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PREFAB / FORSMÍÐ Prefabricated houses and artistic expression from one century to another
Skaftfell Art Center is pleased to announce the opening of its autumn exhibition: PREFAB / FORSMÍÐ Prefabricated houses and artistic expression from one century to another Skaftfell gallery, Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, Austurvegur 42, Seyðisfjörður Curator: Guja Dögg Hauksdóttir Opening: September 26, 2020, 14:00-18:00. Light refreshments and short guided tours will be offered throughout the afternoon. Due to Covid regulations and the nature of the exhibition only 25 people can be in the gallery at the same time, but to accommodate everyone we have expanded the opening time across the afternoon. We kindly ask visitors to keep a 1m distance from each other and to sprit their hands before entering the gallery. The exhibition will be on view from September 26 to December 20, 2020. Opening times: Wed - Sat 12:00 - 16:00. Closed Sun - Tue. -
Austurland Freeride Festival
The Austurland Freeride Festival is a new backcountry ski and splitboard event in Austurland, the eastern region of Iceland. Occurring this year from 28 February through 1 March, this festival will allow you to enjoy beautiful Austurland scenery, whi...
Upcoming events
East Iceland - It's oh so quiet
Fáskrúðsfjörður
Fáskrúðsfjörður dishes up a Gallic surprise in the middle of the Eastfjords: a strong historical connection to France that today is showcased and celebrated. The village road signs are even in French!
The fjord’s town is called Búðir, but everyone calls it Fáskrúðsfjörður. It became a trading post in 1880, and from the latter part of the 19th century until 1935 it was the main hub for French fishermen working off Iceland’s east coast. The town is well known for its French heritage and has a strong connection to its counterpart in northern France, Gravelines (where most of the seafarers sailed from).
Just outside the town is a graveyard, the burial place of French (and Belgian) sailors. The town’s hub is the former French hospital, built in 1903. Today it is a beautifully restored hotel and restaurant, with an award-winning museum on-site that details the French seafaring life in East Iceland.
A tunnel connects Fáskrúðsfjörður and Reyðarfjörður, but the longer coastal route, along Road 955, delivers scenic views – look out for the legend-filled island of Skrúður, home to thousands of puffins and gannets in summer. The island is surrounded by high cliffs accessible only to the bold and the brave; it’s home to a sizeable cave that was occasionally used by sailors seeking shelter.
Highlights:
Walk: Feeling energetic? Climb Sandfell, a 743-meter rhyolite mountain on the southern side the fjord. With less ambition, it’s fun to stroll around town to see French connections in buildings, street names and monuments.
Taste: look for French influences in the menu of the Fosshotel restaurant, and dine with grand views over the fjord.
Road-trip: opt for the longer scenic route instead of the convenient Route 1 tunnel. Take Road 955 for sweeping views.
Stórurð
One of East Iceland's most illustrious spots is the Stórurð ("The Giant Boulders"), located to the east of the road leading to Borgarfjörður Eystri. Stórurð lies below the small glacier west of Dyrfjöll mountains. It consists of gigantic tuff boulders, charming meadows, and attractive ponds. This wonderful scene can be reached in 2.5 hours on foot from Vatnsskarð pass. To enjoy Dyrfjöll and Stórurð a whole day plan is highly recommended.
Hallormsstaðaskógur
Hallormsstaður National Forest
Hallormsstaður National Forest is considered to be Iceland's largest forest. The forest covers an area of 740 hectares most of which is native birch. Since 1905, the forest has been the site of large scale trials of exotic species.
The forest is a popular outdoor area in a diverse landscape. There are 11 marked trails. A hiking map is in a box at the start of all the hiking trails, as well as the map at Hotel Hallormsstadur. Hallormsstadur host arboretum a tree collection with over 80 tree species.
There are two camping areas in the forest: Atlavík which is located in a picturesque cove surrounded by birch woods and Höfðavík that provides a higher level of services for campers.
Helgustaðanáma
Helgustaðanáma is an old Icelandic spar mine, located above the trail leading from Eskifjörður til Vödlavík inlet. It is partially open to visitors, and there is an excellent walking path leading up to it.
All removal of the spar is forbidden, and the area is a protected nature reserve.
Scientific discoveries made with the aid of Iceland spar from Iceland directly influenced the development of modern society. Progress since its discovery in the 17th century until 1930 in various important fields of the natural sciences and technology would have been delayed by decades if Iceland spar had not been available at that time. As the sole supplier of first-class spar crystals for scientific purposes, Helgustaðir in Reyðarfjörður may, therefore, be considered the most valuable location in Iceland in an international context.
Petra´s Stone Collection
Dalatangi
The way to Dalatangi takes one along a rough and narrow trail along the northern coast of Mjóifjörður. A spectacular symphony awaits the traveler at the edge of the high and rugged shore: Waterfalls, steep cliffs vales with the roaring ocean below are not cut out for those suffering from vertigo! At the end of the road - as far eastward as possible - awaits the farm and the lighthouses. The newcomer is seized with an insular impression, all while contemplating the spectacular view of Loðmundarfjörður and Seydisfjörður, at times extending as far as the and at Mt. Glettingur in the far north.
