Login to Continue Learning
Luhn began his hike in Ullensvang, an area known for its glaciers and rugged terrain. Norwegian police believe Luhn is still alive based on information from the newspaper Verdens Gang. Newsweek has reached out to the Western Police District of Norway for comment.
Newsweek reports that Luhn’s disappearance drew significant attention due to his prominence in climate journalism. Over the past decade, he covered the climate crisis in high-risk regions such as the Arctic, Siberia, and Central Asia. His reporting has appeared in major outlets like The Atlantic, The Guardian, National Geographic, The New York Times, TIME, WIRED, and VICE News TV.
The situation also highlighted the dangers of Norway’s mountainous terrain, even for experienced hikers. Luhn was last heard from on Thursday, missing a scheduled meeting at Bergen Airport and failing to contact his family. Norwegian police described him as an experienced, well-equipped outdoorsman.
Search and rescue teams, including the Red Cross, Norwegian rescue dogs, and Norsk Folkehjelp, responded quickly but found no signs by Monday night. Helicopters were used to search the area, though operations were suspended overnight due to dangerous conditions. The search resumed the following morning.
Alec Luhn is a distinguished journalist specializing in climate, conflict, and migration reporting. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2010 and has reported from Moscow and Istanbul. His work has received several honors, including recognition by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Norwegian police operations leader Tatjana Knappen stated that they are keeping all possibilities open. ABC News reporter Patrick Reevell, a friend of Luhn’s, wrote on X: HELP, asking people to share information about his whereabouts. Lukan was last seen July 31 after leaving Odda for Holmaskjer and planned to go to Breidablikk.
The search is set to resume at daybreak on Tuesday, with rescue teams working to cover more of the difficult terrain around Folgefonna. Police urge anyone with information to come forward.
