An American hiker, Alec Luhn, 38, has been found alive in Norway’s rugged wilderness nearly a week after disappearing during a solo backpacking trip in Folgefonna National Park.
Norwegian police and the Red Cross confirmed that Luhn, an experienced hiker and environmental journalist, was discovered on Wednesday morning in “good condition,” though he suffered some injuries to his feet.
A Challenging Search in Harsh Weather
Luhn was last heard from on Thursday afternoon when he texted his itinerary to his wife, Veronika Silchenko, and sent her a photo from his location. He had set out from the town of Odda to explore the glacier-filled park, a popular but demanding destination for adventure seekers.
The search effort began Monday night but was hampered by bad weather and difficult terrain. About 50 rescue workers were involved. Helicopters could not be deployed until Wednesday morning, when the skies cleared enough for an aerial search.
“It’s amazing,” said Svein Buer, a local police official. “He stayed alive for almost a week, up in the mountains.”
Rescue and Recovery
Luhn was located just a few kilometers north of his last known position, exactly where rescuers had suspected he might be. A rescue helicopter transported him to Haukeland Hospital in Bergen for treatment.
Oystein Torsnes, the Hardanger region’s police chief, praised the combined efforts of search teams and volunteers who braved harsh mountain conditions to bring Luhn to safety.
A Journalist with Global Experience
Beyond his hiking passion, Alec Luhn is well known for his reporting on environmental issues and international affairs. His work has been featured in The Guardian, The Atlantic, Scientific American, and Vice News. He has also covered the war in Ukraine and other major global events.
For now, his safe return is a relief for friends, family, and colleagues — and a reminder of both the beauty and the dangers of exploring the wild.
