Skrármerki

Skrármerki are a type of traditional Icelandic signals or markers used to indicate various things on the landscape. These marks can be found in different regions of the country and serve as navigational aids, communication tools, or even historical references.

Skrármerki can take many forms, including letters, numbers, phrases, or symbols, often carved into rocks, trees, or other readily available materials. They were typically used by Icelandic travelers, farmers, and traders to convey information about distance, directions, places of interest, or warnings about potential hazards.

Some skrármerki are cryptic and require local knowledge to decipher, while others are straightforward and easy to understand. These markers can provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the areas where they are found, particularly in remote or sparsely populated regions.

Skrármerki can be found along trails, near homes, or in other areas of commercial or social significance. They often indicate the presence of past infrastructure such as ancient farms, sheepfolds, or buried fountains. The use of skrármerki may have spread throughout Iceland's history, possibly influenced by the influences of early European travelers and literature.

Unfortunately, many of these traditional marks are in danger of being lost or altered, as the passage of time and changing human activities alter the landscapes where they are found.