Travelers encounter fewer problems in the highlands

The vast Icelandic highlands are experiencing a surge in visitor numbers, a trend that park rangers observe is intensifying as the summer season unfolds. Gunnar Njálsson, a seasoned park ranger, notes the growing traffic in areas like Hólaskóli on Skaftártunguafrétti, a popular stop for those traversing the northern Fjallabaksleið route. This region, encompassing sites such as Eldgjá and Langisjór, is known for its remote and sometimes challenging terrain, which historically has required significant planning for visitors.

Gunnar, who is approaching his seventies and has a background as a fisherman before transitioning to highland work in 2004, has witnessed the evolution of tourism firsthand. He previously served as a cabin warden for the Iceland Touring Association in Nýjadal on the Sprengisandsleið route and at shelters along the Laugavegur trail. His decades of experience provide a unique perspective on the changing landscape of highland travel.

Despite the increasing number of visitors, Gunnar observes a positive shift in traveler preparedness. He indicates that tourists are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the land and its conditions. This enhanced awareness is crucial for navigating the remote and often demanding environments of the Icelandic interior, suggesting that while more people are venturing into these areas, they are doing so with better information and a greater understanding of the challenges involved. This trend appears to be contributing to fewer incidents or difficulties for travelers in these remote locations.

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The traffic here in the highlands is increasing every day and the further into summer we get.