The Arctic Eddge by almennt

ADVENTURES THE IN NORTH ARCTIC ICELAND NORTH

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East of Eyjafjörður is Skjálfandi bay and Húsavík, the whale watching capital of Iceland. Further east is Öxarfjörður fjord, a sheep-farming region, with countless wonders of nature, like Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Between the last two, Þistilfjörður fjord and Bakkafjörður fjord, is Langanes. This windswept peninsula is the country’s bird watching paradise. Inland we have Lake Mývatn, Iceland in a nutshell: volcanoes, bubbling earth and unique birdlife make the area one of the top tourist destinations in Iceland. Last, but not least, is the island of Grímsey. Here, 100 people live in perfect harmony with Mother Nature, at the only place where the Arctic Circle crosses Iceland—and standing at the small fishing harbor on Grímsey, looking south, you can see the splendor of North Iceland, the mountains and the fjords, opening up to the Arctic Ocean.

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here are six or seven fjords and bays (depends how you count) in North Iceland. Every one different, with its own special atmosphere. Starting in the northwest, we have Húnaflói bay, the largest in the region, the seal hotspot of Iceland. Next is Skagafjörður, Iceland’s horse capital. Few places beat Skagafjörður at the height of the summer, when the midnight sun sits on the horizon to the north. Eyjafjörður, in the center, is home to more than half of the population in the region, thanks to Akureyri; a charming university town, museum town, restaurant town, skiing town, the hub of the region. At the mouth of the fjord is the town of Siglufjörður, the alluring former herring capital of the world. Ólafsfjörður, Dalvík, Hjalteyri and Grenivík are also on the fjord, towns with different characters, and not to be missed. And in the middle of the fjord is the island of Hrísey, seemingly in a different time zone. There, life is in slow motion, no one in a hurry.

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EXPLORE THE ARCTIC NORTH The beautiful north has it all—adventurous activities, breathtaking nature and wondrous wildlife.

Mývatn Nature Baths.

UNRIVALED NATURE

As far as regions go, North Iceland has some of the most awe-inspiring sights on the island. Goðafoss, translates to ‘the waterfall of the gods’ is one of the widest waterfalls in Iceland and is especially enchanting during the winter with its icedup fringes; as is the mighty Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss spans 100 meters and is 45 meters high, and here it’s common to see a rainbow or two, depending on the weather. NORTHERN WILDLIFE

In the early winter, visitors can go on a whale watching excursion from Akureyri, Dalvík and Húsavík, where they will have a chance to see several whale species;

Hof Cultural and Conference Center with northern lights overhead.

orth Iceland is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the island—thundering waterfalls, vast lava fields, geothermal hot spots and steep hills and mountains. Charming towns and villages in the north offer an array of attractions, tours and fun outdoor activities. CAPITAL OF THE NORTH

Indeed, there’s a lot to experience in North Iceland, and Akureyri is at the center of it all. Akureyri, which was voted one of the best places in Europe in 2015 by Lonely Planet, is Iceland’s second most 4

populous urban area. The town has a thriving art scene, spectacular outdoor activities, like skiing, and shops and restaurants that rival those in Reykjavík. The open terrain around Akureyri and towns including Sauðárkrókur and Siglufjörður, the northernmost town in Iceland, treats visitors to sights of traditional Icelandic churches, charming villages and a dramatic coastline. Heading from Akureyri toward the northeast, there are countless stops to make along the way; including the lush lands around Lake Mývatn, and the majestic Dettifoss waterfall.

THRILLING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

North Iceland is the favorite destination for winter activities on the island. In North Iceland there are five ski resorts with fully equipped facilities that operate from December to April, with the resort in Akureyri being the most popular. Each resort has its own unique charm and specialty. Snow enthusiasts can opt for cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, snowboarding and even heli-skiing in Tröllaskagi. The slopes don’t see a lot of traffic compared to other ski destinations, so it’s possible to be alone, or amongst a few fellow skiers, which is ICELAND REVIEW

a unique and peaceful experience. If the forecast is favorable, it’s possible to see the northern lights dancing above as you glide down treeless slopes against a picturesque background. There are also companies that offer snowmobiling and snowcat tours for those seeking more speed, as well as jeep and glacier tours. The northern lights are a main draw in the north, as tourists and locals alike never get tired of the flickering green aurora borealis lighting up the sky. The light pollution is low in the north, as it’s a large area with a small population. Witnessing the northern lights on the edge of the Arctic Circle is not to be missed. ICELAND REVIEW

including minke and humpback whales, as well as blue whales, orcas and fin whales. Seeing these gentle giants up close is truly beautiful. If land mammals are more your thing, Skagafjörður is the mecca of horsemanship in Iceland. There are a number of local farms and tourism companies that offer horse riding tours throughout the year. The north is also a bird-watcher’s dream, with the opportunity to spot Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, harlequin ducks, gyrfalcons, Barrow’s goldeneyes and multiple species of sea birds during the summer months. From waterfalls and whale watching to the best skiing in Iceland, the north has plenty to keep you busy during your stay. northiceland.is

Goðafoss waterfall.

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NORTHERN LIGHTS CAPITAL OF ICELAND

Lake Mývatn is in one of the least cloudy parts of Iceland, thanks to the rain shadow of Vatnajökull glacier and the highlands. This means you have a better chance of catching a clear northern lights night here than in other places. The lake is surrounded by fascinating rock formations, rich vegetation, hot springs and not too many mountains—which means the backdrop to your northern lights photos is sorted! If you’re lucky enough to choose a night when the whole sky is ablaze with a writhing blanket of green, pink and purple, then the calm surface of the lake itself could make for the best picture you’ve ever taken. All this, combined with Lake Mývatn’s almost total lack of light pollution, and you can see why the locals call it the northern lights capital of Iceland.

MAGICAL MÝVATN

DAYTIME BRIGHT SPOTS

The Lake Mývatn area is a microcosm of all of Iceland, and a must-visit attraction. No other place in Iceland packs so many iconic natural wonders into such a small area, which makes Lake Mývatn a great destination for people visiting North Iceland.

The area’s interesting and beautiful landscape is one of Iceland’s major attractions all year round, day and night, and many believe it looks its best under a layer of glorious white snow. Nowhere is this truer than in Dimmuborgir, where volcanic lava has solidified into remarkable shapes, creating nature’s very own sculpture garden. You’ll also find the snow an added attraction at Krafla—one of Iceland’s most active volcanic

T HE AR C T IC NO R T H

areas, where the snow is just one of many colors among the belching steam vents and bubbling hot mud pools. Here, most of the ground never freezes and is stained with mineral deposits, bright yellow, grey, purple and black. Even in the middle of winter, Krafla is boiling hot—so be careful! Less dangerous but no less warming is Mývatn Nature Baths—a relaxing outdoor lagoon where the healing geothermal waters send clouds of steam high into the sky and bathers bob around in complete bliss. No trip to the region is complete without seeing Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall—and the Lofthellir ice cave is quickly becoming a visitor favorite. FOOD, DRINK AND ADVENTURE

Despite its volcanic nature, Mývatn also boasts very lush and fertile areas. It’s home to many farms, prolific birdlife and excellent lake and river fishing. This means the area has a lot to offer when you get hungry. Hverabrauð is a dark rye bread baked in hot geothermal ground and served with smoked trout. It’s a real Mývatn treat and is served in most local cafés and restaurants. If this doesn’t appeal, you’ll find excellent lamb, fish, grilled meat, pizzas, vegetarian fare and more at the many restaurants, hotels, guesthouses and cafés. There’s also a supermarket, handicraft shop and information center in Reykjahlíð village. When you’ve eaten your fill, relaxed in the nature baths, delighted in the landscape and enjoyed the aurora; it’s probably time to get adventurous! Mývatn is a premier location for exciting activities including jeep safaris, snowmobile expeditions, dog sledding, guided hikes, snowshoe tours and air tours from Reykjahlíð air strip. SO FAR, YET SO NEAR

Mývatn is proud of its reputation as a quiet, relaxing place in the middle of beautiful countryside; so come and stay for a few days and recharge your batteries. Mývatn is less than an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Akureyri and under an hour from Húsavík. Scheduled flights connect both to Reykjavík. Mývatn is on Ring Road One and is served by national coach services. visitmyvatn.is

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AKUREYRI

CAPITAL OF THE NORTH

AKUREYRI, THE WINTER PARADISE IN THE NORTH Treat yourself to elegance, luxury and wellness. Experience new adventures, new flavors and the beauty of it all.

Enjoy Akureyri’s numerous winter activities and rich culture.

guests can spot minke whales, humpback whales and sometimes even blue whales swimming close by. Winter visitors are eager to catch a glimpse of the majestic northern lights, and the region around Akureyri is an ideal place to go on a hunt. The high mountains, low precipitation, wide open region and low light pollution give you a good chance to witness the lights flicker, change colors and dance in the sky.

kureyri is often referred to as Iceland’s “second city,” and the town of 18,000 has its own personality. There are gardens to explore around town, charming museums, an eclectic range of restaurants and a thriving art scene. Akureyri also boasts first-rate hotels, and its concert hall, Hof, is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. Akureyri is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the north, book day tours for nearby attractions, enjoy winter sports, or soak up the culture.

TOWN CULTURE WINTER ACTIVITIES

There’s so much to do in and around town, and there are several tour operators that offer all kinds of day tours from Akureyri; such as northern lights, local food and culture, ice fishing, sea angling, horse-riding and sightseeing tours by road or air. The Hlíðarfjall mountain ski area is just a few minutes outside town and offers more

than a dozen well-kept trails with a ski season usually from November through to April. The slopes are wide open, without trees, and offer gorgeous views of stunning Eyjafjörður fjord. Other popular activities include snowboarding and cross-country skiing, and guests can rent all the equipment they need at the ski resort. Thrill-seekers can also arrange guides for heli-skiing, ice climbing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowcat tours. Those who want to get out on the open water can go whale watching in the fjord, where

Akureyri is a fantastic town for walking— visiting art museums, galleries, design shops and restaurants serving up fresh and local food. The town’s weekend nightlife rivals Reykjavík’s scene. Local bars take pride in serving Icelandic beers from local breweries, and bars often feature live music. Going swimming in a thermal pool is a must in Iceland as the water is clean and naturally warm. There are several thermal pools in Akureyri but the most popular is the Akureyri thermal pool, Sundlaug Akureyrar, which has two outdoor pools, slides, a sauna and hot tubs. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours relaxing and experiencing the local culture. Akureyri recently topped Lonely Planet’s list of the ten best places to visit in Europe in 2015. See for yourself why Akureyri is a must-see! visitakureyri.is ICELAND REVIEW

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NORTHERN STYLE Sigló Hótel sits literally on the seashore, offering views and amenities that are second to none.

PHOTO BY GULLI STEBBI.

FANTASTIC FJALLABYGGÐ Explore the stunning landscape and adventure activities in Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður.

ust a one-hour drive from Akureyri, secluded Fjallabyggð is one of the most breathtaking regions in all of Iceland. It’s easy to fall in love with its beautiful harbor towns of Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður for their bustling harbors, small town charm and several region-specific museums. The municipality is home to roughly 2,000 people, and travelers are attracted to the region for its outdoor winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding. Fjallabyggð offers guests the chance to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and rich culture, or indulge their daring side with thrilling snow sports. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Fjallabyggð is a world-class destination for outdoor sports. The region, which is situated just below the Arctic Circle, is home to two fantastic ski resorts where visitors can experience cross-country skiing, a slalom ski trail and even heli-skiing

for thrill seekers. The ski resorts, located in Skarðsdalur and Ólafsfjörður, offer modern facilities, well-maintained trails and awe-inspiring views of sloping mountains and vast snow covered plains alongside placid fjords. In addition to skiing, there are opportunities for snowmobiling, snowboarding, and cat skiing. NORTHERN LIGHTS

The northern lights attract visitors from around the world, hoping to catch sight of the dancing green lights flickering among the stars and looming moon. There is no better place to see the magnificent northern lights than in Héðinsfjörður, where the air is clean and there is no light pollution to spoil the magnificent view. Seeing this natural lightshow against the backdrop of towering mountains, vast valleys and the sweeping fjords on the edge of the Arctic Circle is an unforgettable experience.

NEW WINTER FESTIVAL

There’s also a rich cultural scene in Fjallabyggð. Skammdegishátíð (Midwinter Festival) is a new initiative, launched to celebrate the creative endeavors of travelers who make their way to the north. The idea for Skammdegishátið came from Listhús SKAMMDEGI AIR, an artist-in-residency program. Eleven artists were selected to create projects during the dark winter months of December 2014 and January 2015. Ultimately, 15 international artists joined forces and established a mini festival. An open call was announced this past March and 71 artists applied, with 24 being selected, ranging from musicians to filmmakers to visual artists. Skammdegishátið will be held from January 28 to February 21 and there will be four weekends with different events, exhibitions and performances. The aim of the new annual festival is to attract travelers and introduce Fjallabyggð nationally and internationally. fjallabyggd.is, visittrollaskagi.is ICELAND REVIEW

isitors to the North Iceland town of Siglufjörður are enchanted by its mountains, by its quaint boat harbor and by the attractive buildings clustered around it. One of these buildings is Sigló Hótel; perched right above the lapping waters in the part of town known as the Marina Village. Sigló Hótel is a luxurious yet relaxed bastion of big city sophistication, about as far away from the urban crowds and noise as you could hope to get. TIMELESS DESIGN

Sigló Hótel is an old-style wooden building, with attractive gables and painted cladding façade. Inside, the designers have done a remarkable job of blending modern Nordic chic with old-fashioned rural Icelandic charm—with a twist of English mansion thrown in for good measure. With its comfortable alcove window seats, polished wood flooring, generous thick curtains, pastille shades and angled ceilings, each room is a masterpiece in class ICELAND REVIEW

and comfort. Whether you choose a suite, a junior suite, a deluxe room or a classic room, you are guaranteed amenities that include mountain and harbor views, ensuite bathroom, free Wi-Fi and toiletries. FABULOUS FOOD

Sigló Hótel boasts no fewer than four excellent places for staying guests and visitors alike to grab a bite to eat. Inside the main hotel building you will find Restaurant Sunna, which is one of the classiest and most ambitious eateries in North Iceland. Sunna takes advantage of the stunning fjord views with expansive panoramic windows and simple white décor which draws attention to the outside world, including the very fishing docks where the catch of the day arrives. Whether you choose the fresh fish or something else, you can trust the chefs and waiting staff at Sunna to serve up a meal to remember. For a less formal light bite, try the Lobby

Bar and Café—and in adjacent buildings in the Marina Village, Sigló Hótel also runs the successful summer getaways Café Rauðka and Hannes Boy restaurant. Both are laidback and offer great food, with Hannes Boy concentrating more on Icelandic specialties, and Rauðka taking care of the lively pub atmosphere and comfort food. In short: there’s something for everyone. SO MUCH MORE Sigló Hótel is proud to decorate many of its walls with historical images from the Siglufjörður Photo Museum; illustrating the town’s rich herring fishing past. In its heyday, Siglufjörður was considered the herring capital of the world and a real boom town. These days, the town is an attractive destination and a relaxing place to spend a memorable vacation—helped, of course, by Sigló Hótel’s fabulous hot tub and sauna… siglohotel.is

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CLIMB TO THE TOP

Experience Siglufjörður from above with Top Mountaineering.

t the very top of Iceland, Siglufjörður is a charming town nestled next to a small fjord of the same name. It draws a large part of its beauty from the high mountains which imposingly surround the town—but relatively few visitors ever think of going hiking up there—and they are missing out! Top Mountaineering exists to bring Siglufjörður’s natural and human history to life. The small company’s passionate guides know nearly all there is to know about the local area, its folk stories, his-

STUNNING SKAGAFJÖRÐUR

torical events and places, and the ancient walking trails over the mountains between farms and villages. You’d be surprised what hidden gems lurk in the mountains, but you won’t be surprised to hear that the views are out of this world. Top Mountaineering has a team of experienced professionals who are able to accommodate groups large and small, whether they want a few hours exploration or a full-on climbing trek across challenging terrain. Top Mountaineering has excit-

ing options for hikers of all ability levels. The company is also able to tailor trips to visitors’ interests, taking different routes and pointing out different highlights for birdwatchers, archaeologists, saga aficionados or photographers, to name a few. Whatever your preference, Top Mountaineering will help you experience Siglufjörður in a unique and memorable way—with the peace of mind of quality safety equipment, local knowledge and years of experience. topmountaineering.is

Hofsós swimming pool.

Experience breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, unique culinary exploits and important historical sites.

kagafjörður’s landscape is striking; with sloping mountains, a beautiful coastline and sometimes even chunks of glacial ice dotting the fjord. The vast stretches of land are home to farms, horses and many outdoor activities. Skagafjörður, which is 40 km (24 miles) long and 15 km (9.3 miles) wide, has numerous historical sites to visit, and plenty of excursions to keep travelers entertained year-round. The wintertime offers endless adventure for those who like to ski, hike, go snowmobiling, or simply relax in one of the fjord’s many hot springs while enjoying the magic of the northern lights. If a swimming pool is more your speed, the renowned pool in Hofsós is located on a cliff top with superb views of the fjord. THE FOOD CHEST

In addition to the natural beauty of the region, Skagafjörður was named a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) in 2015, for its project Skagafjörður Food Chest, which aims to promote new and little-known destinations across Europe which emphasize sustainable tourism. 12

GUESTHOUSE GIMBUR

lengths for every level of expertise. Travelers can observe the annual horse and sheep roundup in September, where they can see a popular national event. For birdwatchers, the region is home to a large variety of birds—hundreds and thousands of which nest during the summer on the islands of Drangey, Málmey and Lundey.

Guesthouse Gimbur is located by the north coast, midway between Hofsós and Siglufjörður. We have unique surroundings and provide hospitality with personal service, relaxed atmosphere and an outdoor hot tub. Hiking, bird watching and the midnight sun in the summertime. Cross-country skiing, northern lights and a unique experience in the darkness of winter.

HISTORICAL SITES

The concept focuses on local sustainable food, such as meat, dairy, vegetables, and herbs, found in the region. Local chefs are encouraged to create menus using only these ingredients. Several regional restaurants offer dishes that feature the Skagafjörður Food Chest label. The food is fresh, inventive and your taste buds will thank you. HORSE CAPITAL

Skagafjörður is often described as the home of the Icelandic horse. There are a number of farms and stables in the region that offer horse riding tours of various

The Glaumbær Folk Museum is one of Iceland’s turf-roofed farmsteads. Visitors enjoy seeing how dramatically Icelandic life has changed within a single lifespan. It’s a reminder of how difficult life was for past generations. Grettislaug is another important site for history buffs. In the famous Grettir’s Saga, Grettir swam from Drangey to the western shore of Skagafjörður, where he bathed in a geothermal spring and then gathered some glowing embers to bring back to the island. In 1992, Grettislaug was rebuilt at Grettir’s legendary bathing spot. Skagafjörður has something for everyone.

GUESTHOUSE GIMBUR Reykjarhóll, 570 Fljót, www.reykjarholl.is, info@reykjarholl.is, Phone: + 354 899-3183 / + 354 861-6030

Funky, fresh and full of flavour !

www.rub23.is RUB23 | Kaupvangsstræti 6 | 600 Akureyri | Tel: +354 462 2223 | rub23@rub23.is

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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL ENCOUNTERS

EXPLORE THE EDGE OF THE ARCTIC Iceland’s remotest region just became a lot more accessible.

Enjoy the whale watching capital of Iceland with Salka Whale Watching.

any photographers and explorers rank the northeast as their favorite part of Iceland. It’s a very sparsely populated area, rich in beauty and completely free from stress. Keen to grab some of the attention the region deserves, a broad coalition of northeastern service providers have joined to create the Edge of the Arctic—an association set up to promote the region and help visitors enjoy its countless world-class attractions.

spot among Icelanders known for its warm microclimate (in the summer, of course). Meanwhile, Jökulsárgljúfur is an impressive canyon and mountain range worth visiting in its own right, but also because it’s home to Dettifoss—Europe’s biggest waterfall by volume. Both form part of the Vatnajökull National Park, which is the largest park in Western Europe.

BIG DRAWS

Iceland is famously peaceful, but nowhere more so than on Melrakkaslétta and Langanes peninsulas in the far northeast. Here you’ll find true peace in a place where the forces of nature are as tangible as the cliffs are high, and the noisy crowds are made up only of birds. There’s no better birdwatching spot than the new clifftop viewing platform at Stóri-Karl, where you’ll see more gannets than anywhere else. On the surface it feels like the end of the world, but the smattering of people who call this place home will soon make

Through its comprehensive website and helpful brochures, Edge of the Arctic invites you to experience renowned sites like Jökulsárgljúfur and Ásbyrgi, as well as lesser-known attractions like Langanes peninsula and Þistilfjörður—and the welcoming villages of Kópasker, Þórshöfn and Raufarhöfn—nicknamed the Arctic Circle village. Ásbyrgi is a large horseshoe-shaped depression in the earth, surrounded by cliffs and filled with trees. It’s a favorite hiking 14

REVEL IN RELAXATION

you feel like it’s the center of the universe. Who needs anywhere else? The northeast boasts some excellent hotels, hostels and guesthouses, as well as plenty of delicious surprises at its cafés and restaurants—not to mention its excellent museums. Raufarhöfn Arctic Circle village is home to the new Arctic Henge. Created as a giant sundial on the cusp of the Arctic Circle, the stunning Henge is a huge stone structure with allusions to mythology and folklore, designed to interact with the unique natural light.

Nestled beside the picturesque Skjálfandi bay, Húsavík is the premier destination for visitors interested in some of the best whale watching opportunities in the country. Home to fewer than 3,000 full-time residents, the town grows considerably with the influx of travelers, many of whom seek to catch a glimpse of the island’s wildlife. Several species of whale, the most common being minke and humpback whales, as well as fin whales, orcas or blue whales, can be spotted.

TOP PARTNERS

NORTHERN WHALE SAFARI

Edge of the Arctic is proudly supported and coordinated by Dettifoss Guesthouse near Ásbyrgi, Kópasker Hostel, the Snartarstaðir museum and culture center at Kópasker, Nest Guesthouse at Raufarhöfn, Báran bar and restaurant at Þórshöfn, Sauðaneshús culture center on Langanes and Fell Cottages at Bakkafjörður. edgeofthearctic.is

Salka Whale Watching is a family-run company with guides who are passionate about marine mammals and relating stories of life at sea. Salka’s popular Whales and Puffins Tour treats guests to an unforgettable experience—getting close to Lundey—Puffin Island in English—to observe one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland, before sailing to the whale watch-

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ing areas. Visitors also have the chance to see black guillemots, fulmars and Arctic terns in their natural environment. Guests can enjoy the view on boat Fanney’s outside deck and should be sure to bring their camera. EXQUISITE FOOD

Once back on land, complete your day with a delightful meal at Salka Restaurant. A staple in Húsavík since 2000, the restaurant features fresh and local ingredients on its diverse menu, ranging from ov-

en-baked catfish with lobster risotto and saffron sauce, to grilled lamb in a red wine sauce with baked potato and fresh vegetables. Casual options such as hamburgers, pizza and soups are available, too. The cozy restaurant is conveniently situated close to the harbor and the owners have recently renovated the outdoor area, where visitors and locals alike can be seen sipping cocktails and enjoying tasty food when the weather is pleasant. Be sure to also check out the drinks menu, with its array of beers, wines and cocktails. Not content on stopping there, Salka also runs a café, Salka Coffee House, serving light meals, ice cream, snacks and moreish desserts. Naturally, you can rest assured that Salka’s eateries are whale-friendly, meaning you will only see whales in the sea, not your plate. For first class whale watching tours, tasty food and classic Icelandic hospitality, consider Salka on your next trip to Húsavík. salkawhalewatching.is 15

RElax - enjoy - experience

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