Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

Located in western Iceland, the small town of Stykkisholmur has become a very popular tourist destination. The town has a number of attractions that make it a major draw, but it is the conservation of heritage and its efforts to be environmentally aware that are among the major elements that pull people in.

Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

The growing number of people arriving in the town means that the tourism operators and restaurants have had to adjust the length of their season. They are also now working hard to deliver a wider selection of local products, including food, and arts and crafts.

Things to do

Beautiful views and incredible wildlife can be found at the Snæfellsnes peninsula and Breiðafjörður bay. Taking a boat out to the islands of Breiðafjörður is a great idea for bird watchers, especially those hoping for a glimpse of the white-tailed eagle.

Súgandisey is an island that is now connected to the mainland, with a path that leads up to a 100-year old lighthouse and the romantic Love Nest. That spot offers fantastic views over Breiðafjörður and the islands, and is also where the Ferry Baldur docks.

Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

Sæferðir / Seatours Iceland is a great spot for bird watching and getting back to nature. Taking a boat out to the Snaefellsnes peninsula is a great way to see it all. You will encounter an incredible variety of birds, from puffins and cormorants, all the way up to the magnificent white-tailed eagle.

Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

The basalt forms of the islands are spectacular, and you can also get a taste of sea urchins and scallops fresh out of the water. Trips run twice daily from June 1st to August 31st, and there are often tours available out of season, too. All you need to know can be found at www.seatours.is

The ferry Baldur sails twice daily in the summer months from Breiðafjörður bay to Brjánslækur, making a stop at the island of Flatey along the way. The old village on the island has been lovingly restored over the past few years, and now has a restaurant, camp site, and sleeping bag accommodation.

Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

Dried fish is made by Friðborg at Hamraenda 3 in Stykkishólmur, and can be purchased in a number of different stores. If you want to visit the plant where it is produced, tours can be organized by calling: 898-8516

Norska húsið (the Norwegian House). The government of Snæfellsnes operates this local folk and culture museum, and frequently has exhibitions on display. Daily opening hours are 11:00 to 17:00 and costs IKR 700 for adults and IKR 300 for children.Tel: 438-1640, norskhus@simnet.is

Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

Swimming pool. Geothermal waters were discovered near Stykkishólmur in 1996, and they are believed to have many health benefits. The swimming pool opened in 1999, and now the water is used to heat houses in the area, too.(Tel: 433-8150)

Campsite 

Aðalgötu 27
IS-340 Stykkishólmi
Tel: 438 1075 / 849 8435
Mail: mostri@stykk.is

The campsite is in a perfect location, sitting next to the Víkurvöllur golf course, whilst also just a 5 minute walk from amenities such as shopping, dining, and the swimming pool. The fee to stay at the camp site can be paid at the Club house/Tourist Information Center. The camp site opens on May 15th through August 31st and has wireless access throughout.

Stykkishólmur Travel Guide

Kolla, Iceland24
© 2015 Iceland24

Iceland and the Viking Settlement

The term Viking is a word generally used to refer to the inhabitants of Nordic countries like Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Iceland during the Middle Ages (800-1100 AD) who led the Scandinavian Expansion.


Better known as the Viking Age (or Viking Age AD), this period has long been popularly associated with the bold explorations of the Viking people, but is also synonymous with looting, rampant piracy, pillaging and burning everything that stood in the Vikings’ way throughout civilized Europe.

However, these facts are now coming to be recognized as gross over-simplifications and generalizations. Today, new emphasis is being put on the achievements of the Viking Age in terms of Scandinavian art, craftsmanship, technology, marine exploration and trade development.

Viking expansion in the world

The origin of the word "Viking" is somewhat uncertain. It may be from Old Norse “vik” (a bay or cove) or the Old English "wic" (a trade agreement). Not all Scandinavians were Vikings or professional warriors and not all Vikings were pirates.


The causes of the Viking Age expansion are complex. Land scarcity in Scandinavia, improvement of the production of iron and the need for new markets were probably the principal reasons.

The first recorded Viking raid was an assault by sea in 793 AD by Norwegian Vikings on the holy island of Lindisfarne, off the northeast coast of England. The evidence indicates, however, that there was considerable migration of Vikings west across the North Sea and east across the Baltic long before that.


Swedish traders penetrated the interior of Russia, starting new trade routes through the Volga-Dnepr, founding cities like Kiev and Novgorod and opening the way to Constantinople and the exotic markets of Arabia and the Far East. In Constantinople, the Vikings formed the elite guard of the Byzantine emperors, the feared and famous Varangian Guard. Danish warriors fought in the cities of the Carolingian Empire in cities like Hamburg, Dorestad, Rouen, Paris, Nantes and Bordeaux, until in 911, one army arrived in northern France (now known as Normandy, "Land of the Northmen ") and settled there.

During the Viking Age, these brave men went through half the world in their open boats, greatly expanding their horizons. But having achieved much and reaching even remote locations, Vikings did not have staying power. With no reserves of wealth or political experience, they failed to achieve cohesion in Europe, or to effectively dominate the oldest, richest and most stable of those they attempted to invade.

Viking settlement in Iceland

Iceland was settled between 874 and 930 AD by the Norse settlers in search of new farmland. At that time, the weather in Iceland was warmer than it is now and the settlers and their animals thought they had found paradise, they began to be divided between them.


The first Viking to sight Iceland was Gardar Svavarsson, who had changed course while sailing from Norway to the Faroe Islands due to harsh weather conditions. His reports led to the first attempts to settle on the island. The Norwegian chief, Ingólfur Arnarson, is usually considered the first settler who formed a permanent settlement on the island. He settled with his family around the year 874, at a place called Reykjavik (the present capital of the country).


Following Ingólfur, another group of Norwegians set sail on the North Atlantic in 874 with their families, livestock, slaves and possessions in an effort to escape the domination of the first Norwegian king, Harald I. They traveled about 1,000 km. in their drakkars to the island of Iceland.


According to the Icelandic sagas, these people were mainly of Norwegian origin, and to a lesser extent, of Irish and Scottish decent, namely Irish servants and slaves of Norwegian/Scottish chiefs. The Icelandic Age of Settlement (Icelandic: Landnámsöld) is believed to have lasted from 874-930, at which point the "Althing", the world's oldest parliamentary body, was founded.

The first settlers took huge territories were subdivided during the sixty years of "landnám" (settlement period). Some of the settlers with good social skills made smart partnerships and were made leaders. They represented groups of farmers in the "Althing" (Alzing).


Much of the knowledge about this time comes from the Icelandic sagas, a set of writings that not only document the settlement of Iceland but also the exploration of Greenland and the region of North America now called Newfoundland.

These sagas also tell us details about the daily life of the settlers and their descendants. Especially representative of the colonization of Greenland and America are the "Sagas of the Greenlanders" written in 1200 and the "Saga of Erik the Red" written in 1260.


Iceland is a key example of settlers moving to an uninhabited land and designing a new society. Written sources are useful, but do not tell us everything we need to know about the distribution of land, animals and trade to truly understand the inner workings of this unusual society.

The center of Viking settlement in Iceland - "Landnámssetur"

For lovers of Icelandic history and especially those interested in the history of the Viking settlement in this country, there is a place just an hour from Reykjavik, in Borgarnes on Highway 1 north, called "Landnámssetur Íslands" where two outstanding exhibitions can be found:

- The exhibition of Viking settlement.
- The first exhibition of the Viking and Icelandic poet, Egill Skallagrimsson.


After the visit to this place, travelers will be much more prepared for an informed and knowledgeable trip around Iceland.

It also has audio guides in 12 different languages, including English. The complete route for each exhibition will last about 30 minutes, after which you may understand many things and answer many questions that arise during your tour around Iceland.


This location also boasts a one of a kind restaurant with a unique stone-walled dining area.

Location and Information:

Brákarbraut 13-15310 Borgarnes
Tel: +354 437 1600 and +354 895 5460
Open all year from 10:00 to 21:00 except December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1.

Jóhanna
© 2015 by Iceland24

Birdwatching in Iceland

Iceland is famous for a number of different things, but nature enthusiasts spend most of their focus on the birdwatching opportunities available there. Each year, millions of birds migrate to the island in the North Atlantic.

Birdwatching in Iceland

The most common birds that migrate there are from Western Europe, but there is also a nice selection of birds from North America and the Arctic. Bird lovers may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of more exotic species of birds who have been blown off course.

If you want to see this amazing selection of winged creatures, you have the advantage, as you can use jet instead of wing power to get there.

Birdwatching in Iceland

Even if no migratory species arrived in Iceland, there would still be some very interesting species to spy through your binoculars. The hardiest of all are those that fly in for winter. If you want to get your eyes on these feathered beauties, you’d better be prepared to pack your winter woolies.

You might think that spring and summer bird watching in Iceland is more acceptable because of the weather, but it actually has more to do with the stunning number of individual species that are on display. Many of them will be assembled on the nesting cliffs, which is among the most heavily populated in Europe. That large number of winged residents includes the world’s largest puffin colony.

Birdwatching in Iceland

The average birdwatcher will get amazing views, as you can get within a few meters of the puffins. The eider ducks are even more welcoming, but you may have to put up with an aerial assault from the Arctic terns who are not so happy to see their territory invaded by humans. You don’t even have to get out in the wild to see some great birds, as those that live in Reykjavic City will be more than happy to settle for a few pieces of bread form the tourists.

While this may all sound as though it’s for the novice birder, make no mistake, Iceland is a land where the serious birdwatchers come to play. Most of those folks make their trips in the summer months when the water birds are most active. Ducks, geese, and sea birds are plentiful, but the rarer species include the white tailed eagle and the gray falcon.

Birdwatching in Iceland

The warmer temperatures and the new forest growth over the last century has helped the number of bird species in Iceland really proliferate. Songbirds carried in on wild winds have found a home, with many new species now nesting in Iceland. Redwings, starlings, and the diminutive goldcrest are perfect examples.

The natives of Iceland love the changing of the seasons, and it is the arrival of specific bird species that often signals the changes. The golden plover makes its arrival in the early part of spring, and it is a joy to the residents when they see it arrive. Farmers may not hold ravens very dear to their hearts, but the other residents of Iceland welcome them in with open arms.

Birdwatching in Iceland

During the summer, the ravens will stick to the countryside, but as the weather starts to close in, they will head into the city and share the streets with the locals, as the black birds search for a few crumbs to sustain them.

Birdwatching in Iceland

Mike, Iceland24
© 2015 Iceland24

Hiking in Iceland - Iceland Hiking Experience

Iceland is a hikers dream. Majority of Iceland is above 1300 feet and the landscape is very diverse. Hikers find large areas full of beautiful mountains, lava fields, lakes, black sands, glaciers, and hot springs. There is no place in the world like Iceland since nature has shaped this unique location.

Hiking in Iceland - Iceland Hiking Experience

The Hiking Trails

The Hiking Trails found in Iceland are plentiful and diverse. Individual trails can be read about at tourist information centers located throughout the unique country. Additionally, there are mountain huts available, which allow hikers to book them so their hiking experience can be enhanced.

Most popular hiking trails in Iceland:

1. Landmannalaugar - Þórsmörk (Laugavegur hiking trail)
2. Herðubreiðarlindir-Svartárkot í Bárðardal, Öskjuvegurinn (the Askja hiking trail)
3. Snæfell - Lónsöræfi
4. Hveravellir - Hvítárnes (The old Kjalvegur hiking trail)
5. Skógar - Þórsmörk

Hiking in Iceland - Iceland Hiking Experience

Hiking Weather Conditions

During the summertime, it is common for hikers to come from all over to explore the country. The Laugavegur Trail is one of the more popular trails for both locals and tourists. Hikers love the trail because of the diverse landscapes, colorful mountains, rivers, lakes, hot springs, and glaciers that can be seen throughout the trail. Hiking the trail can be difficult if the weather conditions are extreme though. There are six huts along the trail and campsites are available too. Due to environmental concerns and the nature reserves camping in the wild is forbidden.

When in Iceland you have to hike the Laugavegur Trail!

Hiking in Iceland - Iceland Hiking Experience

Hiking Tours

If you prefer to be guided through the trails, there are organized hiking tours that you can book to explore the various hiking trails. During the winter months, day and weekend tours are recommended while in the summer months longer tours are recommended.

Hiking in Iceland - Iceland Hiking Experience

Alternatively, you have the option of going hiking by yourself. However, when hiking alone you need to make sure that you are cautious. You should have the proper clothing and accessories in addition to letting someone know which trail you plan to hike.

Hiking in Iceland - Iceland Hiking Experience

When planning to hike in Iceland visit Safetravel for safety information and to enter your travel plan so you are prepared in the event of an emergency.

Mike, Iceland24
© 2015 Iceland24

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

For many years now, Askja has been the most popular excursion from Lake Mývatn and one of the top destinations in Iceland.

You will travel through the largest wilderness of Iceland, filled with marvels of nature, driving across lunar landscapes where US-astronauts trained before they ventured to the moon in 1969.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

You will see scenes of unforgettable nature and exiting geology. Askja, the huge caldera, is still in the making through bedrock subsidence above a deep-seated magma source. It lies centrally in the mountain massif Dyngjufjöll and is an active centre of a volcanic system.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

Askja was not explored until the 19th century. In 1874-1875 there was a series of volcanic eruptions in the system, culminating in a very powerful eruption. Some 2 billion cubic metres of ash and pumice where blown from vents now on the bottom of Lake Öskjuvatn . This 11 sq. km-lake formed within a few years, following the event. It is the deepest lake in Iceland, 220 m. The latest eruption in Askja occurred in the autumn 1961.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

We recommend you to walk at the slopes of a 1961-crater. An easy 30-min.-long walk leads you to the explosion crater Víti (Hell) at the rim of Lake Öskjuvatn.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

A small, milky and warm lake adorns the crater. Amazingly, it turns into a heaven if you care to take a bath in it. After enjoying the unearthly quietness and bizarre landscape our passengers return to the bus.
Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

Víti is a popular bathing site, but if you intend taking a dip, please be aware that the sloping path is very slippery in wet weather.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

Route back to Lake Mývatn, you could make a stop is made at Herðubreiðarlindir where clear water flows from springs in an old lava flow. The springs sustain beautiful vegetation and form small ponds providing conditions for flowering plants and birdlife in the otherwise barren, volcanic landscape. The high bulk of the old sub-glacial volcano (tablemountain) Herðubreið (1682 m) rises about 3 km distant and provides a breathtaking background to this wilderness oasis.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

Askja is a 50 km2 caldera in the Dyngjufjoll mountains. The mountains emerged in eruptions under an Ice Age glacier cap. Askja itself was formed, for the most part, at the end of the Ice Age in a major ash eruption which caused the roof of the magma chamber at the heart of the central volcano to subside. Askja is a part of Vatnajökull National Park. The caldera contains several volcanoes, including Víti (explosive volcanic crater). Water has accumulated in the crater, its temperature is variable - it is around 30°C on average.

HOW TO GET THERE?

The road to Askja goes from road 1 to road 901 and onto mountain road F905. Onward to F910 to Drekagil. On this route there are two fords to cross, usually small. From Drekagil goes mountain road F894 (8 km) to the car park at Vikraborgir.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

Another option is to go from road 1 to mountain road F88 via Herðubreiðarlindir to Drekagil. On this road ther are fords on the rivers Grafarlandsá and Lindá that need to be crossed. The fords can be difficult or even impassable for small jeeps.

HOW TO DRIVE ON F ROADS?

So what do you have to keep in mind when planning a trip to the highlands?

-You have to be driving a 4x4 vehicle.
-It is strongly advised that people travel together in 2 or more cars.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

-You should check information about the conditions of the roads before you start your journey. It is best to call 1777 or check www.road.is.
-Make sure that the F road you plan to travel on is open for traffic.
-Driving outside of the roads in the highlands is strictly forbidden. Actually, driving off road in Iceland is always forbidden!

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

-Buying a detailed map of the route you will be travelling is much better than using the standard free map you can get at tourist information centers and gas stations. This is not necessary but can be very helpful.
-Whenever possible, try to talk to local people about conditions in the area, such as rangers.
-Tell somebody about your travel plans. You can for example tell the good people over at www.safetravel.is (or just the ranger you talked to before).


-It is good to be prepared for all types of weather as the weather in the highlands can change almost with a blink of an eye.
-Be aware that telephone signals in the highlands are not very stable and you can go for a long while without a mobile connection.
-The emergency number in Iceland is 112. You are able to call it in the highlands, even without a mobile connection.
-There is no petrol station in the highlands so make sure you fill up! :)


THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CROSSING THE GLACIER RIVERS

When you cross rivers, make sure that the 4 wheel drive has been engaged before going into the river. Drive very slowly and use the low range if possible. Never switch gears in the middle of the river.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

Glacial rivers usually have less water in the mornings. During warm summer days, the flow of the river can increase a lot. Heavy rain can also increase the flow of a river substantially. Be aware that rivers can sometimes not be crossed even if the road is open and you are driving a 4x4 vehicle.

A good rule of thumb regarding glacier rivers is that if you would not want to wade through a river you should not drive through it. Crossing rivers can be a serious matter if people are not careful. Whenever possible, cross with someone with experience in crossing rivers.

Askja volcano travel guide (Iceland)

Fords over rivers are usually marked and should be easy to spot. Be aware of big rocks that might be under the surface of the water. The worst place to cross is where the water is most calm because that is usually the deepest part of the river. The best way to cross is to follow the torrent diagonally down the river, that way the torrent helps the vehicle over.

If you prefer a guided tour, we recommend a guided tour from Lake Mývatn to the Askja Caldera with this Icelandic company.

You can also make it with a Bus 4x4 from the company Visit Askja. Good price and great adventure!

Peter and Helga
Iceland24