"My love of traveling and the outdoors comes from my mother"

Ragn­hildur­ Auður­ Mýr­dal­ is a 22-year-old­ law student ­of­ the University of Iceland and she likes nothing better than to travel.­ She­ loves adventure and has traveled a lot both in Iceland and in other countries.  She loves traveling in nature and the Icelandic Highlands are one of her favorites.

Have you always been interested in traveling and nature?

“My love of traveling and the outdoors comes from my mother. She is herself a great mountain climber and took me often with her around mountains and forests when I was younger, whether it was by foot or skiing. I have to admit that it wasn’t always my favorite thing back then, but today I am grateful to her for it.

I can’t mention the outdoors without mentioning my friends, Óðinn and Einar from the law department. They introduced me to mountain-skiing and I’ve spent the most memorable vacations away from reading the lawbooks with them up in the highlands.”

What kind of travel do you like the most?

“In my opinion, the best trips are the quick decisions. I often enjoy just planning the basics and then letting the rest surprise me, and then something fun happens.”

A favorite city in Europe?

“Berlin is probably one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s my motto and that of my mother to never visit the same city twice, but Berlin has been exempted. The city has so much to offer whether you’re looking to go on a cultural trip, go shopping, or even Christmas shopping trip, it always hits the mark.”

A favorite place in Iceland?

“When you ask a big question! My top-rated place in Iceland must be the highlands as a whole. Landmannalaugar and the surrounding area are extremely beautiful. I remember when I first came there, and I was especially impressed by the beauty of the colors.”

What's your most memorable trip?

“When I was 12 years old, I went to China for 3 weeks with girls who were adopted from there with me. We spent 3 weeks with our parents and visited the areas where we were born.

In addition, we explored the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta soldiers, and these top tourist attractions. No doubt it would stand out for most people, but what I thought was the most amazing thing about all of it was seeing the Pizza Hut in Beijing.”

What kind of outdoor activities do you do and what do you find most fun to do?

“I love any kind of outdoor activity in the mountains. Whether it’s mountain skiing in Kaldbakur in the north or just a short walk on Esja. Also, I love all kinds of play-things, such as snowmobiles and ATVs.

For example, we once stuck a disc-lift behind a snowmobile that pulled us up to Snæfellsjökull. It was admittedly rather dangerous, and even a little forbidden, but still fun. The perfect recipe for outdoors consists of high altitude, a dash of adrenaline, and a group of good friends.”

Do you have a favorite hiking trail here in Iceland?

“Last summer, a group of my friends from Versló took a very pleasant hike from Halldórsgil to Grænihryggur and down to Landmannalaugar, where we could bathe in the sun. It’s without a doubt the most fun hike I’ve ever taken and couldn’t recommend it more. It offers a diverse landscape, a lot of challenges, and unlike anything else I’ve seen before. Especially, the Uppgönguhryggur hike, which meets you mid-way, but I might not recommend it for those afraid of heights.”

Have you been to any walking trips abroad?

“I have still to explore travelling abroad on foot, but in my girlfriends’ group we have a goal of walking Kilimajaro on day or even Everest.”

What about the most memorable hiking trip in Iceland?

“The most memorable hiking trip I’ve been on is the so-called Leggangan last fall. About 120 women gathered around the highlands of Iceland to support egg-retrieval procedures and psychological treatments for people who have to deal with infertility after cancer treatment. It was a unique experience and empowering to walk in such a large group of women for an important cause.”

Do you have a favorite place to ski in Iceland?

“Kaldbakur is a favorite for mountain-skiing, and I try to go there at least once a year. There’s something really special about being able to ski down and look at the sea at the same time. And Snæfellsjökull is also unique because you can ski there well into the summer, and even in a short-sleeved T-shirt if you’re lucky!”

Have you been on any ski trips abroad?

“For the last two years, I’ve been to Madonna di Campiglio in Italy with my family. Many people like to say that the best trips are the first ones in the morning, however, I find the last few trips to be even better. It’s really fun to have the mountain in front of you just before they close. You feel like you’re a baby at Christmas.”

Do you have favorite outdoor activity clothing?

“My favorite garment is my orange jacket from 66° North. What’s so nice about it is that it’s breathable so you don’t have to take it off and put it on again and again, and then it’s an added plus that you are so visible up in the highlands.

If I had to recommend something that’s the most important thing to wear for the outdoors, it’s good hiking shoes. For me, hiking shoes have been a great motivator to hike more, and I think they’re pretty cool looking as well.”

What is the top wish list for your outdoor activities and travel?

“For travel, it would be a digital camera. I think you’re much more effective at taking fun pictures if you have a digital camera on you and it doesn’t hurt how fun they can come out.

For the outdoors, it wouldn’t be bad to own snow-flood equipment. It’s the main thing to have with you when you go on mountain-skiing trips, and I’ve been fortunate to borrow it from my friend’s parents, but it would be a dream to own such equipment myself. It includes, for example, a snow-flood whistle and a snow-flood backpack.”

Where are you planning to travel next summer?

“Next stop is Paris with my boyfriend on Easter and we’re looking forward to it since neither of us has been to France. Then, my friend and I have been planning hikes every summer with a group that was with us in Versló. We’re still going to nail down a place for next summer, but we’ve tried to choose alternative routes, preferably without a phone connection.”