WEST ICELAND including SNÆFELLSNES and the WEST FJORDS

WEST ICELAND including SNÆFELLSNES and the
WEST FJORDS – 7 days

- starting from Reykjavík and returning to the capital

This tour covers the region immediately to the north of
Reykjavík as far as the Northwest Fjords, including the
Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
The Snæfellsnes peninsula juts out into the ocean and has
a number of small fishing settlements scattered around its
coastlines. At the western end is the glacier and volcano
Snæfellsjökull, which can be seen from Reykjavík on a
clear day.

The West fjords area is one of the remotest parts of
Iceland, the harsh landscape is attractive for travelers who
take a deep interest in nature. On the most western point
of Europe, Látrabjarg, bird watchers like to visit
impressive sea-bird cliffs.

In the south of this area are the two scenically attractive
fjords Hvalfjörður and Borgarfjörður.
Borgarfjörður is associated with one of the most famous
Icelandic sagas, Egils Saga. It was one of the first
Icelandic regions where the Vikings settled.

During the middle ages Reykholt, one of the richest farms
in the country, was an important centre of politics and
culture. It was the home of Snorri Sturluson, political
leader and writer. Also of interest in the Reykholt valley is
the country's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver.
The waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are a very
romantic and beautiful site.

Tour description
Day 1:

Reykjavík → Grundarfjörður/

Stykkishólmur

Sights: Snæfellsnes peninsula

Day 2:

Grundarfjörður/ Stykkishólmur →

Bíldudalur

Sights: Breiðafjörður, Látrabjarg,

Hnjótur
Day 3:

Bíldudalur → Korpudalur

Sights: Dynjandi, Hrafnseyri,

Þingeyri
Day 4:

Korpudalur → Broddanes

Sights: Ísafjörður, (Vigur), Reykjanes,

Hólmavík
Day 5:

Broddanes → Ósar/Sæberg

Sights: Kolugljúfur, Glaumbær,

Viðimýrarkirkja
Day 6:

Ósar/Sæberg → Borgarnes/Akranes

Sights: Grábrók, Deildartunguhver,

Reykholt, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss
Day 7:

Borgarnes/ Akranes → Reykjavík

Sights: Hvalfjörður, Reykjavík

Possible Extensions:
A: Visit Hólar and Hofsós and travel to Siglufjörður, stay
one night at Siglufjörður Hostel
B: Spend one day on Reykjanes peninsula, stay one night
at Njarðvík Hostel
C: Day trips from Reykjavík
D: Trip from Reykjavík to Vestmannaeyjar, one night stay
at Vestmannaeyjar Hostel

Possible Combinations:
- travel to Akureyri on day 5 and combine this tour with
the NORTH EAST OF ICELAND tour
- after arrival back in Reykjavík combine this tour with the
SOUTH COAST ADVENTURE

Day 1:
- from Reykjavík drive road no. 1 (ring road) to the north
- pass the small town Mosfellsbær
- continue until you reach the fjord Hvalfjörður

- drive through the tunnel, attention: here you have to
pay obligate toll (1000,- ISK)

Hvalfjarðargöng
- tunnel underneath the fjord Hvalfjörður
- built 1996-1998, 5.6 km long, 165 m deep (measured
from sea level)

- right after leaving the tunnel turn right and drive road
no. 1 to reach Borgarnes

Borgarnes
- small town, 2.500 inhabitants, living on industry and
services
- restaurant, services, shopping center, bank, hospitel etc.
- one of the sites of the the famous Saga of Egill
Skallagrímsson
- interesting botanical garden with a relief sculpture of
Egill Skallagrímsson

- leave Borgarnes on road no. 54 (Snæfellsnesvegur)
towards the peninsula Snæfellsnes

- possible stop at Borg á Mýrum, famous church and
parsonage with sculpture Sonatorrek (“Irretrievable Loss
of Sons”) by Ásmundur Sveinsson, based on a poem from
Egils saga

Eldborg
- volcanic crater, 100 m above sea level, 200 m in
diameter, 50 m deep in the middle of a lava field called
Eldborgarhraun
- walking path (30 min. walk) from road no. 1.
- protected area

- drive road no. 54, near Búðir go straight onto road no.
574 (Útnesvegur)

Búðahraun
- lava field on the south shore of Snæfellsnes peninsula
- lovely church from 19th century at Búðir
- yellow sand beach, rare in Iceland, with black lava

Arnarstapi and Hellnar
- two former fishing villages
- beautiful and striking coast line, interesting rock
formations, basalt columns, gorges, caves, sea bird
colonies
- in Arnarstapi you will see the stone monument to the
hero Barður Snæfellsás, who protects the area from evil as
the local legend has it
- several marked hiking paths to the caves and sea bird
colonies
- restaurant at Arnarstapi, café at Hellnar
- national park office including interersting exhibition at
Hellnar
- continue on road no. 574

Snæfellsjökull
- The area is dominated by the three peaked volcano and
glacier Snæfellsjökull (1446 m high) which is believed to
be a place of supernatural power.
- One of the most famous volcanoes in Iceland featured in
novels by Jules Verne and Icelandic writer Halldór
Laxness.
- today national park
- several hiking trails

Dritvík
- For centuries one of the busiest fishing-stations, once
inhabiting 600 seasonal workers.
- walking path to the shore (Djúpalónssandur), where
there are four well-known lifting stones which fishermen
would try their strength at, they had to be able to lift at
least the smaller ones

Rif and Hellissandur
- former important fisher villages
- western most settlements on Snæfellsnes peninsula
- maritime museum and fishermen’s cottages at
Hellissandur
- large colony of the arctic tern between Rif and
Hellissandur

Ólafsvík
- small town (900 inhabitants), good harbor facilities, rich
offshore fishing grounds
- museum in a 19th century warehouse
- all necessary services

- continue on road no. 574 and 54 to Grundarfjörður

Grundarfjörður
- fishing and trading center since the 18th century, named
after the fjord Grundarfjörður
- today lovely small town in a great environment,
dominated by the mountain Kirkjufell
- population about 850, living on fishing and fish
processing
- french fishermen built a church and several houses in the
town
- swimming pool, tourist information

- accommodation recommended at Grundarfjörður
Hostel or Stykkishólmur Hostel
- for further information on Grundarfjörður Hostel,

Hliðarvegur 15, 350 Grundarfjörður, ph.+354-895-6533 /
+354-562-6533

- if you are going to stay at Stykkishólmur Hostel continue
on road no. 54 and 58 to get to the town Stykkishólmur

Stykkishólmur
- town with 1230 inhabitants, fishing and trading center,
school, hospital
- for centuries a focal point for settlement in the
Breiðafjörður area
- modern space age looking church, concert hall, art
museum on water “Vatnasjafnið”
- folk museum close to the harbor in the “Norwegian
House”
- super market, great swimming pool
- from here the ferry Baldur goes to Brjánslækur (West
fjords)
- light house near the harbor
- several boat trips with bird and whale watching, tourist
information centre

- accommodation is recommended at Stykkishólmur
Hostel

- for further information on Stykkishólmur Hostel,
Höfðagata 1, 340 Stykkishólmur – ph.+354-438-1417 /
+354-861-2517

(Distances: Reykjavík-Borgarnes 63 km, Borgarnes-Búðir
102 km, Búðir-Grundarfjörður 89 km, Grundarfjörður-
Stykkishólmur 45 km; total: 254/299 km)

Day 2:

- if you stayed at Grundarfjörður Hostel drive road no. 54
and 58 to get to Stykkishólmur

- take the ferry Baldur to Brjánslækur (West Fjords)
- passage takes 3 hours; arrival at 12 o’clock
- for cars you need to book in advance
- for further information on the ferry contact

+354-433-2254

- when you get to Brjánslækur drive road no. 62 in
direction to the west (Barðaströnd)
- drive the mountain road Kleifaheiði (404 m high) in
direction to Patreksfjörður
- when you reach the fjord turn left onto road no. 612

- please have in mind that there is no gas station on the
way to Látrabjarg
- be careful on mountain and gravel roads, pay attention
to weather conditions
- pass Breiðavík and continue until you get to Látrabjarg,
the road is very rough and climbs up over a plateau and
than steeply down to the coastline

Bjargtangar and Látrabjarg
- Bjargtangar is the westernmost point of Europe, there is
a light house
- Látrarbjarg cliffs rise up to 414 m above sea level, the
cliffs are 12 km long
- sea bird colonies (puffins, guillemot, razorbills, fulmars,
kittiwakes)
- a foot path along the top of the cliff offers great views,
you can get really near the birds, but please be careful not
to fall off the cliff or to disturb the birds
- many shipwrecks have occurred in the rough sea here

- travel the same way back and if you like stop at Hnjótur

Hnjótur
- farm, café and interesting folk and aviation museum,
initiated by the local Egill Ólafsson
- memorial to British seamen
- you can watch a film on sea rescue operations that
occurred in 1947 and 1948 when the British trawlers
Dhoon and Sargon wrecked during severe snow storms

- drive road no. 616, when you get to the the crossroads
in the fjord Patreksfjörður turn left onto road no. 62,
heading for the town Patreksfjörður

Patreksfjörður
- small town located on the shore of the southernmost of
all Westfjords, named after the fjord
- main industry fishing and fishprocessing, population
about 700
- memorial to the victims of avalanches and to British
seamen from Aberdeen, Hull and Grimsby

- drive road no. 63, pass the fjord Tálknafjörður and drive
over the mountain pass Hálfdan (525 m), heading for
Bíldudalur

Bíldudalur
- small village (pop. 260), once one of the most important
fishing stations in Iceland
- main occupation today fishing and fish processing
- monument for drowned seamen of the village
- museum “Melódíur minninganna” (Melody Memory Lane),
a small private museum dedicated to Icelandic popular
music

- accommodation recommended at Bíldudalur Hostel
- for further information on Bíldudalur Hostel, Hafnarbraut
2,465 Bíldudalur – ph. +354-456-2100/ 860-2100

(Distances: Brjánslækur-Patreksfjörður 42 km,
Patreksjförður-Látrabjarg-Patreksjförður village 124 km,
Patreksfjörður-Bíldudalur 27 km; total: 193 km)

Day 3:

- drive road no. 63 along the coastline of Suðurfirðir

Suðurfirðir
- collective name of the fjords of the southern branch of
Arnarfjörður, Fossjörður, Reykjafjörður, Trostansfjörður
and Geirþjófsförður
- typical landscape of the West fjords: high mountain
plateaus and deep fjords, very little of flat land, hardly any
space for agriculture, difficult roads
- near Hornatær turn left onto road no. 60
(Vestfjarðavegur) and drive over the plateau
Dynjandisheiði (500 m high) to reach the waterfall
Dynjandi

Dynjandi
- one of the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in
Iceland
- The water falls in many cascades down from 100 m
height, forming a huge triangular.
- There is a walking path along the waterfall; it takes at
least 1 hour to climb up the hillside. Take your time, it is a
wonderful place. There are facilities at the camping site.
Nice place for picnic.

- drive road no. 60 to Hrafnseyri

Hrafnseyri
- birthplace of Jón Sigurðsson (1811-1879), called the
president, one of the leaders of the Icelandic
independence struggle during the 19th century
- replica of a turf farm house and museum dedicated to
Jón Sigurðsson, also a nice cafe
- his birthday, June 17

, is the national holiday; on June

17th 1944 the Republic of Iceland was established

- drive road no. 60 over the mountain plateau
Hrafnseyrarheiði (552 m) to reach Þingeyri

Þingeyri
- village with a population of 380
- oldest trading place in the West fjords
- one of Iceland’s oldest houses is in Þingeyri, a
warehouse dating back to the 18th century

- spectacular nature surrounds Þingeyri, high mountains
and beautiful valleys
- continue on road no. 60 along the fjord Dýrafjörður

Dýrafjörður
- largest fjord in this county, about 39 km long but narrow
- two mountains, Sandfell and Mýrafell, on both sides of
the mouth of the fjord

- continue on road no. 60 over the mountain plateau
Gemlufallsheiði to reach the bottom of the fjord
Önundarfjörður
- turn right onto road no. 627, heading for Korpudalur
Hostel (Kirkjuból)

- for further information on Korpudalur Hostel

see website

(Distances: Bíldudalur-Dynjandi 60 km, Dynjandi-
Korpudalur 54 km; total: 104 km)

Day 4:

- from Korpudalur Hostel drive road no. 627 and turn right
onto road no. 60, heading for Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður
- so called capital of the West fjords, largest settlement in
the area, pop. about 3000
- living on fishing, trade, administration and tourism
- situated in the fjord Skutulsfjörður which is a part of the
Ísafjarðardjúp
- all necessary service, banks, shops, hospital, schools
- institutions for higher education
- the oldest part of the town is called Neðstikaupstaður;
here you find four of the oldest houses in Iceland, built in
the 18th century
- very interesting maritime and folk museum in
Neðstikaupstaður
- for further information see http://nedsti.is/index.asp

- not far from Neðstikaupstaður at the harbor, you can
find options for boat trips to the romantic islands Vigur
and Æðey

- drive road no. 61 along the several fjords of
Ísafjarðardjúp

Ísafjarðardjúp
- largest of the West fjords, a number of smaller fjords
open into it: Skutulsfjörður, Álftafjörður, Seyðisfjörður,
Hestfjörður, Skötufjörður, Mjóifjörður, and Ísafjörður

Súðavík
- small village situated in the fjord Álftafjörður.
- founded in the late 19th century when Norwegians
started to run a whaling station at the place
- On January 16

1995 an avalanche fell on Súðavík,

killing 14 people and destroying 22 houses.

- drive road no. 61 along the coastline, when reach the
fjord Mjóifjörður driver over the bridge to get the remote
peninsula Reykjanes

Reykjanes
- narrow peninsula between the fjord Ísafjörður and the
fjord Reykjafjörður
- the name means peninsula of steam, which reminds on
the geothermal hot springs in this area.
- In 1934 a district boarding school was build here. Nice
outdoor swimming pool that once belonged to the school.
- hiking trails, bird watching, hot springs near by the shore
- cafeteria that offers simple meals

- from Reykjanes drive road no. 61, heading for Hólmavík
- drive over the highland plateau Steingrímsfjarðarheiði
(440 m high), continue on road no. 61

Hólmavík
- village situated in Steingrímsfjörður, population 400,
living on fishing and fish processing
- interesting church, cafés, shops, handcraft
- quite an interesting history museum with emphasis on
the history of the witch-hunting in 17th century Iceland as
well as various aspects of magic from younger sources
- for further information on the Exhibition of Sorcery &
Witchcraft, contact ph.+354 451 3525

- accommodation is recommended at Broddanes Hostel
- Broddanes is situated 35 km south of Hólmavík
- drive road no. 61
- for further information on Broddanes Hostel,
Broddanesskóla, 510 Hólmavík – ph. +354-618-1830

(Distances: Korpudalur-Ísafjörður 40 km, Ísafjörður-
Reykjanes ca. 140 km, Reykjanes-Hólmavík 100 km,
Hólmavík-Broddanes 35 km; total ca. 315 km)

Day 5:

- from Broddanes drive road no. 61 along the fjords
Bitrufjörður and Hrútafjörður
- now you are leaving the West fjords and the landscape
changes dramatically

Hrútafjörður
- long narrow fjord, the largest in this part of Iceland
- very good agricultural area, many farms

- when you get to the bottom of the fjord turn left onto
road no. 1
- drive road no. 1 leaving the fjord
- when you reach the wide green valley Víðidalur turn right
onto road no. 715 to reach Kolugljúfur

Kolugljúfur
- gorge in the river Víðidalsá, many waterfalls
- stop at the bridge over Víðidalsá and enjoy the beautiful
landscape
- no services

- drive over the bridge and continue on road no. 718 to
get back to the main road (ring road no. 1)
- drive road no. 1, heading east

Blönduós
- small town, pop. 1000, living on agriculture, transport,
trading

- situated at the mouth of the river Blanda built on both
sides of the river
- very interesting modern church, built in the years 1981-
1985
- all necessary service available, bank, shops, gas station,
restaurant
- nice recreation area on an island in the glacial river
Blanda, worth to stop and go for a walk (you can see it
from the gas station)

- continue on road no. 1, driving through the valley
Langidalur and over the pass Vatnsskarð

Arnarstapi
- coming down the mountain pass Vatnsskarð you should
stop at the memorial for Stephan G. Stephansson and
enjoy the views on the fjord Skagafjörður
- Stephan G. Stephansson (1853-1927) was an Icelandic
farmer and poet who lived in this area before leaving the
country to settle in USA and Canada, he was called the
poet of the Rocky Mountains
- many farmers and poor people from the Skagafjörður
area emigrated to Canada and the USA in the late 19th
and early 20th century, forming the community of the
West-Icelanders in Canada (especially in Manitoba)

- continue on road no. 1
- before getting to Varmahlíð you can find the church of
Víðimýri to the right of road no. 1

Víðimýrikirkja
- traditional turf church from 1834
- one of the most beautiful turf churches still existing in
Iceland
- very good example of traditional Icelandic architecture
- local guide, leaflets, postcards at the spot

- continue on road no. 1, turn left on to road no. 75,
passing the village Varmahlíð to get to Glaumbær

Glaumbær
- very interesting open air and folk museum, former
parsonage and wealthy farm
- one of the few remaining Icelandic turf farms, oldest
parts of it are from the 18th century
- Beside the turf farm, there are buildings from the 19th
and early 20th century, including a church and a former
school for housekeepers.
- Take your time; there are many things to explore and to
learn about everyday life in Iceland.
- There is a very nice café in a cozy old-fashioned tearoom
where you can get traditional Icelandic cakes and other
local snacks.
- for further information on Glaumbær museum contact
ph.+354-453-6173

- drive back on road no. 75, turn right onto road no. 1,
heading west
- drive through Blönduós and continue on road no. 1

- accommodation is recommended at Ósar Hostel or
Sæberg Hostel

- if you are going to stay at Ósar Hostel turn right onto
road no. 716 and continue on road no. 711 to get to Ósar
- for further information on Ósar Hostel, Þverárhreppi, V-
Hún, 531 Hvammstangi – ph. +354-862-2778

- if you are going to stay at Sæberg Hostel, continue on
road no. 1 until you reach the fjord Hrútafjörður
- for further information on Sæberg Hostel, Reykir,
Hrútafjörður, 500 Brú – ph. 354-451-0015 / +354-894-
5504

(Distances: Broddanes-Hrútafjörður (bottom) 78 km,
Hrútafjörður – Kolugljúfur – Blönduós 103 km, Blönduós –
Glaumbær – Blönduós 115 km, Blönduós – Ósar/Sæberg
62/73 km)

Day 6:

- coming from Ósar drive back onto road no. 1 and drive
to the south (east) to reach the fjord Hrútafjörður
- coming from Sæberg Hostel drive road no. 1 heading
south

- continue on road no. 1 crossing the highland plateau
Holtavörðuheiði

Holtavörðuheiði
- traditional route between the north and the south of
Iceland
- maximum altitude 400 m
- depending on weather conditions good view towards the
glaciers Eiríksjökull, Langjökull and Hofsjökull

- continue on road no. 1 until you reach Grábrók

Grábrókarhraun/Grábrók
- rough lava field, about 3000 years old, covered with
moss and birch growth
- several craters
- Grábrók is one of the craters in Grábrókarhraun, situated
just aside road no. 1
- comfortable walking path up to the top of the crater
- excellent view from the top of Grábrók
- Protected area! Do not leave anything, do not take lave
stones with you!

- continue on road no. 1
- nearby the service station Baula turn right onto road no.
50 to reach Deildartunguhver

Deildartunguhver
- most powerful natural hot spring in the world, emits 200
liters of boiling water per second
- very impressive scene, seeing the hot water coming out
of the rock
- many greenhouses, some sell delicious Icelandic
tomatoes at the spot
- today the hot water is also used to heat the houses in
Akranes and Borgarnes

- continue on road no. 50, turn left onto road no. 518 to
reach Reykholt

Reykholt
- one of Iceland’s most important historical sites

- during the Middle Ages rich farm and a center of religion,
culture and politics
- The famous writer and political leader Snorri Sturluson
(1179-1261), author of the Snorra-Edda or prose Edda
lived there. Today you can see a well-preserved thermal
pool from the Middle Ages, where Snorri used to bathe.
Snorri Sturluson was assassinated in a tunnel, which led
from the bath to his house; you can see the entrance to
this tunnel.
- modern church with a cultural center and a special
library for mediaeval studies, changing exhibitions on
mediaeval Icelandic literature and culture
- traditional church from 19

century

- statue of Snorri Sturluson by the Norwegian sculptor
Gustav Vigeland, a gift from Norway, unveiled 1947
- the big white building is a former boarding school, built
during the 1930s by Guðjón Samúelsson

- continue on road no. 518 to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss
waterfalls

Hraunfossar
- waterfalls emerging from the junction of porous rock
and basalt, falling into a 1 km long gorge created by the
glacial river Hvítá
- very picturesque scene in the middle of a huge lava field
(Hallmundarhraun)
- There are also walking paths on the lava field, notice
especially the traditional cairns (vörður) on the walking
paths, interesting vegetation.
- Protected area! Do not leave anything; do not take lava
stones or plants with you!
- The name of this waterfall means the “lava falls”.
- service facilities


Barnafoss
- waterfall just upstream from Hraunfossar, just follow the
walking path.
- Legend has it that two children drowned here when they
tried to cross the river walking on a natural rock arch. The
mother of these children had the arch broken down to
protect other families to meet the same fate. You can see
the remains of that arch at the waterfall.

- The name means the “children’s waterfall”.

- if you are looking for refreshments continue on road no.
518 to go to Húsafell

Húsafell
- woodland and recreation area
- swimming pool, service station, restaurant, shop

- turn back, pass Reykholt, continue on road no. 518,
when you get to the crossroads, turn left onto road no. 50
(to the south), continue on road no. 50, 52, 53 until you
reach the ring road no. 1

- accommodation is recommended at Borgarnes Hostel or
Akranes Hostel
- if you are going to stay at Borgarnes, turn right onto
road no. 1, drive over the bridge to Borgarnes
- information on Borgarnes see day 1
- for further information on Borgarnes Hostel, Borgarbraut
9-13, 310 Borgarnes – ph.+354-695-3366

- if you are going to stay at Akranes Hostel, turn left onto
road no. 1, drive road no. to the south, turn right onto
road no. 51 to reach Akranes

Akranes
- small town, 5600 inhabitants
- all necessary service available
- former fishing village, today living on fishing, fish
processing and industry
- beach with yellow sand, Langisandur
- interesting local folk and maritime museum, museum on
sports and minerals
- for further information on the Akranes Museum Centre
contact ph.+354-431-5566

- accommodation is recommended at Akranes Hostel
- for further information on Akranes Hostel, Suðurgata 32,
300 Akranes – ph. +354-868-3332

(Distances: Ósar/Sæberg – Hrútafjörður (bottom) 75/15
km, Hrútafjörður (bottom) – Grábrók 53 km, Grábrók –
Húsafell 57 km, Húsafell – Borgarnes/Akranes 67/ 94 km)

Day 7:

- from Borgarnes drive road no. 1 heading south, turn
onto road no. 47 to reach the fjord Hvalfjörður
- from Akranes drive back on road no. 51 until you get to
the crossroads of road no. 1, 47 and 51, drive road no. 47
to reach the fjord Hvalfjörður

Hvalfjörður
- the name means Whale Fjord, very picturesque
landscape, very quiet area
- The fjord is about 30 km long and up to 84 km deep.
- There is an interesting photo exhibition at Ferstikla
service station about a submarine station situated in
Hvalfjörður during World War II as well on the former
whaling station.
- There used to be a whaling station in Hvalfjörður, it was
closed in 1992, but now it is in use again for a few days
every year.
- experienced hikers can hike to the highest waterfall in
Iceland, Glymur 210 m. It is at least a two hours hike,
starting from the bottom of the fjord up through the valley
Botnsdalur. Seek information before starting a hike.
- several view points along the road

- continue on road no. 47 until you reach ring road no. 1
- drive ring road no. 1 to get to Mosfellsbær and Reykjavík

- accommodation is recommended at Reykjavík City Hostel
or Reykjavík Hostel Downtown
- for further information on Reykjavík City Hostel,

Sundlaugavegur 34, 105 Reykjavík – ph.+354-553-8110
- for further information on Reykjavík Hostel Downtown,
Vesturgata 17, 101 Reykjavík – ph.+ 354 553 8120

(Distances: Borgarnes – Reykjavík 112 km, Akranes –
Reykjavík 101 km)

Extension A: Hólar, Hofsós, Siglufjörður – 1 or 2
days

- on day 5, after visiting Glaumbær do not travel back to
Blönduós but towards Siglufjörður

- from Glaumbær drive back to get onto road no. 1, turn
left, heading east

- after a short while turn left again onto road no. 76 in
direction to Hofsós

- before getting to Hofsós turn right onto road no. 767 to
get to Hólar in the valley Hjaltadalur

Hólar
- former bishopric (1106-1998), most important historical
site in northern Iceland
- religious and educational centre from the 12th until the
18th century
- it was the site of Iceland’s first printing press
- in 1584 the first complete Icelandic Bible was printed
here
- the last Catholic bishop, Jón Arason, who resisted the
Reformation, was beheaded at Skálholt in fall 1550
- church, built 1763 of local red sand stone, oldest stone
building in Iceland
- church tower built in the 1950s
- get a local guide to tell you about the history and all the
interesting pieces inside the church as well as the replica
of a wooden building, Auðunarstofa, from the Middle Ages
- today home to the Agricultural College and Hólar
University, teaching aquaculture and fish biology, equine
sciences and rural tourism
- during the summer season, there are exhibitions on local
history at the University
- nice hiking area

- drive back and turn right onto road no. 76, heading
north to Hofsós

Hofsós
- village, situated on the eastern shores of Skagafjörður,
pop. 200
- former trading centre and harbor for
- very interesting Icelandic Emigration Centre
(Vesturfarasetrið) with exhibitions on emigration to
Canada and the USA in the late 19th century, worth a visit
- for further information on Vesturfarasetrið contact
ph.+354-453-7935

- nice harbor, the exhibition is situated here, as well as
Pakkhúsið, a wooden warehouse from the 18th century,
now preserved by the National Museum

- continue on road no. 76 to reach Siglufjörður

Siglufjörður
- fishing town, 1600 inhabitants
- protected against avalanches by two walls (18 and 14 m
high)
- very interesting Herring Era Museum, Iceland’s largest
maritime museum
- The Boat House recreates the town’s bustling harbor of
the 1950s, with many old fishing boats at the dock. During
the years of the so called “herring adventure”, a gold rush-
like atmosphere settled over the town, leading to
Siglufjörður been dubbed the "Atlantic Klondike"
- for further information on the herring museum contact
ph.+354 467 1604

- accommodation recommended at Siglufjörður Hostel
- for further information on Siglufjörður Hostel, Aðalgata
10, 580 Siglufjörður – ph. +354-467-1506

(Distances: Glaumbær – Hólar 50 km, Hólar – Siglufjörður
87 km)

- from Siglufjörður drive back to get on road no. 1 an
continue as described above (day 5, 6, 7)

Extension B: Reykjanes peninsula (Bessastaðir,
Hafnarfjörður, Krýsuvík, Grindavík, Blue lagoon) - 1
day

- after arrival in Reykjavík, you can extend this tour by
traveling to Reykjanes peninsula and stay one night at
Njarðvík Hostel
- see detailed description under Day tours from Reykjavík:
Reykjanes peninsula
- accommodation is recommended at Njarðvík Hostel

- for further information on Njarðvík Hostel, Fitjabraut 6a
260 Keflavik –ph.+354-421-8889

Extension C: Day trips from Reykjavík
- The Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Skálholt,
Kerið, Hellisheiði)
- Hvalfjörður and Borgarfjörður day tour (Hvalfjörður,
Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar, Barnafoss)
- South Coast in one day (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss,
Skógar museum, Dyrhólaey, Vík)
- Reykjanes peninsula (Bessastaðir, Hafnarfjörður,
Krýsuvík, Grindavík, Blue lagoon)

- detailed description see under Day tours from Reykjavík

Extension D: Trip from Reykjavík to Westman
Islands, 2 days

- transportation to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
is possible via ferry or plane
- starting from July 2010, the ferry to Vestmannaeyjar
goes from the new port Landsbrot, until July 2010 the
ferry goes from Þorlákshöfn harbor
- for further information on ferry transportation contact
ph.+354-525 7700/ 481 2800
- scheduled flight to Vestmannaeyjar goes from Bakki
Airport and from Reykjavík Airport
- for further information on flights contact ph.+354 481
3255
- accommodation is recommended at Vestmannaeyjar
Hostel
- for further information on Verstmannaeyjar Hostel,
Sunnuhóll,, Vestmannabraut 28, 900 Vestmannaeyjum –
ph.+ 354-481-2900

Vestmannaeyjar
- a group of small islands south of Iceland, part of the
state Iceland
- the biggest island, Heimaey, is inhabited by approx.
4500 people
- the town Heimaey is centered around the harbor, the
“life line” of Westman Islands
- people live on fishing, tourism and services
- in 1973 inhabitants experienced a catastrophe when the
volcano Eldfjall erupted and its lava and ashes destroyed
half of the township, it also threatened to block the harbor
- fortunately nobody lost his life and harbor conditions
afterwards were better than before
- in 1974 most inhabitants turned back and started
rebuilding their homes
- today you can still feel the warmth of the volcano and
people call Heimaey “little Pompeii”
- grassy hills and sea cliffs are home to bird colonies of
puffins, fulmar and guillemot
- guided tours by bus, boat and foot, swimming pool,
cinema, Volcanic Film Show, folk museum, archeological
excavations
- in 1963 the island Surtsey was formed by a submarine
eruption, today it is a nature reserve

Possible Combinations:
- after the visit to Glaumbær (day 5) go ahead travelling
to Akureyri instead of travelling back to Reykjavík and
combine this tour with the NORTH EAST OF ICELAND tour
- if you extended this tour and travelled to Siglufjörður,
you can also combine it with the NORTH EAST OF ICELAND
tour by travelling from Siglufjörður to Akureyri
- after returning to Reykjavík combine this tour with the
SOUTH COAST ADVENTURE, starting the next day