The Vatnsnes Peninsula - Seals in the north of Iceland

Located about 200 km from Reykjavik, Vatnsnes is a peninsula in northern Iceland, home to Iceland's largest seal colony. The main town of the peninsula, Hvammstangi, which has a population of 600 inhabitants, is located six kilometers from the main road (Route 1), and in addition to an obligatory visit to the seal center, you can enjoy one of the restaurants, a stay at a guesthouses, a visit to a store or the pool. The Seal Center is open from 9 am to 7 pm from June to August, from 9 am to 4 pm in May and September and from 10 am to 3 pm the rest of the year. The entrance fee is 950 kronur (about 7 euros).

Route 711 goes around the peninsula along the coast, but it's almost entirely a track road, with only a small part of it paved. The peninsula is surrounded by the bay of Húnaflói, also know as the "bay of the bears" because several polar bears have come ashore here in the past. The main viewpoints of Vatnsnes are Borgarvirki, Hvítserkur, Illugastaðir and Kolugljúfur, a very scenic canyon with beautiful waterfalls.

Borgarvirki is a volcanic plug that was used as a fortress in the Sagas; Located at 177 meters in height, it dominates the region. Stairs lead to the top of this natural fortress, but the road is full of pebbles and slippery - though, if you reach the summit, a magnificent view awaits you.

Hvitserkur is a basalt formation 15 meters high, which has two holes at its base and resembles a dragon drinking water. Legend has it that Hvítserkur is a petrified troll. There is a small car park and picnic area at Ósar, where you can leave your vehicle and go by foot on the walking path to reach Hvítserkur. If you would like to view it from the top, there is a path available from the beach, in the summertime watch out for the Arctic tern, as there are many of these birds in the area at this time.

The best viewpoints for observing seals are Hindisvík, Ósar, Svalbarð, Illugastaðir and Hvítserkur. The best time to observe seals is two hours after low tide, and the chances of seeing them are especially high if the weather is mild. Every year in July, you can participate with some of the Illugastaðir locals, in the counting of seals. It is also a nice place for a coffee and something to eat.

The old farm of Geitafell is also worth seeing on the peninsula; today it is a small museum located in the middle of nowhere, with a tower worthy of a castle, which you can visit from May to September.

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Iceland Cruise Guide. Enjoy your Cruise to Iceland!

Icelanders have always known that their country is beautiful, special and unique, and this fact is becoming more and more known throughout the world. The number of visitors to Iceland is steadily increasing. In 2012, 246 cruise ships docked in Iceland, which has thirteen harbours to accommodate these all around the country, each of which have very interesting cities and areas to explore.; small review.

The Westman Islands are an archipelago of about 15 islands and islets, situated in the south of Iceland. The largest island is Heimaey which is 13.4 km2 and is also the only inhabited one, with more than 4,000 inhabitants. There are a few museums you can visit , such as the popular Sagnheimar Culture Museum or the Natural History Museum. You can also climb up the volcano Eldfell, where you can still feel the heat from the eruption in 1973. Join a bus tour of the island or stay in the main town and enjoy the cafes, restaurants, shops or many art galleries the island has to offer.

Hafnarfjordur, a suburb of Reykjavik, is a small town that was built on the lava field that has elapsed from Mount Burfell, more than 7,000 years ago. The center has a small lake and picturesque views.

Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, is a charming town that has all the qualities of a capital without the crowds and noise that come with it. There are many shops, cafés, restaurants and museums located in the city center, and we also recommend you to visit one of the swimming pools, for a real Icelandic experience!

North of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, Grundarfjörður is perfectly located for visiting the region. This small fishing village is known as the home of the mountain Kirkjufell. A trip around the peninsula is probably the best option,if you have a few hours; you can admire waterfalls glaciers, volcanoes, beaches and possibly even puffins and seals.

Isafjörður is the capital of the westfjords, and has nearly 2600 inhabitants. It is a charming town, with shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels. The old town is made up of many wooden houses dating from the nineteenth century and it is lovely to walk down the main street. If you like history or fishing, the Maritime Museum is an interesting visit; also opt for the old hospital that was turned into a cultural center and offers various exhibitions during the year. The area also has many opportunities for walking and hiking.

The charming village of Siglufjörður in Tröllaskagi Peninsula, is a popular destination in summer. The population of 1200 inhabitants, living mainly from fishing and the growing tourism industry. The museum of traditional Icelandic music and the herring Museum are not to be missed!

Grimsey is a small Icelandic island of about 5 km2 which is situated 41 kilometers north of Iceland. The island is a popular tourist destination, with many travellers coming here solely because it is situated on the Arctic Circle. On the island there is a grocery store, a campsite and a few guesthouses, cafés, galleries and, of course, a swimming pool!

In Akureyri, the second largest city of Iceland, visit the small town center, Listagilið, the arts district of Akureyri, Akureyri Church, and then try the botanical garden, listagarðurinn, where you can admire hundreds of plants and flowers. A dip in the delightful swimming pool is required.

Húsavík is a small town of 2500 inhabitants located in the north of Iceland, best known as the European capital of whale watching. It is possible to see these huge mammals from May to October, approximately. Around Húsavík, there are many amazing places to visit: Myvatn Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss to name a few.

Founded by Norwegian fishermen, the small town of Seyðisfjörður now has 700 inhabitants and lives mainly from fishing and tourism. It is also known for its charming wooden houses, Seyðisfjörður is especially popular for its artistic activity. The visual arts center, Skaftfell, offers year-round exhibitions, discussions and performances, and many events are held here in the summer.

Eskifjörður is a small town of 1100 inhabitants in East Iceland, which gets its name from a fjord surrounded by the mountains Eskja and Hólmatindur. The village is known to house a rare collection of pebbles and larger rocks of Iceland. You can also visit Randulfssjóhús to learn more about fishing, the old mine Helgustaðanáma or inquire at the tourist office to hike in the area.

Djúpivogur is a small village in eastern Iceland, which has 250 inhabitants. It is a good base for exploring the fjords of the east. We advise you to go by boat to the island of Papey, where you will see hundreds of puffins and seals.

Hofn is a small town of 1600 inhabitants located in the south of Iceland, near the famous glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón and Vatnajökull National Park where many hiking opportunities await you.

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Four museums in Reykjavik not to be missed

Ljósmyndlistasafnið Reykjavíkur

The Reykjavík Museum of Photography is located on the top floor of the Grófarhús  building on Tryggvagata, which is also home to the city‘s public library. Admission is free and it is open every day from 12.00 to 19.00 (18.00 on Friday) and on weekends from 13.00 -17.00.

Founded in 1981, the museum boasts a collection of more than six million photographs, with both Icelandic and international photography, amateur and professional. There you can find portraits, press photos, commercial photography, and the museum also keeps family photo albums and private collections. The collection dates back from 1860 to present day. Each year, the museum organizes about a dozen exhibitions on different themes.

Árbærsafn

Árbærsafn is a historic outdoor museum located in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík. The museum is made up of over twenty buildings that form a central square, a village and farm and it  aims to show the Icelandic way of life at different times. It was erected on the site of the former Árbær farm in 1957.

From the 1st of  June to the 31st of August, the museum is open daily, from 10 am to 5pm. During the rest of the year, it is possible to arrange private visits by appointment or there is the option of taking part in a tour, that takes place at at 1pm everyday. Admission is 1,500 kroner (11 euros) per person and free for children under 18 years of age. There are  many events held here during the year, such as the days of crafts, the annual exhibition of old vehicles or the Christmas exhibition.

In summer, do not be surprised to see sheep and goats wander the gardens of the museum. There is also a souvenir shop, a charming café (home of Dillon) and a library on the premises.

Listasafnið Reykjavíkur

The city of Reykjavík Art Museum is located in three different buildings, scattered around the capital. Hafnarhus is in the city center, Kjarvalsstadir is located in Klambratún and Asmundarsafn park. The museum displays the work of the three most famous artists of Iceland; painters Erró and Kjarval, and the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson. 

There are also regular exhibitions, usually lasting three or four months from Icelandic and international artists. In all, the museum has a collection of 17,000 works, and also hosts conferences and events regularly. The museum is open all year from 10.00 to 17.00, and the entry cost is 1500 Kronur.

Nýlistasafnið

The museum of the performing arts, more known as NYLO is an organization run by artists. Founded in 1978 by two local artists, Niels Hafstein and Magnús Pálsson, the museum was created to provide a space where artists could discuss Icelandic cultural policies. 

For the past 35 years, NYLO has been offering a varied artistic and cultural program and often non-mainstream, which includes performance, video sessions, concerts, poetry evenings and theater. NYLO is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 12.00 (13.00 on the weekends) to 17.00 and the entrance is free.

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Tröllaskagi: Troll Peninsula

Tröllaskagi is a peninsula in northern Iceland, located between the fjords of Eyjafjörður and Skagafjörður. If you arrive in Reykjavik by the number one road, you will reach Tröllaskagi passing the stretch of road Öxnadalsheiði, which can be problematic in the winter months.

The peninsula is full of mountains, deep valleys, and a few glaciers; Kerling is the highest mountain on the peninsula reaching a height of 1538 meters. The peninsula has been easily accessible since the 1970s but is just beginning to gain popularity thanks to its charming and typical villages, hiking opportunities and breathtaking beauty.

Your first stop is the village of Hofsós with 200 inhabitants which is popular for the magnificent view from its public pool. You can then stop at Hólar, a former major diocese, that today is a small lively village, thanks to its university; one can study aquaculture, marine biology, equestrian studies or tourism - amazing study options for a village of just 100 inhabitants!

Continuing your way on the road number 76, you will find the charming village of Siglufjörður. In the 1940s and 1950s, the village population reached 3,000 inhabitants and prospered thanks to the fishing industry and, in particular, herring fishing. Today, the population is 1,200 inhabitants and lives mainly from fishing and the growing tourism. Access to Siglufjörður until 1967 was by a small mountain road accessible only during the summer months.

Then a road was open to the west and allowed people to travel to Siglufjörður all year. In 2010, the town was connected by a tunnel until Ólafsfjörður, bringing the town out of isolation by joining it to other towns in the region and Iceland in general.

The road between Siglufjörður and Dalvík known for its two one-way tunnels is a special adventure for travellers. Ólafsfjörður and Dalvik are two small towns where fishing remains the main activity. Dalvik is famous for being the host town of the annual Fish Festival, Fiskidagurinn Mikli, that takes place in August, where about 30,000 people attend (almost 10% of the Icelandic population). The three towns, Siglufjörður, Ólafsfjörður and Dalvik, offer great opportunities for hiking, skiing and excursions on the sea or in the mountains.

From Árskógssandur, you can take the boat to the island Hrísey or sample the local beer at the small brewery Kaldi.  Hauganes is a point for whale watching, and you can also see whales from Hjalteyri if you're lucky. Hjalteyri has a vivid and artistic life that offers exhibitions throughout the year despite its appearance of being a quiet little community. The end of the peninsula will lead you to the town of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, and Hrafnagil, a small village known to house "the home of  Father Christmas" and a popular annual crafts festival in Iceland, every August.

Joanne, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
Mars 2016

Visiting Iceland with children

Iceland is a superb family holiday destination because all the things that make it merely unique and special to you will make it an amazing world of adventure for your kids.

Most of the Iceland holiday highlights mentioned elsewhere on this website are very much suitable for children of all ages; the main exception to that rule being the kicking Reykjavík nightlife scene.

As you can see in our article on childhood in Iceland, kids pretty much rule the country and enjoy an amazing level of freedom. But living somewhere and visiting there on holiday are two very different things; so here is a random, unscientifically compiled selection of our highlights for children visiting Iceland:

1. Head up to Perlan in Reykjavík, with its spaceship-like dome and incredible water fountain inside. The kids will especially enjoy the manmade geyser outside and they will be chuffed to discover the obstacle course hidden in the forest.

It is more of a collection of old wooden exercise equipment for adults than it is a specially-designed children’s playground. But that doesn’t stop it being a fun diversion. You can walk from Perlan, through the forest and down to Nauthólsvík:

2. Nauthólsvík is Reykjavík’s geothermal beach and it is the perfect place to take kids on a nice day. The water is toasty warm and the sands are golden. There is also an ice cream shop, showers and changing rooms. And talking of beaches, we would highly recommend some beach combing around many of Iceland’s beaches. Children love finding unusual stones, sea glass and odd creatures and plants!

3. Skemmtigarðurinn is the name of a company running two ‘theme parks’ near Reykjavík. One is indoors and the other outdoors. This being Iceland, they don’t have any rollercoasters so to speak; but they are both geared up to keeping families entertained. Read more about them here.

4. Most towns and villages across the country have children’s playgrounds for residents and visitors alike. But two that particularly stand out for mention here are the hand-built Bjössaróló park in Borgarnes and the high adrenaline family garden, Raggagarður in the Westfjords village of Súðavík.

5. As above, most towns and villages also have swimming pools which are an unrivalled place to relax, play and exercise for people of all ages and eternally popular with families. A few of our favourites for those travelling with children include the biggest pool in Reykjavík at Laugardalur, and the suburban haven with commanding views of the city over in Árbær. Away from the city, your children will love the pools in Akureyri and Neskaupstaður. All of the above have fun things like water slides and toys. For the record, lots of other pools not mentioned here also have excellent slides.

6. While at Laugardalur, be sure to explore the park itself. Here you’ll find not only adventurous play opportunities, but also Iceland’s only zoo. Well, we call it a zoo – but you’ll probably consider it more of a farm park than anything else. There are no giraffes or lions; but there are reindeer and seals. It tends to be a real hit with everyone – especially if you get to feed the animals.

7. Horse riding is clearly not suitable for young children. However, Iceland’s strong, small and steady breed of horse makes it an ideal place for that first-time equestrian adventure a kid will remember for life. Iceland has lots of riding stables staffed by experienced and enthusiastic experts, so give it some serious consideration.

8. As mentioned above, Iceland’s rugged scenery and natural wonders are no less inspiring for children than adults; but you can really go out of your way to blur the lines between reality and fantasy by taking a duck boat tour at the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. Drifting among icebergs and playful seals in an amphibious boat is a genuine-fake Arctic experience and will be sure to bring the North Pole from books and fairy tales to life in unforgettable fashion.

9. On the cheaper front, a visit to central Reykjavík’s Tjörnin pond is a surprisingly rewarding experience for four reasons: feeding the ducks, geese, swans, pigeons, starlings, seagulls and terns is a more intense experience than most places due to their large numbers and tameness. Then you will notice Reykjavík’s modernist city hall and the interesting things inside. The pond is surrounded by pleasant parkland, and finally there is a small adventure playground and climbing net at the far end.

10. Finally you’ll be wanting to take a trip out to the capital region municipality of Mosfellsbær. There are many good reasons to do this (including the pool, the Laxness museum, the walking trails and farmers market); but for this article we are only concentrating of the two children’s adventure parks on offer. One is a nature park, and the other is a Viking park. Enjoy!

Peter & Berglind Rós
Iceland24h.blogspot.com 2015