130 reached the top of Hvannadalshnjukur last Saturday on August 2nd, and 80 more will climb the peak next Saturday.

130 reached the top of Hvannadalshnjukur last Saturday on August 2nd, and 80 more will climb the peak next Saturday.

In February 2008, a large group of enthusiastic people began taking part in "Reach the Top with 66°NORTH." This exciting programme challenged people to partake in mountain climbing and outdoor recreation with their friends. The group did several climbs in preparation for their ultimate goal – Hvannadalshnjukur, Iceland’s highest peak (2110 metres or 6923 feet). One-hundred and thirty climbers took on mighty Hvannadalshnjukur on May 31st, 2008, with a further 80 due to compete the climb on June 14. "Reach the Top with 66°NORTH," is a joint project between 66°NORTH and Icelandic Mountain Guides.

The climb on May 31st started in fog and rain, but the hikers didn’t let that stop them. They were well equipped and had skilful mountain guides on hand for assistance. Having walked in fog for most of the day, they were thrilled when the sun started peeking out from behind the clouds. The trip down again was superb: with beautiful weather and breath-taking scenery. Among those who reached the top was 66°NORTH CEO, Halldor Eyjolfsson, who, like all the hikers, agreed both the programme and the final momentous climb were a great success.

On June 14th the latter part of the group, that accepted the challenge of 66°North and Icelandic Mountain Guides, climbed the peak. 80 people took part, many of those were letting an old dream come true – to stand on Iceland’s highest peak. This time the sun was out so many participants were in T-shirts during the climb. As before the climb was a great success and the programme will most definitely be repeated next year.

For further information contact:
Helga Vidarsdottir - 66°North's Vice President of Marketing
E-mail: helga@66north.is
Tel. +354 535 6600

About 66°NORTH

66°NORTH Ltd. is one of Iceland’s oldest manufacturing companies. It was established in the year 1926, it's been a longtime leading innovator in the creation of specialised clothing for use in the toughest conditions on land and sea. 66°NORTH Ltd also prides itself on being an expert in the production of supreme quality clothing for sports and leisure. Not only does 66°NORTH have happy customers, but an impressive list of awards for its designs and marketing campaigns.

Today, the company employs a team of over 300 people. It has 9 stores in Iceland under the names of 66°NORTH and Iceland Gift Store, as well as a store in Latvia and two stores in Lithuania. Furthermore the 66°NORTH apparel is sold in retail stores across Europe and North America.

For further information about 66°NORTH visit our international website, www.66north.com.

About Icelandic Mountain Guides

Icelandic Mountain Guides (IMG) offers Icelandic hiking tours, mountaineering adventures, trekking, climbing and more.
 
IMG believe that no vacation in Iceland would be complete without experiencing its beautiful and unspoilt natural environment. IMG therefore offers a wide variety of hiking tours that will give the visitor a direct and powerful experience.

IMG offers hiking tours from its corporate headquarters in Reykjavik year-round, and from its base camp located in the beautiful Skaftafell National Park, located in Southern Iceland at the foot of the Vatnajokull Glacier, from May – September.

For further information about Icelandic Mountain Guides visit the website, www.mountainguide.is.