North Iceland - Iceland - page 562

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
HIKE OR DRIVE TO THE END OF THE EARTH
Abandoned farms, lonely lighthouses, seal colonies and craggy windswept cliffs home to
prolific birdlife - there are few places in the world that feel as remote as Langanes. The
highlight of the area is the new viewing platform over the bird-filled cliffs at Skoruvíkurb-
jarg : it lies above a rock pillar that's home to thousands of northern gannets, while nearby
are colonies of auks, including guillemot and puffins.
Langanes is perfect for hiking, and to help plot your route it's worth picking up the Útiv-
ist & afþreying #7 map (available at Ytra Lón and local information centres). Another ex-
cellent resource is the Birding Trailmap, which covers birdwatching information in the
northeast (from Mývatn to Langanes), with information online at www.birdingtrail.is .
If you're short on time, consider doing a 4WD tour of Langanes - Ytra Lón operates
them in conjunction with Húsavík-based tour operator Fjallasýn , so you can start the tour
from Húsavík or from the hostel. From Ytra Lón, a 2½-hour tour to the bird cliffs of Skor-
uvík costs Ikr8600 (minimum two people), or you can spend five hours touring, including
a visit to the abandoned village Skálar and the lighthouse at Fontur (Ikr14,400). Prebook-
ing is required. Fjallasýn also offers a four-day guided hike through Langanes, beginning
and ending at Ytra Lón; see its website for more.
Vopnafjörður & Around
Pop 550
'Weapon fjord' was once the notorious home of a fearsome dragon that protected northeast
Iceland from harm. Today, no dragons, and it's an agreeably sleepy place, well known for
its superlative salmon rivers (Prince Charles has fished here).
Note that Vopnafjörður is considered to be part of east Iceland and online information is
found at www.east.is . We have covered it under north Iceland for the logistics of travelling
the Northeast Circuit along Rte 85.
Sights & Activities
Kaupvangur HISTORIC BUILDING