Iceland review - 2014, Page 97

ICELAND REVIEW 95
North iCeLANd
Nowhere in Iceland is the Icelandic horse held in higher regard
than in Skagafjörður. The region is famous for its quality rid-
ing horses and colorful herds are everywhere to be seen, grazing
on fresh green grass in summer, happy foals frolicking, and stand-
ing out in the snowy winter landscape, fat and fluffy in their winter
coats. Unsurprisingly, horseback riding is a favored activity in the
region and visitors can choose from a number of horse rentals.
Skagafjörður is also frequented by saga enthusiasts, as many of
the most famous scenes from the Icelandic sagas are set there; in-
cluding the Flugumýri arson and battle of Haugsnes from Sturlun-
ga saga. Visitors should not miss a visit to Drangey island, where
Grettir Ásmundarson was outlawed, or a soak in Grettislaug, the
geothermal natural pool where he warmed up after swimming
from the island to fetch fire. Fosslaug is another popular natu-
ral pool in the region, and the swimming pool in Hofsós is truly
unique for its views, where swimmers marvel at the unobstructed
view of Drangey. Island tours are a must. There are two other
islands in Skagafjörður fjord: Málmey and Þórðarhöfði, and all are
known for their rich birdlife.
In Sauðárkrókur you can find the only tannery in Europe which
produces fish leather. Guided tours of the tannery are offered,
where fish skin is expertly processed to make high-quality leath-
er. Other museums worth a visit include the Icelandic Emigration
Center in Hofsós, the Heritage House Glaumbær (an old turf
farm) , Icelandic Horse Center and the Icelandic Beer Center.
In summer and winter, Skagafjörður has plenty of tours and
activities on offer, ranging from adrenaline-boosting adventures
like rafting on glacial rivers and heli-skiing in steep mountains, to
sightseeing tours by foot, horse, car or boat, sea angling, fishing
in lakes and rivers, sharpshooting, archery, bird hunting, golfing
and skiing at the Tindastóll resort. Opportunities are endless.
visitskagafjordur.is
Skagafjörður
– HorSing around
Horses, sagas, pools, islands, fish leather and adrenaline-boosting adventures are only a few
of the many reasons you should visit beautiful skagafjörður in North Iceland.
Travel
hofsós swimming pool. horse-roundup at laufskálarétt pen.
rafting in austari-Jökulsá.