Walking is good for you - body and soul!

Now that we are facing another 10-12 weeks of dire life with and around covid 19 and its restricting rules we all could probably easily name lots of negative effects on our life. But let´s try to concentrate for a short moment on some of the (few) positive impacts it has had as well! Here in Iceland is it obvious that so many families have found a new love for the outdoors: walking, hiking, jogging, skiing – you name it! With fitness centers and swimming pools closed or operating on limited capacity, people have found other ways to stay active out in the open.

Now that the days are getting longer, the National Forests and National Parks are filled with happy hikers who long to get out into Iceland´s mesmerizing nature. In fact, hiking and cross-country skiing equipment were very popular Christmas gifts last year and social media pages are filled with happy faces of people cherishing their newfound love of the outdoors.
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Walking has beneficial impacts on your health
There has been plenty of research* into the benefits of walking and there is nothing like a brisk walk uphill to get your heart rate up. Just a daily short walk will reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease and lots of other coronary problems. Instead of just navigating even grounds on easy paths you should even consider choosing more challenging tracks if possible! Because clambering over trees, rocks and across creeks will make you stronger and work your whole body. But it is not just about the positive physical aspects of exercising outside!
Walking or hiking is good for your soul, too and will clear your mind and reduce stress. It can even break the circle of negative thoughts and worries and will help you to steer anxious rumination towards a more practical approach of problem solving. When you have a problem to solve, consider going for a long walk! 

Walking with friends
Whereas covid rules may prevent us at the moment of walking together with other people you might want to look forward to doing so again next summer!  So far Iceland has been handling the corona pandemic very well and is currently one of the only places in Europe without a travel destination warning. Icelanders hope to continue to implement soft corona restrictions to keep it that way, all the while allowing people to enjoy as much as freedom as possible. 

Hike and Relax in Iceland
If you long to go hiking in Iceland in a small private group of friends next summer, you should have a look at our wonderful small group private hikes that will take you to some of Iceland´s most stunning waterfalls on secluded hiking trails! Enjoy a relaxing bath underneath the midnight sun after a wonderful walk and spoil yourself with Icelandic local delicacies in the cozy restaurant of our lovely 4 Star Boutique Hotels!  All tours are guided by professional Icelandic tour guides that will go the extra mile to make your Icelandic walking holidays as enjoyable as possible! Late summer tours such as in late August and September might even give you a glimpse of the beautiful Northern Lights!

See you soon in Iceland! 

Text by:  Meike Witt 
Photos :  Einar Bjarnason, Steinunn and others