One of the best ways to understand the effects of climate change is not through a book or Web site, but by actually visiting a glacier yourself. Not interested in climbing Iceland’s Everest? There are still plenty of softer alternatives to your next adventure trip. Vatnajokull Travel provides incredible guided adventure tours across breathtaking Icelandic glaciers in the summer months. What could be more spectacular than glacier hiking across Europe’s largest glacier, followed by ATV racing across Iceland’s black sand beaches?
The “Blue Ice and Black Sand” day trip begins in Hofn, a little fishing village located by the Vatnajokull glacier, where adventure seekers get to experience the glacier lagoon, Jokulsarlon, by boat. An expert driver guides visitors in between giant icebergs to experience the mythical lake up close.
Other exciting tours offered by Vatnajokull travel during the summer months include: Super Jeep glacier treks, skidoo rides and various glacier hikes. (For more information regarding guided adventure tours and glacier hiking visit: www.vatnajokull.is).
Caring about our planet, the environment and climate change caused by pollution comes naturally to us Icelanders. Apparel company 66ºNorth has joined forces with the Iceland Mountain Guides to run the successful “Reach the Top with 66º North” program. Over the years, several hundred people have climbed the highest peak (6,920-feet) in Iceland, located on Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. In addition to the sheer adventure, the trip serves as a forum to educate climbers on the issue of global warming and its effect on Iceland’s glaciers. Training begins in February and climbs are in late May and early June. (
They come right to your hotel in super big trucks capable of navigating remote corners of Langjokull, Snaefellsjokull and other Icelandic glaciers not for from Reykjavik. When you get there, off you go on snowmobiles, with guides leading the way. Snowmobile excursions are arranged by experienced agents who also provide all the warm gear needed.
