Iceland review - 2013, Page 98

96 ICELAND REVIEW
reykhólahreppur – maN aNd Nature
Reykhólahreppur, including the village of Reykhólar, extends
across the southernmost region of the Westfjords and into the
beautiful bay of Breiðafjörður. Among the village’s attractions
are the salt and seaweed baths at the SeaHouse Spa and the
Boat and Gift of Nature exhibition, which serves as a reminder
of Breiðarfjörður’s rich birdlife—the area is home to eider duck
colonies—and marine riches, from seals to seaweed. Hiking trails
are abundant and accommodation options diverse, from camp-
ing to farmhouse and apartments. The Reykhóladagar festival is
held in July.
VeSturbyGGð – GO weSt
At a length of 14 m (46 ft) and 440 m (1,440 ft) high, Látrabjarg
is Europe’s largest bird cliff, home to millions of birds, puffins,
northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills, and the continent’s
westernmost point. Another popular destination in Vesturbyggð
municipality is the reddish sand beach of Rauðasandur. Activi-
ties are aplenty with tours by bike, jeep and boat on offer, along
with sea angling and whale watching. Restaurants can be found
in Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur with the former town boasting
a brand new hotel. Travelers with kids should be sure to visit the
Icelandic Sea Monster Museum and Pirate House, not to forget
Samúel’s Art Museum in Selárdalur. vesturbyggd.is
tálkNafjarðahreppur – hikiNG hOtSpOt
Nestled in the 15-km (9-mile) long fjord of the same name, the
fishing village of Tálknafjörður is placed in a dramatic setting.
Flanked by steep mountains on both sides, home to rich birdlife
and with the trout and char river Botnsá streaming into the fjord,
the area makes for an ideal hiking destination. Fishing is still the
lifeblood of the community but the industry has expanded into
aquaculture and sea angling trips, popular with visitors. The pride
of every Icelandic town and village, the local swimming pool, can
be found next to the well-serviced camping ground. There are
natural hot springs too, just outside town.
bOluNGarVík – fiShiNG StatiON with a View
Having been built up around the country’s oldest fishing sta-
tion, Bolungarvík is home to the unique maritime museum Ósvör
where visitors can step back in time and experience the realities
faced by fishermen in open rowboats in wild seas at the turn of
the last century. Today still, fishing is the town’s main industry.
The nearby Skálavík cove is a paradise for outdoor recreation and
hikers who make it up the town’s landmark mountain Bolafjall are
rewarded with a breathtaking view of the long and wide fjord
Ísafjarðardjúp. Afterwards, a relaxing soak in the local swimming
pool—one of the best in the Westfjords—is in order.
SúðaVíkurhreppur – Sweet dreamS
Súðavík is located at the mouth of Álftafjörður, just 20 minutes from
Ísafjörður. Attractions include the Arctic Fox Center and annual
International Blueberry Festival, this year August 16-18. The local
church was built in 1899 at Hesteyri in Jökulfirðir. When the village
was abandoned in 1963, the church was moved to its new destina-
tion. Súðavík is made up of two districts, old and new, as the town
was rebuilt further south of its original location after being struck
by an avalanche in 1995. Ögur, an hour’s drive east along the scenic
coastal road from Súðavík, is a base for kayak and hiking tours in
the fjords. sudavik.is
StraNdabyGGð – SCeNeS Of the SuperNatural
The largest town in the Strandir region, Hólmavík, is well worth a
visit for its surrounding natural beauty, and uniquely, its history of
witchcraft and sorcery. The town is home to the Museum of Sorcery
and Witchcraft, providing an introduction into the darker side of
17th century Iceland. If witches are not quite your thing, the nearby
Sheep Farming Museum, paying homage to the local way of life, is
also recommended. Offering all the necessary facilities, the town
makes for the perfect base for day tours—either by car or on foot
along the many marked trails. After a long day, Café Riis, housed
in the oldest building in town, provides a welcoming setting for a
meal.
kaldraNaNeShreppur – rural paradiSe
Kaldrananeshreppur municipality includes the hamlet of Drangsnes
and surrounding rural area. Located in the outer Steingrímsfjörður
fjord, it only takes ten minutes to sail from Drangsnes to Grím-
sey island, which used to be inhabited but is now mainly home to
birds—about 30,000 puffin couples nest on the island. Tourists can
also go on sea angling tours and afterwards take a relaxing soak
in the region’s innovative hot tubs on the beach, fed by hot water
straight from the ground, or in the local swimming pool. There are
also many opportunities for walks and hikes, the region’s highest
mountain being Kaldbakshorn, plunging vertically into Kaldbaksvík
cove. drangsnes.is
árNeShreppur – where the rOad eNdS
Árneshreppur, bordering on the now abandoned Hornstrandir re-
gion, is the definition of a destination off the beaten path. The rural
community of 50 can be reached by a narrow gravel road practically
hewn into vertical sea cliffs. Eagle Air also offers flights to Gjögur.
The region has a hotel in Djúpavík, guesthouses, cottages, camp-
sites and a store in Norðurfjörður, from where sea tours are also
offered. Come trek in a unique environment, admire the spectacular
mountain Rekjaneshyrna and rock pillars Drangaskörð, and take a
dip in the pool right on the beach at Krossnes where the waves of
the Arctic Ocean crash against the shore.
travel
WIld Westfjords
One of the world’s best-kept secrets.
An artifact in the Museum of
Sorcery and Witchcraft, Hólmavík.
westfjords.is