Atlantica - 01.05.2002, Qupperneq 39

Iceland offers the traveller an adventure
in a spectacular landscape of stunning
natural beauty. However, it can also be a
harsh and inhospitable environment. It is
essential to be cautious and well pre-
pared when travelling in the countryside,
and not to take anything for granted. ICE-
SAR (The Icelandic Association for Search
and Rescue) welcomes you, wishing you
a pleasant and safe journey.
PREPARATION
Nature can be wild or even dangerous in
Iceland, especially for those who are
unaware of the conditions or are not
accustomed to travelling in uninhabited
areas. You can help prevent accidents and
ensure that you have a pleasant visit by
being well prepared for each trip. Read
about conditions in the area you will be
visiting and talk to people with local
knowledge. Choose your clothing and
footwear with care. Note that equipment
suitable for trips in other countries may
not be suitable for Icelandic conditions.
WEATHER
Iceland’s weather is rather changeable.
Fine weather can quickly turn into quite
threatening weather — something to keep
in mind at all times, especially if you are
travelling in the Highlands. The tempera-
ture can fall below the freezing point even
during summer, especially at night, and
drops on average by 0.6°C (1°F) for each
100 metres (330 ft) of elevation.
DRIVING
Road conditions vary considerably in
Iceland. There are many narrow, steep
gravel tracks with potholes and sharp
bends, even though the main road around
Iceland (known as “the Ring Road” or
Route 1) is mostly paved. Some of these
“roadways” are only suitable for four-
wheel-drive vehicles and are marked as
such on maps. Because it can be difficult
to control vehicles on gravel roads, slow
down when approaching other vehicles,
as well as when the surface changes from
paved to gravel. Blind summits are com-
mon. Slow down and keep to the right-
hand side of the road. Many bridges are
only wide enough for one vehicle at a
time, so approach carefully. The speed
limit is generally 90 kilometres per hour
(55 mph) on paved roads and 80 km/h (50
mph) on gravel roads. It is important to
adjust your speed according to the cir-
cumstances. Domestic animals are often
on country roads and they can jump in
front of vehicles with little or no warning.
Always drive with your lights on, even in
daylight. Use seat belts at all times; they
save lives. Drinking and driving never mix
— and penalties for it are severe in
Iceland.
GLACIAL RIVERS AND FORDS
Away from the main roads there are many
unbridged rivers. Ford rivers only in four-
wheel-drive vehicles. When crossing
glacial rivers, bear in mind that the situa-
tion can change quickly. There is general-
ly less water in glacial rivers early in the
day. Many accidents occur because a
river was misjudged. Seek advice from
experienced drivers before crossing
glacial rivers and watch how and where
they cross over.
CYCLING TRIPS
It is not always easy to be a cyclist in
Iceland. Make sure you are easily visible,
use a helmet and watch out for stones
thrown up by passing traffic.
GEOTHERMAL AREAS
You will find hot springs in many areas in
Iceland. Follow all available instructions
when visiting them. The temperature of
the water or mud can be above the boiling
point. Don’t try checking the water tem-
perature with your fingers. And be sure to
stay on designated paths because there is
often a thin crust close to hot springs
which can break through and cause burns
if stepped upon.
WALKING AND MOUNTAINEERING
Choose your route carefully and let some-
one know your plans. Marked footpaths
are a safe option for walkers. Be especial-
ly careful near rock faces, cliffs and river-
banks because of loose rock and the dan-
ger of rockfall and avalanches.
GLACIER TRIPS
You should not set off on a trip on to a
glacier without both experience and
knowledge of the special equipment
required. Organised trips with experi-
enced guides are the safest option.
TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS
The emergency telephone number in
Iceland is 112. Remember that GSM
mobile phone signals are usually not good
outside residential areas.
Visitors who will be travelling alone in
wilderness areas can make use of the
tourist notification service operated by
ICE-SAR on telephone 570-5900.
Tourist Safety in Iceland
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