Tourists' indifference to off-road driving laws angers Icelandic guide

Two foreign tourists were apprehended by a tour guide for driving off-road near Katla, Iceland, an activity that has become a recurring issue. Margrét Herborg Nikulásdóttir, a tour guide, encountered the men driving two jeeps off the designated track, with one vehicle becoming stuck in a hole. Nikulásdóttir, who was returning from an ice cave tour with her passengers, felt compelled to stop and check on the individuals.

When Nikulásdóttir politely informed the men that off-road driving is illegal in Iceland, she reported that they seemed indifferent. One of the men simply shrugged and admitted to making a mistake. She took photos of the vehicles and informed them she would contact the police. Nikulásdóttir noted that such holes can be dangerous, and the men clearly had not familiarized themselves with the terrain.

Nikulásdóttir expressed strong frustration with the perceived lack of consequences for tourists who engage in illegal off-road driving. She highlighted that even tour guides face severe repercussions if caught, and companies operating in the area require special permits from landowners. "These are just men who don't care what they are doing, because unfortunately, there are never any consequences here in Iceland," she stated.

She encountered the same individuals the following day while heading towards Þórsmörk, though she did not observe any further off-road tracks. Nikulásdóttir stressed the fragility of Iceland's environment, particularly its delicate moss, which takes a long time to grow. She urged against tolerating such behavior, emphasizing the deep respect Icelanders have for nature and the anger felt when this is disregarded by visitors.

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