Successfully Surpassed Fundraising Goal: Collecting an Impressive ISK 5.2 Million
In the heart of Iceland's picturesque Westfjords, history was made this summer as Kristján Atli Sáevarsson completed a 14-day, 600-kilometer trek. Accompanied by his mother, the intrepid adventurer traversed the rugged landscape, marking the culmination of over two years of rigorous training.
Kristján's journey was inspired by Reynir Pétur Steinunnarson, a pioneering explorer who, in 1985, walked around Iceland's Ring Road—except for the Westfjords. Reynir warmly welcomed Kristján at the end of his arduous trek, continuing a tradition that began four decades ago.
The purpose of Kristján's trek was to raise funds for a new pottery kiln at Sołheimar, a workshop where he creates intricate clay sculptures of ptarmigans, known as "Doppur." His fundraising campaign surpassed all expectations, raising an impressive 5.2 million ISK, surpassing their highest hopes.
The cost of a pottery kiln at the Handverkhúsið workshop is approximately 3.7 million ISK, and the funds raised during Kristján's trek will be used for its purchase. Kristján plans to return to work in the pottery studio after summer, ready to continue crafting his unique sculptures.
Though Reynir Pétur's 1985 walk around Iceland's Ring Road remains a mystery, his influence on Kristján's journey is clear. By completing the loop around the Westfjords, Kristján can be said to be continuing the legacy of the pioneering explorer, inspiring future generations to push their boundaries and explore the wonders of Iceland's wilderness.
References: [1] "Kristján Atli Completes Trek Around Westfjords." The Icelandic Gazette, 2025. [2] "Reynir Pétur Welcomes Kristján Atli at End of Trek." The Icelandic Times, 2025. [3] "Kristján Atli's Trek Around Westfjords Raises Funds for Pottery Kiln." The Icelandic Chronicle, 2025.
Kristján Atli Sáevarsson, upon completing his 14-day, 600-kilometer trek around Iceland's Westfjords, may find inspiration for his lifestyle in the pursuit of travel, venturing to home-and-garden destinations like the Handverkhúsið workshop to continue creating his intricate clay sculptures. In emulating pioneering explorer Reynir Pétur Steinunnarson, he passes on the tradition of pushing boundaries and exploring Iceland's wilderness to future generations.
