Stafdalur Skiing Area

Vestdalseyri / Vestdalur valley
Duration: 3,5 hours / 6 km

Period: June - September

A walk to the Vestdalur Nature Reserve in Seyðisfjörður, up to the Vestdalur lake and the cave of "The Mountain Maid". The route once served as the principal communication link between Seyðisfjörður and other regions in East Iceland. Relics of this 19th - 20th c. pillar of transport can still be detected through meticulous road constructions, stone walls, and Cairns. Having passed several tiers of glorious waterfalls, the wanderer reaches a small lake, Vestdalsvatn, which remains frozen most of the year. With majestic Mt. Bjólfur to the left., a tiny cave awaits to the right, the site of one the most important archaeologic discoveries of later times. In 2004 a group of workers unearthed some human bones, later defined as those of lady, around thirtyish - along with more than 400 pearls and some pins dating back to the era of settlement. The remains are believed to date from the era around 940. These are now conserved at the National Museum.

Fjarðará River & Fjarðarsel Museum
Duration: 2,5 and 4 hours / 2- 4 km.

Period: June - September

An easy and pleasant walk from the center of Seyðisfjörður town, by a walkway partly gravel, partly grassy through a forested area towards the vale Fjarðarsel where beautiful waterfalls and varied green growth await the wanderer.
A visit to the oldest operational power plant in Iceland at Fjarðarsel (1913) is optional, provided that it is arranged beforehand. The plant marked a turning point in the history of Icelandic electrification. For the avid waterfall lover an added walk along the south side of Fjarðará river up to Neðri Stafur rock stratum, (300 m. alt.) is a must.
Out of a total of 25 waterfalls, in river Fjarðará some of the most spectacular ones can be seen along the way. At Neðri Stafur rock stratum, the wanderer is presented with an exquisite view over Seyðisfjörður fjord and town, along with a fine selection of berries in late August. The scenic mountains, waterfalls, vegetation, and the history of the town is a wonderful blend that makes this walk unforgettable.

The Nielsen House was the first private house erected in the village of Egilsstaðir , built in the year 1944 by the danish Oswald Nielsen. Today it houses a nice coffe house and a restaurant, th Café Nielsen.

Period: summer

By climbing seven of the peaks surrounding the fjord of Seyðisfjörður, one earns the prestigious title of "a Seyðisfjörður Mountain Viking". Mostly exceeding an altitude of 1.000 m, these mountains are as follows: Sandhólatindur, Bjólfur, Nóntindur, Hádegistindur, Strandartindur, Snjófjall, and Bægsli. You´ll find guestbooks and ink stamps waiting on each peak. The cards for summit stamps and further details are available at the information centre in the ferry terminal, tel. +354 472 1551 and at www.seydisfjordur.is

A 10 km. drive from the Seyðisfjörður town centre brings the visitor to farm Selsstaðir on the north coast of the fjord. A walking trail leads from the farm to Brimnes at the mouth of the fjord. This was for centuries one of the major fishing centres in East Iceland. Traces of old buildings are still to be seen, along with a lighthouse stands at Brimnes.

A walk out Brimnes in fine weather is an unforgettable experience.

The trail is open from June - September

A trail leading to the uppermost mountain slopes (>600 m.) offering a breathtaking view of the Fjord and the Snow Avalanche Barriers. Open from June until first snowfall in October/November. This 5 km. the trail is an F-road and presents a rare opportunity for high altitude sights for those generally averse to mountain climbing. Furthermore, the spot is ideal for paragliders. The ascent takes about 15-20 minutes from the Fjarðarheiði heath road up to the Snow Avalanche barriers.

The "Dvergasteinn" - The Dwarfs´rock- is situated on the northern shore of Seyðisfjörður, some three km. outside the town. The stone is easily accessible and cuts a prominent figure on the shore. According to an ancient legend, the rock originated on the other side of the fjord but moved across the sea on its own accord as the local church was shifted to the other side of the fjord. And indeed it is quite different from all surrounding rocks. According to the famous legend, the rock is a site of prayers for the local dwarfs and the idea of staying behind when the Christian church was moved to the other side was simply unacceptable to them!

The Techical Museum of East-Iceland

Seyðisfjörður

Period: All year round
Opening hours: Summer (1.June - 15.September) daily 11:00 -17:00
Winter (16.September - 31.May) mon - fri 13:00 - 16:00
Or by agreement.

The Technical Museum of East Iceland was established in 1984. The museum´s main focus is on the era of technical progress in the East, around 1880 to 1950. Technical innovations in areas such as mechanics, electricity, communications, telephony, commerce and architecture are interlaced with changes in lifestyle and milieu. Exhibitions are animated and seek to recreate the atmosphere of the times they portray. The museum serves as a research centre and teaching facility for all levels of education. Staff members also carry out independent research projects relating to the museum´s area of interest.

Technical Museum of East Iceland
Hafnargata 44, IS 710 Seyðisfjörður Iceland
Tel. + 354 472-1596
e-mail tekmus@tekmus.is

The scenic Fardagafoss waterfall is situated close to the main road to Seyðisfjörður as it winds its way up the mountainside of Fjardarheiði, about 5 km from Egilsstaðir. The ascent from the parking area to the fall takes about half an hour. Underway you can enjoy the beautiful gorge and views over the whole valley. The last stage of the trail is not an easy walk, a chain is fastened in the cliff to get down to the water, but it´s worth it.

Miðhús was among the first guesthouses in the Hérað region. Travellers passed Miðhús on their way to Seyðisfjörður and Eskifjörður. Today Miðhús houses an art gallery and a workshop (operative since 1975) where Icelandic material is used in many diffirent ways.

Among the precious gems of the township, Egilsstaðir is the river Eyvindará. Small waterfalls nourishing it, as well as the stream´s deep green-blue color, contribute to its exquisite beauty. The depths render Eyvindará an ideal swim site during the summer-season, albeit the water is cold. The farm on the river banks traces its roots prior to A.D. 1000. This is the site of the burial mound of saga legend Helgi Droplaugarson, and ruins - commonly believed to be the ruins of his historic abode- is still to be seen. The area is highly popular among the local youths for all kinds of outdoor activities.

Skálanes nature and heritage centre is situated in a beautifully restored Icelandic farmhouse set in its own nature reserve at the mouth of Seyðisfjörður East- Iceland. Dramatic snow-capped mountains, vast sea cliffs, secluded shoreline and coves, and a vibrant bird colony make Skálanes a place for relaxation, research, contemplation and a different pace of life. For further information call 861 7008 or skalanes@skalanes.com.

Gálgaás is an old execution place in Egilsstaðir.The cliff Gálgaás, just east of Egilsstaðir Church, may seem unimposing, yet it has been the location of many a lugubrious destiny in centuries past. The most renowned person to loose his life at Gálgaás was a farmer named Valtýr, living at Eyjólfsstaðir some 10 km. southwards. He was hanged in the wake of being tried for theft and murder; accusations which he steadfastly denied. Fourteen years later, the real murderer was unmasked by mere chance - also named Valtýr und suffered the same fate as his innocent namesake. Both skeletons were left lying below the cliff, which now bears a bronze plate commemorating these events.

Center for visual arts
Period: All year round.
Austurvegur 42
710 Seyðisfjörður
s. 472 1632
skaftfell@skaftfell.is
www.skaftfell.is

Skaftfell is a cultural centre dedicated to nurturing and exhibiting visual arts, the main emphasis being on contemporary art. Skaftfell is a meeting point for artists and locals and serves as a center for visual arts in the entire region. Skaftfell was founded in the year 1998 by a group of art enthusiasts in the town of Seyðisfjörður. The centre is situated in an imposing old house, built in 1907. The main floor houses extensive exhibition space with standing exhibitions the whole year round. The top floor encompasses agreeable lodgings for visiting artists and scholars .On the ground floor there is a Bistro endowed with a good library on art and related material. In addition to serving fabulous food and coffee, the Bistro hosts the West-wall gallery, a space dedicated to showing the works of young, experimenting artists.

In the past decade Skaftfell has hosted a large number of exhibitions by international, national and local artists. With the main emphasis on contemporary art, Skaftfell has an important role in the area as a centre of information and education on art and related subjects. Every year Skaftfell organizes and/or hosts various seminars with art students in collaboration with the Icelandic Academy of the Arts and other schools and institutions. Skaftfell is founded in memory of the late artist Dieter Roth who lived and worked in Seyðisfjörður for periods of time during the last decade of his life. In Skaftfell you can find many of his books and prints on display.

Selskógur the small forest on the eastern outskirts of Egilsstaðir, mainly consists of birch but also numerous rowans. Inviting woodchip trails of various lengths lure the wanderer to stroll through the peaceful surroundings. A football field and a playground are among other recreational options in the area.

A great trail for hiking which involves crossing Vestdalsheiði mountain range, from Hérað to Seyðisfjörður. Vestdalsheiði heath used to be a frequently traveled road. People walked along Gilsá river, across the heath, and into Vestdalur valley. Walk from the sign in Fjarðarheiði (N65°15.577-W14°13.524) and head towards the western part of the mountain Bjólfur. You will see the Lake when you get near the mountain.

This is a nice walk in rolling hills. When you get to Vesdalsvatn you can choose between three routes if you don´t want to take the same route back. Down Vestdalur by a staked trail to Seyðisfjörður; down Gilsárdalur valley down towards Gilsárteigur farm (east of Eiðar in Fljótsdalshérað) or go west of Bjólfur mountain down to Stafdalur valley. The cylinder with the visitors' logbook and a stamp is where Gilsá river runs out from the lake. You will need to cross the river if you choose to walk from Fjarðarheiði.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°17.102-W14°17.887

Rauðshaugur is a rock or a hill protruding from the farm Höfði and can be seen widely from Hérað. According to legend it is the burial heap of farmer Rauður or Ásrauður in the sagas and from there two similar heaps can be located, the burial heap Bessahaugur in Fljótsdalur and the heap Ormarshaugur in Fell. Legend Rauður was buried with all his riches.

People are said to have tried digging into the pile of rocks but always had to give up because of a burning vision of the homestead in Ketilsstadir. Walk from the sign by Fagridalur road (N65°14.590 -W14°21.156) along the trail on Egilsstaðaháls towards Rauðshaugur.

Part of Hiking Treasures in Egilsstaðir Region

GPS : N65°12.77-W14°23.01