Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAR
Prior to the tunnels opening in 2010, Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður were joined by the
62km mountain road over Lagheiði (the old Rte 82). This road was only accessible in sum-
mer; in winter the towns were 234km apart. Thanks to the new tunnels through the moun-
tains, that connection now measures 16km.
Travelling east, there's a 4km tunnel that opens into beautiful Héðinsfjörður, before a
second tunnel travels the remaining 7km to Ólafsfjörður.
Ólafsfjörður
Pop 785
Beautifully locked between sheer mountain slopes and dark fjord waters, fishing town
Ólafsfjörður still retains a sense of isolation, even with tunnels now linking it with Si-
glufjörður, its sister settlement further north.
From Akureyri, you have to pass through a thin 3km tunnel just to make your way into
town, which makes for a cinematic entrance.
Sights
Náttúrugripasafnið
MUSEUM
(Aðalgata 14;adult/child Ikr600/free; 10am-2pm Tue-Sun Jun-Aug)
Nátúrrugripasafnið is a small bird-oriented museum; it's Ólafsfjörður's only formal sight.
Activities
Ólafsfjörður receives good snow in winter, when the downhill
ski slopes
above town lurch
into action. There's also an excellent
swimming pool
, and nine-hole
golf course
. Brimnes
Hotel offers rental of boats and kayaks for exploration; check the hotel's website for a run-
down of possible activities in the area.
Sleeping & Eating
At mealtimes, consider a jaunt up the road to Siglufjöður.
