Eskifjörður

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.

Mjóeyri is a delightful place on the outskirts of Eskifjörður. There are a lighthouse and a delightful shoreline, where birds and sea shells are to be found. For tourists, it is an oasis and a horn of plenty: Guided tours, a boat- rental, angling, good food, and highly agreeable accommodation.
Mjóeyri has a historical past as the last place of execution, on Sept. 30th, 1786. The final resting place of the late convict can be found here.

Oddsskard is a pass between the villages Eskifjörður and Norðfjörður. The year 1949 saw the road construction and between1974-1977 a tunnel was dug to facilitate communication.
Close to the pass you´ll find one of the best ski resorts in Iceland, nicknamed "The Eastern Fjords´ Alps." In the wintertime, these delightful and versatile hills simply call out to skiers to come and enjoy. There are hills to fit the needs of all ages and different capacities.

Situated some distance above the highway connecting the villages Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður is the burial mound of a prophetess said to be a guardian angel of the area. According to legend, as long as her bones remain intact - and the cairn indicating the site is maintained - the prophetess will continue to fulfill her protective role. Thus, in 1627 as the Algerian pirates who had previously pillaged the South and the Westman Islands, approached the eastern shore, the cunning lady produced a fog so massive that the scoundrels were compelled to take to the sea and abandon their lugubrious plans of manhunt and massacre.

Hólmatindur is the mountain every inhabitant in Eskifjörður cherishes, towering 985 m. above sea level. It´s not an easy climb to the top but the stunning view is a reward in itself and worth your exertions. Once on the top, the valiant mountaineer can write his /her name in a guestbook, and subsequently, obtain one stamp in a succession of 5 needed in order to get the title Mountain Conqueror. This being an initiative organized by the local hiking club Ferðafélag Fjarðamanna.

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