Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Quiet, workaday Ólafsvík won't win any hearts with its pungent fish smell (from the fish-
processing plant). Although it's the oldest trading town in the country (it was granted a
trading licence in 1687), few of the original buildings survive. For visitors it's best as a
jumping-off point for whale watching or a quick stop at Hraun for a meal.
Sights
Pakkhúsið
MUSEUM
(Packhouse; 433 6930;Ólafsbraut;adult/child Ikr500/free; noon-5pm Jun-Aug)
A mildly interesting folk museum telling the story of the town's development as a trading
centre.
Ólafsvíkurkirkja
CHURCH
(
http://kirkjanokkar.is
;
8am-6pm Jun-Aug)
Ólafsvík's modern church is made entirely of triangular pieces.
Tours
Some
Láki Tours
whale-watching trips depart from here: the waters offshore and west to
the tip of the peninsula are the region's best for whale sightings.
Sleeping & Eating
Campground
CAMPGROUND
(Dalbraut;sites per person/tent/camper van Ikr500/500/1000; Jun-Aug)
You can pitch a tent at the local campground, though we prefer the one in nearby Hellis-
sandur.
Hringhótel Ólafsvík
HOTEL
( 436 1650;
www.hringhotels.is
;
Ólafsbraut 20;d & studio Ikr19,300;
)
