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Seltjarnarnes town close to Reykjavík Seltjarnarnes is a small town or a suburb west of Reykjavík that barely has an identity, although a separate municipality of 4.415 residents in 2016. It is so closely connected to Reykjavík, geologically, historically, and culturally, that it´s a wonder that the two municipals did not merge a long time ago. Seltjarnarnes mainly consists of one relatively large residential area, a tiny industrial area, and a windy 9-hole golf course. The community is quite affluent, and most of the residential area consists of large single-family houses. In recent years, a former industrial or fishing industry area has been developed for condominiums and apartment houses. So there is a bit more variety in housing. Seltarnarnes is close to Reykjavík on the map of Iceland Seltjarnarnes has substantial limits to its growth Single family houses in Seltjarnarnes Placed on a point west of the Capital Area Peninsula, further land development is impossible. Any residential, commercial, or industrial development is almost impossible, as the north, west, and south side of Seltjarnarnes is a coastlines. The municipal of Seltjarnarnes offers good quality service for its residents, quite similar to any other municipal in the Capital Region. The schools are good, and there is a sports team Grótta, a recreation center, and an excellent health care center. For many decades the same political party, the Independent party, has governed Seltjarnarnes. Most would agree that the party has done an excellent job, although one can also argue that the job wasn’t very difficult since the municipal is very small and feeds off the Capital Reykjavík in many ways. The shore at Seltjarnarnes is a valuable part of the capital area The coast of Seltjarnarnes has great value for the community and the whole Capital Area. Fortunately, the municipal has preserved the coastline and a substantial part of the land by the coast for outdoor activities. The whole area of Grótta Island, the Lighthouse, and the walking path are one of the most interesting walking paths in the Capital Area. Birdlife is extensive in that area, and one can find over 100 species. It is a paradise for birdwatchers. On a good evening, after a lovely sunny day, the point of Grótta is quite popular among people and visitors in the whole Capital Area to relax and view the sunset. View the sun dip down behind Snæfellsjökull on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Seltjarnarnes has an interesting museum and a golf course Seltjarnarnes small golfcourse Like many communities around the country of Iceland, there is a small and unique museum in Seltjarnarnes, The Pharmacy Museum of Iceland and Nesstofa. Not only is the museum interesting, but also the house, which was the home of the first Icelandic Director of Public Health, Bjarni Pálsson. Built in 1760 – 1765, the house was both an office and the Director's home. Although Seltjarnarnes is small, the town has a nine-hole golf course. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Kringlan shopping mall is located in Háaleiti in Reykjavík city Háaleiti is a district that developed in Reykjavík from the early fifties up until the late nineties in the twentieth century. A period when the growth of Reykjavík produced a demand for service on a larger scale than before, as the number of inhabitants was increasing. Obviously, the districts of Vesturbær and City Center could not expand further, and development had to head to the east part of Reykjavík. Accordingly, many significant institutions and services are located in the Háaleiti district. It is a combination of a commercial area and residential neighborhoods. Reykjavík location on the map of Iceland District in Reykjavík that combines homes and commercial activity Apartment buildings that are iconic for Háaleiti district in Reykjavík city A large portion of the region, Háaleitis- and Hvassaleitis neighborhoods, were developed for relatively large four to five-story apartment buildings. So compared to other older neighborhoods and districts at that time, the population was dense. The neighborhood Bústaðarhverfi located in the southern part of the district, is more like a neighborhood with single-family houses and is considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in the city, at least if you want good weather. Háaleiti is the home of Kringlan, the only shopping mall in Reykjavík The city theater is located by Kringlan shopping mall One of the biggest enterprises in the eighties in Iceland was the development and construction of the shopping mall Kringlan. It was a development initiated by a company in the private sector on a larger scale than Icelanders had ever seen before. Up until that time, such property and land development had more or less been arranged by the government or the city of Reykjavík. The enterprise and the building, located in the Háaleiti district, were a tremendous success, and today Kringlan is one of the major landmarks in Reykjavík. A few years earlier, another large project in the district of Háaleiti was the building of the City Hospital. Building to house the National radio and television service was also built in Háaleiti. One of the busiest districts in Reykjavík There are also many sigle family houses and homes in Háaleit district in Reykjavík The district is a very active, busy, and important part of Reykjavík as most of the main traffic in the city go through Háaleiti day and night. For the residents of Háaleiti, all the neighborhoods have always provided excellent services. There are good preschools as well as good quality primary and secondary schools, as Icelanders have always valued care for children and education highly. The district has a few sports centers, mostly attached to the schools, and good sports clubs for children. The whole district has always been considered a good part of Reykjavík to live in. For accommodation for tourists and visitors, it is a good option as the district has good public transportation and is for most people within walking distance of the City Center. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

The small town Eskifjörður in the East Fjords in Iceland The town of Eskifjörður has been around for a long time, and its origin can be traced back to a history of trading and fishing, similar to most of the towns and villages in Iceland. In the late 18th century, the trading company Örum&Wulff built a house and started trading in the area after the notorious Danish–Icelandic Trade Monopoly ended. Eskifjörður became a certified trading post at the end of the 19th century. Then, in the last quarter of the 19th century, Norse entrepreneurs started herring fishing in Iceland, with their center of operation in Eskifjörður. This venture enhanced the economy of the small village in a country that largely depended on agriculture. The lively town had a vital export harbor The wharf for small boats in Eskifjörður town Soon enough, Icelandic entrepreneurs learned about the profit associated with fishing and fish exporting, and overall economic activity in Eskifjörður thrived in the last decades of the 19th century. Consequently, Eskifjörður became one of the busiest exporting harbors in Iceland. So, at that time, Eskifjörður had a lot to offer for a country that had suffered from epidemics, famines, and eruptions for centuries and was more or less dependent on agriculture as a means of survival. People from all over the East Fjords and the southern part of Iceland started to settle in the town. Like many coastal villages, the motorboats made a difference Old single family home in Eskifjörður village As the fishing activity was already an essential base for the town’s economy early in the 20th century, the town quickly adjusted to technical development, and motorboats arrived in 1905. This was an excellent setup for the growth of Eskifjörður, and the town flourished until the third decade, when most things fell apart with the catch declining and prices in foreign markets dropping. In the fifties and the sixties, most economic activities were connected to fishing and fish processing, which is still the primary source of livelihood. It was during those years that most of the town’s infrastructure was being built, including government and municipal service buildings. Among those projects were houses for the district magistrate and a doctor, a health service building, schools, and a new harbor. The town also has an excellent camping site with good facilities and an exceptional swimming pool. Eskifjörður is a growing town with an excellent economy Swimming pool in the town Eskifjörðru in East Fjords Iceland Today, Eskifjörður is a thriving town with a population of approximately 1.100 inhabitants as of January 2022. The village has a strong economy and is part of the municipality of Fjarðarbyggð, which embraces seven small, attractive towns and villages and beautiful fjords. The municipality offers good services for the residents and has a healthy economy based mainly on fishing and fish processing. Although it is much disputed, the aluminum smelter in Reyðarfjörður has also, in recent decades, contributed substantially to the development of the economy. Eskifjörður has not developed as a tourist attraction or focused on service to tourists; it is more like a village you drive through. The swimming pool, however, is both beautiful and one of the best in the eastern region, and it is well worth adding a few kilometers to your drive if you are driving through the Ring Road. The town also has a good camping site and a grocery store in addition to offering accommodations. There are many beautiful old houses in Eskifjörður village in the East Fjords The merging of the towns and villages into a single municipality was a smart move in the East Fjords and helped develop the overall economy. The recently built tunnels between the towns in the East Fjords have also significantly contributed to the development of the area. It is much easier to drive through the tunnels instead of the difficult mountain passes or the long fjord and peninsula roads. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

The small harbor at Stöðvarfjörður village The origin of the villages, Stöðvarfjörður, can be traced to the end of the 19th century. At a time when a merchant opened a store and built a home for himself and his family. Before that time, only a handful of people lived on the farms by the fjord and in the small valley west of the fjord, where suitable land for farming was limited. As the activity of the store developed, people started to move to Stöðvarfjörður to build houses and homes around the shop, which further developed the trading activity and new opportunities. However, the lack of natural conditions for a harbor, the fishing industry did not develop to the same extent as in the other villages in the Eastern Region. Many attempts were made but never developed into a permanent economic base. Once a small harbor was built late in the 20th-century, conditions improved, at least for the small boats. Today it is a part of a larger municipality. The old church serves as accommodation in Stöðvarfjörður Today Stöðvarfjörður is part of the Fjarðarbyggð municipality that includes six other towns and villages in the East Fjords. As of January 2022, inhabitants are around 190 people compared to 350 in 1980, so it is a town in defense. The community provides essential services in education, health care, and social service to the residents. It has an old swimming pool and a sports center. Most of the inhabitants work in the fishing industry, which is the primary economic base for the community, and the small harbor serves small boats that fish near the coastline. In recent years, better transportation in the Eastern region and new opportunities in other towns and villages have enhanced employment possibilities. Stöðvarfjörður has also made some admirable attempts to participate in the growing tourist industry. One of the most exciting projects is the Fish Factory. A deserted fish factory is being transformed into a cultural and creative center with art as their weapon of choice. Today, it has one of Iceland's most advanced sound recording studios, where musicians and groups flock to record their latest work. An ideal place for a good atmosphere and creativity amidst the beautiful and quiet fjord. I stopped by the studio in October of 2021 to visit the group Valdimar that was recording a new record, and the musicians thought this was an ideal place to compose and record new music. Home to a fascinating stone collectors museum. Old houses in Stöðvarfjörður village in the East Fjords Like many small towns and villages in Iceland, particularly in the east region, Stöðvarfjörður is located in beautiful surroundings. The fjord is a joy to drive with towering mountains, river, coastline, and two beautiful valleys. It is the home of one of the most attractive small privately-owned museums in Iceland, Petras Stone & Mineral Collection. Not only is the museum fascinating but also the collector's story. It is worth stopping at Stöðvarfjörður to visit the museum as the fjord is also known for its fantastic variety of stones and materials. It is also a village that offers all the essential services to tourists and has a restaurant, a café (where you can meet some locals), a gas station, accommodation, and a small camping site right on the Ring Road. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

The Center in Egilsstaðir town just by the Ring Road The town of Egilsstaðir barely existed in the middle of the 20th century when its first private home was built. Today, it is the largest town in the Eastern Region of Iceland, with approximately 3000 inhabitants as of January 2022. This development is typical for the slow and late urbanization in Iceland. The country had, for a long time, been an agricultural society that, at the turn of the 20th century, started to develop and rely on its fishing industry. Contrastingly, Egilsstaðir has been one of a handful of towns and villages in Iceland that have never seen any part of the fishing industry, as it is inland, with no connection to the sea or the shoreline. However, the town has a great view of the lake Lagarfljót, as it is located at the southeast bank of the beautiful lake. And even though it is inland, the town seems like a coastal village due to the altitude, which makes it ideal for the excellent weather conditions that the town enjoys. The town of Egilsstaðir is a product of the modern times, tracing its existence to its location at a crossroads and its development in the service and tourism sector. This is what makes Egilsstaðir unique among the towns and villages flora in Iceland. Egilsstaðir is a central town in the east region of Iceland and is impossible to miss when traveling through the Ring Road . A new town based on crossroads Apartment building and single family homes in Egilsstaðir town eastern region Iceland It was the government’s decision to build the town. Farms were bought and plans were made. The aim was to build a service center for the Eastern Region of Iceland. Growing from two to three farms, Egilsstaðir soon became a municipality. It started to develop as the location was ideal for both private and several government services for the surrounding agricultural region, and the towns and villages in the nearby fjords. As planned, the town quickly became the center of the East fjords. Read this important article about renting a car in Iceland. At the time, the developing town of Egilsstaðir was much better suited for that role than communities that had difficult communication due to bad roads and insufficient transportation. Apparently, there was a demand to develop a centralized service center for the region that connected everything together. Service center for anyone traveling in Eastern Iceland Egilsstaðir town has a great swimming pool Today, Egilsstaðir is one of the busiest tourist towns in Iceland during spring, summer, and autumn, as it is practically located in the middle of the Ring Road. It is almost the same distance to Reykjavík, whether you drive through the south shore or the north shore. Winter traffic in this town is yet to match the interest we see in the southwest region of Iceland. As tourism continues to grow, so does the strategic role of Egilsstaðir. It is becoming more and more important and plays the role admirably. The town offers good quality restaurants and cafés, and has one of the best camping sites in Iceland. Plus, you will find great accommodations in Egilsstaðir. If you are traveling and need to stock up, the town has excellent grocery and convenience stores. The people of Egilsstaðir have developed tourist services with great excellence. If you’re staying in Egilsstaðir, the town’s fantastic local swimming pool and hot tubs should not be missed! Location and weather Church in Egilsstaðir town in eastern region Iceland The town of Egilsstaðir is located amidst a beautiful landscape with easy access to several exciting places in the Eastern Region of Iceland. It is an ideal place to stay if you would like to stop and enjoy the eastern fjords and visit places like Dyrfjöll, Mjóifjörður, Seyðisfjörður, Hengifoss waterfall or an evening stroll to Fardagafoss for a few days to. Alongside Akureyri airport and, of course, Keflavík international airport, the town has one of the best airports in Iceland, so coming to the country and flying to Egilsstaðir to explore the eastern fjords is absolutely an option. Egilsstaðir is an excellent place for families Preschool in Egilsstaðir town in eastern region Iceland Egilsstaðir provides good service to its residents and is a pleasant town to raise children in. It has good preschools, primary and elementary schools, as well as a great high school. The municipality has a hospital and a good health care center, and takes good care of the elderly. It also has a community center, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and good access to a skiing area during winter for the locals. Accommodation Options in Egilsstaðir Whether you are looking for luxury, comfort, or budget-friendly lodging, Egilsstaðir has a variety of accommodation options to suit different travel styles. Some of the best-rated options include: Hotel Eyvindará A family-run hotel nestled near Egilsstaðir, offering a variety of accommodations including standard double/twin rooms, annex rooms with private terraces, and cozy cottages. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, complimentary breakfast, and access to hot tubs for relaxation. The hotel is surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it an excellent base for exploring East Iceland. Hótel Hallormsstaður Located approximately 25 km from Egilsstaðir, this hotel emphasizes comfort and wellness, offering various accommodations from cottages to superior rooms amidst Hallormsstaður forest. Guests can indulge in on-site dining at Kol Bar & Bistro and Lauf Restaurant, relax at Lindin Spa, and enjoy the serene natural surroundings. Berjaya Hérað Hotel Situated in the heart of Egilsstaðir, Berjaya Hérað Hotel provides modern and inviting accommodations. The hotel features comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant offering local cuisine, and is conveniently located near the town's amenities, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both comfort and accessibility. Hótel Valaskjálf Located in a peaceful area of Egilsstaðir, Hótel Valaskjálf offers recently renovated rooms equipped with private bathrooms, televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site Glóð Restaurant, which serves dishes influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, including pasta, fish, meat dishes, and authentic Italian pizzas baked in a handcrafted oven from Rome. The hotel also features Ölstofan, a bar offering a selection of cocktails and draft beers, with a daily happy hour from 16:00 to 18:00.

Single family homes and apartment buildings in Reyðarfjörður village Reyðarfjörður is one of the larger towns in the eastern region of Iceland. The town’s recent history is a bit unusual compared to that of the other towns and villages of Iceland, which makes it very interesting to visit, although it can hardly be described as a tourist town. Reyðarfjörður is a countryside town that we can call “modern,” with all the contemporary services people require and demand. Reðarfjörður is a growing and prosperous town Reyðarfjörður town has full service when it comes to tourists While most towns and villages in Iceland have three main factors as their prerequisite for development (fishing, trading, and tourism), Reyðarfjörður also has an aluminum smelter—a strong economic foundation that makes the town prosper. In addition to the smelter, the recently developed tunnel between Reyðarfjörður and Fáskrúðsfjörður, on the one hand, and the tunnel to Neskaupstaður, on the other hand, have helped the town flourish as a service center in the Fjarðarbyggð municipality. The population has increased more in the town than it has in most places outside the southwest Reykjavík capital area, from less than 700 inhabitants in 1998 to almost 1400 in January 2022. This is at a time when many small towns and villages in Iceland have seen a serious drop in population and are struggling to survive. It has the conflicting poles of an aluminum smelter and nature The aluminum smelter at Reyðarfjörður Interestingly, it is up for debate whether all this economic development is worth it in view of the colossal and ugly aluminum smelter placed in the beautiful fjord of Reyðarfjörður. It is not necessarily a construction you would want to place amidst the beautiful landscape. In addition, a huge hydroelectric power plant, the biggest in Iceland, was built in the highland at Kárahnjúkar by the government to only serve this one customer. Sacrifices were made, as many natural wonders sadly sank in the reservoir serving the dam. Moreover, a stunning canyon was crossed and sacrificed where the dam was built. The debate on the conflict between large-scale industry and preservation of nature and which is more valuable is an old and ongoing one in Iceland. In Reyðarfjörður, you can come eye to eye with the smelter and judge for yourself whether it is out of place in the landscape or if it is a welcome addition to the economy. Without doubt, the smelter has made a considerable difference to the whole area of the East Fjords, with investments worth almost two billion dollars in the project. It has created new jobs and service opportunities and largely contributed to the economic development of the East Fjords. It is a town that originated with trading and fishing Church in Reyðarfjörður town in East Fjords in Iceland Like most towns and villages around the coastline, Reyðarfjörður village originated as a trading post in the late 19th century. Several small companies set up trading posts, as Reyðarfjörður had good natural harbor conditions at the bottom of the 30-km-long fjord—the longest one in the eastern region. However, despite the presence of rich fishing grounds close by, the village never developed a large-scale fishing industry like some of the other villages in the East Fjords. The village also had an advantage when it came to transportation and communication, as the roads to other towns were closer and easier to access compared to many other places. It is probably one of the most prosperous small towns in Iceland School in Reyðarfjörður town in Iceland, a great place for families Today, Reyðarfjörður is one of the most affluent small villages in Iceland and provides excellent service to both its residents and visitors. Most Icelandic towns and villages have single-family houses; only a few, like Reyðarfjörður, have large apartment buildings. The town offers good education for children from the preschool to the high school level. It has state-of-the-art sports facilities and shares a wonderful swimming pool with its neighbor Eskifjörður. As part of the Fjarðarbyggð municipality, the town offers an excellent health service and care for the elderly. For these reasons, it is a fascinating place to stop at while visiting the East Fjords in Iceland. The town has a good café, nice restaurants, excellent grocery stores, well-furnished accommodations, and a beautiful camping site. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

The beautiful Berg house of culture in Dalvík Visiting the neat small town of Dalvík is a joy. Placed in a beautiful landscape on the west side of the long fjord Eyjafjörður in the northern region, it is like most towns and villages around the coastline in Iceland, a fishing town. This fishing part developed from rich fishing grounds in the first decades of the 20th century. Until that time, the area by the coast only consisted of farms and agriculture, like the beautiful walleyes east of Dalvík. It was a typical rural agricultural area. The first cluster of houses were built in the first decade as fishing and fish processing started to develop when a few farmers purchased motorboats. Thus, trading was not a factor in the early development of Dalvík like so many villages around the coastline. Stores did not appear before the fishing sector prospered. The first store opened in the twenties. Like the whole Eyjafjörður area, the Coop Society became quite active in the development of Dalvík. Dalvík is a thriving fishing town Dalvík is an exceptionally well kept and clean small village Fishing and fish processing have always been the primary source of income for most residents in Dalvík town and still are. Although many towns and villages in Iceland were hit hard by the fishing quota system of the Icelandic government in the late 20th century, Dalvík was not affected. On the contrary, with the fishing quota, fishing and fish processing have increased. As a result, the population has grown from 1500 in the eighties to 2000 as of January 2022. Thanks to significant investments by Samherji, the largest fishing company in Iceland. The village also has an excellent harbor. In Dalvík, some new companies related to the fishing industry have developed, like Sæplast, a company manufacturing plastic containers, which add to the small village's economy. Dalvík has also developed small companies operating in the service sector and tourism industry. A wonderful town to have a home The town provides good service for its residents Most of the homes in Dalvík are single-family houses built in the sixties and the eighties. When you drive into the town and around, you notice how immaculate and well-kept the town is. It reflects that most residents are proud of their village and the overall high level of maintenance of the homes and the lots. The town provides good service for its residents and has a kindergarten, a primary, and a secondary school, as education is a high priority in Iceland. The town has an excellent sports facility for the youth, a community center, and a gorgeous new library. There is a good swimming pool in Dalvík and, of course, a beautiful church. The primary sport in Dalvík is skiing. The local skiing slope is within walking distance from most homes, and it is one of the best in Iceland. No doubt that some of Iceland's best skiers come from Dalvík. A green energy town The harbor in Dalvík and the mountains on the east side of Eyjafjörður fjord As a community, Dalvík takes good care of the elderly and has excellent health service. Like so many towns and villages in Iceland, Dalvík is heated with geothermal heating and has transformed from fossil energy into sustainable energy. For visitors traveling in Iceland, Dalvík offers a variety of accommodation and has an excellent camping site. There are some nice options in dining and an excellent café. If you want to visit the northernmost part of Iceland, the tiny but inhabited island of Grímsey, you hop on the ferry in Dalvík. If you stop in Dalvík for accommodation or camp at the beautiful campsite, a drive to the bottom of the fascinating valley Svarfaðardalur is a must. There are also interesting short hiking trails nearby if you want to enjoy the bright evenings in summer. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Neskaupstaður town in the East Fjords in Iceland The town of Neskaupstaður, with a population of approximately 1500 as of January 2022, is the easternmost town in Iceland, located by the shoreline, in the small fjord of Norðfjörður. Originally, it was a farm called Nes and was mentioned in the book of settlement as being established by a Viking named Egill the Red in the 9th century. Geographically, Norðfjörður is conveniently protected by all-embracing high mountains and the peninsula Barðsnes that provide good protection against the strong eastern winds, lending the town perfect harbor conditions. But the presence of the high mountains also has a downside, as they make communication difficult. As such, the village didn’t have any real transportation options or connection with other parts of the country until 1949, except by sea. This isolated the otherwise attractive area from other parts of the east as well as the country. The red town survived the fishing quota system imposed by the government In the museum house, you will find the Museum of Natural History, Tryggvi Ólafsson's Art Collection, and Seafaring Collection Neskaupstaður is one of few towns in Iceland where life and the town’s economy still depend almost entirely on fishing, fish processing, and service to the fishing industry. Throughout the centuries, Nes and Neskaupstaður have always had rich fishing grounds nearby and have been fortunate to make sensible decisions in terms of both technical and marketing developments after Icelanders discovered the value of their resources in the 18th and 19th centuries. The town’s fishing industry started developing in the late 19th century, with the arrival of entrepreneurs from Faeroe Island and Norway. It continued to grow until the government imposed the quota-regulated fishing system at the end of the 20th century. The town was smart enough to take advantage of the new quota system while many other towns and villages in Iceland lost their livelihood. In the period between the 19th century and time the fishing quota was imposed, the people in Neskaupstaður, both entrepreneurs and socially driven coop companies, preserved and developed the economy. At the beginning of the 20th century, they used motorboats. Then, they used side trawlers and fishing boats in the forties and large stern trawlers in the seventies. Concurrently, the people and community built ambitious projects related to fish processing. Today, Neskaupstaður is one of the few towns in Iceland that has not only survived the fishing-quota law imposed in the nineties but has enhanced and developed its economy and has one of the largest, impressively profitable, and strongest companies in the fishing industry in Iceland, Síladarvinnslan. It is a fascinating story because the town was always labeled as the red town for political reasons. Changes in the road and communication The Norðfjörður fjord is surrounded with mountains In 1949, a mountain road opened through the Oddskarð mountain pass approximately 700 meters above the sea level, with a short tunnel at the top. The road was steep and difficult to drive through. The view over the south part of the East Fjords was, on the other hand, monumental. Moreover, this road was challenging to drive through in winter. This difficulty saw a dramatic change in 2017, when an eight-kilometer tunnel from Eskifjörður village opened. The tunnel is yet another advantage that will enhance the municipality of Fjarðarbyggð and the eastern region both economically and in terms of inhabitability. It also makes it much more exciting and easier to take the time to drive to Neskaupstaður and Eskifjörður if you are traveling through the Ring Road. Although the town doesn’t necessarily offer various services to tourists, it has a good camping site, accommodations, a store, and a food service. The town is a typical, modern-day fishing town Neskaupstaður was a stronghold of socialist and left-wing parties for decades Neskaupstaður has always been an excellent town to live in, with its strong emphasis on community and family and its welfare-oriented society. It was labeled the red town in the past because it was a stronghold of socialist and left-wing parties for decades. It is still an excellent place to live in today, as it has a strong economy and is home to one of Iceland's most significant fishing companies, Síldarvinnslan. The town offers excellent services to its residents: a good preschool, an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, a sports center, a swimming pool, a library, a community center, a hospital, and a healthcare center. It also has a skiing area at the mountain pass of Oddskarð. Unfortunately, the town has also experienced significant difficulties and natural disasters throughout history. Just before Christmas in 1971, a large avalanche fell on the town, destroying a large part of the buildings and structures of the fishing companies as well as many homes. Twelve people also lost their lives due to this event. It was a devastating blow to the community. Since then, a colossal avalanche defense structure has been built on the mountain slopes above the town. The structure is quite large in proportion to the small village and took years to build. It is absolutely one of the reasons to visit Neskaupstaður village, as the whole structure is quite impressive, and there are hiking trails that go up the hills for viewing. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

The church in the tiny village of Grenivík Grenivík, sometimes referred to as Grýtubakkahreppur, is a tiny village on the east coast of Eyjafjörður Fjord in the northern region. It is named after the cove by the coastline in front of the village. Although the cove and nearby places are mentioned in the Book of Settlement, which was written in the 12th century, the village has only been around for a few decades. It is probably one of the newest villages in Iceland. Even in 1935, the town didn’t have more than 20 houses, and agriculture was the primary source of income for the inhabitants. They also engaged in fishing, which was more of a means of survival rather than for trading locally and internationally. Commercial activities in the fishing industry were not possible at that time due to a lack of natural harbor or a good landing place for boats. A small but clever community The harbor and fish processing plant in Genivík In the middle of the 20th century, the first fishing vessels arrived at Grenivík, and fish processing began. A few decades later, a better harbor was built, and more fishing and fish processing began to take place. More and more people moved to Grenivík and built homes there. Today, fishing and fish processing are the main sources of income for most of the inhabitants. The population was approximately 280 in the early nineties and currently, as of January 2022, about 380. In all the disruptions and changes in the fishing industry in Iceland since the introduction of the quota system at the turn of the century, Grenivík has survived and thrived. This is probably mainly due to the clever decision-making of the community and investments in fishing quotas. A nice little village to live in Grenivík village in Eyjafjörður fjord in northern region in Iceland Although it is one of the smallest villages near the coastline in Iceland, Grenivík offers all the necessary services that are required by residents of any town or village. The town has a kindergarten, a primary and secondary school, a swimming pool, and a sports center. Good care is provided for the elderly, and the town has a community center and a history of active social life. Visiting Grenivík Grenivík offers all the necessary services that are required by residents of any town or village When traveling in Iceland on the Ring Road, Grenivík is a 20 km drive away from the main road. Although it is interested in attracting more attention from tourists, as are most places in Iceland, Grenivík does not offer a lot. It has a limited selection of accommodation and barely any café or restaurant. If you are interested in staying at a quiet place in the north, Grenivík is an excellent choice. A good choice is to take the road nr. 835 north of road nr. 1 and drive through the beautiful Fnjóskadalur valley all the way to Grenivík and road nr. 83 by the coastline back to the Ring Road. This is an approximately two-hour loop but completely worth it. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Harbor at Húsavík town in northern region in Iceland Húsavík town, a part of the Norðurþing multiplicity with a population of 2.400 as of January 2022, is a beautiful fishing town in the Northern Region of Iceland. Húsavík ranks number one on my list of the most interesting towns and villages in Iceland. It is located near the most beautiful and interesting tourist attractions and natural wonders in Iceland Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. It is the home to many natural wonders and breathtaking places such as Dettifoss waterfall, Hólmatungur, and Hafragilsfoss waterfall. It is also close to Ásbyrgi, and Mývatn. Historically it is also a place of great importance, and it is an old town. One could argue that Húsavík (the bay of houses) is the first place that was inhabited by people of Iceland. The second Viking Explorer, who arrived in Iceland during the second half of the 9th century, built the first house by the bay and stayed there for one winter. Garðar Svavarsson named the island Garðarshólmi after himself, but the name didn't work. Historically, Húsavík has been an important place in Iceland ever since the Vikings started to settle there. Húsavík has a long history of trading The old church in Húsavík town Interestingly, Húsavík has been a place for trading for ages and has taken advantage of the fishing grounds in Skjálfandi bay throughout centuries. First, it was a trading place in the Middle Ages. Later, the notorious Danish-Icelandic Trade Monopoly carried out an operation in Húsavík. After the monopoly was abolished, Húsavík dominated trading in the annex trading period and continued to maintain its role when independent trading and Cooperative Societies finally took over most of the trading in Iceland including towns and villages around the country. A fishing town with tourist attraction Húsavík town has a great camping site Currently, fishing and fish processing are the primary sources of income for most residents in Húsavík. The first motorboats reached Húsavík in the first decade of the 20th century. This development made a huge difference as it did in most towns and villages around the shoreline in Iceland. After two decades, a permanent harbor was built that cleared the way for further development in fishing on a larger scale. In 2018, a silicon metal factory opened and started operation; PCC Bakki Silicon providing an essential base to the Húsavík economy. In recent years, Húsavík has made an impressive entry into the tourist industry while at the same time, fishing and fish processing is on a decline. The initiative of offering whale-watching tours to Skjálfandi bay years ago has resulted in the label "Whale-Watching capital" of the world when people refer to Húsavík. The place provides the most interesting whale watching tours in Iceland. For the people who are particularly interested in whale watching, it is strongly recommended that they take the tour with Norðursigling in Húsavík. An attractive town all year long The small theater in Húsavík part of rich art and culture Húsavík has always been considered a pleasant town to live in with good service for the residents. From early on, education was a priority like most towns and villages in Iceland. The first school was built at the end of the 19th century. Currently, there are quality schools from kindergarten to high school. The town has a gorgeous swimming pool, a sports center, great sports faculties, a community center, and a theater. It also includes a hospital, health care, and good care for the elderly. The Church in Húsavík is a timber building that was built in 1906 and consecrated in 1907. It is a beautiful building and has served the whole community of Húsavík for years. A beautiful and quiet place in the middle of Húsavík, ideal for walking around the town Most of the homes in Húsavík are single-family houses. However, the town has a few old houses. Here you also find a good selection of accommodation and an impressive small town center with excellent restaurants and cafés. Húsavík is a green area; heated with hot water from a geothermal plant and is thus part of the green energy revolution that started in Iceland more than a century ago. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland Accommodations, hotels, and guesthouses close to Selfoss town Húsavík Cape Hotel : This family-run hotel offers stunning views over the town, harbor, and ocean. It's uniquely connected to the world's only Eurovision exhibition, featuring original costumes and props from the event. Guests can also enjoy the cozy JaJaDingDong bar on-site. husavikhotel.com Fosshotel Húsavík : Situated in the heart of Húsavík, this well-equipped hotel is within walking distance of the harbor, offering stunning fjord views. It's an excellent base for whale watching and exploring the town's attractions. Island's Hotel Hótel Rauðaskriða : A family-run hotel located between Húsavík and Akureyri, offering a relaxed atmosphere with 42 rooms, an à la carte restaurant, and hot tubs. It's an eco-friendly establishment, certified by the Nordic Swan Association, making it a great base for exploring natural attractions in the area. Hotel Raudaskrida Húsavík Guesthouse : This family-run guesthouse provides a warm welcome with eight rooms, including single, double, triple, and a quadruple family room. It's an excellent choice for those planning to go whale watching or sightseeing in North Iceland.

Ólafsfjörður town in between the mountains Ólafsfjörður is a village in the northern region of Iceland, where fishing and fish processing form the main base of the town's economy. Historically, it is a relatively recent community by the shoreline, like many towns and villages in Iceland. The town came into existence at the end of the 19th century and developed mainly in the first half of the 20th century. Like its sister town, Siglufjörður in the Fjallabyggð municipality, Ólafsfjörður fjord, as well as the town has a history of isolation and lack of communication throughout the centuries. It is placed in a small fjord surrounded by steep mountains with limited ways to build roads. Unlike Siglufjörður, though, the lowland in a valley southwest of the coastline is considerably larger, providing better room for agriculture and farming. So, for centuries, the area was mainly a typical agricultural area with self-sustaining and survival food through local fishing as well. Fishing and fish processing developed late A street in Ólafsfjörður town in the northern region in Iceland It wasn't until the beginning of the 20th century that fishing developed into a business in Ólafsfjörður. Icelanders started to take advantage of their rich fishing grounds for local markets and export. This started with the introduction of docked vessels, mostly with motorboats around the turn of the 20th century. The change from rowing boats made it easier to sail from the fjord, or at that time the hamlet, to the open sea and cultivate fishing stock farther from the shore, opening the path for Ólafsfjörður to become a fishing village. A good harbor was built in the fifties that helped speed up the development of the town's economy. One of the first communities to use geothermal heating Playground in Ólafsfjörður town in northern region in Iceland Today the village is a typical Icelandic fishing village, and the economy and livelihood of the residents mainly depend on the fisheries and fish processing. Most houses are single-family houses built in the fifties up until the seventies in the last century. The houses are heated with geothermal heating from a power plant built in 1940, so Ólafsfjörður has been a green village for decades. As a town in an isolated fjord, communication and transportation on land was always difficult, and it could be argued that it still is. However, the road from Eyjafjörður fjord around Ólafsfjarðarmúli small peninsula was built in the late 20th century and was the first serious road connecting the town to other parts of the country. This is the same road used today as part of the road to Ólafsfjörður. Driving down this road is intimidating, although a 4km tunnel opened in 1991, which vastly improved the road and made it safer. A fishing village in a growing municipal Ólafsfjörður town in the norhern region Iceland The village and the Fjallabyggð municipality offer excellent services to their residents. The community has always emphasized education and offered good schools from preschool to secondary schools. Today the Fjallabyggð Municipality also offers a pre-college education after the opening of the tunnel Héðinsfjarðargöng in 2010 that connects the town of Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður. Ólafsfjörður has excellent sports facilities and a lovely swimming pool. Skiing has always been big in Ólafsfjörður, and many of the best skiers in Iceland have come from Ólafsfjörður, both downhill and cross-country skiing. The camping site is right outside the swimming pool with excellent facilities and access to electricity. Most of the tourists that come to Ólafsfjörður drive on the Tröllaskagi peninsula, which is a considerable addition to the Ring Road. If you do that, be prepared to add a day to your Ring Road trip and find accommodation either in Ólafsfjörður or Siglufjörður. At the same time, you are adding a visit to many interesting towns and villages and beautiful scenic drives. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Bolungarvík village and Ísafjörður fjord in the West Fjords in Iceland Bolungarvík is mentioned in the Icelandic Book of Settlement, written in the 12th century, which tells us that people have lived in the area for centuries. It also tells us that it was an excellent place to live despite the isolation, as both land and sea provided suitable means of livelihood. The story from the Book of Settlement is both interesting and unusual because it mentions a woman, Þuríður sundafyllir, not a man or a famous Viking, who settled in Bolungarvík around one thousand years ago. Until the second half of the nineteenth century, most inhabitants lived on farms in the two valleys picturesquely lying between the three mountains characteristic of Bolungarvík. Throughout the centuries, many small farms existed in the two valleys. However, the main difficulty people living in Bolungarvík and the limited lowland in the valleys faced was isolation. Bolungarvík is one of the oldest fishing stations in Iceland On the avalanche defense wall in Bolungarvík village Fishing has always been important because of the short distance to rich fishing grounds, making it easy for inhabitants to add to their food and protein cultivated in the valleys. Consequently, for centuries, Bolungarvík was one of the largest fishing stations in Iceland, with houses scattered throughout the land and in both valleys. At the end of the 19th century, coastal towns grew as housing became denser near the shore and more people began to make a living from fishing and fish processing. Commercial activities became the primary means of income and were more organized. And the former fishing station grew into a village. Like many towns on the coastline of Iceland, significant changes started when Icelanders began to use decked vessels and motorboats in the early 20th century. At that time, more commercial activities like trading started in Bolungarvík. Transportation on land was always difficult A store in Bolungarvík village Transportation on land was always tricky in Bolungarvík as high and steep mountains surround the area. Most of the transport was by sea, and a road wasn't built until 1950. This road was by the shoreline and proved quite dangerous due to landslides, avalanches, and rocks falling from the mountains above. In 2010, the village got a permanent solution to their transportation woes when the road was moved from the shoreline, and a tunnel was built through the mountains. This has made Bolungarvík more accessible and the roads much more secure. So, you need not worry about driving to the village when visiting the Westfjords. Bolungarvík is still a fishing town School in Bolungarvík village in West Fjords Iceland Today, fishing and fish processing is still the primary economic base and source of income for most families. However, like so many villages in the Westfjords, Bolungarvík was hit hard by the fishing quota system created by the Icelandic Government in 1990. Instead of large vessels and active fish processing companies abundant in the seventies and eighties, everything is smaller and less active. Somehow, most towns and villages in the Westfjords lost permission to take advantage of their abundant fishing grounds during that time, resulting in a smaller share in the fishing industry. Bolungarvík and people traveling in Iceland Old part of Bolungarvík village in Iceland Like many of the towns and villages on the coastline of Iceland, most of the houses are single-family houses built between the fifties and eighties in the last century. At the time, much of the town's infrastructure was created to provide the necessary services available to today's residents. Bolungarvík has a preschool, elementary, and middle school as well as a library. There is also easy access to the high school in Ísafjörður, which is only minutes away. The town has a sports center, swimming pool, accommodation, gas station, and beautiful camping site. Traveling in and visiting the Westfjords is only possible during summer and is not recommended from October until the beginning of June. A recent apartment building in Bolungarvík village in West Fjords Iceland Although it is an attractive small town, it is difficult to see how Bolungarvík can become an important destination and participate in regional tourism. It is still a long way from mainstream attractions. One effort to bridge this gap is a new viewing panel at 620 m above sea level, near the peak of Mt. Bolafjall. This will allow visitors a spectacular view of the mountains and fjords in Ísafjörður, but not as impressive as what you see driving in the Dynjandisheiði mountain pass between the Arnarfjörður and Barðaströnd fjords. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland