Rachel Sutcliffe, a seasonal glacier guide in Iceland, has voiced her dismay after encountering a significant amount of litter at the popular Reykjadalur Hot Springs.
Sutcliffe discovered approximately 33 pounds (15 kg) of discarded items, including dirty clothes, used towels, and beer cans, strewn across the natural beauty spot. The geothermal valley, known for its naturally warm river used for bathing, is a popular destination situated near Hveragerði in South Iceland. Visitors typically hike about two miles from the Hveragerði trailhead to reach the bathing area.
She reported that the area was also marred by graffiti. Determined to address the situation, Sutcliffe spent several hours collecting the rubbish and carried the heavy load back down the mountain. She noted that the return journey took about 90 minutes.
"Leave no trace" is not in some people's vocabulary," Sutcliffe stated, expressing her frustration. "It's a sad sight really. Why do people do it? How were they raised?"
Upon descending, Sutcliffe encountered other visitors and asked for assistance in carrying some of the trash. While some agreed to help, others reportedly ignored her request. She recounted an instance where a group of four young men initially offered to assist but later walked past her without helping, despite her slow progress due to the weight of the rubbish.
The Reykjadalur area features steam vents and boiling springs, and visitors are advised to stay on marked paths to protect the fragile geothermal ground. The incident highlights concerns about the impact of tourism on natural environments.