Breiðdalsvík Camping Ground

Streitishvarf is a great outdoor area, suitable for the whole family. A beautiful, short hiking trail offers a brilliant insight to the geological history of Austurland, especially the dikes that are characteristic for the area. Although the hiking trail is short, it is a great place to stop for a few hours; to play and enjoy the nature.

A lighthouse was first built at Streitishvarf in 1922 and it operated until 1958, when it was removed due to the building of a new lighthouse in Breiðdalsvík. The Streitisviti lighthouse operating today was built in 1984.

Reindaldsheiði is an old marked route between Breiðdalur and Fáskrúðsfjörður. The mail was brought this way in times gone by and therefore the old cairns still mark the trail. The tour, which is verily a feast for the eye, takes 7-10 hours.

In Breiðdalsá, close to the farm Brekkuborg in Breiðdalur valley, is the Beljandi waterfall. In fact, there are two waterfalls, Ytri Beljandi and Innri Beljandi, and eponymous pools. The waterfalls are not very high, but they are beautiful and well worth the short hike from the road through Breiðdalsvík. The whole area is extremely beautiful and suitable for outdoor activities.

Gallerí Snærós and the graphic centre is located in Stöðvarfjörður, run by the initiative of artists Sólrún Friðriksdóttir and Ríkharður Valtingojer. Their atelier ranks among the best graphic workshops in the country. A visit can be arranged to watch the artists at work or even take a private course !

Flögufoss is the highest waterfall in Breiðdalur valley, around 60 meters high. The waterfall is in the river Flöguá that runs through the Flöguskarð mountain pass. Just above Flögufoss is another small waterfall that falls to a ledge, from where the river runs under a small rock arch.

The hiking path leading to the waterfall is easy and short.

There has been a vicarage at Heydalir since early Christianity in Iceland and several renowned vicars have served there through the ages. Among them was the vicar and hymn poet Einar Sigurðsson (17th century) whose poetry is still venerated among the nation. A pillar stone has been erected in his memory at Heydalir.

The church that now stands in Heydalir was hallowed July 13th in 1975 and the old church was unchurched that same day. The old church was built in 1856 but it burned to the ground on June 17th, 1982.

The name of the place is somewhat erratic; some people talk say Haydalir and Heydalir is mentioned in some of Iceland's old Sagas. Others talk about Eydalir, especially older locals, and the vicar Einar Sigurðsson is associated with Eydalir. In the church´s record book, which has been in use since 1909, both names are used equally. Today the official name of this place is Heydalir.

In the summer 2000, a project was started in Iceland to celebrate the turn of the century and the 70th anniversary of Iceland Forestry Society. Five Millennium Forests (Aldamótaskógur) were planted in Iceland; one tree for each living Icelander.

The plants, representing the inhabitants of Austurland, where planted by Tinnudalsá river (Tinna), at Eydalir. A few decades before, some trees had been planted in that same area turning it into a great outdoor recreational area. A beautiful marked hiking trail runs through the forest, along Tinna.

Just off the coast of farm Lönd in Stöðvarfjörður, there´s a singular rock formation called Saxa ("The Grinder). This is an impressive perforated cliff, penetrated ceaselessly by the swelling waves of the Atlantic, resulting in spectacular eruptive splashes which fling seaweed and algae, minced by the force of the ocean, high into the air.

Between Breiðdalur valley and Stöðvarfjörður there are three steep lines emanating from the mountain Súlur. Peninsula Kambanes, is an ideal area for outdoor activities of any kind.

Meleyri is a charming shoreline near Breiðdalsvík. This is an outdoor area, a colorful birdlife arena and popular among locals and tourists alike. The locals use this area a lot, especially during winter because snow des not stick to the sand.

Jórvíkurskógur is an attractive Icelandic woodland. It has all that the local people desire: Green growth and plants with berries and mushrooms. The trees are tall enough to form a wind-shelter, there are nice hiking trails and lovely brooklets with pure water flowing briskly, old farmhouse, and green lawns. This is an ideal spot for resting peacefully and enjoy life.

A lighthouse was first built at Streitishvarf in 1922 and it operated until 1958, when it was removed due to the building of a new lighthouse in Breiðdalsvík. The Streitisviti lighthouse operating today was built in 1984.

Streitishvarf is a great outdoor area, suitable for the whole family. A beautiful, short hiking trail offers a brilliant insight to the geological history of Austurland, especially the dikes that are characteristic for the area. Although the hiking trail is short, it is a great place to stop for a few hours; to play and enjoy the nature.