Warning issued to hikers on Laugavegur trail in South Iceland

Hikers on the Laugavegur trail are asked to show extra care around the Bláfjallakvísl glacial river and are advised not to attempt to cross the river, according to a warning issued by the Icelandic Met Office.

According to local reports, the level of the Bláfjallakvísl glacial river is unusually high. Bláfjallakvísl originates from the northern side of Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

The Laugavegur trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk in South Iceland is one of the most popular hiking trails in Iceland. Typically hiked in three or four days, the 55 km long trail is also the path of the ever popular Laugavegur Ultra Marathon that takes place in August every year.

Water-level and electrical conductivity measurements at the bridge over Múlakvísl, one the south side of Mývatnsjökull, showed increased drainage of geothermal meltwater from Mýrdalsjökull. Sulfur smell has been reported from the area related to this drainage.