Reykjavík Grapevine - Aug 2019, Page 26

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
26
Mountain:
Kirkjufell
Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsnes
On the northern shore of the
Snæfellsnes peninsula, not far
from the town of Grundarfjörður,
is the impressive Kirkjufell. Mean-
ing “Church Mountain,” the 463
m Kirkjufell is entrancing. Broad
and flat topped from one angle, but
appearing to jut up from the earth
like a shark fin when viewed from
another side. There’s a reason this
mountain is the most photographed
in Iceland. Map square: C11
Town:
Stykkishólmur
Snæfellsnes
Info: visitstykkishólmur.is
Of all the small towns around Ice-
land’s coastline, Stykkishólmur—
population 1,195—is perhaps the
most charming. The small harbour
is enclosed by a small and easily
hikeable cliff that offers views out
into the island-dotted fjord, and for
such a small place there’s plenty to
see and do, including a handful of
museums, shops, and restaurants.
The perfect spot for a weekend get-
away. D11
Farm:
Háafell
Hvítársíðu, Borgarbyggð
Tel: +354 437 1600
The Icelandic goat is on the decline,
so stopping by the country’s only
goat farm at Háafell is a must-do in
the West. Play with the goats, learn
about the breed, and sample some
goat cheese and goat milk ice cream.
You might even meet a television
star: Háafell’s goats appeared on
“Game of Thrones.” Whether or not
any were harmed in the filming by
being consumed by actual dragons
remains unconfirmed. E13
Museum: Bjarnarhöfn
Shark Museum
Bjarnarhöfn, Tel: +354 438-1581
Info: www.bjarnarhofn.is
One of Iceland’s notorious bizarrely
specific museums, the Bjarnarhöfn
Shark Museum is packed to the
brim with shark boats, shark info
sheets, shark skeletons, shark stom-
ach contents, and so much more
shark related content. If that’s not
sharky enough for you, just up the
hill is a drafty shack where shark
meat hangs down right before your
very eyes. We’d recommend you
don’t eat it, but hey, it’s your life.
Make your own choices. C11
Food Tour:
Viking Sushi
Stykkishólmur, Tel: +354 433-2254
Info: www.seatours.is
Viking Sushi gives you a two for
one deal: a gorgeous cruise among
the Breiðafjörður bay and a taste of
the freshest seafood around. Right
in front of your very eyes, scallops,
clams, and sea urchins are plucked
from the seafloor and served to you
on a giant trough on the bow of
the boat. It’s a unique experience
your brain won’t soon forget, and a
delicious culinary one your tongue
won’t either. D11
Road Trip:
Kaldidalur
Húsafell to Þingvellir
The snowy, glacier-flanked moun-
tain pass of Kaldidalur is a dirt trail
which meanders through some of
Iceland’s most beautiful scenery.
It’s a rough road, no doubt, but one
that allows you unfettered access to
some of the more obscure locations
about Langjökull. On a good day,
don’t forget to park and take a hike
up to Ok, the dead glacier. The trip
starts at Húsafell, eventually ending
at Þingvellir. G14
USEFUL INFO
Grapevine on the West:
gpv.is/west
Our articles, info and
guides for West Iceland
and the Westfjords
Tourist Information:
West Iceland Marketing
Office
www.west.is
info@westiceland.is
Tel: +354 462 3300

Emergency services
Tel: 112 (national helpline)
Weather report
en.vedur.is
Recorded info: +354 902 0600
HOW TO GET THERE
By car:
Road conditions
www.road.is
Tel: 1777
(Summer hours: 08:00-16:00 /
Winter: 06:30-22:00)
By ferry:
From Stykkishólmur
Ferry to Flatey and Brjánslækur
Schedule & Info:
www.seatours.is
By bus:
National Bus Network
www.bus.is
Tel: +354 540 2700
Browse the tours we’ve recommended at
go.grapevine.is