|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
The region of Strandir (literally: the coasts) was for centuries one of the most remote areas in Iceland, known for the inhabitants' knowledge of magic and as a refuge for criminals. The landscape of Strandir is far from uniform, the low hills of Hrútafjörður in the south gradually change to 700 m high mountains rising straight from the coast in the northern part. The population in the Strandir region is only litle under 800. The town Hólmavík and Drangsnes village are the most heavily populated areas; around 400 people live in Hólmavík and barely 100 live in Drangsnes. The people of Strandir live almost entirely on traditional fishing and farming and are increasingly aware of their heritage and will proudly tell tales of their ancestors' dealings with ghosts and other supernatural beings. There´s a lot of tourist services in Strandir who offer a great variety of mutiple entertainment, accommodations and activities for tourists. Strandir is the perfect destination for those looking for peace and quiet, beautiful nature, hospitality and plenty of leisure activities. Beautiful natureGoing to Strandir you will travel through the whole range of Icelandic flora from the shore and meadows, through birch and willow, to mossy moorlands with an exceptional views across Húnaflói bay and far into the interior. On a stroll amidst the driftwood on the shore one can see birds and seals and the occasional arctic fox around the deserted farmsteads. Strandir are very popular among hikers. There are many beautiful hiking trails all over the region, some suitable for all ages and some for the hiking specialsts. Hiking map with exact details and description on the walks in Strandir is available in most Informations Centres. Sorcery and witchcraftIt has often been said that the people of Strandir know a bit more about witchcraft and sorcery than others, and to underscore that claim The Museum og Sorcery & Witchcraft, which takes one on a magical tour into the mystical world of the supernatural, is to be found in the area. The museum covers magic practiced during the 17th century, as well as folktales, in a most informative and enjoyable way.
North to ÁrneshreppurThe northernmost part of Strandir is a world apart. Many of Strandir regular visitors always go to Árneshreppur, for it is a truly unique area, a matchless place where the raging sea and the awesome mountain scenery play the main role in a beautiful environment. In Trékyllisvík one can take a look inside Kört, which is a house mostly made of driftwood. Kört is a folk museum who observes past relics from the history of Árneshreppur, and also a handicraft sale with handicraft made by local people and tourist information service. There
are two churces in Trékyllisvík
and services such as a general store can be found in Norðurfjörður
fjord and an airport is located close to the village Gjögur. A little
further north is a unique swimming pool at Krossnes, situated on the
coast by the arctic ocean. The
mountain Reykjaneshyrna is easily climbed and offers a spectacular view. Djúpavík in ÁrneshreppurIn
Reykjarfjörður fjord is a small village called Djúpavík,
where a large herring factory was built in the thirties and operated
until 1954 when a disastrous drop in the herring stock made it
impossible. Those who are going to Árneshreppur should give
themselves time to stop in Djúpavík and taka a look, because most
relics
of this bygone era can still be seen - the buildings remain standing.
The gigantic herring factory is specially interesting. On the 7th of July 2003, excactly 68 years from the starting of the herring factory, an exhibition about the history of Djúpavík was opened in the old factory. The hosts in Hotel Djúpavík, Eva Sigurbjörnsdóttir og Ásbjörn Þorgilsson, are responsible for the exhibition which is open on request. Eva and Ásbjörn rebuilt Hótel Djúpavík in 1986 and have run it ever since. The hotel was first built as a hostel for the women workers at the herring factory. Sheep Farming Museum - Exhibition in Sævangur Twelve km. south of Hólmavík the former community center Sævangur houses an interesting and entartaining exhibition about the icelandic sheep and sheep farming with special emphasis on the Strandir area. The exhibition, Sheep in the story of Iceland, has been very popular ever since it opened in spring 2002, mainly because the exhibition itself concentrates on providing diverse entertainment for all ages. The
children can
enjoy themselves
in their own room, in which are toys and colour books, while the
grown-ups can view the exhibition, and the museum also has a small
science room where its possible to have a look at various things through
microscope. One of the main attraction at the Sheep Farming Museum are
lambs which visitors can feed with milk from a bottle. Sævangur
also houses a small and cosy coffee
bar where guests can sit down and relax over a cup of
coffee and genuine Icelandic cakes and bread. Handicraft- and souvenir
store placed in the lobby of Sævangur sells crafts made mostly by
locals. The Sheep Farming Museum, the coffee bar and the
handicraft store are open from 10-18 all days during the summertime.
Want to know more?Further information regarding the Strandir area is given by the Information Centre in Hólmavík all year round, tel.: 451-3111 & e-mail: info@holmavik.is. ©
júní 2003
|
|||||
|
~ Strandir - a unique experience ~ |
Website:
SÖGUSMIÐJAN |
||