Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Patreksfjörður-Bíldudalur 'Flybus' stops in Tálknafjörður; ask at the town's swim-
ming pool for details. It only runs in conjunction with flights.
WORTH A TRIP
ARNARFJÖRÐUR & SELÁRDALUR
The drive out to the tip of Arnarfjörður, along Rte 619 beyond Bíldudalur, is absolutely
magnificent. The tiny track rims soaring mountains, lush pastured valleys and untouched
beaches, and looks onto the churning fjord and the incredible landscape on its northern
side. Towards sunset and on partly cloudy days, the light shifts continually, and rainbows
often form.
At the tip of the fjord (24km), local artist Samúel Jónsson lived out his remaining years
at a remote farm in Selárdalur, and filled his days by creating a series of 'naive', cartoon-
like sculptures. Visitors can peruse the surreal remains of his farm, now called
Samúel
Jónsson's Art Museum
(admission by donation Ikr500). There's a flamboyant house, a circle
of lions (created from a postcard Samúel saw of the Alhambra), an ornate church and
Samúel's home.
Bíldudalur
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Set on a gloriously calm bay surrounded by towering peaks, the attractive fishing village
Bíldudalur (
www.bildudalur.is
)
has one of the finest fjord-side positions in the country. Ar-
riving by road from either direction, you're treated to spectacular views. Bíldudalur was
founded in the 16th century and today is a major supplier of prawns.
Strandgata 7;adult/child Ikr1000/free; 11am-6pm)
, across from the church, has moody, fun,
impressively elaborate and dramatic multimedia exhibits about local and foreign monster
legends. The interactive multimedia table tells 180 stories of sightings around Arnar-
fjörður. While it's great for larger kids, wee ones might get freaked out (especially by the
giant-sized models). It also has a small cafe.
Bíldudalur HI Hostel
(Gistiheimilið Kaupfélagið; 456 2100;
www.hostel.is
;
Hafnarbraut 2;
dm/s/d with shared bathroom Ikr4100/6900/12,140)
, which was a harbour-front supermarket
