Beauty in Remoteness

History and Nature go hand-in-hand in Árneshreppur

When heading to the magnificent Westfords peninsula of North Western Iceland, approaching Árneshreppur County is one extraordinary journey.

How to get there

This least populated community in Iceland is served by Gjögur Airport, with year round scheduled flights by Eagle Air. From Reykjavík to Árneshreppur, flying takes only about 40 minutes-the ideal trip-especially in the wintertime, as the road connecting the region to the rest of Iceland can be closed for weeks during winter, leaving transport by air the only option.

You visit for the landscapes and the life

With Árneshreppur boasting some of Iceland’s most astonishing landscapes, hiking trails and walking paths are truly enjoyed in this unique nature.

Then the geothermal swimming pool at Krossnes is surely both dramatic and scenic definitely something not to be missed.

Small but sufficient services

A bank, co-op and a café serve this bustling little community; Sparisjóður Strandamanna Bank in Norðurfjörður is open every weekday but Wednesday from 13-16. The old Co-op has a petrol station as well as a great variety of products for sale. Then Café Norðurfjörður, one of the most northerly cafés in Iceland, offers a varied menu of delicious national dishes. Árneshreppur has also a great community centre, ideal for any type of celebration.

A trip back in time

For local history, Kört Museum has an impressive display of old artefacts from the area and offer arts and crafts for sale. Another example of notable work dating from the past is the creation of eiderdown duvets and pillows. Gathered by hand, the eiderdown is then cleaned and processed by people with decades of experience in this field.

One characteristic of the area are the two herring factories, built in early 20th century, one in Ingólfsfjörður and one in Djúpavík, a mute reminder of the times past.

Accommodation

Árneshreppur has several good options. The beautifully located Hótel Djúpavík offers accommodation, breakfast and is famous for its delicious food.

Finnbogastaðir School Hostel has sleeping bag accommodation with cooking and sanitary facilities, open from June until the end of August.

Urðartindur Tourist Services offers excellent summer house rental rooms with privat facilites and a campsite.

The Iceland Touring Association, another great option, owns a hut in Valgeirsstaðir, with a dining room and a kitchen and accommodation for 20 people.

Bergistangi Guesthouse has two bedrooms available, each with comfortable beds for three people.

The old Meat Freezing Plant (now renovated as a hostel) serves up to 28 people and has cooking facilities.

Finally, Ófeigsfjörður Tourist Services offer a campsite and even luggage transportation, from June until the end of August.

Any traveller interested in the diversity of Icelandic nature and nation should not miss the opportunity to visit this phenomenal area of the north. -SP

Árneshreppur

Norðurfjörður - 524 Árneshreppur +354 451 4001