Storm all around the country with very strong winds!

Weather and conditions on the main roads: 

A storm has been ongoing since Monday all around the country with very strong winds and wind gusts as well as blowing snow. The storm is expected to last until Saturday and it has already affected travel through road closures and difficult driving conditions. Watch out for strong wind gusts near mountains. Roads are slippery and many areas have blowing snow resulting in poor visibility. Road 60 over moutnain pass after Þingeyri and on the way to waterfall Dynjandi and roads 862 and 864 to Dettifoss have been closed as well as all highlands roads are closed.

Öræfajökull Volcano:  

In the past week there have been indications of increased geothermal activity in Öræfajökull volcano with a cauldron in the top crater of the glacier deepening significantly. Although there are currently no signs that an eruption is imminent The Icelandic Meteorological Office has changed the aviation colour code to yellow. This situation does not currently have an affect on travel.  

Conditions in the highlands: 

Highland roads are now all closed/impassible for unmodified vehicles! It doesn‘t take a lot of snow to make it difficult staying on these roads! It‘s important to be properly equipped for winter – especially those heading for hikes and camping!

Conditions in popular tourist sites: 

This time of the year the conditions vary a lot on the weather. Trails are now icy in most parts of Iceland, even on lowlands so we recommend bringing minor crampons along ALWAYS, regardless of location! These essentials shouldn’t cost more than 3.000-4.000 ISK and make all the difference when exploring Icelandic sites during winter.

Reykjanes: Ice on roads and trails expected throughout the week. Strong winds on coastal roads. 

Þingvellir: Trails are icy but they are sanded. Signs indicating slippery conditions where they don’t manage to sand. The path up to the waterfall has a lot of ice – we recommend having crampons when walking on this path.

Geysir og Gullfoss: Spots of ice on the trail by Geysir even though they try to keep it slip-free. The lower trail towards Gullfoss is closed due to ice for the winter! Snow in both areas and some snow expected during the week. Strong winds in the area, expect lots of mist from the waterfall!

Hraunfossar og Deildartunguhver: Icy and snowy roads and trails – also on Grábrók (by Bifröst). 

Snæfellsjökull National Park: Spots of ice on most roads and trails! Road over Jökulháls is closed (no. 570 and 571).  

South Westfjords: Considerable amount of snow in the area including on roads and when winds are blowing or when snowing the visibility can be very limited. The road to Látrabjarg and to Rauðisandur are very difficult! Both roads to Dynjandi, Dynjandisheiði and Hrafnseyrarheiði are impassable/closed

Hvítserkur: The road to Hvítserkur is covered with snow and was temporarily closed yesterday and this morning due to the blizzard. Travel to the area is not advised at this time.

Goðafoss: Trails are icy and slippery!  

Dettifoss og Selfoss: Road 862 and 864 are currently closed so there is no access to the waterfalls. 

Hengifoss: Trail is icy with snow on top. Not recommended to visit here until after the storm. 

Reynisfjara: The beach can always be dangerous due to the unpredictability of the waves. It‘s not every wave – it‘s every 7th or 10th or 12th wave that goes a lot further up the beach than the rest making it difficult to assess danger upon arrival. There are no rocks in the ocean that break the waves and only a few meters of shore there‘s an underwater cliff so the pulling factor of these already powerful waves becomes even greater. On top of this the sand is very fine ash which makes it extra difficult to get awa from these waves.

Same applies to Djúpalónssandur in Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufjara beach but it‘s CLOSED for this reason

Skógafoss: Icy steps that get more serious with elevation gain! 

Seljalandsfoss: Possibility of risky conditions with the frost this week. Spray from the waterfall can form thick layers of ice on the steps on each side! Crampons!!  

Þórsmörk/Goðaland: Closed/impassible for those not in a modified vehicle! River levels are high and crossing is difficult; experience needed to cross! 40-60 cm of snow over everything! Húsadalur will be staffed throughout the winter but all other huts are vacant.

Vestmannaeyjar: Nothing unusual about conditions. Information on where the ferry sails to can be found on www.seatours.is (top of website)

Landmannalaugar: Roads closed/impassible for those NOT in a modified vehicle! Area is now covered with over 1 meter of snow which is very soft and walking in the area you will sink at least knee deep (even when wearing snow shoes). Hiking trails in the area are not visible and markers are under snow.

Conditions on hiking trails: 

Hiking during winter time requires proper equipment even on shorter hikes. Please study our equipment list as preparation is key for successful travel in Iceland. Winter has arrived in most areas in Iceland so we recommend having minor crampons with you at all time. 

Esjan: Must not be underestimated! Considerably colder up top than by the roots. Warm clothing is a must! Crampons highly recommended. Mountain crampons needed to go beyond Steinn as snow and ice are along that climb. 

Skaftafell: Trails are now VERY icy – crampons and hiking poles highly recommended. S4 (Kristínartindar) not recommended without a guide or proper equipment. S3 (Skaftafellsheiði) is now slippery and under some snow so crampons and gaiters recommended! Due to strong winds in the area, only S1 the shortest route is recommended at this time until weather improves. 

Reykjadalur: Ice and snow. When snowing it’s important to follow the trail as it lies among risky geothermal areas and crampons are recommended.

Ásbyrgi: Rising levels of snow as you go further into Ásbyrgi – gaiters recommended. Hidden ice in some parts. Only large jeeps can make it into this area due to snow.

Glymur: Ice on the trail and snow levels rise with elevation gain. Log over the river Botnsá has been removed so now hikers must either cross the river on foot, go up on the west side (not a good angle to see the waterfall) or take a longer hike over the old bridge along the hiking route “Leggjabrjótur”. 

Avalanche conditions: 

Those heading into the backcountry have to keep the following in mind! High danger (level 4/5) in northern Westfjords. There have already been some avalanches leading to road closures. Backcountry travel at this time is not recommended. Considerable danger (level 3/5) in Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Some slab avalanches have occured due to the strong winds. Moderate danger (level 2/5) and in the Eastfjords. Some windslabs may form during the storm