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Dýrafjörður

Dýrafjörður was the Westfjords’ most important centre of trade for many centuries, attracting merchants and fishermen from all around Europe and America. Although Dýrafjörður has now lost its former status as a trade centre, it still attracts visitors from all around the world, people who come there to enjoy its unique nature and tranquillity. The fjord is long and narrow, accentuating the majesty of the surrounding mountains. The fjord is also the setting of one of the Icelandic sagas, Gísla Saga, which tells about the outlaw Gísli Sigurðsson. The village Þingeyri, in Dýrafjörður, is the home to some 260 people. It offers all necessary services to travellers, including a horse rental, a chance to sail on board a Viking ship and you might also want to visit the Old Blacksmith‘s Workshop.

Kaldbakur, the highest mountain in the Westfjords area, is located in Dýrafjörður. On the peninsula between Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður, the rough jeep road Svalvogar offers breathtaking views, but it is not for the faint-hearted to drive, there are several companies offering jeep tours around this beautiful peninsula. Hiking, biking or horseback riding along Svalvogar is also very popular. On the northern shore of Dýrafjörður, you will find Skrúður, Iceland’s oldest botanical garden.