Great way to meet new people
Reykjavik Hiking Festival will be held for the third time from May 30-June 3. Composite image/Facebook
The Reykjavík Hiking Festival will be held for the third time on May 30-June 3. The public health festival boasts a wide variety of walks around and around the capital area, but this year the festival will be in a slightly different format than before.
“It was decided to have no regular schedule this year, as the weather has been not so good in recent days. It will be easier to hike within the capital area and then a little bit harder with higher elevation, perhaps around Esjan or some of these smaller mountains inland,” says Einar Skúlason, the festival’s tour guide. “We need to evaluate the conditions according to the weather and the wind.”
Photo/Einar Skúlason
Something for everyone
There will be a variety of walks and no cost for the participation. Reservations for walks will be one to two days, and there will be about eight to ten pop-up walks and something for all levels of ability. “We’re trying to increase the amount of people moving and also introduce them to new places.”
Skúlason leads around five or six walks a week, and says hiking is an excellent way to get to know people. “You may not have an overall perspective when it comes to romantic pairing when you lead multiple walks each week. I think it’s better to see it as a good way to make friends and acquaintances. You never know where it can lead, though,” he says.
“Making human connections is never better than in out in nature. Sharing experiences and having something beautiful together creates a very strong bond.” If some hikers end up finding love, Skúlason says, that’s simply a bonus.
„Making human connection is never better than out in nature.“ Photo/Einar Skúlason
“We only live once”
The hiking club “Vesen og Vergangur” is behind Reykjavik Hiking Festival and they would love to see as many people as possible. “Don’t be shy, it’s the best thing to show up alone. Do not be discouraged if a friend or family member doesn’t have the time or means to come with you.
If you come, you’ll meet more people and I encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone and show up. We only live once and it’s about just having a go,” Skúlason says.
For more programming, visit the festival’s Facebook–page .
