ISAFJORDUR (ICELAND), 17.09.2012
Life and Culture of Isafjordur (G-ISA2)
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Level: easy
Language: English
Price: $96
Starting at Isafjordur harbor we drive through the center of Isafjordur, along the road Oshlid to Bolungarvik. A stop is made at the outdoor exhibit of Osvor just outside Bolungarvik. Osvor is an old fisherman’s hut that was restored in 1988. Osvor is a perfect example of how life was for Icelandic fishermen until the beginning of the 20th century. From Osvor we drive to Bolungarvik for sightseeing in the village. From Bolungarvik we drive back to Isafjordur, on the way passengers can enjoy a view of the magnificent mountains of the ―djup‖, the largest fjord in the West fjords. You will also see Buna River and waterfall in Tunguskogur and sip fresh mountain water that flows down the stream clear and refreshing. We drive around the old streets of Isafjordur and end in the maritime and folk museum. The museum is situated in one of the oldest houses in Isafjordur, beside it are 3 other houses, all from the same area, around 1780, and all well preserved. Icelandic refreshments including a snaps, dried fish and shark (preserved Iceland style) are served. This tour gives a good view of the West fjords. It emphasizes on the human side of the struggle to survive in times gone by, the beautiful but sometimes harsh landscape of the West fjords and the life of the inhabitants in recent times.
Vigur – Paradise Island (G-ISA3)
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Level: moderate
Language: English
Price: $113
Leave Isafjord harbor by boat to sail the large Djupfjord to the island of Vigur. This island offers magnificent bird life including puffins, eider ducks and arctic terns. Here, the farmers live off the land and by harvesting the down of the eider ducks. Vigur is like a time warp. Its 10 friendly inhabitants welcome you with their relaxed easy, manner. A leisurely walk around the island gives you an opportunity to see an abundance of birds in their natural habitat. Refreshments will be served by the farmer's family in a mid-19th-century house-the perfect way to complete your visit, before returning to Isafjordur. Many species of birds migrate from Vigur starting in mid August.
Valley Hopping - Hike (G-ISA4)
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Level: more difficult
Language: English
Price: $112
The trip begins with a short bus ride to the small village of Hnifsdalur. From there we begin our walk into the wide and green valley behind the village where we will follow an old road up the valley bottom with steep mountains on both sides, then we move up to Thjofatindar Peaks. Between the peaks is an easy climb up to a mountain pass that offers a spectacular view over Isafjordur. Enjoy a short stop to enjoy the views before we make our way down to Seljalandsdalur valley, passing small mountain lakes and patches of almost fluorescent green moss. From the cross country ski center, we walk the main road to Isafjordur.
Note: This is a challenging hike over some very uneven terrain and some climbing is also involved. Guests need to be fit to participate and wear good hiking boots. Please note that this tour is weather dependent. Incl. waterbottle.
GRUNDARFJORDUR (ICELAND), 18.09.2012
Highlights of Snaefellsnes (G-GRU1)
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Level: easy to moderate
Language: English
Price: $133
We depart the small town of Grundarfjordur, with Kirkjufell mountain looming in the distance, continuing past fishing villages Olafsvik, Rif, and Hellissandur, and around the western edge of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. The landscape is characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shoreline and jagged mountains, crowned by the shimmering Snaefellsjokull glacier, featured in Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Our first stop is at Djupalonssandur, where we hike to impressively strange rock formations alone the shore. We continue past Londrangar-two prominent rocks protruding from the coast just east of the lighthouse at Malarrif-to Arnarstapi. There, we start a walk from the town's beautiful harbor, which is surrounded by cliffs and considered by many the most beautiful in Iceland. We follow the cliff's sides, where we may examine and photograph one of Iceland's largest seabird colonies up close. The walk ends at the stone memorial to Bardur Snaefellsas, protector of Snaefellsnes. We continue to Budir, where we enjoy a walk to the local church and a rare yellow-sand beach. Drive back over the Frodarheidi Heath, once regarded as one of Iceland's most haunted areas enroute to Grundarfjordur.
Boat Tour on Breidafjordur Bay (G-GRU2)
Duration: approx. 4,5 hours
Level: easy
Language: English
Price: $211
The Snaefellsnes peninsula, with the Snaefellsjokull glacier rising majestically at its tip, is one of the most enchanting parts of Iceland. We start our tour with a drive to the picturesque fishing village of Stykkisholmur, where we board a boat trip on Breidafjordur Bay. On this tour we view characteristic rock formations, countless islands and skerries, and the rich local birdlife. Birds nesting and breeding in the cliffs can be observed from within a few yards. Species that may be spotted include puffins, cormorants, shags, Black guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, and several types of gull. Sometimes Whitetailed eagles- and even seals - can be seen. We then drop our fishing nets and trawl the bottom of the bay. When the net is reeled in, we sample the freshly caught shellfish and other seafood, including seaurchin roe, a local delicacy.
Lava Trails and Viking Tales (G-GRU3)
Duration: approx. 3,5 hours
Level: moderate to more difficult
Language: English
Note: incl. shark and Schnapps taste
Price: $148
Stories relating to ancient traditions and beliefs are shared throughout the tour with visits to two profoundly interesting sites included. The first will be at the shark curing farm/museum at Bjarnarhöfn. Here guests will have the pleasure of meeting Iceland’s famous “Shark Man” Hildibrandur of Bjarnarhöfn. Our second stop is to the hillock of Helgafell – here you have the chance to take part in a long practiced Icelandic ritual. But let’s start at the beginning - Upon leaving the harbour, our route takes us through the notorious Berserk Lava field. Many birds, including the majestic White Tailed Eagle, are known to nest in this rugged lava field, making use of the perfect camouflage of the spongy, moss covered lava. Following a brief stop in order to soak up a little of the imposing volcanic surroundings and take a few photographs, we continue to Bjarnarhöfn shark curing farm where a Fear Factor style experience awaits. Learn the basics from the Master himself as Hildibrandur throws a little light on the subject of shark rotting for beginners – a shot of Brennivin (a sort of Icelandic Schnapps commonly known as “The Black Death”) is thrown in for good measure, allowing you to truly go it like a local SKAL! You will probably be in need of a little light exercise and fresh air following this unforgettable experience and following a short transfer, a stop at nearby Mount Helgafell provides sufficient quantities of both. Those willing and able to climb to the top of this hillock can follow a few simple rules and thus have three wishes granted. A lot of local history and charm is attached to this stop. Even those not up to the climb will be sure to enjoy listening to the guide share tales of local heroines and the combination of spiritual forces connected to this holistic site. A picturesque transfer takes us back to the pier in Grundarfjordur.