American climate journalist Alec Luhn missing on Norwegian glacier
Luhn's wife told CBS News he left for a hike on July 31 in Odda, in southwestern Norway, and shared his location.
She said her family wasn't worried, because he's an experienced outdoorsman. They expected he might not have cell service, but when he didn't show up for his flight back home to the U.K. on Monday night, his wife and family called the police.
His wife, Veronika Silchenko, said he sent a picture from his last known location in Odda, "and that was the last time I heard from him."
Rescue operations have been ongoing, but have been hampered by some inclement weather.
His family wants to spread the word in the hopes that anyone hiking the same route will share any information with local authorities.
"Alec is basically obsessed with the Arctic. He loves glaciers and snow, and he loves explorers, and he's a climate journalist, so for him it is always that story that now because of the climate change they're all shrinking, and he's trying his best to go to the coldest countries," Silchenko said.
Luhn is based in London, but was born in Wisconsin. He has reported for outlets including The Atlantic, National Geographic, The New York Times, Scientific American, TIME, CBS News Radio, and VICE News TV.
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New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
No Food, No Water, a Broken Leg: How a Hiker Survived a Harrowing Week in the Wild
Almost everything had gone wrong on Alec Luhn's solo hike in a national park in Norway. Mr. Luhn, 38, had spent six days without food, water, or a working phone, as he dealt with serious injuries. But then, miraculously, he was rescued from a remote and steep mountain this month. 'It was a really great ending to a story that started with a couple of bad decisions,' Mr. Luhn said in a phone interview from a hospital in Bergen on Tuesday. 'Hopefully, there are things to be learned from it for other people, as well.' Here's his story. 'Disaster struck.' Mr. Luhn and his wife, Veronika Silchenko, traveled to Norway in July for a vacation with his family. After realizing that they were staying near a national park with the country's third-largest glacier, Mr. Luhn, an American climate journalist and an experienced hiker, decided to extend his trip to hike to it. On July 31, Mr. Luhn texted his itinerary to Ms. Silchenko, who had returned to their home in England, and then set off on a backpacking trip, heading into Folgefonna National Park from Odda, a nearby town. Ms. Silchenko did not expect to hear from him for a few days because of spotty phone service in the park. Mr. Luhn planned to complete his hike on Aug. 4, catch a bus to Bergen and make his flight back to England. 'That was the plan,' Mr. Luhn said. 'I didn't get that far into it before disaster struck.' 'I should have turned back.' Early in the hike, things started going wrong. (This, Mr. Luhn said, is when he began making bad decisions.) The sole of his left boot started coming off after a few hours. He decided to tape the sole with athletic tape, which compromised the boot's traction. 'I should have turned back and gone into Odda and bought some new boots,' Mr. Luhn said. Instead, he kept going. He passed gorgeous views and reached a height of nearly 4,000 feet. 'It was very steep terrain but I kept pushing through, and I made another bad decision,' he said. After 10 p.m., Mr. Luhn found a good camping spot. But instead of pitching his tent, he decided to press ahead. Mr. Luhn also said he had not brought a GPS tracker. A steep fall and serious injuries. It was getting late and the terrain was steep. Then, Mr. Luhn took a misstep — and slipped and fell. 'I remember the terrible feeling of that fall beginning,' he said. He started picking up speed, and his backpack hit the rocks, causing his gear to fall out. 'I was spinning around really quickly and started bouncing around, like a pinball heading down the mountain,' Mr. Luhn said. He landed on a rock, breaking his femur, fracturing his pelvis and a couple of spinal vertebrae, severely scratching his hands and hitting his head. Then, he said, he must have passed out. No water, no phone, and he could barely move. Mr. Luhn woke up on Aug. 1 aware that he was in a very bad situation. His water bottle had fallen out of his bag during his fall, so he had nothing to drink. His iPhone had fallen out of his pocket. He tried yelling to Siri to call emergency services, but his phone either was too far away or had been set to airplane mode (another mistake, Mr. Luhn said). He could barely move. He realized two things: Nobody would know to search for him until Monday, when he was scheduled to return to England. And he was not going to be able to get out of there on his own. 'I am going to need to stay here and just pull through until at least someone gets worried about me,' he recalled thinking. And then, 'A lot of things were going to have to go right for me to survive.' Dehydrated, Mr. Luhn took desperate measures. On Saturday, Mr. Luhn started to worry about being without water. His mouth was so dry that it was impossible to eat the granola bars and peanuts that had not fallen out of his backpack. He could think of only one solution. 'I peed into one of my water pouches and then drank the urine to stay hydrated,' Mr. Luhn said. 'I was so parched, I basically had to wash the granola down with my urine.' He added, 'I had a big blister on one of my fingers, I even sucked the blood out of that to try to get a little fluid.' It was not until a storm moved in on Sunday — weather that would hamper the search for him — that he could drink water again. He slurped rain from the creases of his sleeping mat and sucked on a wet bandanna. 50 rescue workers search for two days. On Monday and Tuesday, as the rain continued, Mr. Luhn started to lose hope. He was wet and cold. His feet were starting to lose circulation. But unbeknown to him, his prediction had been correct: When he didn't show up for his flight, Ms. Silchenko alerted the authorities, and by Monday night a major rescue mission had begun. More than 50 rescue workers from the Norwegian Red Cross, using dogs, drones and experienced climbers, were looking for Mr. Luhn, in a search that took nearly two days. 'Most searches are over within a couple of hours,' Anja Kristin Bakken, a spokeswoman for the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Norway, said in an email. 'This one was extra challenging with heavy weather conditions.' But, she added, 'finding Alec Luhn alive is a very good example of why we keep going.' As he sat on the mountainside hoping to be rescued, Mr. Luhn said he focused on the present. When his mind wandered, he thought about the people he loved, including his wife and family. 'I really felt like I wanted to survive and have a second chance at life,' he said. 'I may have just missed my only shot' On Wednesday, Aug. 6, after his coldest night yet, the sun briefly broke through. 'Right about then, I heard a helicopter,' Mr. Luhn said. Though he couldn't stand, he started waving. 'It was so close to me but it couldn't see me,' he said. After about 45 minutes, the helicopter left. 'I thought: OK, well I may have just missed my only shot,' Mr. Luhn said. Mr. Luhn wrapped his red jacket around a tent pole in the hope that he would seen. About 45 minutes later, a helicopter returned and Mr. Luhn started waving again. 'Finally, the side door of the helicopter opened and a guy waved at me,' he said. 'That was the moment that I knew that I was going to be able to make it through.' Mr. Luhn was taken to a hospital in Bergen, where he underwent surgery. Two weeks later, he was still receiving treatment there on Tuesday, and said he was not yet able to walk because of frostbite on his feet. Mr. Luhn said he hoped to return to hiking someday. 'I've encouraged many people to go hiking, you just have to be safe about it,' he said. 'That's what I plan to do in the future.' But first, he said, 'I owe my wife a vacation to a warmer climate where there are no glaciers.' Henrik Pryser Libell contributed reporting from Oslo.
Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
Why Norway Should Be on Every Indian Traveler's Bucket List
Norway, with its snow-capped mountains, dramatic fjords, and enchanting Northern Lights, has long been considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. For Indian travelers who are looking to explore destinations beyond the usual, Norway offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences. It is not just another holiday destination; it's a land that truly redefines travel. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or simply someone who loves scenic beauty, Norway has something to captivate you. The Natural Beauty That Feels Like a Dream The first reason Norway should be on every Indian traveler's bucket list is its breathtaking landscapes. From the famous fjords such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord to the Arctic wilderness of Tromsø, every corner of Norway feels like stepping into a postcard. Imagine sailing between towering cliffs, standing before roaring waterfalls, or watching the sun never set in summer. Few countries offer such natural diversity in a single trip. The Magical Northern Lights For many Indians, witnessing the Northern Lights is a dream. Norway, particularly the regions above the Arctic Circle like Tromsø and Lofoten, is one of the best places in the world to view this magical phenomenon. The green, pink, and purple streaks that dance across the night sky are something photographs can never truly capture. Seeing the aurora borealis with your own eyes is a memory that stays with you forever. The Midnight Sun Experience While the Northern Lights dominate winter, summer in Norway has its own wonder—the Midnight Sun. In the northernmost parts of Norway, the sun does not set for several weeks. This means travelers can enjoy endless daylight, making it possible to hike, explore, and even go on midnight cruises under the glowing sun. For Indians who come from a tropical climate, this phenomenon is nothing short of extraordinary. Adventure Awaits Everywhere Norway is a paradise for adventure seekers. Indians who love trekking will find some of the most iconic hikes here, such as Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and Romsdalseggen Ridge. For those who enjoy winter sports, Norway is the birthplace of skiing, offering world-class ski resorts. Kayaking in fjords, cycling along mountain roads, dog sledding, and even whale watching are experiences that turn a holiday into a thrilling adventure. Rich History and Culture Norway is not only about natural beauty; it also offers deep cultural experiences. The Vikings, one of history's most fascinating civilizations, hailed from this land. Travelers can explore Viking museums, old stave churches, and historical towns like Bergen, which still carries the charm of medieval Europe. Indian travelers who appreciate history and culture will find Norway's heritage both unique and enriching. A Destination for Everyone Whether you're planning a family vacation, a honeymoon, or a solo trip, Norway caters to every type of traveler. Families can enjoy scenic train rides like the Flåm Railway, honeymooners can indulge in romantic fjord cruises, and solo travelers can immerse themselves in quiet hiking trails surrounded by pristine nature. The diversity of experiences ensures no two trips to Norway are the same. Easy Connectivity and Welcoming Environment With growing interest from Indian tourists, Norway is becoming increasingly accessible. Flights from major Indian cities to Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø are well-connected with just one stopover. Moreover, Norwegians are known for being welcoming and helpful, making it easier for Indians to feel at home despite being far away. English is widely spoken, ensuring smooth communication throughout your trip. 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From its natural wonders and cultural treasures to thrilling adventures and warm hospitality, it ticks every box for Indian travelers. A well-planned Norway tour package can help you cover the highlights, whether it's witnessing the Northern Lights, exploring fjords, or enjoying the Midnight Sun. With a thoughtfully designed Norway tour itinerary, you can make the most of your journey and create unforgettable memories. Travel With the Best When it comes to choosing a travel company, many Indian travelers have found that Tour On delivers the best experiences. Based on customers' reviews and ratings, Tour On has emerged as a trusted name for international travel. While they are widely known for their excellence in Vietnam, the same level of service and attention to detail make them a great choice for exploring Norway as well. Personalized itineraries, affordable packages, and expert guidance ensure that every trip is smooth and memorable. Final Thoughts Norway is a destination that combines nature, culture, adventure, and sustainability in a way few places can. For Indian travelers who have already seen popular destinations like Switzerland, Singapore, or Dubai, Norway offers something entirely fresh and unique. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights, hiking up breathtaking cliffs, cruising along fjords, or simply soaking in the charm of Scandinavian culture, Norway promises an unforgettable journey. Adding Norway to your travel bucket list is not just recommended—it's essential. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
3 hours ago
Journalist Alec Luhn speaks out after dramatic rescue in Norway
Alec Luhn, a 38-year-old journalist who has worked for The Guardian, The New York Times and The Atlantic, is speaking out for the first time since his dramatic rescue in Norway. "I was grateful to be alive, grateful that I was, you know, still in one piece," Luhn told "Good Morning America." Luhn was reported missing on Aug. 4 after failing to board a scheduled flight from Bergen, Norway, to England. He had set out alone on a hike on July 31 from Odda, a gateway to Folgefonna National Park, home to Norway's third-largest glacier. His wife, Emmy-winning journalist Veronika Silchenko, first alerted authorities about his disappearance. Days of bad weather forced rescuers to suspend search efforts but on Aug. 6, Norwegian police confirmed Luhn was found alive. He was airlifted to Haukeland University Hospital with no major injuries reported other than one to his foot. Raised in the Midwest and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Luhn spent a decade in Moscow as a foreign correspondent before shifting his focus to climate change reporting. A Pulitzer Center fellow and Emmy nominee, he has worked in conflict zones and remote environments around the world, from Ukraine and Somalia to the Arctic and Alaska. Luhn is also an experienced hiker, who often seeks out the wilderness both professionally and personally, according to his friends and family.
