Reykjavík Grapevine - nov 2019, Qupperneq 36

The Reykjavík G
rapevine
Best of Iceland 2019
36 BEST OF ICELAND 2019
Westfjords
The Westfjords are so foxy
Best Tour
Vigur Island
Ísafjörður
This tiny island, smack in the middle of Ísafjarðardjúp, has more avian res-
idents that humans, including puffins. Reachable via boat from Ísafjörður
or by taking a kayak tour—usually only in summer—it’s an afternoon trip
full of birdwatching bliss. Also, if you’re into manmade rarities, this tiny
island is home to Iceland’s only windmill, and the smallest post office in
Europe. We’d recommend waiting for one of those rare clear winter days to
ensure you get the best view. Make sure to pay attention to the shoreline,
too—you might just see some sunbathing seals. D6
Runner Up
Whale Watching
Hólmavík
In Hólmavík, you’ll probably see a hump-
back no more than a stone’s throw from
the town centre. The calm bay has smooth
currents, so it’s a perfect place to see the
giant marine mammals. Our panellists rec-
ommend Láki Tours. “I don’t think they’ve
ever not seen whales on that tour,” they
said. F8
Runner Up
Hornstrandir
Northern Westfjords
Lying at the northernmost point of the
Westfjords, Hornstrandir is a deserted re-
gion that is inaccessible except via boat,
or a days-long hike. There are no roads, no
hotels, no campsites—not even toilets.
That said, you’ll be rewarded with an im-
mersive tract of Icelandic nature. It’s not
accessible in winter, but make sure to go
in the warmer months. D5
Best Museum
Samúel Jónsson Museum
Brautarholt, Selárdalur
Imagine this: You’re driving through one of
the most isolated areas of Iceland on an
unserviced 25km dirt track. Suddenly, you
come upon a house surrounded by bizarre,
brightly coloured, cartoonish sculptures.
Well, welcome to the Samúel Jónsson Mu-
seum. Samúel was a self-taught artist and
a hermit who used his pension money for
plaster, which he used to make the memo-
rable oddities that litter the yard surround-
ing his jaunty white and red house. “It’s
wonderfully surreal,” said the panel. B8
Runners Up
Arctic Fox Centre
Eyrardalur, Súðavík
Stopping at the Arctic Fox Centre is a mag-
ical afternoon for adults and kids alike.
Arctic foxes are, in fact, the only terrestrial
mammal native to Iceland. Famously elu-
sive, they’re also amongst the hardest to
spot in the wild, so the centre is your best
bet to get close to one. D7
Sea Monster Museum
Dalbraut, Bíldudalur
There’s no better place to learn about Ice-
land’s supernatural sea creatures than the
tiny coastal town of Bíldudalur. Indeed,
Arnarfjörður is said to host many of them.
This museum is dedicated to studying this
branch of folklore with a loving, academic
touch. It’s open all summer but by appoint-
ment by winter. B8
Best Road Trip
Southern Westfjords
Brjánslækur to Dynjandi
The southern Westfjords contain some of
the most breathtaking scenery in Iceland.
Start at Brjánslækur, where the ferry from
Snæfellsnes comes in, and drive west on
Highway 62 to the Rauðasandur red sand
beach. Next, turn onto Highway 612 for
the beautiful bird cliffs of Látrabjarg, be-
fore heading up to Patreksfjörður to check
out the Húsið art space. Take Route 63 to
the Samúel Jónsson Museum, then cross
Dynjandisheiði for a perfect finale at the
incomparable Dynjandi waterfall. C9-C8
Runners Up
Súðavík To Þingeyri
Súðavík To Þingeyri
Here’s your itinerary: Start with the foxes
in Súðavík, go to Ísafjörður for a snúður at
the Old Bakery and lunch at Tjöruhúsið,
head to Suðureyri for a soak at the pool,
jaunt to Flateyri for a pint at Vagninn, and
end with some coffee and waffles at Sim-
bahöllin. Now that’s a day well-spent in
Iceland. D7-C7

Strandir
Route 643
“If you want remote, this is it,” said the panel
of the Strandir road. “It’s only for confident
drivers, but you’re treated to sheer cliffs
with mist clinging to their tops, waterfalls,
beaches, and total solitude for hours.” Stop
at the Djúpavík factory to see their latest
exhibit, and finish at Krossneslaug. F7-G7
WELCOME TO
ANOTHER WORLD
An unique escape, tranquility and beautiful nature. A charming
atmosphere, renowned on-site restaurant with exquisite cuisine and
personal service. Hótel Búðir features all the comforts you need and
there are plenty of activities to choose from in the vicinity. Let us
provide the doorway to your adventure in Iceland.
– a remote luxuryhotelbudirhotelbudirhotelbudir.is budir@budir.is +354 435 6700
Check out our selection of
gift cards on
hotelbudir.is/gjafabref2018
A great idea and well
rembered for any occasion.