Reykjavík Grapevine - Nov 2019, Page 24

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
24
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
Restaurant:
Skúrinn
Aðalgata 25, Stykkishólmur
Tel: +354 544 4004
Skúrinn is an all-are-welcome com-
fort joint. The cosy Stykkishólmur
haunt boasts nachos, milkshakes,
and some of the best burgers in
Iceland. Try the Senior Citizen, se-
riously. With low prices, a homey
atmosphere, and friendly staff, it’s
light on the wallet while still yummy
in the tummy. D11
Beach:
Djúpalónssandur
Snæfellsnes National Park
Tel: +354 435 6680
This black pebble beach, which is
supposedly haunted, and also has
an elf church, was the site of a
shipwreck that took the lives of 14
British sailors in 1948. You can still
find rusted metal fragments from
the accident scattered all over the
beach. The drive there is also stun-
ning, going directly through a lava
field. Keep your eyes peeled: You
might see some trolls. B12
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
Church:
Hellnarkirkja
Hellnar, Snæfellsnes
Info: west.is
With a year-round population of
fewer than ten people, it’s diffi-
cult to say how many people use
Hellnar’s church. It’s a somewhat
spooky building—the type of
small-town church you usually see
in horror movies. That said, the
strangeness of it only adds to its
beauty. Inside, you’ll be met by a
bright blue ceiling and chandelier.
Make sure to take a stroll around
the lumpy cemetery before you sit
in the bright red pews. B12
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
SAFETY NOTE
The summer “high season” in
Iceland ends on September 1st.
Please check vedur.is/en for
weather and road.is for driving
conditions in the late summer.
Some roads close completely when
weather is poor. Additional travel
alerts can be found at
safetravel.is.
OPENING HOURS
Opening hours may vary outside
of the summer season, so be
sure to check ahead.
Browse Grapevine recommended
tours from this region at