Saga & Heritage

Hotel Heydalur is located in the beautiful valley of Heydalur, around 320 km from Reykjavík and 130 km from Ísafjörður. The hotel offers 59 beds in 19 rooms (all with private WC) as well as three summer cottages. The hotel restaurant is renowned for its delicious, local food which is served in the old barn. The hotel also operates a campsite (open from June 1 until the end of October) with warm showers, flushing toilets and ample electricity plugs for RVs and trailers. Heydalur has recently been nominated as the best bathing site in the Westfjords area.  Near the hotel you will find two outdoor, geothermal hot tubs, as well as a small pool inside a tropical greenhouse. On the other side of the river Heydalsá you will find yet another natural hot tub. The opportunities for recreation and activities are almost endless. The hotel has a playground for children and youth, but also offers guided kayaking and horse riding tours that are suitable for most people. There are numerous hiking routes available, birdwatching is excellent during summer and freshwater fishing is also possible. During winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and, of course, the magic of the northern lights.  

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The Arctic Fox Centre is a non-profit research and exhibition center, focusing on the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) - the only native terrestrial mammal in Iceland. The Arctic Fox Centre was established on September 15th 2007 in Sudavik Westfjords. Founders were 42, mostly local people, tourist operators and municipalities in the Westfjords. All of which share their interest in the arctic foxes and believe in increasing ecotourism in Iceland. The idea of the Arctic Fox Centre comes from prof. Pall Hersteinsson, University of Iceland and he serves as a quality witness for the center. The long term aim is to collect all available knowledge and material relevant to the arctic fox in past and presence.  We house an exhibition focusing on educating material:  About biology and history of the arctic foxes as a species. About the war that has been waged between the man and the arctic fox, since the early settlement of humans in Iceland (1100 years). About the status and specialities of the Arctic Foxes in Iceland and other regions of its distributional range. About fox hunting as the oldest paid operation in Iceland, methods and materials, stories and descriptions. About fox farming activities and it´s consequences for the wild population throughout the decades. We emphasize on: Participate in and promote research programs on Icelandic arctic fox populations, in collaboration with academic and research centers. Participate in developing sustainable wildlife torism in Iceland, in collaboration with the authorities and other interested parties. Stimulate development and manufacturing on handicraft and souvenirs, specialized for The Arctic Fox Center. Open: May: 10:00-16:00 June - July: 09:00-18:00 September: 10:00-16:00  Oct 01 - May 14: Upon request

The Old Bookstore in Flateyri is the oldest original store in Iceland, fourth generation family business since 1914. In this uniq store you will find all of the best products and books from the Westfjords, combined with high quality products from brands that are at least 100 years old from all around the world.  At the Bookstore you will also find the merchant apartment of the founder of the Bookstore. Nothing has been change since 1950, when Jón, the founder of the Bookstore past away. – It is a truly an unforgettable experience to take a step into the past, by visiting the old apartment in the Old Bookstore. But if you truly want to experience the real history of the Old Bookstore and the family you can stay at their home, above the Old bookstore.  Website Booking

In most travel books referred to as the Maritime Museum. Fisheries have always been the most important economic activity in the Westfjords, and the museum gives a unique insight into the rich maritime history and culture of the area. Open:15. May - 31. Aug. 10:00-17:00.1. Sept - 15. Sept. 11:00-15:00. Admission fee: Adults - ISK. 1.600,-Seniors    ISK. 1.200,-

Something special - Nature and Cultural Walks with a view of Ísafjörður Ísafjörður Walk - An Interesting Journey Through Time (2 hours) Our guide, dressed as a woman from the 19th century, and takes you on a walk from our meeting point or from the port through the city and up to the slopes above Ísafjörður. On the way you will visit interesting places, such as historical houses and trade centres from the prime time of Ísafjörður. You will get information on history and learn about the people and their living conditions, their beliefs and their culture, which is reflected in the legends. You will also visit the places the stories are told about. On the way she shares her lunch box with you. If you like to get an insight into the history of Ísafjörður and hear more tales and stories about the people, ghosts, elves, trolls and other mystical creatures of ancient and modern times Elves, Trolls and Stories (2 hours), would be the right walk for you. Also, the walk goes all time on plane level.  Geology (3 hours) Plants or Autumn Colours (3 hours) Please Taste! (3,5 hours) Nature Walk (5 hours) Special tours on request