Ísafjörður Guide - Things to do in Ísafjörður

If you go to the northwest region of Iceland, you will find a peninsula, which resembles a deformed dragon. This is one of the oldest regions of Iceland and the ancient volcanoes created it.

Thanks to the ancient volcanoes, it is a remarkable landscape that towers above the mountains and deep fjords and when you look at it from a map, you will think you are looking at saw teeth. If you want to see, nature at its finest Ísafjörður, Iceland is the place for you to come.

Ísafjörður happens to be the largest town found in Westfjords. It is so big it covers almost an entire fjord. On the map, it is the breathtaking mountain landscape. Additionally, since there is a thin band between the shoreline and the outskirts of town, one can easily see just how large it is.

This natural region allows you to see that it has history, especially since most of the buildings are made of wood. In fact, Ísafjörður takes pride in having one of the oldest buildings in all of Iceland, which originated back in 1757.

Ísafjörður works hard to insure that they stay full of culture and have many things going on. They have amazing restaurants, a great music scene, and they have a variety of festivals that take place during the year. Some of the more popular events are the Music Festival, during Easter, and the European mud football championships, during August. Ísafjörður is also home of the best bakery in Iceland, which means this is a place that you must visit during your Iceland trip!

Many people focus on visiting Reykjavik and Akureyri yet if you do not make a visit to Ísafjörður while in the area you are really missing out.

Ísafjörður is an amazing place for hiking and mountain climbing. During the winter, you can even take advantage of skiing and exploring the natural hot pots. The waterfalls will leave you speechless as well as the bird cliffs.

Areas Close to Ísafjörður That Has Amazing Things to Do

Ísafjörður is close to many villages via the tunnel such as Sudureyri, Flateyri and Thingeyri.  The tunnel that connects it to other towns has been around since 1996 and every one hundred meters there is a meeting place.

Sudureyri

Sudureyri is approximately 23 km from Ísafjörður and has the nickname “original fishing village”. You can take a tour here to see fishermen, the fish factory, or act as a fisherman yourself. There are also hiking tours and geothermal outdoor swimming pools to make sure that your stay is satisfying. Go to the Tourist Information Office for additional details.

Flateyri

Flateyri is approximately 23 km from Ísafjörður and is home of “The Old Bookstore”, which is a museum that brilliantly displays all of the history of the village.

Thingeyri

Thingeyri is approximately 49 km from Ísafjörður, which is where you will find the legendary Icelandic sagas. Additionally, while here you can hike and swim. Many tourists come here for Westfjord’s highest mountain.

Hrafnseyri

Hrafnseyri is approximately 66 km from Ísafjörður and is the birthplace of Jon Sigurdsson. There is also a museum dedicated to his memory, which opens during the summer months.

Closing Thoughts

If you want to drive to Reykjavik from Ísafjörður, expect to spend approximately six hours traveling, if during the winter longer. However, you could take a domestic flight; they leave twice a day, and the flight only takes forty minutes tops. During the summer time, you can take an intercity coach or one of the Reykjavik busses, which would take you to Hólmavík year round. From Hólmavík you can hike, though it is not advisable.

The winter months make travelling difficult because of the weather conditions but majority of the time some mode of transportation will be available. Locals have also been known to take you to where you need to go when your flight is cancelled as long as you pay for the petrol for their car.

Overall, if you plan to visit Ísafjörður during the winter months it is recommended that you go at the beginning or the middle of your trip. This way you can more flexible if transportation is delayed and you can enjoy all that the town has to offer.

Mike, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2016 Iceland24h.blogspot.com

Best Hot Springs in Iceland

Iceland is a volcanic island on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rift zone, and the country's volcanic base contributes to its geothermal activity.

This activity underneath the Earth's surface makes Iceland richer in hot springs and high-temperature activity than any other country in the world. This otherwise cold country has about 250 geothermal areas producing 800 hot springs with an average water temperature of around 75°C / 167°F.

You will feel chilly at first when you take off your clothes, but once you are in the steamy water, every chill disappears and you can take a swim or relax in the waters with ease. Whether you have a migraine, a bad back, depressed or stressed, it is best to do this as it is said to have healing and soothing effects.

What are the best hot springs in Iceland?

1. Viti (Askja)

The caldera contains several volcanoes, including Víti (explosive volcanic crater). Water has accumulated in the crater,  its temperature is variable - it is around 30°C on average. Víti is a popular bathing site, but if you intend taking a dip, please be aware that the sloping path is very slippery in wet weather.

The road to Askja goes from road 1 to road 901 and onto mountain road F905. Onward to F910 to Drekagil. On this route there are two fords to cross, usually small. From Drekagil goes mountain road F894 (8 km) to the car park at Vikraborgir.

This place is one of the most awesome and magnificent places in Iceland.

2. Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar (icelandic meaning the hot springs of the people of (the) land) is a region near the volcano Hekla in the south of Iceland. This pearl of the interior is situated in a valley between colourful mountains at the dark edge of the rhyolite lava field Laugahraun.

In Landmannalaugar there is a popular geothermal hot spring. The water is a bit mixed, hot in some areas and colder in other. The pool tends to be crowded as Landmannalaugar is a popular tourist attraction. Make sure to bathe in the geothermal hot springs after exploring the area, in those surroundings it's probably one of the most relaxing things you can do on Earth.

There are lockers and changing rooms so no worries on your belongings or having no privacy. You can stay for as long as you want or when you feel you are relaxed and energized to take your journey in Landmannalaugar.

The road to Landmannalaugar (only accessible by 4x4 vehicles) is usually open from June through September but closed for the rest of the year. If you want to spend the night there you can bring a tent to the campsite or book a bed in the mountain lodge, it fits 78 people and has all the basic facilities needed. Make sure to bathe in the geothermal hot springs after exploring the area, in those surroundings it's probably one of the most relaxing things you can do on Earth.

3. Seljavallalaug (South Iceland)

Seljavallalaug is a protected 25-metre outdoor pool in southern Iceland. The pool is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and was built in 1923.

The original Seljavellir pool was built of traditional Icelandic construction materials, rock and turf, in 1922.  Nine metres long and 4-5 metres wide, the original pool took two days to build. Swimming lessons were due to commence three days later. Twenty-five people were registered for the first swimming/sports course, during which they camped at the swimming pool in tents.

The old Seljavellir pool gradually fell into disuse, and was superseded by the modern pool, but in 1998 it was thoroughly restored and renovated, and today it is once again the pride of the local area.

There is no entry fee and you are asked to treat it with care and respect but alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden. I don’t think you want to be wasted in that location with something happening and no life guard anyway!

4. Grjótagjá (Mývatn)

Grjótagjá is a small lava cave near lake Mývatn with a thermal spring inside. In early 18th century the outlaw Jón Markússon lived there and used the cave for bathing. Until the 1970s Grjótagjá was a popular bathing site.

But during the eruptions from 1975 to 1984 the temperature of the water rose to more than 50 °C, though the temperature is slowly decreasing and has fallen below 50 °C again. The nearby lava cave of Stóragjá is being used as an alternative bathing site.

Grjótagjá was used as a location for filming the fifth episode of the third season of Game of Thrones, called "Kissed by Fire".

Jóhanna, Iceland
© 2016 by Iceland24h.blogspot.com

Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

Located in western Iceland, the small town of Stykkisholmur has become a very popular tourist destination. The town has a number of attractions that make it a major draw, but it is the conservation of heritage and its efforts to be environmentally aware that are among the major elements that pull people in.

The growing number of people arriving in the town means that the tourism operators and restaurants have had to adjust the length of their season. They are also now working hard to deliver a wider selection of local products, including food, and arts and crafts.

Things to do

Beautiful views and incredible wildlife can be found at the Snæfellsnes peninsula and Breiðafjörður bay. Taking a boat out to the islands of Breiðafjörður is a great idea for bird watchers, especially those hoping for a glimpse of the white-tailed eagle.

Súgandisey is an island that is now connected to the mainland, with a path that leads up to a 100-year old lighthouse and the romantic Love Nest. That spot offers fantastic views over Breiðafjörður and the islands, and is also where the Ferry Baldur docks.

Sæferðir / Seatours Iceland is a great spot for bird watching and getting back to nature. Taking a boat out to the Snaefellsnes peninsula is a great way to see it all. You will encounter an incredible variety of birds, from puffins and cormorants, all the way up to the magnificent white-tailed eagle.

The basalt forms of the islands are spectacular, and you can also get a taste of sea urchins and scallops fresh out of the water. Trips run twice daily from June 1st to August 31st, and there are often tours available out of season, too. All you need to know can be found at www.seatours.is

The ferry Baldur sails twice daily in the summer months from Breiðafjörður bay to Brjánslækur, making a stop at the island of Flatey along the way. The old village on the island has been lovingly restored over the past few years, and now has a restaurant, camp site, and sleeping bag accommodation.

Dried fish is made by Friðborg at Hamraenda 3 in Stykkishólmur, and can be purchased in a number of different stores. If you want to visit the plant where it is produced, tours can be organized by calling: 898-8516

Norska húsið (the Norwegian House). The government of Snæfellsnes operates this local folk and culture museum, and frequently has exhibitions on display. Daily opening hours are 11:00 to 17:00 and costs IKR 700 for adults and IKR 300 for children.Tel: 438-1640, norskhus@simnet.is

Swimming pool. Geothermal waters were discovered near Stykkishólmur in 1996, and they are believed to have many health benefits. The swimming pool opened in 1999, and now the water is used to heat houses in the area, too.(Tel: 433-8150)

Campsite 

Aðalgötu 27
IS-340 Stykkishólmi
Tel: 438 1075 / 849 8435
Mail: mostri@stykk.is

The campsite is in a perfect location, sitting next to the Víkurvöllur golf course, whilst also just a 5 minute walk from amenities such as shopping, dining, and the swimming pool. The fee to stay at the camp site can be paid at the Club house/Tourist Information Center. The camp site opens on May 15th through August 31st and has wireless access throughout.

Kolla, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
© 2016 Iceland24h.blogspot.com

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

Biking around lake Mývatn

In the summer time, biking is the best way to travel around Mývatn Lake in north Iceland. The surrounding nature at Mývatn is so breathtakingly beautiful it makes this trip an unforgettable experience. Here’s our guide on how to explore the area on a bike.

You can rent bikes at the campsite Hlíð ferðaþjónusta, Hike and Bike, or near the hotel Reynihlið (helmets and locks included). Starting at Reykjahlíð, you head towards Husavik and then turn left before you enter road 85. You are now northwest of the lake and ready to start your journey on the circular road that goes around Mývatn.

The first stop around Mývatn is Fuglasafn Sigurgeirs (Sigurgeir’s bird museum) located near Ytri-Neslönd. The area is well-known for the variety of bird species nesting there every summer. The Fuglasafn opened in 2008, is still expanding and also has a new building dedicated to fishing.

If you feel like a hike and a bit of a climb, you can stop and journey up Vindbelgjarfjall mountain (529 meters above sea level). It will take about an hour to reach the top on foot, but once there, the view of the diverse landscape from the summit is spectacular.

Next, you come to a crossing at the river Laxa, and will encounter mostly farms and observation places for birds. Then, you can admire the pseudo-craters Skútustaðagígar. These craters are similar to "real" volcanic craters in appearance but are not the same; Skútustaðagígar are formed by the underground heat caused by volcanic eruptions in the region.

A few kilometres further along you come to the green paradise Höfði - one of the few places around Mývatn where you can walk through moss, trees and gardens. Opposite Höfði, you can admire and walk through the Kalfaströnd peninsula, which is also an ideal place for bird watching.

Dimmuborgir is probably one of the most impressive attractions in Mývatn. It is a site where volcanic formations were transformed into columns, statues, and sculptures. You can walk through a 2,300 year old lava field with well-marked roads making it easy for you to find your way.

Hverfjall (or Hverfell according to some), is a volcano that appeared 2,500 years ago after the eruption of Krafla, located a little further east. A path leads to the top of the crater and the view from the top is stunning.

A stop for a coffee and cake is almost necessary at Vogafjós, a farmhouse inn, and restaurant. You can also sample local specialties for lunch or dinner at the restaurant while admiring the grazing cows -  that’s if they are not inside for milking. You can also pet and hug the calves!

Believe it or not! you have traveled 36 kilometres that make up the tour around Mývatn lake. A Good workout! So why not end your trip with a hot water bath in the natural pool Grjótagjá, or make a detour to Jardbodin, the "blue lagoon" of the north.

Joanne, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
Mars 2016

Húsavík Travel Guide: Whale Watching Capital of Iceland

Husavik is a town on the eastern shores of The Skjalfandi Bay.  It is a commercial centre for a large agricultural area and processing of farm produce plays a considerable role in the town’s economy.  Many dairy and meat products processed here are appreciated all over the country.  Fishing and fish processing are also important bases of livelihood.  The fastest growing trade, however, is tourism.

Whale Watching

Nestled on the edge of Shaky Bay, the town of Húsavík is globally recognised as one of the best locations in the world from which to watch whales. In fact, there is a higher chance of seeing whales in Húsavík than any other place in Iceland. So, if you’re ever considering where to go whale-watching, our town is without a doubt, second to none.

Whale-watching Tips

• If photographing, you don´t need a huge lens, the whales are so big, a small zoom or even a normal 50mm is often sufficient.

• Don´t worry too much about the cold because you get thick insulated overalls to wear, and at the end of the trip, some companies offer a hot chocolate or if you´re lucky, even a shot of rum.

• Although high winds might prevent you from going out to sea at all, rain is never a bad thing, as you have more chance of seeing a Humpback breach (jump) in this kind of weather.
You can check the weather in advance, but the weather in Iceland is notoriously changeable, so none of the whale-watching companies will be able to tell you for sure if they are offering trips until the day itself.

• If you get seasick, some of the companies offer medication on bumpy weather days but you can also get it from the local pharmacy, just ask for Postafen or Dramamine.
• Typical whale-watching trips take three to four hours and can be quite tiring, especially if you’re not used to being at sea. So, make sure you give yourself time afterwards to sit in the harbour and take a coffee in Gamli Baukur or eat some fish and chips.
• Don´t try and go looking for whales to eat in Húsavík, when a fair portion of the town’s income comes from watching them, eating them is a little counter-productive.

Húsavík Whale-watching Companies

There are three different companies offering whale-watching trips here in Húsavík. Trips take about 3 hours, and can be taken on the beautiful wooden boats pioneered by North Sailing, the speedy ribbed boats of Gentle Giants or with the singing tour guide of Visit Askja.

All the companies have very friendly (we recommend you Visit Askja), multilingual guides who are passionate about whales, many of them working for the companies for many many years. The local companies are also active participants in the education and research of the whales.

Húsavíks harbour is a hive of activity in this respect, because as well as the three whale-watching companies that use the docks, there is the Whale Museum and the University of Iceland´s research centre. There are partnerships between these organisations and the whale-watching companies, with many boat trips containing researchers.

Nearby Things to Do and See

1. Horse-riding

At nearby Saltvik, visitors to Húsavík can take advantage of the local horse-riding facilities. With horses chosen according to the rider’s ability and excellent guides to help you on your way, what better way to get out and about and see some of Iceland’s magnificent countryside than sat on a lovely little Icelandic horse.

2. Ystafell Transportation Museum

From weird, repurposed tanks used to deliver milk, to giant snowmobile buses that look straight off the set of Dune, the Transport Museum at Ystafell has collected and preserved half a century´s worth of vehicles, and set it on display in a wonderfully remote location. Covering an array of automobilia, along with the cars themselves, there´s photographs and information to read about Iceland’s transportation history.

Contact:
464-3133 or 861-1213
sverrir@islandia.is

3. Flateyjarskagi Peninsula

Flateyjarskagi is a mountainous peninsula in Northern Iceland located between Akureyri and Húsavík. Practically deserted on the peninsula itself, it´s relative remoteness makes for prime but easily accessible hiking ground.  In the west is Laufás Turf House Museum, whilst in the southwest before you reach Akureyri is an Outsider Art Museum. At the base of Flateyjarskagi is the oldest and second largest forest in Iceland, Vaglaskógur. A popular place for camping, there is a range of tree species and the oldest stone bridge in Iceland.

4. Eider Falls

The Eider Falls are one of the closest waterfalls to Húsavík. Known in Icelandic as Æðafossar (pronounced eye-tha-foss-ar) they are located about 10 kilometres southwest, in the River Laxá. The Laxá is an extremely rich fishing river running from Lake Mývatn to Skjálfandi Bay, with some of the largest brown trout in the country.

5. Knútsstaðaborg Hollow

Knútsstaðaborg is an accessible hollow chamber inside a rocky outcrop to the west of Húsavík. About 10 square metres in size, brace yourself for the strong smell of sheep´s wool when you step inside, the local livestock keep shelter here in hot sun or bad weather.

Where to eat

Gamli Baukur, (on the waterfront in an old wooden building) ☎ +354 464 2442. They have an excellent selection of fish, soups, and salads. Downstairs is the small restaurant and upstairs a lively, little bar.

Fosshótel Húsavík. ☎ +354 464 1220Has a reasonably priced restaurant/pizzeria.

Naustið, Naustagarður 2 (yellow house by the harbour), ☎ +354 464 1520. Nice and simple seafood restaurant.

Pallurinn, (behind the Gentle Giants ticket centre), ☎ +354 496 1440. An interesting tent restaurant where they grill whole lambs. Very nice food with reasonable prices. Only open during the summer season.

Salka, Garðarsbraut 6 (green house right by the main road.), ☎ +354 464 2551. Restaurant/pizzeria, where it is also possible to taste puffin.

Where to Sleep

Fosshótel Húsavík. Fosshótel Húsavík is a friendly and well-equipped hotel, located in the heart of Húsavík, within walking distance of the harbor.

Húsavík Cape Hotel. Húsavík Cape Hotel is a new 16 room hotel, located at Húsavík Cape, with a fantastic view across the town and Skjálfandi bay.

Kaldbakskot Cottages. Eighteen newly built log cabins, 20-30 square meters in size, with all modern conveniences.

Árból Guesthouse. Árból is a particularly beautiful and pleasant guesthouse located by the stream Búðará in the west corner of the town park. 

Get a free map of Húsavík here.

Johanna, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
February 2016

Strange dishes to taste during your trip in Iceland

Harðfiskur is a dried fish, that you can see being dried on large trestles during your trip in Iceland. You can easily buy Harðfiskur at the supermarket, and sometimes it’s sold door to door downtown. It can be eaten on its own, or with salted butter and is usually prepared with cod. You can taste dried fish at Café Loki, opposite Hallgrímskirkja in downtown Reykjavík, or at Kolaportið flea market.

Svíð is a boiled sheep's head cut in half and is a speciality found on farmhouse tables in Iceland. Don’t worry, the wool and brain are removed and all that’s left are the delicious edible pieces. Svíð is on the menu all year round at the BSÍ bus terminal cafeteria in Reykjavík.

You can also have a Svíð takeaway at the BSÍ drive-through, served hot or cold, depending on your tastebuds! The BSÍ cafeteria’s chef confirms that more than 10,000 sheep heads are consumed every year from BSÍ and that Icelanders consider the eyeballs to be the tastiest part!

Slátur is a type of black pudding, and the main ingredient is sheep blood. A majority of  Icelanders eat it! Slátur is on every primary school lunch menu in the country. Many Icelanders make their own slátur, mainly using sheep blood, sheep fat, onions, thyme and cayenne pepper. You can find it in all Icelandic supermarkets. Slátur can be eaten on its own or the traditional Icelandic way, with rice pudding.

The above three dishes can be found on Icelandic dinner tables during the year, but are especially popular during the Þorrablót Festival, which takes place annually in January or February.

Hákarl is an Icelandic speciality of hung shark meat and is most commonly served during Þorrablót. Bjarnarhöfn farm, between Stykkisholmur and Grunðarfjörður, belongs to a family that have been hanging sharks for several generations.

The farm is home to a shark museum and offers you the opportunity to try this shark meat speciality during your visit, with a shot of Brennivin(a clear, unsweetened schnapps with a similar taste to vodka). If you like the experience, you can buy both Hárkarl with Brennivin from Bjarnarhöfn farm. They are also on the menu at Íslenski Barinn in Reykjavík.

Joanne, Iceland24h.blogspot.com
February 2016