Hiking -- The Vestfirðir and Dalir (“Westfjords and Valleys”) hiking map series, available at the Hólmavík tourist office (and sold online at www.strandir.is/hikingmaps), includes several maps covering the Strandir area and details the most worthwhile hikes, with thorough directions, distances, and difficulty ratings. The hikes recommended below are of moderate difficulty.
The hikes recommended below are of moderate difficulty.
A 5km (3 miles) loop hike from Hótel Djúpavík heads up a steep cleft behind the hotel, then east along a plateau with fabulous fjord views before descending to meet Route 643; allow 3 hours to stop and smell the mosses.
Starting from Naustvík on the north shore of Reykjarfjörður, an ancient footpath heads through a scenic mountain pass to Árnes on Trékyllisvík Bay; the route is 3.5km (2 miles) and about 90 minutes each way.
Just north of Gjögur is Reykjaneshyrna, a small mountain and sea cliff rising conspicuously between the road and the ocean. Strandasýsla suggests approaching from the Gjögur airfield, but you can park much closer -- at a blue sign for Reykjaneshyrna along Route 643 -- to make the 90-minute round-trip climb. The top has marvelous views in all directions.
Another excellent hike is a 4- to 5-hour clockwise loop starting from Krossneslaug. Walk back to Norðurfjörður, then turn right on Route 647, which heads overland to Munaðarnes Farm, on the coast of Ingólfsfjörður. Then continue around the peninsular coastline -- first on an unmarked trail, then along a road -- back to Krossnes for a triumphal dip in the pool.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
