Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Skjálfandi, is a recent summer visitor - they only started arriving around a decade ago.
They usually start coming in mid-June and stay until the middle of July. Watching these
highly developed hydrodynamic giants in their natural environment is just spectacular.
Other summer sightings in Skjálfandi include the orca, also known as the killer whale
(Orcinus orca;some come to the bay to feed on fish, others come to hunt mammals),
northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus;a mysterious, deep-diving beaked
whale), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus),sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis),pilot
whales (Globicephala melas)and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).
Brandon Presser
Sleeping
Húsavík Hostel
HOSTEL
without bathroom Ikr14,500; )
Finishing touches were going on here when we visited. This is the only in-town budget op-
tion, so will no doubt find an eager market. It's from the same people behind the Húsavík
Cape Hotel (a group of brothers); there are bunk-filled dorm rooms and a couple of private
rooms (which include linen), plus kitchen.
Árbót
HOSTEL
( 464 3677;
www.hostel.is
;
dm Ikr4100, d without bathroom lkr11,200; Apr-Sep; )
One of two HI hostels on tranquil, remote rural properties in the area (owned by the same
family) - both about 20km south of Húsavík off Rte 85. You'll need your own transport,
and to BYO all food.
To reach Árbót, take Rte 85 south from Húsavík for 14km, then look for the sign to the
cattle farm (a further 4km on a good gravel road). There are high-quality facilities and
comfy common areas. HI members get a discount; linen can be hired.
Campground
CAMPGROUND
