Skiers Rescued from Highland Shelter After Distress Signal

2026-03-04 - 13:06

Two holiday-makers were rescued in Iceland’s central Highlands after requesting assistance during a multi-day cross-country ski journey, as reported by RÚV. The pair had been on a five-day trip from Akureyri when worsening weather forced them to seek refuge at an emergency shelter at Hreysiskvísl. They were located north of Þórisvatn Lake along the Sprengisandur Route. What's the Story? Distress signal sent by two foreign travellers during a cross-country ski trip from Akureyri after five days in the Highlands Shelter taken at an emergency hut at Hreysiskvísl north of Þórisvatn on the Sprengisandur Route Transport by rescue teams to Hella and treatment at the Hella Health Centre Hiking the rugged terrain of Landmannalaugar, Central Highlands. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. Highlands rescue operation According to rescue services, the couple sent an emergency message from their location device on the morning of the fifth day of the trip. The signal was received via the Garmin emergency response centre in the United States before being passed to Icelandic authorities. By the time they reached the 60-year-old shelter, the travellers were reportedly suffering from cold exposure. One person was described as exhausted, while the other was believed to have frostbite on their face. Rescue teams from across South Iceland were deployed, including groups operating between the Þjórsá area in the west and Skaftártunga in the east. Snowmobile units were initially called out but later stood down when it was determined that vehicles could reach the area. Teams from the Hella Air Rescue Team and the Dagrenningar Rescue Team reached the shelter after a two-hour drive. The travellers and their equipment were transported to the settlement and taken to the Hella Health Centre for treatment.