Reykjavík Grapevine - sep. 2019, Blaðsíða 37

Reykjavík Grapevine - sep. 2019, Blaðsíða 37
Th e Re yk ja ví k G ra pe vi ne Be st o f I ce la nd 2 01 9 37 Best Hike Kaldbakur Dýrafjörður Directly between Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður lies Kaldbakur, the highest point of the “Alps of the Westfjords.” Unlike the flat-topped, glacier-shaped mountains you might expect in Iceland, this one is steep and pointy and, as such, it’s recom- mended that only those who are physically fit, with good hiking gear attempt this hike. That said, the view is worth it, with a 360° expanse of valleys, lakes, mountains, and grasslands for your eyes to drink in. B7 Runners Up Hornbjarg Hornstrandir The crowning jewel of Hornstrandir—the uninhabited northernmost point of the Westfjords—is Hornbjarg. Only accessible by a boat ride and five hour hike, it’s a se- ries of lush, green cliffs that drop abruptly down into the harsh Arctic waves below, with nothing standing between you and the North Pole. E5 Seljalandsdalur to Syðridalur Seljalandsdalur The valley of Syðridalur is a prime loca- tion for spotting eiders, bar-tailed god- wits, black-headed gulls, and many other winged inhabitants of Iceland. It’s also sur- rounded by awe-inspiring views. Start in the skiing area in Seljalandsdalur and hike six hours to a beautiful vista overlooking the picturesque Hnífsdalur and Ísafjörður. C6 Best Bathing Spot Krossneslaug Route 643, past Árneshreppur Straight up the road from Djúpavík, this old-school bathing spot is quite literally where the road ends. Sandwiched be- tween the mountains and the sea, it offers a wild and positively sublime pool expe- rience. “By the time you make it there on that rough road you’re exhausted, and jumping in the pool is that much more re- warding,” said the panel. “Those views out to the sea from the edge of the pool are just incredible.” D7 Runners Up Pollurinn Tálknafjöður A few kilometres outside of Tálknafjöður, this idyllic fjordside bathing spot offers an unforgettable, jaw-dropping view of the surrounding mountains. There are a couple of hot pots of different temperatures. It’s open 24/7, so feel free to arrive late to soak while the sun sets. C8 Heydalur Ísafjörður Heydalur offers four choices: two indoor pools, a warm swimming pool, and a hot tub. Housed in a greenhouse surrounded by fruit trees, it’s a true oasis. Don’t miss the natural hot pot—it’s only accessible by walking across a cold, narrow glacial stream. But that just makes it all the more worth it, right? F6 Best Bar Vagninn Hafnarstræti 19, Flateyri An almost unanimous pick, Vagninn is without a doubt the most happening bar in the Westfjords. “It’s a legendary spot, and it always gets me in a good mood,” said one panellist. Known for its tasty food, great beer selection, live music, local vibe, and rowdy crowd, Vagninn proves that you can find that sweaty, smiley bar ambience, even in the middle of nowhere. C7 Runners Up Húsið Hrannargata 2, Ísafjörður “It’s a social hub,” said one panel member in regards to Ísafjörður’s beloved Húsið. “It has a decent selection of my favour- ite Icelandic beers,” another agreed. “And the atmosphere is really nice.” A café by day, Húsið transforms into the best type of small town pub later on. Expect to make new friends. C6 Edinborgarhúsið Aðalstræti 7, Ísafjörður Edinborgarhúsið could best be described as the cultural centre of Ísafjörður. With everything from rowdy rock and rap gigs to jazz nights, the venue is certainly a mixed- bag, but one that works steadfastly to bring the best of Icelandic culture all the way to the far reaches of the Westfjords. C6 Best Café Simbahöllin Fjarðargata 5, Þingeyri Who says you can’t get Belgian-style waf- fles in the middle of nowhere? Certainly not Simbahöllin. This cafe is nested in the tiny fishing village of Þingeyri, and it was an- other near-unanimous pick from the panel. “It has the best coffee, the best waffles, and the jam is magic!” exclaimed one pan- ellist. “It’s also worth the stop just to sit in thar beautifully restored old building,” another added. They make a damn good latte, too. C7 Newcomer Heimabyggð Aðalstræti 22b, Ísafjörður Heimabyggð’s cosy, wooden interior breeds relaxation. The panel praised the café, which opened only this year, for their coffee, fresh sourdough bread, beer selec- tion and general atmosphere, which they described as healthy and homey. Expect large portions, larger lattes and lots of laughter. C6 Runner Up Stúkuhúsið Aðalstræti 50, Patreksfjörður Stúkuhúsið walks the line between diner and café, but its warm atmosphere and friendly service make it the perfect place to stop for a bite of cake and a hot cup of joe. “It’s like being at your grandma’s house,” said one panellist. “And the cakes are homemade!” B8
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