Öræfaskólinn
13.-16. August
20.000 kr.
20.000 kr.
Are you 18-25 years old?
Would you like to deepen your understanding of the effects of climate change on Icelandic nature and glaciers?
Would you like to take part in scientific work and learn about glacier research?
Would you like to learn to travel safely on glaciers?Öræfi offers a unique living classroom for environmental and climate change education. Because of the interaction between glaciers and volcanic activity, environmental changes in Öræfi—often dramatic ones—have not been uncommon over the centuries. These changes have been caused variously by glaciation, volcanic activity, and now, above all, climate change.
In addition, or perhaps because of this, Öræfi can be described as the cradle of Icelandic mountaineering, with spectacular mountain landscapes in every direction. The high peaks of Öræfajökull have long drawn mountain enthusiasts to the area; rock climbing in Iceland has its roots at the foot of Öræfajökull; and glacier tourism is a major part of the culture of the people of Öræfi. The outlet glaciers here are more accessible than in most places in the world, as they flow down toward the lowlands and can still be reached just a stone’s throw from Route 1.
Öræfaskólinn is a glacier-focused mountaineering school for young people, offered by Fjallaskóli Íslands in the summer of 2026 in cooperation with the Icelandic Glaciological Society. The Öræfaskólinn project has been held twice before, in the summers of 2019 and 2022, when Fjallaskóli Íslands instructors Erla, Íris, and Svanhvít were involved in running the project. The project has now received funding from the Kvísker Fund, which further improves young people’s access to glacier science and mountaineering in Öræfi.
The goals of Öræfaskólinn are:
- To increase young people’s access to field-based climate and glacier education.
- To create a setting where young people can come into close contact with Iceland’s glaciers.
- To introduce and open up a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities and career paths connected to glaciers.
- To encourage studies in natural and climate sciences.
The instructors on the course include experienced teachers, mountain guides, and glacier guides who work for Fjallaskóli Íslands. In addition, glaciologists from the Icelandic Glaciological Society will take part. They have carried out various kinds of glacier research for many years and will lead the installation of research equipment, as well as teach participants about glaciers and glacier research.
Mountain instructors from Fjallaskóli Íslands: Erla Guðný Helgadóttir, Svanhvít Helga Jóhannsdóttir, and Íris Ragnarsdóttir Pedersen.
Glacier scientists from the Icelandic Glaciological Society: Hrafnhildur Hannesdóttir and Kieran Baxter.
Who is this course for?
The course is for all 18–25-year-olds who have a strong interest in outdoor recreation and Icelandic nature. It is for those who want to experience the country in a new way and open the door to the world of glaciers, outdoor life, and mountaineering. The course is also suitable for those who are interested in, or currently studying, natural and climate sciences, and who have an interest in field science and citizen participation in science. Or simply for anyone who wants to get to know Icelandic nature better.
Included in the price:
- 3.5 days of guided glacier and mountain activities in Öræfi.
- Participation in setting up research equipment and contributing to glacier science with the Icelandic Glaciological Society.
- Glacier trips, ice climbing, and mountain hikes through the mountain landscapes and various glaciers of Öræfi.
- Accommodation at the campsite in Skaftafell.
- Shared evening meal.
- Education about climate issues and nature, including an introduction to Vatnajökull National Park.
Published subject to change.
Location: Öræfi. Accommodation at the campsite in Skaftafell.
13 August, Thursday: Meet in the late afternoon in Skaftafell, where accommodation will be by the communal tent. Educational walk from the campsite to Skaftafellsjökull, or a short evening glacier walk after dinner. Shared evening meal provided.
14 August, Friday: Hike up Svínafell and set up a camera tripod overlooking Falljökull and Virkisjökull. Education about the Svínafell landslide. Walk down Hvannadalur and back to Svínafell via Virkisjökull, or back down Svínafell if the day runs long.
15 August, Saturday: Long glacier hike, mountain walk, educational activities, and overnight camping in the wilderness.
16 August, Sunday: Walk back, with either a glacier walk or a kayaking trip on a glacial lagoon before the programme ends in the late afternoon.
Age limit: Participants must be between 18 and 25 years old.
Physical fitness: Given the nature of the trips, participants should be in reasonably good mountain hiking condition. Participants should expect at least 5–6 hours of hiking on at least one of the days.
Tent: Participants must be willing to sleep in a tent. Participants are asked to get in touch if they are missing camping equipment. Glacier equipment is included.
Equipment
- 30–50 L backpack for day hikes and overnight camping trips
- Hiking poles, not essential but useful for the longer hike
- Tent, the group will coordinate how many tents are needed for the hike
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Cooking equipment and gas
- Small bowl/cup + travel spoon/fork
- Water bottle, 1–2 L
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Warm insulated jacket
Clothing etc.
- Waterproof clothing, Gore-Tex or similar, trousers and jacket
- Mid-layer: softshell trousers and jacket, or sports clothing, not cotton
- Wool base layers
- Hiking boots, ankle-height
- Liner gloves and warmer gloves
- Hat that fits under a helmet, without a pom-pom and not too bulky
- Buff
- Personal toiletries, medication, etc.
Technical glacier equipment is included, but if participants have their own equipment, such as a helmet, harness, crampons, or ice axe, they are welcome to bring it.
Please get in touch if you do not have access to any of the items listed above, and we will sort it out.
Skráning
Vinsamlegast fyllið inn alla reitin svo skráningin teljist gild. Athugið að frekari upplýsingar um námskeiðið berast í tölvupósti þegar nær dregur.