changes quickly. „I have lived in the area for 20 years, and since then the glacier has drawn back around 1 kilometre. In the future I believe glacier tours will become challenging. There is always the risk of a collapse in the ice and as the glacier melts, pits form on and around the glacier.”
The waves in Reynisfjara are strong and can catch up if people get to close. Rax / Ragnar Axelsson
Not the same risk in summer and winter
Sometimes these problems solve themselves, at least for a while says Reynisson. The risk at Reynisfjara [by Vík in Mýrdalur] is not the same now as it was last winter when a tourist got caught in a wave which took him to sea. “In winter the surf is powerful and removes much of the sand of beach. In summer the waves are not as strong so the beach fills up with sand and reaches 70-100m further out.” Reynisson adds that due to the ever-changing circumstances the area needs to be monitored in terms of risk of accidents. The same goes for other popular places in South Iceland, like Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón.
