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HÓLMAVÍK IN STRANDIR
Hólmavík
is a vibrant,
pleasant town of 400 people situated on Steingrímsfjörður fjord á
Ströndum alongside Route 61, just 270 km from Reykjavík. Habitants in
the countryside surrounding Hólmavík live mostly on sheep farming, while
economic activity in town revolves around the fisheries and services.
It is often said that the people of Ströndum are full of life, and
well connected with nature, words that indeed are true.
Hólmavík
has much to offer to visitors: natural beauty, peace
and quiet, enjoyable walking
trails, diverse cultural activities, beautiful handicrafts, a golf
course, a good restaurant and bar, a newly built outdoor swiming pool
and some exciting exhibitions and a museum.
Hólmavík is a paradise for
families and lovers of nature
and history, located by the sea under beautiful buttes named Kálfanesborgir.
These buttes, which lovingly protect the town, are popular among
hikers, in particular because of the beautiful views of the
surrounding area from their peaks. Hikers may write their names in a
guestbook kept at the highest peak. It is also to walk
around the town, absorbing the atmosphere of fishermen
and others at work.
Regardless of the weather, however, it is quite enjoyable to simply
explore the town and enjoy the
residents hospitality. Hólmavík was first settled late in the 19th
century when merchant Richard P. Riis moved there. He built a trading
post in 1897, Hólmavík’s oldest building, which today houses Café
Riis, a restaurant and bar. Café Riis has a laid-back atmosphere in the
center of town, is warmly furnished and has a menu that will not
disappoint. Weekends are an especially good time to drop in to enjoy a
pint and a chat with the locals.
It has often been said that the people
of Strandir know a bit more
about witchcraft and sorcery than most others, and to underscore that
claim the Museum af Sorcery & Witchcraft has been set
up that takes one on a magical tour into the mystical world of the
supernatural. The museum covers magic practiced during the 17th
century, as well as folktales, in a most informative and enjoyable
way.
Sauðfjársetur (Sheep Farming
Museum) is located in the Sævangur
community center, about 12 km south of Hólmavík. There, people can
learn about the history of the Icelandic sheep and relax over a cup of
coffee and genuine Icelandic cakes and bread in the cosy coffee bar. A
handicrafts shop sells crafts made mostly by the locals.
There are several places for accommodation
in and around Hólmavík. Guesthouse at Borgabraut is conveniently
located in the center of Hólmavík and Ferðaþjónustan Kópnesbraut
is a nice place at the older part of the town. Ferðaþjónustan Kirkjuból is a guesthouse 12 km south of Hólmavík
where there are good walking trails as well as nice facilities for
children.
Good camping site
is at the Hólmavík Information Center that is open during summer.
The Information Center can provide travelers with all information
regarding leisure activities in the area. There are also facilities to
wash and dry clothes, log onto the Internet, have coffee, etc. Close
to the camping site is also a swimming pool which opened in summer
2004. It also has hot tubs where people can relax after a busy day in
the Hólmavík area.
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