Climb it? It's Just Fun to Pretend You Can Say It!

It is Hvannadalshnukur (pronounced KWANNA-dalsh-nyooker). It's the highest peak in Iceland and part of the Vatnajokull glacier - the largest glacier in Europe.

The story is that the folks at 66˚ North are climbing it - along with 300 other people. 66 North is partnering with Icelandic Mountain Guides to sponsor a mass ascent of Hvannadalshnukur. Organized training for all participants began in February. The goal is for everyone to summit on June 7, 2008.


Beyond the pursuit of adventure and sport, the goal of the mass ascent is to raise awareness of the marked increase in world glacial melt. The hope is that through facilitating this mass ascent, 66˚North will enable more people to gain a firsthand awareness of the importance of glaciers to environmental balance. Though glacial melt is a serious topic, 66˚North also celebrates the joy of activity and human achievement. Follow the progress here.