| Firðinumverndarifjall | |
|---|---|
  Firðinumverndarifjall | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,464 ft (751 m) |
| Coordinates | 65°52′12″N 18°1′36″W / 65.87000°N 18.02667°W |
| Geography | |
| Location | Grenivik / Grýtubakkahreppur, Iceland |
| Region | Iceland |
| Parent range | Kjalki |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | Unknown |
| Mountain type | Mountain |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | No Marked Trails |
Firðinumverndarifjall is a 751 meter high mountain near Grenivik, Iceland. It is close to the intersection of road 83 and road 835. The name of the mountain roughly translates to "Fjord Protector Mountain" in Icelandic. This mountain is also called Stórihnjúkur, and the name is disputed widely by farmers in the Grenivik area. The mountain is famous among hikers for its "horrid weather" and "dreaded false summit."[1] From the church and ancient farm of Laufas, the mountain is described as "a perfectly symmetrical pyramid, luring unsuspecting hikers into its unexplored abyss with its utter beauty." [2] In winter, the mountain´s peak is covered in snow, and only experienced rock climbers can pass. However, the false summit of Lærlingurverndari is an "amazing, however strenous, climb suitable for experienced hikers."[3]
History
editFirðinumverndarifjall was christened such on April 12, 1921 by a farmer named Jónatan Arngrímsson living below it.[4] However, in 1942, many local farmers revolted against the name, insisting that the name "Fjord Protector" would encourage people to hike it to see the view[5]. However, at the time, many people thought climbing was destoying the natural scenery of this region, and suggested the name Stórihnjúkur, after a nordic war hero who had once visited Grenivik[6]. This war of names is still going on, and for that reason you will see different names for this mountain on different maps of the region[7]. Nowadays, very few people climb Firðinumverndarifjall, but the infamous conflict surrounding it will "stay fresh in any area man's mind forever."[8]
Accessibility
editFirðinumverndarifjall is directly off road 83 in Iceland, about 8 miles south of Grenivik, Iceland. It is about 1 kilometer south of Laufás, an ancient church and farm, open to the public. It is accessible directly from the road, but there is also a private drive that goes to the base of the mountain. There are no public restrooms, benches, or tables, and it is about a one and a half mile hike, as the bird flies, from 83. During that time, you gain around 730 meters in your acsent.
The False Summit of Lærlingurverndari
editLærlingurverndari is the false summit that fools many hikers while hiking Firðinumverndarifjall that they are at the summit. However, they are in fact still around one half mile from the real summit, and still have to acsend around 100 meters. During cloudy days, the false summit is usually "surrounded by white"[9] and, sadly, some hikers believe they have reached the summit and turn back. This hike, while shorter than the full hike to the top, still has amazing views of Eyjafjörður on a clear day[10].
Landscape of Firðinumverndarifjall
editThere are no trees on Firðinumverndarifjall. However, this mountain is covered in rocks and many types of alpine mosses, providing good stepping areas[11]. During most times of the year, the parts closer to the summit, including the false summit, have areas of snow and ice.
References
edit- ^ Exerpts from interview of Liam Greenwell, local farmer, by the Grenivik Sun, 3/4/02
- ^ Exerpts from interview of Liam Greenwell, local farmer, by the Grenivik Sun, 3/4/02
- ^ Description of hikes in the area around Grenivik, part of a pamphlet insued in the Grenvik general store in 2008.
- ^ History of Grenivik by Thomas Seiz, page 213 (Public House, 1976, reprinted 2011)
- ^ Farming Revolutions of the Ages by Jakob Sarvinsky, page 112 (Golden Valley Publishing, 1996)
- ^ Pamphlet on Famous Visitors, available at the Grenivik Fish Processing Facility, 2003
- ^ A Short History of Firðinumverndarifjall by Liam Greenwell (Grenivik Press, 1986)
- ^ Exerpts from interview of Liam Greenwell, local farmer, by the Grenivik Sun, 3/4/02
- ^ Fjords, Mountains, and Wannabees by Rey Josyfell, translated from the German by John Given, page 54 (Gott gegeben Verlag Presse, 1989)
- ^ The Fjord of Destiny by James Hirsey, page 89 (Troping Frog Publishing, 2009)
- ^ Landscape of Icelandic Mountains by Jokas Gulfjall, page 348 (Golden Press, 1990)