Westfjords - Tourist Guide 2011

Westfjords The Official Tourist Guide

www.westfjords.is

INFORMATION HISTORY THE WESTFJORDS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Forword

www.westfjords.is THE WESTFJORDS .................................................................. 4

”Each generation will harvest what the previous generation has sown.”

It is important to remember these wise words when building up an industry like that of tourism, as everything done in the process will have an impact on the respective communities. The responsibility of the tourism industry is great, and therefore we must bear the future in mind, making sure that whatever plans we make will have as little negative effects as possible on the environment as well as on the communities.

Tourism is capable of leading the sustainability movement and indeed has a responsibility to do so, not least as the industry itself negatively affects the environment. Our guests travel thousands of kilometres from all over the world, requiring a great deal of energy. All this so they can enjoy the wonders of nature we are so lucky to experience every day.

Sustainability is therefore the keyword we need to constantly bear in mind, so the future generations will be able to enjoy the qualities we have today.

MUNICIPALITIES AND MAIN TOWNS .................... 16

Dear guests. On behalf of the Westfjords’ Tourism Association, I welcome you to the Westfjords. I hope that you enjoy your stay in the magnificent nature that our country has to offer, and experience the culture we are brought up in. I ask of you that you join us in the work towards a tourism that has minimal negative effects on the environment, showing our country the same respect as we would like to show it ourselves.

ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................... 74

Have a nice trip and enjoy the Westfjords, Sigurður Atlason Chairman, Westfjords’ Tourism Association.

INFORMATION CENTRES ................................................. 8 TRAVEL AGENCIES ................................................................. 12

ATTRACTIONS .......................................................................... 30 TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS ...................................................... 54 HISTORY, CULTURE AND ARTS .................................. 58

TRANSPORTATION .............................................................. 88 CONSOLS ..................................................................................... 92 ACCOMMODATION ............................................................ 94

Please recycle this leaflet after use.

2

DINING ............................................................................................ 124 3

INFORMATION HISTORY THE WESTFJORDS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Symbols: Address Telephone Open Email Web page

www.westfjords.is

Published by

The Westfjords Pop. 7.400

Westfjords Marketing Office. 2011.

The Westfjords region has sometimes been dubbed “the most famous unknown place in Iceland”. Well, throw in the prestigious “European Destination of Excellence” awards and add to that the fact that the Lonely Planet travel guide put the area on its top 10 list of regions in the world to visit in 2011, and you will see that the Westfjords are becoming increasingly famous – or perhaps less unknown.

www.westfjords.is travel@westfjords.is, info@westfjords.is Layout: Pixel / Gunnar Bjarni.

Photos: Westfjords Marketing Office,

Águst Atlason and others.

Lonely Planet, the respected travel guide publisher, placed the Westfjords in its top 10 regions of the world to visit in 2011, saying that the “oddly shaped” peninsula is “as isolated as it is spectacular”. Luckily, “isolated” does not mean inaccessible. With only 7400 inhabitants in the area, each person has around 1,2 km2 of personal space, so there is ample room for any visitors as well.

Although the locals are great, it is, by and large, the nature that attracts visitors. For understandable reasons as well: it is untouched and almost uninhabited. The cliffs and valleys are packed with birds, the uninhabited fjords offer a moment of silence and tranquillity, and the Arctic fox proudly roams the mountains and inlets. The waterfalls are high and the streams pure. The distances are long and the fjords are deep. And then there are places where there are no roads at all.

The Westfjords are a great place to watch the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during the winter and equally fantastic to experience the midnight sun during the summer.

Visiting the Westfjords is surely a different experience. It is Iceland, but yet a different Iceland altogether.

The Information Centre in Ísafjorður

4

5

INFORMATION HISTORY THE WESTFJORDS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS How to get there Detailed updated information is available on www.westfjords.is or via phone +354 450 8060.

By plane The quickest way to get to the Westfjords is by air, the flight from Reykjavík taking roughly 40-50 minutes, depending on the destination.

Air Iceland - www.flugfelag.is Two daily flights to Ísafjörður all year round.

Fly-Bus (airport-Isafjordur-Bolungarvik) Valdimar Lúðvík Gíslason, tel.: 892-1417 Eagle Air Iceland - www.eagleair.is Two flights per week from Reykjavik to Gjögur and six flights per week to Bíldudalur.

Fly-Bus (airport-Bíldudalur-TálknafjörðurPatreksfjörður) Torfi Andrésson tel.: 893-2636

www.westfjords.is By bus

A public bus service runs between Reykjavík and Ísafjörður six days per week in June, July and August, along two different routes: A- Reykjavik-Stykkisholmur-Brjanslækur (with ferry Baldur)-Isafjordur. Connection to Patreksfjordur and Latrabjarg.

B- Reykjavik-Hólmavík-Ísafjörður..

Busses drive in both directions along these routes, so it is easy to combine them to make a full Westfjords Circle.

Connection to the Akureyri bus is in Hreðavatnsskáli.

Visit www.sterna.is for schedules.

By boat The car ferry Baldur operates between Stykkishólmur, Flatey and Brjánslækur. Summer: two departures per day from June 10 to August 28. Winter: One departure every day, except Saturdays.

Visit www.seatours.is for more information.

By car Reykjavík to Patreksfjörður - 400km total, 331 km of paved road: Reykjavík - Hvalfjörður (tunnel) - Brattabrekka (road 60) - Svínadalur Barðaströnd (road 60) - Flókalundur - Kleifaheiði - Patreksfjörður.

Reykjavík to Ísafjörður - 455 km, paved road: Reykjavík - Hvalfjörður (tunnel) - Borgarnes - Brattabrekka (road 60) - Svínadalur - Arnkötludalur (road 61) - Steingrímsfjarðarheiði Ísafjarðardjúp - Ísafjörður.

Reykjavík to Hólmavík - 233 km total, 233 km of paved road: Reykjavík - Hvalfjörður (tunnel) - Borgarnes - Brattabrekka (road 60) Svínadalur - Arnkötludalur (road 61).

The Car Ferry Baldur

6

7

INFORMATION CENTRES

8

www.westfjords.is

9

INFORMATION CENTRES

www.westfjords.is

Reykholar Information Office Maríutröð, 380 Reykhólahreppur +354 434-7830 & +354 894-1011

info@reykholar.is

visitreykholahreppur.blogcentral.is

Hnjótur Local Information Office Minjasafn Egils Ólafssonar, 451 Patrfj +354 456-1511

museum@hnjotur.is www.hnjotur.is

Þingeyri District Information Office Hafnarstræti 5, 470, Þingeyri +354 456-8304 & +354 891-6832

thingeyri@thingeyri.is www.thingeyri.is

Simbahöllin Café Fjarðargata 5, 470 Þingeyri +354 899-6695

Suðureyri Tourist Info Aðalgata 15, 430 Suðureyri +354 450-9000

info@sudureyri.is www.sudureyri.is

Bolungarvík District Information Centre Vitastígur 1, 415 Bolungarvík +354 450-7010 & +354 891-7504

touristinfo@bolungarvik.is www.westfjords.is

Ísafjörður Regional Information Centre Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður +354 450-8060

info@vestfirdir.is www.westfjords.is

Hólmavík District Information Centre simbahollin@gmail.com www.thingeyri.is

Höfðagata 8-10, 510 Hólmavík +354 451-3111

info@holmavik.is www.holmavik.is/info

Vigur

10

11

INFORMATION HISTORY travel agencies CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

Borea Adventures

West Tours

Borea Adventures - is based in ﾃ行afjﾃｶrﾃｰur in the Westfjords of Iceland. Borea offers adventure and wildlife tours based on a 60ft sailing yacht where the vessel will provide transportation, good accommodation and the perfect platform for all sorts of outdoor activities in beautiful surroundings.

The bird-island Vigur is the biggest selling tour by West Tours, but is only one of many tours on offer. Day tours to Hornstrandir nature reserve, both for strenuous hiking and leisurely visits are popular, as well as kayaking, horseback riding, bike-rental and more. All tours, accommodation and transportation in the Westfjords can be bought at West Tours. Indeed, most backpacking tours to Hornstrandir begin and end at the office, where boat tickets are sold and much of the planning takes place. Package tours in both summers and winters and car-rental packages are available. Ever increasing is the number of people coming from Reykjavﾃｭk on day tours, flying in early morning and back south in the afternoon.

Among the trips Borea runs is hiking, glacier walks and backcountry skiing in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve where they explore the breathtaking scenery for six days.

Backcountry skiing in the spring and sea kayaking in the summer in Glacier Fjords.

Expeditions to the beautiful East coast of Greenland and the volcanic island of Jan Mayen.

Contact information on page 77.

Contact information on page 82.

12

13

INFORMATION HISTORY travel agencies CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Kagrafell Kagrafell is a new travel agency, launching its operations in Ísafjörður summer 2011.

Among other things Kagrafell offers a bike rental and bookings for miscellaneous tours, accommodation and transportation in the Westfjords, but its main focus is on organized hiking tours, both day tours and longer ones, within the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

Kagrafell also offers a new RV camping ground in Ísafjörður close to downtown Ísafjörður and all major services.

Contact information on page 77.

www.westfjords.is Svaðilfari - Real Horseback Expeditions Svaðilfari is based at Laugarholt in Ísafjarðardjúp and offers 7-10 days horse treks through the spectacular landscape of the Westfjords.

Local guides with years of experience and local knowledge follow the group of maximum 10 persons. Horse expedition with Svaðilfari is not only a chance to leave the civilisation behind, but also an opportunity to experience breathtaking wilderness of the Westfjords. With Svaðilfari one can experience the magic of Iceland in a very special way.

Svaðilfari offers circular tours around the magnificent Drangajökull glacier where ancient routes over mountain passes and through abandoned farmland are followed, rivers and fjords are crossed, soaked in hot springs and trekked across the Drangajökull glacier.

Contact information on page 87.

14

15

INFORMATION HISTORY MUNICIPALITIES CULTURE CENTRES & MAINARTS TOWNS Reykhólar Pop. 278

Road 606

If you are interested in bird-watching, the small village of Reykhólar is the perfect hub. The sea closest to shore is very shallow and with a high tidal range. These conditions, combined with the marshes and ponds found inland create a bountiful biota and a perfect environment for a rich bird life.

There is a unique perquisite exhibition at Reykhólar (Breidafjordur´s traditional boat and food supplies exhibition), a museum dedicated to the gifts of nature, and their utilization, in the Breiðafjörður area.

From a historical perspective, it shows how birds, seals and fish provided the farmers and fishermen with food and clothes, helping them to get through famines and hardship in the past. There is also a boat museum in the same house.

The village is also famous for its kelp factory, the only factory in Iceland that processes seaweed. The products are used in food, animal fodder, fuel, fertilizers and for medicinal purposes, to name just a few.

16

www.westfjords.is Patreksfjörður Pop. 630

Road 63

The biggest town in the southern region of Westfjords is Patreksfjörður and it is situated in a fjord bearing the same name.

The fjord got its name from its first settler, whose spiritual guide was St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Somewhat fittingly it was in this fjord that the first potatoes were cultivated in Iceland in the 18th century. Early in the 20th century, Patreksfjörður was a pioneering force in Iceland’s fishing industry, initiating trawler fishing. Still today the chief occupation is commercial fishing and fish processing.

One of the more interesting tourist attractions in Patreksfjörður is The Pirate House, a newly opened exhibition located in an old smithy. It displays the stories of pirates that raided the Icelandic shoreline in the 15th and 16th century, recreating the atmosphere and experience of both the pirates and their victims.

Patrekfjörður is also a service centre for the southern region with a hospital, bank, post office, pharmacy, swimming pool with excellent sport facilities and various other services, such as restaurants, cafés, craft galleries and gift shops. Just a few km outside town is an excellent golf course as well as many challenging hiking trails.

17

INFORMATION HISTORY MUNICIPALITIES CULTURE CENTRES & MAINARTS TOWNS Tálknafjörður Pop. 282

Road 63

Tálknafjörður is a friendly village in the southern part of the Westfjords, with a population of approximately 300. For centuries, most of the locals made their living from fishing, and they still do of course, but in order to diversify its economy, the town now welcomes large groups of tourists every year, the biggest attraction being sea angling.

In the northern part of the fjord, hot water springs from the earth.

This pure energy is used for fish farming and heating the swimming pool. Bonuses to this geothermal activity are natural hot pools located just outside the village. There is nothing better after a long day on the road, than to glide down into the warm water and enjoy the stunning beauty of the surrounding mountains. Various hiking trails can be found on either side of the fjord, many of them old riding paths, used to cross the surrounding mountains and heaths.

18

www.westfjords.is Bíldudalur Pop. 187

Road 63

Bíldudalur is an beautiful little village that enjoys some of the best summer weather in the Westfjords. Due to its position, the sea breeze rarely reaches the town, making it an excellent place to hang out on sunny days.

The largest industry in town is a sea mineral plant that processes calcified red seaweed, harvested from the seabed, mainly used in animal feed, hygiene and fertiliser products.

Although the population of this picturesque village is only about 200, music and culture have thrived there for decades. Therefore it should be no surprise that there are two museums found in the village. The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum opened in 2009, offering an action-packed multimedia display of the local tales of sea monsters, which have played a colourful role in Icelandic folk culture for centuries. Melodies of the Past is a peculiar music museum in town, exhibiting Icelandic musical memorabilia.

19

INFORMATION HISTORY MUNICIPALITIES CULTURE CENTRES & MAINARTS TOWNS Þingeyri Pop. 260

Road 60

Þingeyri is a small village situated on a spit of land in one of Iceland’s most scenic fjords, Dýrafjörður. Like in most other seaside villages in Iceland, the culture and industry has been shaped by the sea throughout the centuries. Þingeyri provides various services to the surrounding countryside as well as to its visitors; a small shop, post office, bank and a swimming pool at the local sports hall .

Simbahöllin is a homely café, specializing in Belgian waffles, set in a beautifully renovated old Norwegian house from 1915. Another point of interest is the oldest functioning mechanic workshop in Iceland, established in the year 1913. Þingeyri is the home of a Viking project, hosting a Viking festival every summer and taking groups for a trip on a Viking ship.

One of Iceland’s most scenic golf courses is just a stone’s throw from Þingeyri, with the Westfjords Alps as a backdrop, including the highest mountain of the peninsula, Kaldbakur (998 metres).

20

www.westfjords.is Flateyri Pop. 237

Road 64

Flateyri has been a trading post since 1792 and saw its heyday in the 19th century when it was home to a fleet of decked vessels and the base for shark-hunting and whaling operations. With its fishing industry grinding to a halt, Flateyri, like so many other fishing villages, is dependent on tourism in the summer months; the majority of visitors being sea anglers from Europe. Kayaking is also a popular activity for tourists.

The old bookshop has been turned into a museum where the history of the village is displayed. Visitors can also buy second hand books and visit an old merchant’s home. An international doll museum can also be found in Flateyri.

A small shop, bank, post office and a pub provide visitors with all the basic services.

There is a nice sandy beach on the other side of the fjord, and although the sea might be colder for bathing than most people prefer, the sand is great for building sand castles.

21

INFORMATION HISTORY MUNICIPALITIES CULTURE CENTRES & MAINARTS TOWNS Suðureyri Pop. 312

Road 65

Suðureyri is a traditional, yet eco-conscious fishing village that is pioneering a new concept that draws visitors into the daily work life of the village. That’s what I’m taking a break from!”, you might say.

However, a change is often as good as a break and an opportunity to try or just take a look at something you would never normally get to do. Whether joining a fishing boat crew, visit the cod in the lagoon or touring a fish-processing factory, these are authentic crosscultural experiences you’re unlikely to forget! Here you will find a village that is working together as a team to provide the visitor with an understanding of their way of life - a life they are justifiably proud to share. Here you can learn about all the steps involved in bringing that delicious fish from the sea to your plate.

All basic services can be found in Suðureyri and the outside swimming pool is one of the most popular in the area on sunny summer days.

www.westfjords.is Bolungarvík Pop. 970

Road 61

Bolungarvík is the northernmost village in the Westfjords, situated on an eponymous cove.

The village has been a fishing port since settlement, so naturally the most popular tourist attraction in Bolungarvík is the Ósvör museum, a fascinating replica of an old fishing outpost. There, the museum curator greets visitors wearing a skin suit similar to the one Icelandic sailors wore in the 19th century. In addition there is a natural history museum in town that hosts an extensive bird and mammal collection, including a polar bear.

Another popular visiting point is the top of Bolafjall Mountain offering a staggering view. There is a road all the way to the top to service the radar station up there. It is open to tourists in the summer months only.

Amenities include a gas station, shops and different types of accommodation, as well as an indoor swimming pool and a sports centre. Just outside the village, there is a nine hole golf course.

22

23

INFORMATION HISTORY MUNICIPALITIES CULTURE CENTRES & MAINARTS TOWNS Hnífsdalur Pop. 231

Road 61

Ísafjörður Pop. 2636

Road 61

Hnífsdalur is a small village between Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík. With a population of only 250, most of the inhabitants work in Ísafjörður, which is only about 5 kilometres away.

Ísafjörður is the largest town in the peninsula. It is conveniently located between five smaller villages, and being the capital of the area it is the centre of interest in the peninsula.

No actual services can be found in the quiet village, but it is a great place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The deep valley that the village derives its name from is lush and green, with a river winding through it. Multiple hiking trails can be found in the valley and surrounding mountains, both moderate and challenging.

Hnífsdalur is easily reached by bus, with multiple departures from Ísafjörður every weekday.

On the gravel spit that stands out into the fjord, small corrugated houses line the streets. Having a wharf all around the spit is fitting, as fish and seafaring has always been the name of the game. For the tourist, Ísafjörður has a range of services for all budgets and tastes. An array of day tours, both in the wilderness and closer to civilisation, are available, for hikers, paddlers and other outdoorsy types of course, but also for those wanting a leisurely walk in a bird colony or at a museum.

Trivia: The people of Hnífsdalur are a home-loving bunch. So much that a family living in Hnífsdalur built their summerhouse, yes you guessed it, a little bit further up the valley. Why go far if everything you need is near at hand?

24

www.westfjords.is

Trivia: all three roads out of town are through tunnels. Iceland’s oldest and shortest tunnel connects to neighbouring Súðavík, the newest connects it to Bolungarvík and the longest connects it to both Suðureyri and Flateyri.

25

INFORMATION HISTORY MUNICIPALITIES CULTURE CENTRES & MAINARTS TOWNS Súðavík Pop. 170

Road 61

Hólmavík Pop. 386

Road 61

The small and friendly fishing village of Súðavík, 20 kilometres from Ísafjörður. Since 1995, when an avalanche destroyed a big part of the village, it has been divided into two parts, the old and the new. The new village was built on a location safe from avalanches, and the old part is kept intact as a summer resort for travellers.

Hólmavík is the largest town in the Strandir region, an area with an exciting and tragic history of witchcraft, witch-hunting and sorcery.

Inhabitants in the countryside surrounding Hólmavík live mostly on sheep farming, while economic activity in town revolves around the fisheries and the service sector.

Súðavík is a great place to visit, especially for families. The family garden Raggagarður, is a playground in the heart of the old town. It is created for kids and adults alike, a place where the whole family can spend time together. Another attraction is The Arctic Fox Centre, an exhibition and research centre focusing on the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland, the Arctic fox.

The Museum of Sorcery & Witchcraft takes visitors on a tour into the mystical world of the supernatural. The history of witch-hunting in 17th century Iceland is presented at the exhibition as well as various aspects of magic from more recent sources. A second part of the exhibition is in Bjarnarfjörður, 23 kilometres from Hólmavík.

The sorcerer’s cottage is an old turf house where an exhibition gives a glimpse of how a tenant farmer lived in Iceland in the 17th century and what magic he used to make life more tolerable. Next to Hólmavík is also the Sheep Farming Museum, an entertaining exhibition about the Icelandic sheep and sheep farming.

Iceland Sea angling ehf is the oldest sea angling project of Westfjords.

It offers boats and accommodation services in Súðavík, Tálknafjörður and Bolungarvík. The town is an excellent place for hiking and local guide is available for neighbouring routes. Súðavík has two restaurants, a café, nice and quiet camping place, grocery shop, gas station, post office and bank service.

26

www.westfjords.is

Visitors will find all basic amenities, and more, in Hólmavík. A golf course is to be found not far from town and there’s a newly built swimming pool in town. A good Tourist Information Centre is in Hólmavík that serves the whole area. The swimming pool is next to the camping ground and upon the hills by Hólmavík, there are good and marked hiking paths.

27

INFORMATION HISTORY MUNICIPALITIES CULTURE CENTRES & MAINARTS TOWNS Drangsnes Pop. 72

Road 645

Drangsnes is a fishing village, pure and simple. Conveniently located near the fishing grounds, it thrives in its minimalistic ways. In fact, the entrepreneur who runs the local restaurant and one of the guesthouses is a fisherman. He also runs the boat tours to Grímsey.

Grímsey island, supposedly formed by a giant trying to dig the Westfjords apart from the rest of Iceland, is the biggest attraction in Drangsnes. The boat ride is only 10 minutes across. Grímsey boasts a rich bird life of puffins, fulmars and an interesting side story of fox farming.

www.westfjords.is Borðeyri Pop. 20

Road 641

This small settlement, once a flourishing trading centre, has seen its population and level of service decline in the last couple of decades.

It has a garage and a school, but more importantly for travellers, both a guesthouse and a camping place. As one can imagine, personal service is of high importance there. On the list of must-sees is the oldest house, the Riis-house. It was home to a merchant by the name of; you guessed it, Riis, who lived in Borðeyri in the early 1900s. Other service is provided at the nearby Staðarskáli, at the crossroads between north, west and south.

It does not come as a surprise that in this small hamlet, the camping place is just by the municipality’s office building, as synergy is always important in small villages. Lastly: although the new swimming pool in town is of top notch quality, the blend-in-with-the-locals way of bathing would be to dip into the small hot pools at the shore.

Drangsnes

28

29

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

Jón Sigurðsson from Hrafnseyri (1811-1879)

Suðureyri

The most famous freedom fighter in Iceland, who fought against Danish authorities with words and wisdom, as opposed to guns and bullets favoured by most governments and revolutionaries alike, was born on Hrafnseyri in Arnarfjord, in the Westfjords. In 1944 Iceland officially established an independent country on Jón Sigurðsson’s birthday, the 17th of June, which also is the National Holiday of Iceland.

A large fleet of small boats sails from the harbor to rich fishing grounds nearby all year round. Fishing methods include long-lines and hand-lines and the catch is processed as soon as it is landed.

Fancy a guided tour around a hi-tech fish processing plant or go out with the fishing boats?

An official celebration ceremony will therefore be held at Hrafnseyri on the 17th of June this year to honour Jón Sigurðsson’s 200 year anniversary. It includes an opening of a new exhibition of Jón Sigurðsson’s life, entitled “A life in serve of a nation” . The exhibition is made by Basalt architects, Reykjavík, Iceland.

Contact information can be found on page 60.

The Eco-Friendly Fishing Village

Sudureyri fishermen strive to practice sustainable, environmentally friendly fishing in complete harmony with nature. By doing this they ensure their own future and their children’s future. The village enjoys a supply of geothermal hot water and a hydroelectric power station that provides the residents of the fjord with green electricity. This is how the residents of Sudureyri want to see their village develop.

Every visitor should take the opportunity to enjoy some the village’s products in local restaurants.

This traditional yet eco-conscious fishing village is a pioneering model that welcomes visitors into the daily work rituals of Icelandic life.

These are the kinds of authentic cross-cultural experiences you’re unlikely to forget.

30

31

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Látrabjarg cliffs

www.westfjords.is Road 612

The cliffs of all cliffs, Látrabjarg, are home to birds in unfathomable numbers. This westernmost point of Iceland (and Europe if the Azores are not counted) is really a line of several cliffs, 14 kilometres long and up to 441 km high. And it’s as steep as it gets, dizzyingly so. Safe from foxes, the birds are fearless, and provide stunning photographic opportunities from close range. Bird photography for dummies, you might say. The puffins are particularly tame and are the ones frequenting the grassy, higher part of the cliffs. But look out, the edges are fragile and loose and the fall is high.

Látrabjarg is thus deservedly the most visited tourist attraction in the Westfjords. The cliffs are easily accessible by car and when you’re there, a walk along the cliffs awaits. The whirling sensation will not fade, and neither will the memories.

32

Dynjandi waterfall

Road 60

Simply enthralling; The Westfjords’ favourite front-page model for decades, and is never short of breathtaking. The biggest and widest part of the waterfall is the one that gets all the attention and the photos, even though there are impressive, albeit smaller, waterfalls further down the river. In fact, one is formed in such a way that the brave can walk behind it, relatively dry. There is a camping place at the site with basic services.

To enjoy, follow this simple step-by-step manual. 1. Stop your car at the parking lot. 2. Walk all the way up to the biggest part of the waterfall, it takes about 15 minutes. 3. (?) 4. Whenever ready, go back down to the car. 5. Tick off this article and continue working through the check-list.

33

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Ísafjörður

www.westfjords.is Road 61

Ísafjörður is an attraction in itself. “A cosmopolitan oasis” according to the Lonely Planet guide book. Take their word for it. Ísafjörður is the tourist hub, the place where many a tourist stocks up and takes the last look at the map before venturing into a trek in Hornstrandir wilderness.

Gourmands have a choice of places. The hotel in town has a seasonal variety of local delicacies such as puffins and whales, while the accolade restaurant Tjöruhúsið at the maritime museum is all about fish. There is no menu; the waiter just tells guests the fish offered, depending on what the fishermen caught earlier in the day.

Also, Ísafjörður hosts an impressive array of events, many of whom are world famous. Take the Aldrei fór ég suður music festival, held at Easter, and the European Championship in Swamp Soccer, held in early August. In the latter, a few hundred mad and glad people come together for a muddy competition in dirty tricks.

Flatey Island Beautifully kept old houses in cheerful colours line the dusty path through the settlement of Flatey island. Walk through it, and at the end of the settlement, the path becomes even narrower and more crooked, taking you through a dense population of birds, consisting mainly of Arctic terns. Two families stay on the island throughout the winter, but many more migrate during the summer, mainly for leisure but also to serve tourists.

In a charming way, it feels very much like a movie set. And so it is.

Many movies are set on the island, most notably The Honour of the House based on a short story by Nobel Prize winner Halldór Laxness, White Night Wedding, a movie by Baltasar Kormákur and Nonni og Manni. In fact, Baltasar’s father painted the unusual altar piece in the island’s church, making it worthy of a visit.

In summertime, a ferry goes to Flatey twice a day from Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur, and, albeit less frequently, a passenger boat offers connection to Reykhólar.

European Swamp Soccer Championship in Ísafjörður

34

35

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

Vigur Island Pop. 2

Hornstrandir

Puffins, eiders, guillemoths and arctic terns are this island’s magnets, and they are all abundant. Indeed, as the puffins, which nest in burrows, have dug through much of the island’s soil, travellers have to follow a certain path to avoid falling into one. This small bird, by some dubbed the penguin of the north, is a clumsy flier but impresses visitors by artfully stacking its beak full of sand eel or small fish, carrying it home to its hungry chicks. Being the opposite of the hospitable humans that live on the island, the Arctic terns fight to keep intruders away. Luckily, a stick held above the head does the trick. Eiders and humans share a mutual beneficence; eiders get protecion by nesting in close vicinity of the people, who collect the precious down from the eider nests. One of the every day event is when locals feed a group of orphan eider chicks. In Vigur you find the smallest post office in Iceland, as well as the only windmill and beautifully renewed houses. Since an end was put to milk production on Vigur island, the inhabitants spend much of the winter preparing the eider down, collected over the summer, for export.

This territory of the Arctic fox has been uninhabited since the 1950s.

As isolated as it was then, it attracts the casual half-day visitors and serious gore-tex hikers alike. Its main attractions are three. First, the bird cliffs surrounding the bay of Hornvík, are a magnet of gigantic proportions. On the eastern side of the bay the cliff reaches a height of more than 500 metres, and the birds are teeming. Second, as there are no infrastructure and the tourists few in relation to the sheer size of the area, the sense of remoteness is strong. You can hike days on end without seeing a single person. The nature is pure and the tranquillity unmatched. Third, as the area is a haven for the Arctic fox (think hunting-ban and bird-packed cliffs), the chances of spotting one are high.

Most tours, especially day tours, depart from Ísafjörður. Hikers wanting to go on their own can also take boats from Bolungarvík and Norðurfjörður.

To get to Vigur, there is a daily boat tour from Ísafjörður.

36

37

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Árneshreppur

www.westfjords.is Road 643

Árneshreppur is one of the smallest communities in Iceland, but comprises a large area. The inhabitants earn their income by raising sheep, but in recent years, tourism has grown in importance.

Stunning landscape, proximity to the natural elements and rich fauna are the area’s main attractions. Additionally, the area and community are steeped in history, such as of the Icelandic sagas, witch-hunts, herring adventures and folklore. A boat connects Norðurfjörður to Hornstrandir, perfect for hikers and those who want to marvel the area from the sea.

Tourism has in the last few years seen a remarkable upswing. Now, travelers can camp in several places and choose from a variety of other accommodation choices. Kaffi Norðurfjörður (you guessed it, kaffi is both café and coffee) and Hótel Djúpavík offer an array of local food. In Djúpavík, a herring factory closed down in the 50’s has been honored by an exhibition about its history. At Kört, local handcrafts and history are combined. Other services are available as well, such as a grocery store, a filling station and a unique swimming pool by the seaside.

Road 61

Reykjanes

Built as a school for the children of the area, Reykjanes was strategically located for its geothermal springs and ease of access by boats. Reykjanes has since the school closed down been a hotel and a camping place and a popular stop to take gas. It was however always a little bit off the main route for drivers, but with new bridges and roads opened in 2009 it is now again right in the centre. Its main attraction, though, is Iceland’s longest swimming pool, intended to be 50 metres but by mistake built a bit longer. Due to the warm water from the hot spring, the pool has sometimes been referred to as “Iceland´s largest hot pot”.

ATH MYND

Krossnespool in Árneshreppur

38

39

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

Hesteyri

Heydalur

A visit to Hesteyri is an unforgettable experience. There rests a deserted village underneath mountain cliffs, fathomed by a wood of angelicas. It is magical to stroll around the sand spit and enjoy the unexpected wonders that pass before your eyes. The last inhabitants moved from Hesteyri around 1950 but before that there was a busy lifestyle due to the whaling station which was built in 1894. At Hesteyri you can find historical ruins and unspoiled nature at its best all year round.

Heydalur is a 6 km long valley in Mjóifjörður in Ísafjarðardjúp. In further days the story tells that 12 farmers were living in the valley.

The oldest ruins tell us that the valley has been an inhabited area since before the year 1100.

At Hesteyri you can buy coffee, food and accommodations.

Scheduled boat trips go from Ísafjörður (60 min) and Bolungarvík (50 min). The boat trip is a great journey with an unusual sightseeing of mountains and glaciers and a good chance of seeing whales rise close up to the boat.

On the other side of the river Heydalsá there is a hot spot from ancient time. The story tells that the bishop Gudmundur the Good blessed this hot spot in the 12th century and that many sick people have been cured after a visit here.

Now there is only the farm hotel left in the middle of a beautiful surrounding countryside with a river, waterfall, bushy hillsides, mountains, fjords and the shore full of wildlife and flora.

At Heydalur you will also find hot springs which are used for an indoor swimming pool and original outdoor hot spots where you may relax after the many possible outdoor activities and before a luxury dinner.

Each season in Heydalur has a charm. The spring when you can follow the green colour and the birds coming, the summer with the bright nights full of life, the autumn with the beautiful colour and all the blueberries, the winter with the northern lights and snow.

40

41

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Flókalundur in Vatnsfjörður Nature Reserve

www.westfjords.is Road 62

Iceland owes its name to Hrafna-Flóki or Raven-Floki. After a long navigation from Norway, he took land in Vatnsfjörður. Seeing the surrounding Breiðafjörður Bay full of ice, he announced that this place should be called Iceland.

Lakes and ponds are numerous in the Nature reserve. Lake Vatnsdalsvatn is the largest, with an area of two square kilometers.

Approximately 20 species of birds inhabit the nature reserve. Both mice, Arctic foxes and mink roam the area but seals are easier to spot, because they like to laze about sunbathing on the reefs by Hörgsnes peninsula. There are numerous hiking trailes in the the area and you can take a walk along the shores and enjoy a dip in the memorable natural pool down by the sea.

There is a hotel at Flókalundur with a restaurant, gas-station, swimming pool and camping ground.

Natural pools - The Water Trail Among the hidden gems of the Westfjords are the natural hot pools that can be found even in most remote places. This might sound like a cliché, but the pools are truly a well kept secret, taken for granted, or even forgotten by locals. An explanation could be that the Westfjords are not generally considered a “hot spot” in Icelandic geology, so the geothermal activity is not as visible as it is in the north or the south of the country. Therefore it is surprising to find that nowhere in Iceland are there more natural bathing pools than in the Westfjords, the reason being that the water is of perfect temperature straight from the ground.

Some of the pools are situated right on the shoreline, with amazing views towards the sea, creating a unique experience to be enjoyed all year round.

See more at www.watertrail.is

The Natural pool in Flókalundur

42

43

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Rauðasandur

www.westfjords.is Road 62

History

Rauðasandur, (Red Sand), is precisely that: a beach with endless red sand. Well, not endless, but 10 km is a lot. The magnificent hues of the sand differ with daylight and weather, and the beach is the biggest pearl in a string of coves with sand ranging in colours from white through yellow through red to black, and in coarseness from very fine to sole-hurting chips of seashells. Just pure sand enlivened by countless seabirds and seals, an oasis with unique tranquility.

Forget everything, except maybe getting the perfect shot of the ever-changing hues of yellow, orange and red.

Fish and sheep. If only given a space of three words, these would be near the top. Luckily, 1100 years of history can usually be given a little bit more space than three words. The most visited history attractions are 15 minutes apart, two museums that approach the maritime history from two different angles. Ósvör in the village of Bolungarvík, is one. There, the sheep-skin clad guide shows you around the huts where fishermen lived for thousand years. The maritime museum in Ísafjörður fills up the holes in the history, showing how the fish was processed and what was done with it after the processing.

Here´s just pure sand and unique tranquillity. You might want to step out of the car, get the camera out and start walking on the seemingly endless beach.

At the Arctic Fox Centre in Súðavík, you will learn about the 1100 year story of legal foxhunting in Iceland and get into the world of the legendary foxhunters of the past.

If not, why not enjoy a cup of coffee in the French café and look at the spectacular view were Snæfellsjökull glacier in Snæfellsnes peninsula imperiously rivets your attention in the background.

Another museum of interest is The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. The museum is in two parts, one located in Hólmavík and one 25 km away in Bjarnarfjörður. Other museums of historical interest include Hnjótur and Hrafnseyri, where a hero of independence, Jón Sigurðsson (the gentleman on the ISK 5000 bill), is commemorated.

The Maritime museum Ósvör in Bolungarvík

44

45

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS Coast

Culture

A fun fact: a third of Iceland’s coast line is in the Westfjords. Come to think of it, it is not surprising, as the entire peninsula is carved and cut by long fjords. The shore offers a wealth of attractions, most of which cost nothing to enjoy.

Many aspects of culture are intangible; it is how people behave and how society is organised. However, it has its concrete manifestations as well. The best bet for a first stop is a museum. They are scattered all over the peninsula, covering areas such as pirates (Patreksfjörður), sea monsters (Bíldudalur), sorcery and witchcraft (Hólmavík), and foxes (Súðavík). Want more? Old tools from fishermen (in Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík), sheep farming tools (near Hólmavík) and old tractors (near Reykhólar) all have their dedicated museums.

We have already told you about Rauðasandur, that red sandy beach which is not famous for its bathing facilities, but its colour. We have also told you about the bird cliffs at Látrabjarg and way up north in Hornstrandir. Which reminds us, the bird life at the coast is rich, to say the least. We could drop a lot of bird names, such as oystercatchers, harlequin ducks, and white-tailed eagles, but the bird enthusiast would do well in picking up further information there, just take our word for the variety. . In most areas, you can expect to see seals, resting on stones or just peering curiously towards land. In the deep fjords, whales can often be seen, blowing and diving. So be aware, the wildlife is all around you, if you only pay attention.

Many fjords, islands and inlets are uninhabited and unspoiled, so you have it all for yourself. The silence is unmatched.

Skötufjörður in Ísafjarðardúp

46

www.westfjords.is

Also of big interest are the local handicrafts traditions that flourish in every fjord and valley. Almost all villages have their energetic bunch, knitting and crocheting and selling to interested tourists. Some interesting innovations can be found, especially those based on the patterns used for Icelandic wool sweaters.

And then there is the intangible aspect. Keep your eyes open for village feasts, held all over all through the summer. Strike up a conversation about the weather with the one next to you in the hot-dog line and there you go: local culture in one of its many manifestations.

Arctic Fox

47

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

Hiking

Kayaking

When hiking in the Westfjords, there is always a tendency to hike between two fjords. Understandably; if you look at the map, there is most often a pass or two between any fjords and the feeling of looking down the other side of the mountain is one to savour.

Kayaking in the deep fjords of the west is an amazing and different experience, giving you an opportunity to get close to the rich birdlife, seals, and other creatures of the sea. This is an excellent way to explore the fjords and islands from an unusual angle.

One of the most popular area for hiking is without a doubt Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The reserve is ideal for longer hikes, and there are day tours available from Ísafjörður as well. However, its biggest advantage is also its disadvantage, which is the inaccessibility and lack of service.

Although kayaking might seem like a strenuous activity, it is surprisingly easy to glide calmly between the towering mountains.

Novices and experienced paddlers alike will find something to their liking, whether it be a two hour bird watching tour or a week-long wildlife adventure. Ísafjörður, Heydalur, Reykjanes, Önundarfjörður and Djúpavík are the places to go, for those interested.

The rest of the Westfjords are just as stunning, for example Látrabjarg, the biggest birdcliff in Europe, and Rauðasandur.

At the nearest information centre, make sure to pick up a hiking map for the area you want to visit. The maps, seven in total, cover between them the whole peninsula.

Kayaking in Djúpavík

48

49

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

Horseback riding

Fishing

One of the great adventures you can take part in when visiting Iceland is riding the small and hardy Icelandic horses, known for their strong character and bred to survive through cold and starvation. Trotting along a sandy beach or through a wooded valley is an unforgettable experience and gives you a different view of the surrounding nature.

Inexperienced riders need not worry, the horses are calm.

Iceland boasts of one of the world’s few sustainable fisheries, catching fish both on big trawlers and small boats. A good addition to the commercial fishing is that around 2000 anglers come annually to villages in the peninsula to try to catch the big one. And big they are. In 2007, a halibut of 175 kg (385 lbs) was caught on a fishing rod near Suðureyri, and in 2010 one of whopping 220 kg (485 lbs) was caught.

Why not combine the horse riding with some fishing? In Heydalur you can ride the horses up the valley to a heath where you can try your luck at catching trout in Lake Ausuvatn. There are also horse rentals in Örlygshöfn and Þingeyri.

Those more inclined to sweet water fishing, can find many rivers and lakes around the peninsula to catch Arctic char and salmon although the best salmon rivers are usually fully booked, there are plenty of drop-in places to catch char.

Ketildalur

50

51

INFORMATION HISTORY ATTRACTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

Swimming pools

The Westfjords Foodtrail

Public swimming pools can be found in almost every town and village of the Westfjords. Opening hours are usually long, the entrance cheap and more often than not there is a hot tub or two for those who prefer relaxing to swimming. Natural pools can also be found all over in the region, most of them free of charge.

The Westfjords Foodtrail is based on strong cultural background as well as embracing modern food tradition with a local twist. The aim is to promote and increase the visibility of Westfjords‘ top quality food. Innovation is encouraged and special emphasis is put on product development, motivating new techniques in the production, processing and cooking practices of Westfjords local ingredient and related services. Restaurants members in Westfjords Foodtrail ambitiously present each area‘s food specialty and food producers are highly devoted in producing top quality food items originated from the Westfjords. The food is specifically labeled so if you are looking for traditionally smoked products, freshest ingredients of the day or jams made of rhubarb and billberries, search for our logo on menues and you won´t be dissapointed!

A strict etiquette applies in the public pools of Iceland. Guests are required to wash thoroughly without swimsuits before and after entering the swimming pools. These rules can usually be bent when bathing in the natural pools though, as these often lack both changing rooms and showers.

See more at www.veislaadvestan.is

Reykhólar

52

53

TRAVEL INFORMATION HISTORY SUGGESTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS How to spend 3 days

How to spend 5 days

This is a recommendation of a three-day tour around the Westfjords.

It is intended as a part of a tour around Iceland, and assumes you are touring clockwise around the island in a car.

This is a recommendation of a five-day tour around the Westfjords.

It is intended as a part of a tour around Iceland, and assumes you are touring clockwise around the island in a car.

Day 1 If you stayed in Stykkishólmur, wake up early to get the ferry Baldur across the fjord. If you slept in Reykjavík, wake up a little bit earlier (however early you wake up, the sun will be up before you, plus, you beat the traffic). You are on the other side around noon, ready to drive to Látrabjarg cliffs. Stay near Látrabjarg or in Patreksfjörður/ Tálknafjörður/Bíldudalur village.

Day 1 Start the day somewhere in West Iceland or even Reykjavík. Driving through region Dalir, stop at Reykhólar. Stay at or near Látrabjarg.

Day 2 Wake up early, a long day waits. Today, drive with as many stops as possible to Ísafjörður, where you’ll stay the night. One obligatory stop is waterfall Dynjandi. Others include the maritime trail in Ísafjörður and Bolungarvík (see chapter on History).

Day 3 Wake up early (starting to discern a pattern?). Drive in and out of innumerable fjords to Hólmavík. There, visit The Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft. From there, drive further south and continue your journey around Iceland. We would like to see you again, hopefully not in such a rush!

54

www.westfjords.is www.westfjords.is

Day 2 In the morning, check out Látrabjarg cliffs and Rauðasandur. Now change direction and head towards Ísafjörður, stopping at least at Dynjandi waterfall. Stay in Ísafjörður or nearby villages.

Day 3 Today, pick from the smorgasbord of tours available in the Ísafjörður area. Tours to bird island Vigur and day tours to Hornstrandir nature reserve are the ones to check out first. Stay another night in Ísafjörður or nearby villages.

Day 4 Before heading south, finish up your checklist of things to do around Ísafjörður. One might check out the two important museums (see chapter on History). Sleep in Heydalur or Reykjanes or Strandir area.

Day 5 In the morning, dive into centuries past when sorcery was common, and witches were burned for allegedly casting spells on their neighbours at Holmavik’s Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft. After lunch; head down south to continue your tour around the island.

Welcome back!

55

TRAVEL INFORMATION HISTORY SUGGESTIONS CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is www.westfjords.is

How to spend 7 days This is a recommendation of a seven-day tour around the Westfjords. It is intended as a part of a tour around Iceland, and assumes you are touring clockwise around the island in a car. We keep the description short for each day not wanting to repeat what is said in other parts of this brochure.

Day 1 The ferry Baldur goes from Stykkishólmur in the morning with destination Brjánslækur. When the ferry stops in island Flatey, hop off but leave the car keys on board. Cars are useless in the island, so the ferry staff will park your car at Brjánslækur. You have six hours in Flatey to wander around this movie set of charming old-style houses.

Stay the night in Flókalundur.

Day 2 Drive to Látrabjarg cliffs. You have enough time to walk along the edge, take it slow and enjoy. Also, check out Rauðasandur and museum Hnjótur. Stay on either side of fjord Patreksfjörður or nearby in villages Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur.

Day 3 Counting Patreksfjörður, and the end point, Ísafjörður, today’s itinerary can include up to 6 villages (Tálknafjörður, Bíldudalur, Þingeyri, Flateyri), although visiting some of them requires a short detour from the main road. On the way, be sure to stop at Dynjandi waterfall and, if time allows, Hrafnseyri museum, reopened year 2011 to celebrate the birth of an important leader of the movement of independence, Jón Sigurðsson.

The bird island Vigur

Day 4 In the Ísafjörður area, wide arrays of day tours are available. Most prominently, there are tours to bird island Vigur and Hornstrandir nature reserve, but others might be more interested in kayaking, or a day of postcard writing. Stay another night in Ísafjörður or nearby villages.

Day 5 In the morning, go through the new tunnel to Bolungarvík and visit Ósvör museum. If the skies are clear, you might even want to venture up to Mt. Bolafjall. After lunch, drive to Heydalur and soak in the natural hot pool up the valley or go for a horseback ride.

Day 6 Today, you will be visiting the most remote settlement in Iceland.

Often during the winter, the road there is closed for weeks, even months. Today, Árneshreppur has 50 inhabitants. Stay the night in Strandir area.

Day 7 Once in Hólmavík, nothing compares to a healthy dose of witchcraft in the morning. The Museum of Sorcery provides a memorable insight into nifty tricks to get the much-loathed neighbour sick or lure the cutie at work into a relationship. From there, drive south and continue your journey around Iceland.

56

57

INFORMATION HISTORY CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is 1 - Gifts of Nature and the Boat Museum Maríutröð, 380 Reykhólar +354 434-7830 & +354 894-1011 Open: 10-18 and by agreement info@reykholar.is www.visitreykholahreppur.blogcentral.is

2 - Grund - Ancient tractors Grund, 380 Reykhólar +354 434-7830 & +354 894-1011 Open: By agreement info@reykholar.is www.visitreykholahreppur.blogcentral.is

3 - Seljanes - Ancient cars 3

Seljanes, 380 Reykhólar 2 1

+354 434-7830 & +354 894-1011 Open: By agreement info@reykholar.is www.visitreykholahreppur.blogcentral.is

Page 56 58

59

INFORMATION HISTORY CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is 4 - Sjóræningjahúsið Smiðjunni, 450 Patreksfirði

8

+354 456-1133 9

Open 11:00-18:00 sjoraeningjahusid@sjoraeningjahusid.is www.sjoraeningjahusid.is

7

6

5 - Hnjotur Museum Hnjotur, 451 Patreksfirði +354 456-1511 4 5

Open 11:00-19:00 all days museum@hnjotur.is www.hnjotur.is

6 - Museum of Music - Jón Kr. Ólafsson Reynimelur, 465 Bíldudalur +354 456-2186 Open 13-18 and by agreement arnfirdingur@arnfirdingur.is www.westfjords.is/view/p892

Pages 59-60 60

61

INFORMATION HISTORY CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

7 - The Sea Monster Museum Strandgata 7, 465 Bíldudalur

16

+354 456-6666 & +354 894-8503

14

Open every day, see www.skrimsli.is

15

skrimsli@skrimsli.is www.skrimsli.is 19 18 17 12 13

8 - Samúel Jónsson´s Art Museum

20

Selárdalur, 465 Bíldudalur +354 845-2334 Open 10/6 - 21/8 olafur@sogumidlun.is www.sogumidlun.is/pdf/samuel_net.pdf

11

9 - Museum of Jón Sigurðsson 10

Hrafnseyri, 471 Þingeyri +354 456-8260 & +354 845 5518 Open 17/06 - 31/08, 10:00-20:00 hrafnseyri@hrafnseyri.is www.hrafnseyri.is

Pages 64-67 62

63

INFORMATION HISTORY CULTURE CENTRES ARTS 10 - Gamla Smiðjan

www.westfjords.is 13 - The old book shop Flateyri

Hafnarstræti 14, 470 Þingeyri

Hafnarstræti 3-5, 425 Flateyri

+354 456-8331 & +354 456-8113

+354 699-3936

Open 08:00-17:00 weekdays, and by agreement

Open Tue-Sat: 11-17;

vbk@snepra.is

www.notendur.snerpa.is/vbk

11 - Culture museum, Hlíð

14 - Handverkshúsið Á milli fjalla

Núpur, 471 Þingeyri

Aðalgata 14, 430 Suðureyri

+354 456-8239 & +354 896-1660

+354 450-9000

Open 20/06 - 15/08 by agreement umthingeyri@snerpa.is www.tingeyri.is

12 - International Dolls Museum

Sun 14-17 and by agreement bokabudinflateyri@gmail.com

Open July and August 13:00-18:00

or by agreement sui@simnet.is

15 - Ósvör Maritime Museum

Hafnarstræti 4, 425 Flateyri

Óshlíðarvegur, 415 Bolungarvík

+354 456-7710 & +354 866-4642

+354 456-7005 & +354 892-0854

Open 11:00-17:00

Open 10:00-17:00 and by agreement

smag@snerpa.is

osvor@osvor.is www.osvor

64

65

INFORMATION HISTORY CULTURE CENTRES ARTS 16 - Westfjords Institute of Natural History

www.westfjords.is 19 - Ísafjörður Culture House

Vitastígur 3, 415 Bolungarvík

Eyrartún, 400 Ísafjörður

+354 456-7005 & +354 456-7351

+354 450-8220 & +354 895-7138

Open 09:00-17:00. Also by agreement.

nabo@nabo.is

bokasafn@isafjordur.is

www.nabo.is

safn.isafjordur.is

17 - Westfjords Heritage Museum Neðstakaupstað, 400 Ísafjörður

Open Weekdays 13:00-19:00, Saturdays 13:00-16:00

20 - The Arctic Fox Center Eyrardalur 1, 420 Súðavík

+354 456-3299 & +354 456-3297

+354 862-8219

Open 09:00-18:00

Open 10:00-20:00 and by agreement

byggdasafn@isafjordur.is

melrakki@melrakki.is

www.nedsti.is

www.melrakki.is

18 - Edinborg Cultural Center Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður +354 456-5444 Open all year edinborg@edinborg.is www.edinborg.is

66

67

INFORMATION HISTORY CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is 21 - Litlibær

23

Skötufjörður, 401 Ísafjörður +354 456-4809 & +354 894-4809 Open 10:00-17:00 every day hvitanes@isl.is

21

22 - Reykjanes Travel Service 22

Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845 Open all year rnes@rnes.is www.rnes.is

23 - Snjáfjallasetur Heritage Centre Dalbær, 401 Ísafjörður +354 898-9300 Open all day, every day during the summer! snjafjallasetur@snjafjallasetur.is www.snjafjallasetur.is

Page 69 68

69

INFORMATION HISTORY CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is 24 - Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Höfðagata 8-10, 510 Hólmavík

28

+354 451-3525 Open 09:00-18:00 galdrasyning@holmavik.is www.galdrasyning.is

25 - Sheep farming exhibition Sævangur, 510 Hólmavík +354 451-3324 & +354 451-3180 Open 12:00-18:00 saudfjarsetur@strandir.is www.strandir.is/saudfjarsetur 26 27

26 - The Sorcerer’s Cottage Hótel Laugarhóll, Bjarnarfjörður, 510 Hólmavík +354 451-3525

24

Open 09:00-18:00 galdrasyning@holmavik.is www.galdrasyning.is

Pages 71-72 70

25

71

INFORMATION HISTORY CULTURE CENTRES ARTS

www.westfjords.is

63 - Historic exhibition of Djúpavík Djúpavík, 524 Árneshreppur +354 451-4037 & +354 847-2819 Guided tours daily 10:00 and 14:00 djupavik@snerpa.is www.djupavik.com

27 - Gallerý Klúka - Art Gallery Hótel Laugarhóll, Bjarnarfjörður, 510 Hólmavík +354 451 3380 & +354 698 5133 Open 10:00-22:00 laugarholl@laugarholl.is www.laugarholl.is

28 - Memorial Museum Kört Árnes II, 524 Árneshreppur +354 451-4025 & +354 841-2025 Summer: 10:00-18:00, Winter: by agr. kort@trekyllisvik.is www.trekyllisvik.is

72

73

ACTIVITIES Swimming pools 1. Grettislaug Address: Reykhólar, 380 Reykhólahreppur Tel. +354 434-7738 & +354 434-7880. www.reykholar.is 2. Djúpidalur, swimming pool Address: Djúpidalur, 380 Reykhólahreppur Tel. +354 434-7853 & +354 861-4853. djupadal@simnet.is 3. Flókalaug Address: Vatnsfirði, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-2044.

4. Birkimelur Swimming pool Address: Lauganes við Hagavaðal, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-2080 & +354 456-2040 5. Patreksfjörður Swimming pool Address: Aðalstræti 55, 450 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-1301 6. Tálknafjörður Swimming pool Address: Sport centre, 460 Tálknafjörður Tel. +354 456-2639 & +354 456-2649. sundlaug@talknafjordur.is 7. Þingeyri Swimming pool Address: Þingeyraroddi, 470 Þingeyri Tel. +354 450-8470. www.breidavik.is

www.westfjords.is 8. Flateyri Swimming pool Address: v/Tjarnargata, 425 Flateyri Tel. +354 450-8460 9. Suðureyri Swimming pool Address: Túngata 8, 430 Suðureyri Tel. +354 450-8490.

10. Bolungarvík Swimming pool Address: Höfðastígur 1, 415 Bolungarvík Tel. +354 456-7381 & +354 696-7316. sundlaug@bolungarvik.is 11. Ísafjörður Swimming Hall Address: Austurvegur 9, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 450-8480 12. Hotel Heydalur, Mjóifjörður, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp (135 km from Ísafjörður), Tel. +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019. www.heydalur.is 12. Reykjanes Travel Service Address: Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845. www.rnes.is 13. Reykjarfjörður Swimming pool Address: Hornstrandir, 520 Drangsnes Tel. +354 456-2662. anna.kristina@simnet.is 14. Hólmavík Swimming pool Address: 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 451-3560. www.holmavik.is/info

74

75

ACTIVITIES 15. Laugarhóll Swimming pool Address: Bjarnarfjörður, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 451-3380 & +354 698-5133. www.laugarholl.is

6. North Explorers Address: Hæstakaupstað, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456 3322. www.northexplorers.is

16. Drangsnes Swimming pool Address: Grundargata 15, 520 Drangsnes Tel. +354 451-3201. sundlaug@drangsnes.is

7. West Tours

17. Krossnes Swimming Pool Address: Norðurfjörður, 524 Árneshreppur Tel. +354 451-4048

8. Kagrafell

Hiking Tours

9. Iceland Tour Guy Address: Hlíð, 420 Súðavík Tel. +354 868-0566 & +354 691-6965. www.icelandtourguy.com

1. Hotel Bjarkalundur Address: Reykhólasveit, 380 Reykhólahreppur Tel. +354 434-7762 & +354 434-7863. www.bjarkalundur.com 2. Reykhólar Hostel Álftaland Address: Álftaland, 380 Reykhólahreppur Tel. +354 434-7878 & +354 434-7941. www.alftaland.is 3. Umfar Address: Aðalstræti 85, 450 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 892-9227. www.umfar.is 4. EagleFjord Travel Service Address: Dalbraut 1, 465 Bíldudalur Tel. +354 894-1684 & +354 456-2135. www.bildudalur.is 5. Simbahöllin Address: Fjarðargata 5, 470 Þingeyri Tel. +354 869-5654 & +354 899-6659. simbahollin@gmail.com 76

www.westfjords.is

Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is

Address: 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 862-8623. travel@hesteyri.is. www.hesteyri.is/activities

10. Ögur Travel Address: Ögur, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 857-1840. www.ogurtravel.com 11. Hotel Heydalur (135 km from the town Ísafjörður) Address: Mjóifjörður, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019. www.heydalur.is 12. Reykjanes Travel Service Address: Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845. www.rnes.is 13. Theme-Travel Address: Bakki, Bjarnarfirði, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 451-3384. www.theme-travel.is 77

ACTIVITIES Bicycle Tours, Bicycle Rental 1. Simbahöllin Address: Fjarðargata 5, 470 Þingeyri Tel. +354 869-5654 & +354 899-6659. simbahollin@gmail.com 2. Fisherman Hótel Address: Aðalgata 14, 430 Suðureyri

www.westfjords.is 4. Kagrafell Address: 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 862-8623. travel@hesteyri.is. www.hesteyri.is/activities 5. Ögur Travel Address: Ögur, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 857-1840. www.ogurtravel.com

Tel. +354 450-9000. www.fisherman.is

6. Hotel Heydalur (135 km from the town Ísafjörður)

3. West Tours

Address: Mjóifjörður, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp

Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður

Tel. +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019. www.heydalur.is

Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is

7. Reykjanes Travel Service

4. Kagrafell

Address: Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp

Address: 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 862-8623. travel@hesteyri.is. www.hesteyri.is/rentabike

Tel. +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845. www.rnes.is

Kayak Tours

8. Hótel Djúpavík Address: Djúpavík, 524 Árneshreppur Tel. +354 4451-4037 & +354 847-2819. www.djupavik.com

1. Simbahöllin Address: Fjarðargata 5, 470 Þingeyri

Golf

Tel. +354 869-5654 & +354 899-6659. simbahollin@gmail.com

1. Patreksfjörður Golf club

2. North Explorers

Address: Vestur – Botn, 450 Patreksfjörður

Address: Hæstakaupstað, 400 Ísafjörður

Tel. +354 846- 1362. www.golf.is/gp

Tel. +354 456 3322. www.northexplorers.is 3. West Tours Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is 78

2. Bíldudalur Golf club Address: Hóll, 465 Bíldudalur Tel. +354 456-2569 & +354 895-2500. www.golf.is/gbb

79

ACTIVITIES 3. Gláma Golf club

3. Umfar

Address: Meðaldalur, 470 Þingeyri

Address: Aðalstræti 85, 450 Patreksfjörður

Tel. +354 896-2879. www.golf.is/ggl

Tel. +354 892-9227. www.umfar.is

4. Bolungarvík Golf club Address: Syðridal, 415 Bolungarvík Tel. +354 456-7072. www.golf.is/gbo 5. Ísafjörður Golf club Address: Tungudalsvöllur, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5081. www.golf.is/gi 6. Hólmavík Golf club Address: Hafnarbraut 18, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 892-4687. www.golf.is/gho

Family Park 1. Family Park Raggagardur Address: Holtagata 11, 420 Súðavík Tel. +354 823-4566. www.raggagardur.is

Bird Watching

4. West Tours Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is 5. Kagrafell Address: 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 862-8623. travel@hesteyri.is. www.hesteyri.is/activities 6. Hotel Heydalur (135 km from the town Ísafjörður) Address: Mjóifjörður, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019. www.heydalur.is 7. Reykjanes Travel Service Address: Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845. www.rnes.is 8. Broddanes Hostel Address: Broddanes, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 618-1830. www.broddanes.is

Boat Tours

1. Hotel Bjarkalundur

1. Eyjasigling

Address: Reykhólasveit, 380 Reykhólahreppur

Address: Reykjabraut 5, 380 Reykhólahreppur Tel. +354 849-6748 & +354 434-7941. www.eyjasigling.is

Tel. +354 434-7762 & +354 434-7863. www.bjarkalundur.com 2. Hænuvík Tracel Service Address: Hænuvík, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-1578 & +354 698-7810. www.haenuvik.blog.is 80

www.westfjords.is

2. Iceland Sailing Address: Mýrar 8, 450 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-1140 & +354 892-5059. www.icelandsailing.is 81

ACTIVITIES

www.westfjords.is

3. EagleFjord Travel Service

11. West Tours

Address: Dalbraut 1, 465 Bíldudalur

Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður

Tel. +354 894-1684 & +354 456-2135. www.bildudalur.is

Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is

4. Blossi / Hlunnar ehf

12. Kagrafell

Address: Drafnargata 6, 425 Flateyri

Address: 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 862-8623.

Tel. +354 456-7671 & +354 863-7671. gp@snerpa.is

travel@hesteyri.is. www.hesteyri.is/activities

5. Sigurður Bjarni Hjartarson

13. Grunnavík Travel Service

Address: Miðstræti 14, 415 Bolungarvík

Address: Hrannargata 10, 400 Ísafjörður

Tel. +354 892-3652. www.bjarnarnes.is

Tel. +354 456-4664 & +354 848-0511. www.grunnavik.is

6. Víkurbátar Boat Tours Address: Aðalstræti 9, 415 Bolungarvík Tel. +354 456-7999. www.angelreisen.is 7. Kollsá Address: Bakkavegur 37, 410 Hnífsdalur Tel. +354 893-6926. www.freydis.is 8. Freydís / Sædís Address: Bakkavegur 37, 410 Hnífsdalur Tel. +354 893-6926 & +354 861-1425. www.freydis.is 9. Sjóferðir H&K Address: Hjallavegur 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 892-1879 & +354 456-4879. www.sjoferdir.is 10. Borea Adventures-Iceland

14. Æðeyjarferðir Address: Æðey, 401 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-4816 & +354 864-0150. jonashelgason@visir.is 15. Malarhorn / Sundhani Address: Kvíabali 1, 520 Drangsnes Tel. +354 461-4345 & +354 896-0337. www.malarhorn.is

Angling 1. Hotel Bjarkalundur Address: Bjarkalundur, 380 Reykhólar Tel. Tel. +354 434-7762 & +354 434-7863. www.bjarkalundur.com 2. Reykhólar Hostel Álftaland Address: Álftaland, 380 Reykhólahreppur Tel. +354 434-7878 & +354 434-7941. www.alftaland.is

Address: Hlíðarvegur 38, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-3322 & +345 869-7557. www.boreaadventures.com 82

83

ACTIVITIES 3. Hotel Flókalundur Address: Vatnsfirði, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-2011. www.flokalundur.is

3. Fisherman Hótel Address: Aðalgata 14, 430 Suðureyri Tel. +354 450-9000. www.fisherman.is

4. Hotel Breiðavík at Látrabjarg Address: Látrabjarg, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-1575 & +354 867-1575. www.breidavik.is

4. Víkurbátar Boat Tours Address: Aðalstræti 9, 415 Bolungarvík Tel. +354 456-7999. www.angelreisen.is

5. Bakki in Brekkudalur Address: Aðalstræti 1 7, 470 Þingeyri Tel. +354 895-4115 6. Hotel Heydalur (135 km from the town Ísafjörður) Address: Mjóifjörður, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019. www.heydalur.is 7. Reykjanes Travel Service Address: Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845. www.rnes.is 8. Hótel Laugarhóll Address: Bjarnarfjörður, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 451 3380 & +354 698 5133. www.laugarholl.is

Sea Angling 1. EagleFjord Travel Service Address: Dalbraut 1, 465 Bíldudalur Tel. +354 894-1684 & +354 456-2135. www.bildudalur.is 2. Hvíldarklettur ehf.

Address: Hafnarstræti 9, 425 Flateyri Tel. +354 456-6667. info@hvildarklettur.is 84

www.westfjords.is

5. Kollsá Address: Bakkavegur 37, 410 Hnífsdalur Tel. +354 893-6926. www.freydis.is 6. West Tours Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is 7. Iceland Sea angling ehf Address: Nesvegur 3, 420 Súðavík Tel. +354 861-4986. www.isangling.is 8. Malarhorn /Sundhani Address: Kvíabali 1, 520 Drangsnes Tel. +354 461-4345 & +354 896-0337. www.malarhorn.is

Boat Rentals 1. Hvíldarklettur ehf.

Address: Hafnarstræti 9, 425 Flateyri Tel. +354 456-6667. info@hvildarklettur.is 2. Víkurbátar Boat Tours Address: Aðalstræti 9, 415 Bolungarvík Tel. +354 456-7999. www.angelreisen.is 85

ACTIVITIES

www.westfjords.is

Address: Hjallavegur 7, 400 Ísafjörður

3. Reykjanes Travel Service Address: Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp

Tel. +354 892-1879 & +354 456-4879. www.sjoferdir.is

Tel. +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845. www.rnes.is

Whale Watching

Horse Riding

1. West Tours Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is

1. Vesturfari horse rental Address: Neðri-Tungu, Örlygshöfn, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 894-1587 & +354 867-8890. unnur.m@visir.is

2. Malarhorn /Sundhani Address: Kvíabali 1, 520 Drangsnes Tel. +354 461-4345 & +354 896-0337. www.malarhorn.is

2. Westhorses horse rental - Simbahöllin Address; Fjarðargata 5, 470, Þingeyri Tel. +354 899-6659. E-mail simbahollin@gmail.com

Hunting

3. West Tours Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is

3. Sjóferðir H&K

1. Reykhólar Hostel Álftaland Address: Álftaland, 380 Reykhólahreppur Tel. +354 434-7878 & +354 434-7941. www.alftaland.is

Skiing 1. Tungudalur/Seljalandsdalur Ski Area Address: 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-3793 & +354 894-2735. www.isafjordur.is/ski

Snowmobile and ATV Tours 1. Reykhólar Hostel Álftaland Address: Álftaland, 380 Reykhólahreppur Tel. +354 434-7878 & +354 434-7941. www.alftaland.is

4. Hotel Heydalur (135 km from the town Ísafjörður) Address: Mjóifjörður, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019. www.heydalur.is 5. Svaðilfari Address: Laugarholt, 512 Hólmavík Tel. +354 456-4858 & +354 869-4859. www.strandir.is/svadilfari 6. Strandahestar Address: Víðidalsá, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 862-3263 & +354 451-3262. www.strandahestar.is

2. Iceland Tour Guy Address: Hlíð, 420 Súðavík Tel. +354 868-0566 & +354 691-6965. www.icelandtourguy.com 86

87

TRANSPORTATION

www.westfjords.is

Transportation

Day Tours

1. The Ferry Baldur

1. BS Tours

Address: Flakkarinn - Brjánslækur, 451 Patreksfjörður

Address: Hjarðardalur, 425 Flateyri

Tel. +354 433 2254 & +354 438-1050. www.seatours.is

Tel. +354 895-2273. www.bstours.is

2. Eagle Air

2. Hotel Núpur Address: Dýrafjörður, 471 Þingeyri

Address: Bíldudalsflugvöllur, 465 Bíldudalur. Tel. +354 456-2177 Address: Gjögurflugvöllur, 524 Árneshreppur. Tel. +354 451-4033. www.ernir.is 3. Fly-bus Address: Völusteinsstræti 22, 415 Bolungarvík

Tel. +354 456-8235 & 354 864-9737. www.hotelnupur.is 3. North Explorers Address: Hæstakaupstað, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456 3322. www.northexplorers.is

Tel. +354 892-1417 4. West Tours Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is 5. Stjörnubílar Address: Aðalstræti 11, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5518 & +354 456-5517. www.stjornubilar.is 6. Air Iceland Address: Ísafjarðarflugvöllur, 400 Ísafjörður

4. Stjörnubílar Address: Aðalstræti 11, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5518 & +354 456-5517. www.stjornubilar.is 5. West Tours Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is 6. Iceland Tour Guy Address: Hlíð, 420 Súðavík Tel. +354 868-0566 & +354 691-6965. www.icelandtourguy.com

Tel. +354 456-3000 & +354 456-4074. www.flugfelag.is 7. Ísafjörður Busses Address: Vallargata 15, 470 Þingeyri Tel. +354 893-1058 & +354 847-0285. www.isafjordur.is/ ferdamadurinn/samgongur 88

89

TRANSPORTATION

www.westfjords.is

6. Ögur Travel Address: Ögur, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp Tel. +354 857-1840. www.ogurtravel.com

Car rentals 1. Hertz Car Rental Address: Ísafjarðaflugvöllur, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 522 44 90 & +354 858 0490. www.hertz.is 2. Avis Car Rental Address: Ísafjarðaflugvöllur, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 591-4000. www.avis.is 3. Europcar Car Rental / Bílaleiga Akureyrar Address: Ísafjarðaflugvöllur, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 840-6074. www.holdur.is/en 4. West Tours Address: Aðalstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5111. www.westtours.is

90

91

CONSULS

www.westfjords.is

Consuls 1. Honorary Consul of Finland - Einar Jónatansson Address: Búðarkantur 2 1, 415 Bolungarvík Tel. +354 456-4100 & +354 456-7425. einar@gna.is 2. Honorary Consul of Denmark - Jóna Símonía Bjarnadóttir Address: Faktorshúsið Ísafirði, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-5140 & +354 862-9908. jona@isafjordur.is 3. Honorary Consul of Norway - Birna Lárusdóttir Address: Miðtún 23 73, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 456-4456 & +354 896-3367. bil@snerpa.is 4. Honorary Consul of Germany - Þorsteinn Jóhannesson Address: Seljalandsvegur 73, 400 Ísafjörður Tel. +354 450-4500 & +354 450-4522. thorsteinn@fsi.is

92

93

ACCOMMODATION

www.westfjords.is 1 - Guesthouse Ólína Jónsdóttir Læknishúsið, 345 Flatey +354 438-1476 Open 15/5 - 15/9 flatey.heimagisting@gmail.com

2 - Hotel Flatey Flatey, 345 Flatey +354 555-7788 & +354 555-7788 Open 29/5 - 30/8 info@hotelflatey.is

6

www.hotelflatey.is 4

3 - Reykhólar Hostel Álftaland Álftaland, 380 Reykhólar +354 434-7878

5 1

2

3

Open all year alftaland@alftaland.is www.alftaland.is

Pages 95-97 94

95

ACCOMMODATION 4 - Hotel Bjarkalundur Reykhólasveit, 380 Reykhólar +354 434-7762 & +354 434-7863

www.westfjords.is 7 - Hotel Flókalundur Vatnsfirði, 451 Patreksfjörður +354 456-2011

Open 01/05 - 30/10

Open 20/05 - 15/09

bjarkalundur@bjarkalundur.is

flokalundur@flokalundur.is

www.bjarkalundur.com

www.flokalundur.is

5 - Djúpidalur, cottages Reykhólahreppur, 380 Reykhólar +354 434-7853 & +354 861-4853

8 - Rauðsdalur Barðaströnd, 451 Patreksfjörður +354 456-2041 & +354 456-2061

Open all year

Open all year

djupadal@simnet.is

raudsdal@vortex.is

www.visitreykholahreppur.blogcentral.is

www.farmholidays.is

6 - Miðjanes Reykhólasveit, 380 Reykhólar +354 434-7787 & +354 893-7787

9 - Bjarkarholt Bjarkarholt, 451 Patreksfjörður +354 456-2025 & +354 849-0820

Open all year

Open all year

loajat@simnet.is

torfi@vesturbyggd.is

www.visitreykholahreppur.blogcentral.is

96

97

ACCOMMODATION

www.westfjords.is 32 33

10 - Hotel Látrabjarg Örlygshöfn, 451 Patreksfjörður

31

+354 456-1500

30 28

Open 15/05 - 15/09 29

info@latrabjarg.com www.latrabjarg.com

27

11 - Hotel Breiðavík at Látrabjarg

23 24 25 26

Látrabjarg, 451 Patreksfjörður +354 456-1575 & +354 867-1575 Open 15/05 - 15/09 breidavik@patro.is www.breidavik.is

21 22 18 19 20

12 10

12 - Hænuvík Travel Service / Gallery Gullhóll

13 14 15 16 17

7

11 9

Hænuvík, 451 Patreksfjörður +354 456-1578 & +354 698-7810 Open all year haenuvik@mi.is haenuvik.blog.is

Pages 99-106 98

99

ACCOMMODATION 13 - Guesthouse Erla Brunnar 14, 450 Patreksfjörður +354 456-1227 & +354 893-1227 Open all year

www.westfjords.is 16 - Guesthouse Krókur Strandgata 19, 450 Patreksfjörður +354 899-6626 & +354 861-5107 Open all year sola@aknet.is

14 - Guesthouse Eyrar Aðalstræti 8, 450 Patreksfjörður +354 456-4565 & +354 845-7283

17 - Hotel Ráðagerði Aðalstræti 31, 450 Patreksfjörður +354 456-0181 & +354 868-4658

Open all year

Open 01/05 - 01/09

handradinn@simnet.is

stay@radagerdi.com www.radagerdi.com

15 - Stekkaból Guesthouse Stekkar 14 & 19, 450 Patreksfjörður +354 864-9675

100

18 - Guesthouse Bjarmaland Bugatún 8, 460 Tálknafjörður +354 891-8038

Open all year

Open all year

stekkabol@snerpa.is

bjarmaland06@simnet.is

www.stekkabol.com/

bjarmaland.bloggar.is

101

ACCOMMODATION 19 - Skrúðhamrar Guesthouse Strandgata 20, 460 Tálknafjörður +354 456-0200 & +354 692-6908

www.westfjords.is 22 - EagleFjord Accommodation Gilsbakka 2-4, 465 Bíldudalur +354 894-1684

Open all year

Open all year

skrudhamar@visir.is

bildudalur@bildudalur.is www.bildudalur.is

20 - Summerhouses Tálknafirði Kirkjubraut, 460 Tálknafjörður +354 861-4986

Hlíðargata 22, 470 Þingeyri +354 891-6832 & +354 456-8232

Open all year

Open all year

sumarbyggd@sudavik.is

skuli@snerpa.is

21 - Bildudalur Hostel Hafnarbraut 2, 465 Bíldudalur +354 456-2100 & +354 860-2100

102

23 - Guesthouse Vera

24 - Guesthouse Sandafell Hafnarstræti 7, 470 Þingeyri +354 456-1600

Open all year

Open 20/05 - 05/09

bildudalur@hostel.is

gisting@hotelsandafell.com

www.hostel.is

www.hotelsandafell.com

103

ACCOMMODATION 25 - Við fjörðinn guesthouse Aðalstræti 26, 470 Þingeyri +354 847-0285 & +354 456-8172

www.westfjords.is 28 - Kirkjubjól in Bjarnardalur Kirkjuból, Bjarnardalur, 425 Flateyri +354 456-7679 & +354 898-2563

Open all year

Open 01/06 - 31/08

vidfjordinn@vestfirdir.is

info@kirkjubol.is

www.vidfjordinn.is

www.kirkjubol.is

26 - Guesthouse Fjarðargata 10 Fjarðargata 10, 470 Þingeyri +354 896-3750

29 - Korpudalur Hostel Kirkjuból, 425 Flateyri +354 456-7808 & +354 892-2030

Open 01/6 - 31/8

Open all year

hoi@simnet.is

korpudalur@hostel.is www.korpudalur.is

27 - Hotel Núpur Dýrafjörður, 471 Þingeyri +354 456-8235 & +354 864-9737

104

30 - Guesthouse Holt Önundarfjörður, 425 Flateyri +354 456-7611 & +354 456-7783

Open 15/05 - 15/09

Open all year

info@hotelnupur.is

holt@snerpa.is

www.hotelnupur.is

www.holt.it.is

105

ACCOMMODATION

www.westfjords.is 53

31 - Grænhöfði ehf.

54

Ólafstúni 7, 425 Flateyri

52

55

+354 456-7762 Open all year kajak@simnet.is

34 35 36

www.kajaktravel.net 51

32 - Fisherman Hotel

46

37 38

39 40 41 42

Aðalgata 14, 430 Suðureyri

43 44 45

47 48

+354 450-9000 Open all year 50

hotel@fisherman.is www.fisherman.is

Pages 108-115

33 - Guesthouse 66

49

34 - Einarshús

Túngata 2, 430 Suðureyri +354 456-5566 Open all year

Hafnargata 41, 415 Bolungarvík +354 456-7901 & +354 864-7901

gisting@66guesthouse.is

Open all year

www.66guesthouse.is

ragna@einarshusid.is www.einarshusid.is

106

107

ACCOMMODATION 35 - Guesthouse Mánafell Stigahlíð 4, 415 Bolungarvík +354 863-3879

www.westfjords.is 37 - Gamla Guesthouse Mánagata 1 & 5, 400 Ísafjörður +354 456-4146 & +354 897-4146

Open all year

Open all year

arndis@vestfirdir.is

gistihus@gistihus.is

www.orkudisa.com

www.gistihus.is

36 - Systrablokkin Holtastígur 11, 415 Bolungarvík +354 893-6860

38 - The Little Guesthouse Sundstræti 43, 400 Ísafjörður +354 474-1455 & 893-6993

Open all year

Open all year

systrablokkin@systrablokkin.is

reginasc@simnet.is

www.systrablokkin.is

www.guesthouselitla.is

36 - Gil guesthouse Aðalstræti 13-15, 415 Bolungarvík +354 893-6860

39 - Áslaug´s Accommodation - Faktorshus Austurvegur 7, 400 Ísafjörður +354 899-0742

Open all year

Open all year

gil@gil.is

gistias@snerpa.is

www.gil.is

www.google.com/profiles/AccommodationIsafjordur

ATH. EINARSHÚS 108

109

ACCOMMODATION 40 - Hótel Edda Torfnes, 400 Ísafjörður +354 444-4960 & +354 456-4767

www.westfjords.is 43 - Austurvegur 1 apartment Austurvegur 1, 400 Ísafjörður +354 845-1300

Open 02/06 - 19/08 isafjordur@hoteledda.is www.hoteledda.is

41 - Hótel Ísafjörður Silfurtorg 2, 400 Ísafjörður +354 456-4111, fax +354 456-4767

44 - Gamla apótekið apartment Hafnarstræti 18, 400 Ísafjörður +354 659-7897

Open all year

gamlaapotek@simnet.is

info@hotelisafjordur.is

gamlaapotekid.mono.net/

www.hotelisafjordur.is

42 - Apartment Silfurgötu 12 Silfurgata 12, 400 Ísafjörður +354 863-5669 & +354 862-5669

110

45 - GentleSpace Guest Apartments Mjallargata 1/Fjarðarstræti 6, 400 Ísafjörður +354 892-9282 & +354 867-6657

Open all year

Open 15/05 - 30/08

massi@massi.is

info@gentlespace.is

www.massi.is

www.gentlespace.is

111

ACCOMMODATION 46 - Tungudalur Ski Lodge Tungudalur, 401 Ísafjörður +354 865-5713

49 - Hotel Heydalur 135 km from the town Ísafjörður Mjóifjörður 12, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019

Open all year

Open all year

hafraholt32@simnet.is

heydalur@heydalur.is

www.heydalur.is

47 - Iceland Tour Guy Hlíð, 420 Súðavík +354 868-0566 & +354 691-6965

50 - Reykjanes Travel Service Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845

Open all year

Open all year

eggert@icelandtourguy.com

rnes@rnes.is

www.icelandtourguy.com

www.rnes.is

48 - Blómsturvellir Guesthouse Blómsturvellir, 420 Súðavík +354 846 8573

112

www.westfjords.is

51 - Dalbær Travel Service Snæfjallaströnd, 401 Ísafjörður +354 898-9300

Open 10/6 - 30/10

Open 10/6 - 21/8

stay@blomsturvellir.com

thruman@simnet.is

www.blomsturvellir.com

www.snjafjallasetur.is

113

ACCOMMODATION 52 - Grunnavík Travel Service Hrannargata 10 400 Ísafjörður +354 456-4664 & +354 848-0511

55 - Reykjarfjörður Travel Service Hornstrandir, 401 Ísafjörður +354 456-7215 & +354 853-1615

Open all year

Summer opening

grunnavik@snerpa.is

reykjarfjordur@reykjarfjordur.is

www.grunnavik.is

www.reykjarfjordur.is

53 - Doctorshouse in Hesteyri Þjóðólfsvegur 5, 415 Bolungarvík +354 456-7183 & +354 899-1515

56 - Steinhúsið guesthouse Höfðagata 1, 510 Hólmavík +354 856-1911

Open 20/06 - 20/08

Open all year

info@hesteyri.net

steinhusid@simnet.is

www.hesteyri.net/

www.steinhusid.is

54 - Bolungarvík á Ströndum Hornstrandir, 401 Ísafjörður +354 893-6926 & +354 861-1425

114

www.westfjords.is

57 - Finna Hotel Borgabraut 4, 510 Hólmavík +354 451-3136

Open 01/06 - 31/08

Open all year

freydis@freydis.is

finnahotel@simnet.is

www.freydis.is

www.finnahotel.is

115

ACCOMMODATION

www.westfjords.is

65 66

58 - Kirkjuból Travel Service

67 68 64

Kirkjuból, 510 Hólmavík +354 451-3474 Open all year 63

kirkjubol@strandir.is www.strandir.is/kirkjubol

59 - Broddanes Hostel Broddanes, 510 Hólmavík +354 618-1830 Open 01/05 - 15/09 broddanes@broddanes.is 60

www.broddanes.is

60 - Hotel Laugarhóll 56 57

61 62

Bjarnarfjörður, 510 Hólmavík +354 451-3380 & +354 698-5133 Open all year laugarholl@laugarholl.is

58

www.laugarholl.is

Pages 117-120 116

59

117

ACCOMMODATION 61 - Gistiþjónusta Sunnu Holtagata 10, 520 Drangsnes +354 451-3230 & +354 846-1640

www.westfjords.is 64 - Guesthouse Finnbogastaðaskóli Trékyllisvík, 524 Árneshreppur +354 451-4012 & +354 451-4026

Open all year

Open 01/06 - 31/08

sunna@drangsnes.is

arneshreppur@simnet.is

www.drangsnes.is/sunna

62 - Guesthouse Malarhorn Grundargata 17, 520 Drangsnes +354 451-3238 & +354 852-2538

65 - Guesthouse Bergistangi Bergistangi 1, 524 Árneshreppur +354 451-4003 & +354 451-4000

Open all year

Open all year

sundhani@simnet.is

gunnsteinn@simnet.is

www.malarhorn.is

63 - Hotel Djúpavík Djúpavík, 524 Árneshreppur +354 451-4037 & +354 847-2819

66 - Nordurfjordur Guesthouse Norðurfjörður, 524 Árneshreppur +354 554-4089

Open all year

Open 15/06-20/08

djupavik@snerpa.is

gulledda@simnet.is

www.djupavik.com

118

119

ACCOMMODATION

www.westfjords.is

67 - Urðartindur Norðurfjörður, 524 Árneshreppur +354 843-8110 urdartindur@urdartindur.is www.urdartindur.is 69

68 - Valgeirsstaðir - Iceland Touring Association Norðurfjörður, 524 Árneshreppur +354 568-2533 & 862-3363 Open 07/06 -31/08 fi@fi.is www.fi.is

69 - Snartartunga guesthouse Snartartunga, 500 Staður +354 451-3362 Open 01/06 - 15/12 snartartunga@simnet.is www.urdartindur.is

Page120 120

121

ACCOMMODATION

www.westfjords.is Dynjandisvogur Camping Ground, Arnarfjörður, 470 Þingeyri, Tel. +354 456-8161, mail: thoriro@isafjordur.is Þingeyraroddi Camping Ground, Hrunastígur 2, 470 Þingeyri, Tel. +354 450-8470, mail: hjaltipr@simnet.is Flateyri Camping Ground, Við söluskála N1, 425 Flateyri, Tel. +354 450-8460. www.isafjordur.is Korpudalur Camping Ground, Kirkjuból, Önundarfjörður, 425 Flateyri, Tel. +354 456-7808 & +354 892-2030. www.korpudalur.is Bolungarvík Camping by the swimming pool, 415 Bolungarvík, Tel. +354 456-7381 & +354 696-7316. sundlaug@bolungarvik.is Ísafjörður Tungudalur Camping Ground, 400 Ísafjörður, Tel. +354 456-5081 & +354 868-4126, mail: gi@snerpa.is Ísafjörður Hotel Edda Camping- 400 Ísafjörður, Tel. +354 444-4960 & +354 456-4767. www.hotelisafjordur.is Ísafjörður Camping by the harbour, 401 Ísafjörður, Tel. +354-862 8623. www.hesteyri.is/camping/

Camping Camping by the swimming pool Reykhólar, 380 Reykhólar, Tel. +354 434-7738 & +354 434-7880. www.reykholar.is Reykhólar Hostel Álftaland, 380 Reykhólar, Tel. +354 434-7878 & +354 434-794. www.alftaland.is Hotel Bjarkalundur, 380 Reykhólar, Tel. +354 434-7762 & +354 434-7863. www.bjarkalundur.com Hotel Flókalundur, Vatnsfirði, 451Patreksfjörður, Tel. +354 456-2011. www.flokalundur.is Hotel Breiðavík at Látrabjarg, 451 Patreksfjörður, Tel. +354 456-1575 & +354 867-1575. www.breidavik.is By the swimning Pool Sport centre Tálknafjörður, 460 Tálknafjörður, Tel. +354 456-2639 & +354456-2649 122

Ísafjörður Arnardalur Camping Ground, 401 Ísafjörður, Tel. +354 860-6062. www.arnardalur.is Hornstrandir Grunnavík Travel Service, Hrannargata 10, 400 Ísafjörður, Tel. +354 456-4664 & +354 848-0511. www.grunnavik.is Súðavík Camping Ground, Túngata 20, 420 Súðavík, Tel. +354 450-5900 & +354 848-7959. www.sudavik.is Hotel Heydalur, Mjóifjörður, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp (135 km from Ísafjörður), Tel. +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019. www.heydalur.is Reykjanes Travel Service, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp, Tel. +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845. www.rnes.is Hólmavík Camping Ground, Hafnarbraut 19, 510 Hólmavík, Tel. +354 451-3111 & +354 451-3403, mail: info@holmavik.is Hotel Laugarhóll, Bjarnarfjörður, 510 Hólmavík, Tel. +354 451-3380 & +354 698-5133. www.laugarholl.is 123

DINING

www.westfjords.is 4. Hotel Flókalundur Address: Vatnsfirði, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-2011. www.flokalundur.is 5. Kirkjuhvammur café, Raudasandur Address: Rauðasandur, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 866-8129 6. Hnjotur Museum Address: Hnjotur, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-1511. www.hnjotur.is 7. Hotel Látrabjarg Address: Örlygshöfn, 451 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-1500. www.latrabjarg.com 8. Hotel Breiðavík at Látrabjarg Address: Látrabjarg, 451 Patreksfjörður

1. The Ferry Baldur

Tel. +354 456-1575 & +354 867-1575. www.breidavik.is

Address: Flakkarinn - Brjánslækur, 451 Patreksfjörður

9. Sjóræningjahúsið

Tel. +354 433 2254 & +354 438-1050. www.seatours.is

Address: Smiðjunni við Aðalstræti, 450 Patreksfjörður

2. Hotel Flatey

Tel. +354 456-1133. www.sjoraeningjahusid.is

Address: Flatey á Breiðafirði, 345 Flatey

10. Þorpið

Tel. +354 555-7788. www.hotelflatey.is

Address: Aðalstræti 73, 450 Patreksfjörður

3. Hotel Bjarkalundur

Tel. +354 456-1295 & +354 899-4807. matmadur@simnet.is

Address: Reykhólasveit, 380 Reykhólahreppur

11. Eyrar café

Tel. +354 434-7762 & +354 434-7863. www.bjarkalundur.com

Address: Aðalstræti 8, 450 Patreksfjörður Tel. +354 456-4565 & +354 845-7283

124

125

DINING

126

www.westfjords.is

12. Grillskálinn

20. Guesthouse Sandafell

Address: Aðalstræði 100, 450 Patreksfjörður

Address: Hafnarstræti 7, 470 Þingeyri

Tel. +354 456-1599 & +354 456-1698

Tel. +354 456-1600. www.hotelsandafell.com

13. Sea Monster Museum

21. Veitingahornið

Address: Strandgata 7, 465 Bíldudalur

Address: Hafnarstræti 2, 470 Þingeyri

Tel. +354 456-6666 & +354 894-8503. www.skrimsli.is

Tel. +354 456-8170

14. Hopid restaurant

22. Hotel Núpur

Address: Hrafnadalsvegur, 460 Tálknafjörður

Address: Dýrafjörður, 471 Þingeyri

Tel. +354 456-2777

Tel. +354 456-8235 & 354 864-9737. www.hotelnupur.is

15. Tígull restaurant

23. Vagninn restaurant

Address: Strandgata 32, 460 Tálknafjörður

Address: Hafnarstræti 19, 425 Flateyri

Tel. +354 456-2662. anna.kristina@simnet.is

Tel. +354 456-7751

16. Vegamót

24. Félagsbær Café

Address: Tjarnarbraut 2, 465 Bíldudalur

Address: Hafnarstræti 11, 425 Flateyri

Tel. +354 456-2232

Tel. +354 456-7676

17. Jón Sigurðsson Memorial Museum

25. N1 Petrol Station

Address: Hrafnseyri, Arnarfjörður, 471 Þingeyri

Address: Hafnarstræti, 425 Flateyri

Tel. +354 456-8260 & +354 845 5518. www.hrafnseyri.is

Tel. +354 456-7878

18. Simbahöllin Café and resturant

26. Talisman / Fisherman Hótel

Address: Fjarðargata 5, 470 Þingeyri

Address: Aðalgata 14, 430 Suðureyri

Tel. +354 899-6659. simbahollin@gmail.com

Tel. +354 450-9000. www.fisherman.is

19. N1 petrol station

27. Fisherman mini market

Address: Sjávargata 4, 470 Þingeyri

Address: Skipagata 3, 430 Suðureyri

Tel. +354 456-8380

Tel. +354 450-9000 127

DINING

128

www.westfjords.is

28. Einarshús restaurant

36. Langi Mangi

Address: Hafnargata 41, 415 Bolungarvík

Address: Aðalstræti 22, 400 Ísafjörður

Tel. +354 456-7901 & +354 864-7901. www.einarshusid.is

Tel. +354 445-6031 & +354 846-8877

29. Shellskálinn grill

37. Gamla bakaríið

Address: Þuríðarbraut 13, 415 Bolungarvík

Address: Aðalstræti 24, 400 Ísafjörður

Tel. +354 456-7554. bsbov@skeljungur.is

Tel. +354 456-3226

30. Hotel Ísafjörður

38. Bakarinn

Address: Silfurtorg 2, 400 Ísafjörður

Address: Hafnarstæti 14, 400 Ísafjörður

Tel. +354 456-4111, fax +354 456-4767. www.hotelisafjordur.is

Tel. +354 456-4771

31. Tjöruhúsið

39. Krílið - drive-through

Address: Neðstakaupstað, 400 Ísafjörður

Address: Sindragata 6, 400 Ísafjörður

Tel. +354 456-4419

Tel. +354 456-3556

32. Hamraborg

40. Amma Habbý Restaurant

Address: Hafnarstræti 7, 400 Ísafjörður

Address: Aðalgata 1, 420 Súðavík

Tel. +354 456-3166. hamraborg@heimsnet.is

Tel. +354 456-5060. heimirgeirss@gmail.com

33. Thai-koon

41. The Arctic Fox Center Café

Address: Hafnarstræti 9 (Neista), 400 Ísafjörður

Address: Eyrardalur 1, 420 Súðavík

Tel. +354 456-0123

Tel. +354 862-8219. www.melrakki.is

34. Vesturslóð

42. Hotel Heydalur 135 km from the town Ísafjörður

Address: 400 Ísafjörður

Address: Mjóifjörður, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp

Tel. +354 456-6620

Tel. +354 456-4824 & +354 892-1019. www.heydalur.is

35. Faktorshúsið Hæstakaupstað

43. Reykjanes Travel Service

Address: Aðalstræti 42, 400 Ísafjörður

Address: Reykjanes, 401 Ísafjarðardjúp

Tel. +354 894-3996. www.faktorshus.is

Tel. +354 456-4844 & +354 456-4845. www.rnes.is 129

DINING

www.westfjords.is

44. Dalbær Travel Service

51. Malarkaffi

Address: Snæfjallaströnd, 401 Ísafjörður

Address: Grundargata 17, 520 Drangsnes

Tel. +354 898-9300. thruman@simnet.is

Tel. +354 451-3237 & +354 896-0337. www.malarhorn.is

45. Doctorshouse in Hesteyri

52. Hótel Djúpavík

Address: Þjóðólfsvegur 5, 415 Bolungarvík

Address: Djúpavík, 524 Árneshreppur

Tel. +354 456-7183 & +354 899-1515. www.hesteyri.net/

Tel: +354 451-4037 www.djupavik.is

46. Kaffi Galdur

53. Restaurant Kaffi Norðurfjörður

Address: Höfðagata 8-10, 510 Hólmavík

Address: Árneshreppur, 524 Norðurfjörður

Tel. +354 451-3525. www.galdrasyning.is/kaffigaldur

Tel. +354 451-4034 & +354 696-1397. www.nordurfjordur.is

47. Café Riis Address: Hafnarbraut 39, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 451-3567 48. Kaupfélag Steingrímsfjarðar - groceries/grill/petrol Address: Höfðatún 4, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 455-3107. www.ksholm.is 49. Sheep farming exhibition Café Address: Sævangur við Steingrímsfjörð, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 451-3324 & +354 451-3180. www.strandir.is/ saudfjarsetur 50. Hotel Laugarhóll Address: Bjarnarfjörður, 510 Hólmavík Tel. +354 451-3380 & +354 698-5133. www.laugarholl.is

Neðstikaupstaður, Ísafjörður

130

131

Westfjords Marketing Office 2011 www.westfjords.is