Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kistan
(meaning 'the coffin'), an area of craggy rocks, served as the region's main site
for witch executions. Iceland's last documented case of witch burning took place here. It's
marked on the main road, but is easier to find if you ask for directions.
Clinging to life at the end of the bumpy road up the Strandir Coast is the tiny fishing
hamlet
Norðurfjörður
. The township has a cafe, a petrol pump and a few guesthouses,
and it's the last place to stock up and indulge in home comforts before heading off to
Hornstrandir on foot or by boat charter.
Krossneslaug
(adult/child Ikr450/200)
is a geothermal (infinity) pool and hot-pot that
shouldn't be missed. Up a dirt track about 3km beyond Norðurfjörður, you'll park, then
walk down to where it sits at the edge of the universe on a wild black-pebble beach. It's an
incredible place to watch the midnight sun flirt with the roaring waves.
Sleeping & Eating
Urðartindur
GUESTHOUSE
( 843 8110;
www.urdartindur.is
;sites per person Ikr1100, d Ikr14,000; May-Sep)
These simple, modern guest rooms with private bathrooms and refrigerators are blessed
with unobstructed fjord views and a balcony along a black-sand beach. Two cottages
(Ikr17,000) each sleep up to four. Ask Arinbjörn, the kindly owner, about a secret hiking
path that leads to a hidden lake. Sleeping-bag accommodation costs Ikr5000 per person.
Arinbjörn also offers
boat charters
to Hornstrandir.
Bergistangi
HOSTEL
( 451 4003;
www.bergistangi.is
;d Ikr8600)
On the hill overlooking the harbour, this friendly guesthouse has good guest rooms,
sleeping-bag accommodation (Ikr3000 per person) and a guest kitchen.
Kaffi Norðurfjörður
INTERNATIONAL
( 692 6096;
www.nordurfjordur.is
;mains Ikr1950-3500; 11am-9pm late May-late Aug; )
The food is nothing to write home about, but the fjord views are lovely, and you can play
old vinyl records in the corner.
