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Olafsfjordur is a town on a synonymous bay, a branch of Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest bay. It has a good natural harbour and the economy is based on fishing and the fish industry. Skiing is popular and the facilities and services for skiers rate among the best in the country. Like most places in North and Northwest Iceland, Olafsfjordur has produced many of the best Icelandic skiers. The climate is stable by Icelandic standards and summer temperatures in the high twenties Centigrade are frequent. There is a variety of interesting places to explore in and around Olafsfjordur. Hotel Olafsfjordur, offers good accommodations and free tours of the vicinity. The camping site and swimming pool are also very popular.
Dalvik is a town on a synonimous cove, which branches off Bay Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest bay. The town is situated at the mouth of the fertile valley Svarfadardalur. Its economy is based on fishing and the fish industry, but the travel trade has shown steady increase. Like in most places in north and northwest Iceland skiing is a popular sport and the facilities rate among the best.
There is a variety of interesting places to explore and daily whale watching cruises are on offer during summer. Good guesthouse accommodations are available and the camping site is located near the excellent swimming pool. The folk and natural history museum, with rooms dedicated to Johann Petursson “The Giant”, who was among the tallest men in the world in his time (1913-1984) and Dr. Kristjan Eldjarn, president of Iceland 1968-1980, both of whom were born locally, is worth visiting. In 1934 a mighty earthquake damaged or destroyed many houses in Dalvik and vicinity.
Hrisey is the second largest island of the country, situated on the longest bay, Eyjafiordur. A small village is on its southernmost part and life there centres around fishing and fish processing. Marked hiking trails lead you around the island and it is an experience in itself to watch the outstanding bird life andenjoy the midnight sun during bright summer nights. The island was known for its renowned Galloway-, Limousine and Aberdeen Angus beef from a local breeding station and quite many people visit the island to taste these fine products at the local restaurants. To day people are coming to see the real nature of the island.
The island is a bird sanctuary and experiments are in progress to further the breeding of eider fowl, but its down is of the highest quality, and you can also see Ptarmigan in local house gardens.
An island worth visiting!
Quick reference guide for North Iceland
Arctic Coastal Way –5. Akureyri- Husavik to Kopasker
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