Seven Hiking Trips with Science tips in 2019

"The collaboration between the Icelandic Touring Association and the University of Iceland in the project Hiking trips with Science tips (Með fróðleik í fararnesti) has been very successful and popular among our members and the general public."

So says Páll Eysteinn Guðmundsson managing director of the Icelandic Touring Association about the walking tours organised by the University of Iceland and the Icelandic Touring Association annually since the University's centennial in 2011. Páll knows these excursions pretty well as he has guided several of them himself.   The hiking trips with science tips all take place around Reykjavík and thousands have participated.

"The aim has remained the same from the beginning; that is to give people of all ages an interesting option to exercise in the vicinity of the capital whilst learning something new. The general idea was to offer these trips as a new alternative for family recreation during the University of Iceland's centennial, but the trips were so popular we decided to continue the collaboration.  Thousands have participated in the hikes, guided by scientists from the University of Iceland and experienced staff from the Icelandic Touring Association these last eight years and thus gotten science tips at almost each step," says Páll.

There are seven trips scheduled in 2019 in and around the capital. The first one looked up to the sky at the beginning of February with Sævar Helgi Bragason, connoisseur in astronomy at the University of Iceland who led over 200 participants answering questions on the Northern Lights, the stars and the Milky Way.  

Páll Guðmundsson says it is especially pleasant to witness how many trips in this collaboration were a hit with families in Iceland where guides from the academic community have communicated diverse subjects with expertise. "Such guidance and communication of information has inspired participants to attend more hikes to learn about all kinds of everything."

Bugs, beach, birds, and mushrooms

Other hikes in the series this year include the volcanic and lava expedition by Búrfell at the end of March. The area around Búrfell crater is an adventure for kids of all ages with its caves, fissures and crevices.  The aim with this tour is to evoke interest among youths and the public on nature, geology, and outdoor activities.

The fascinating and diverse world on the beach will be explored at the beginning of April where no stone will be left unturned! Bird lovers will get their turn watching migratory birds that come from afar and gather their strength on the beaches around Reykjavík. The hike takes place at the end of April.

Let's not forget the bug watching in the middle of June. Insects are the most diverse animal species on earth. There will thus be a lot to see when we look for bugs during the hike by the river in Elliðaárdalur. Even though not many find insects very attractive they are exciting and it is amazing to see them in a microscope which is part of the fun and science. Even though very few of us are interested in eating insects they are the food of our food; e.g. fish and various birds. Insects are also vital in plant pollination.

The annual search for mushrooms is scheduled in the autumn of 2019; a trip that is always very popular - no wonder as mushrooms are a delicacy. 
The last trip will be on the settlement in Iceland and will be entirely in Icelandic. There will be a walk in the city centre at the end of October where historians and archaeologists tell participants about the first Icelandic settlers. The walk is in Icelandic.

No rush – simply enjoy

"The main rule during the hikes is not to strain participants so that families with young children can take their time and not rush," says Páll. 
He hopes that the fruitful collaboration between the University of Iceland and the Icelandic Touring Association will be in place for years to come. The collaboration has primarily been with the Children’s Touring Association which is a fun section within the Icelandic Touring Association.

"The University of Iceland is one of our most important pillars of society," says Páll " and it is invaluable for the Icelandic Touring Association to collaborate with the university as their aims and values coincide."

The first trip in the series was reach for the stars and the Northern Lights when over 200 hundred participants went  with Sævar Helgi Bragason, connoisseur in astronomy at the University of Iceland on a search for the Northern Lights, the stars and Milky Way on a hike that is dedicated to the sky.

Upcoming tours

Volcanic and lava expedition: Búrfell
Hiking trips with science tips 30 March, Saturday.
Departure: at 10 in private cars from the car park at Vífilsstaðir. Participants drive together into Heiðmörk. 

Snæbjörn Guðmundsson, doctoral student in geology at the University of Iceland will lead the hike by the Búrfellsgjá to the Búrfell crater. He will explain the natural phenomena encountered en route, and participants will explore various caves, fissures and crevices. 3 hrs. 

Remember to dress warmly in good shoes and bring provisions for the journey.

A tour to the Grótta shore
Hiking trips with science tips 6 April, Saturday
Departure: at 12 at the carpark by Grótta on the edge of Seltjarnarnes. 

We will have a look at the beach's ecosystem and what lies under stock and stones. The Grótta shore is home to diverse creatures, animals, birds and plants which Hildur Magnúsdóttir, doctoral student at the University of Iceland's Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences will examine during the walk around the beach. Wellingtons and buckets are essential and a little something to nibble on is a good idea. 2-3 hours

Flying back home - Birdwatching
Hiking trips with science tips 27 April, Saturday
Departure: at 10/ A beach in the capital area - advertised at a later date on Facebook and the University website.

Migratory birds are the true indicator of spring in Iceland. Gunnar Þór Hallgrímsson, professor in zoology, and Tómas Grétar Gunnarsson, director of the South Iceland Research Centre, guide a tour on a Reykjavík beach where birds gather. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and even books on birds. 2 hrs.

Bugs life - bug wathcing in Elliðaárdalur
Hiking trips with science tips 19 June, Wednesday
Departure: at 6 P.M. at the old power plant (gamla rafstöðin) in Elliðaárdalur

What lurks in the leaves? Insects are the most diverse animal species on earth and have increased in Iceland in recent years for various reasons. Gísli Már Gíslason, insect specialist from the University of Iceland, enlightens participants on the world of insects. Bring a container and a magnifying glass if you have one.
The tour is a collaboration between the Icelandic Touring Association and the University of Iceland. Participation is free of charge and everyone is welcome.

Gathering mushrooms in Heiðmörk
Hiking trips with science tips 21 April, Wednesday
Departure: at 17 in private cars from the car park at Rauðhólar. 

Mushrooms are a delicacy but it is better to know the good from the bad and the poisoned! Gísli Már Gíslason and other specialists from the University of Iceland will teach participants to recognise edible mushrooms and how to process them and cook, during this interesting hike in Heiðmörk. Participants are encouraged to bring books on mushrooms and containers. 
Rendez-vous in private cars at Rauðhólar from where we drive to into Heiðmörk. 2 hrs.

Following the footsteps of the first settlers
Hiking trips with science tips on 19 October, Saturday at 10 from Althing. Who were the first settlers? How was their life, what did they wear and eat? Did Ingólfur Arnarson really exist and was he a viking?  The walk takes place in the city centre where historians and archaeologists tell participants about the first Icelandic settlers. The walk is in Icelandic.