Here are a few suggestions for free time activities which you may find interesting. We are also happy to make further suggestions should you have particular interests. Make sure to bring hiking boots, swimming suits and outdoor clothing that is appropriate for the variable weather. Simbahöllin is happy to assist you with planning and bookings.

Þingeyri:

Þingeyri and the Dýrafjörður area have a lot to offer in outdoor activities and culture. The following are just some suggestions:


• Behind the Sandar mountain there is an equestrian centre where horseback-riding trips are offered. The horse rental Stormur offer different trips around the valleys for beginners as well as more advanced riders.
  
• The surrounding mountains offer spectacular short or long hiking possibilities.The circle of Svalvogar that goes all around the headland is a unique experience in captivating nature and tremendous stillness. There are good walking tracks to Kaldbakur, the highest mountain of the Westfjords (998m). A hiking map can be found here.
  
• In Þingeyri you can find an old blacksmith's workshop that was founded in 1913. The machine shop was one of the first of its kind in Iceland and leading in the development of this trade. Today the museum includes all the old machines, and blacksmith operation is still in its near original state. This is a living museum, where visitors can experience the old machine shop as though time has stood still.
• There is an exquisite 9-hole golf course situated between the mountains with a spectacular view over the fjord.
• Fishing trips with local fishermen can be arranged on the fjord and a put-and-take lake is situated a few kilometres from Þingeyri.
• The local swimming pool is a nice place to relax, exercise and meet the locals after a busy day of painting. All Icelandic pools include the much loved hot pots!
• The beautiful and interesting interior décor of the church in Þingeyri designed by Rögvaldur Á. Ólafsson in 1911 is a must-see.
• The saga of Gísli Súrsson took place in Haukadalur, close to Þingeyri. Guided tours can be arranged.
• The Museum of Jón Sigurdsson, fighter for Iceland's independency is in Hrafnseyri, only a short drive away (part of our trip to Dynjandi waterfall)
• Skrúður is a botanical garden located on the other side of Dýrafjörður, near Núpur.
• Local art exhibitions will take place in the area over the summer: The instructor of the course, Guðbjörg Lind, will host an exhibition; Jean Larson will be showing her works and the coffee house Simbahöllin will have various art exhibitions running.

For more information contact:
Þingeyri Tourist Information Centre. 
Address: Hafnarstræti 6, Þingeyri. Phone: +354 456 8304. Open June - August

Direct link to web page with information about places of interest in Þingeyri.

Ísafjörður:
A hike in the Tungudalur valley, with its lush vegetation is a great choice on a sunny day. There, you will also find a 9-hole golf-course. For some historical enlightenment, visit the Westfjords Heritage museum, housed in one of the oldest buildings in Ísafjörður, indeed of the whole country. You may want to end this visit with a dish of the day´s catch at the popular seafood restaurant in one of the neighbouring houses.

 

If you intend to spend a couple of extra days in the area, you may want to take a trip from Ísafjörður to Vigur island, or a one or two day trip to Hornstrandir nature reserve. The reserve lies to the north of Ísafjörður, across the Ísafjarðardjúp bay. The area can only be reached by boat. Once there, you will find no roads or cars, and no telephone access. It is a wilderness steeped in tranquility. The last permanent residents left in the 1960s, and now nature is reclaiming old cultivated land. For more information and reservations: www.vesturferdir.is.

 

For those who would like to go kayaking, guided trips are offered from Flateyri, 20 km from Ísafjörður. You will be taken around Önundarfjörður, well-known for its rich bird life as well as the long golden beaches.

 

Westfjords Tourist information Centre, Ísafjörður
Open all year around. Address: Aðalstræti 7, Ísafjörður 
Phone: +354 450 8060. 
E-mail: info@vestfirdir.is