Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hofsós
Pop 180
The sleepy fishing village of Hofsós has been a trading centre since the 1500s, but was re-
cently put on map with its designer swimming pool.
Sights & Activities
Icelandic Emigration Center
MUSEUM
(Vesturfarasetrið; 453 7935;
www.hofsos.is
;
adult Ikr700-1500, child free; 11am-6pm Jun-Aug)
Several restored harbourside buildings have been turned into a museum exploring the reas-
ons behind Icelanders' emigration to the North America, their hopes for a new life, and the
reality of conditions when they arrived. Incredibly, this small country lost 16,000 emig-
rants from 1870 to 1914, leaving behind a 1914 population of only 88,000.
The main exhibition, 'New Land, New Life', follows the lives of emigrating Icelanders
through carefully curated photographs, letters and displays.
The centre provides an absorbing history lesson, even if you're not of Icelandic descent,
and it's a fine place to start if you're tracing roots. Entry price depends on the number of
exhibits you wish to visit.
Sundlaugin á Hofsós
SWIMMING POOL
(adult/child Ikr550/220; 9am-9pm Jun-Aug, 7am-1pm & 5-8pm Mon-Fri, 11am-3pm Sat & Sun Sep-
May)
The village's magnificent outdoor swimming pool (with adjacent hot-pot) has placed Hof-
sós firmly in the country's collective conscience. It was opened in 2010 thanks to dona-
tions from two local women, and its fjordside design, integrated into the landscape and of-
fering almost-infinity views, is close to perfect.
Tours
Haf og Land
BOAT TRIPS
