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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

Lomagnúpur mountain The mountain Lómagnúpur is among the most photographed mountains and natural wonders in the Icelandic Landscape. The 690-meter-high cliff at the southern end of the mountain stands tall. Something visitors driving the Ring Road approaching the mountain can not but admire as it lifts from the endless sand Skeiðarársandur south of Vatnajökull and Skaftafell. The mountain is like a magnet for the eye, and with its small ponds, rocks, and vegetation surrounding the cliffs is just a perfect item in the landscape to photograph. It is almost too easy to take beautiful photos of this magnificent mountain on a beautiful, calm day. Mt. Lómagnúpur is on the South Shore on the map of Iceand A cliff that has been around for a long time in Icelandic history Lómagnúpur from the west side with Öræfajökull glacer in the background Stories related to Lómagnúpur have been around for a long time. One of the oldest ones is from the famous Saga, Njála. One of the main characters, Flosi, originally came up with the idea to burn Njáls farm and lived at Svínafell farm near the Svínafell glacier. In one of his dreams, he saw a giant walk out from the mountains as it opened and named 25 men out loud, putting the flames to Njal's farm. After that, he walked back into the mountain. Possibly the story has its roots in the cliffs being so steep and high that people feel dwarfed in the presence of the mountain and gave it a supernatural force. An unstable mountain with a history of landslides Lómagnúpur is by the Ring Road nr. 1 One could argue that Lómagnúpur is one of the few mountains in Iceland that have unexpected landslides, even loaded with large bergs and rocks. One quite significant was documented around the middle of the 17th century on the west side. The landslide is still visible from the farm Núpstaðir. Another smaller landslide, also visible today both as a scar in the mountain and also at the root of the mountain, occurred on the east side in 1988. It is an unstable creature and possibly as it is the home of large giants. If you're planning to tour Iceland in a  rental car , make sure to  read this article  about the type of car that would be best for your trip.

Admission to Ögmundarhraun is free Visitors to Ögmundarhraun are not required to make any payment for entry. Despite the limited capacity of the parking area, it generally accommodates the number of visitors adequately without reaching full capacity. Regrettably, restroom and sanitary facilities are not provided at this natural attraction. Ögmundahraun lava field For many reasons, the lava field or lava carpet Ögmundarhraun in Reykjanes Peninsula is fascinating. The whole peninsula is home to hundreds of eruptions from thousands of years ago and also from historical times. The landform is an excellent example of how mother nature builds her land. And although this eruption at Reykjanes Peninsula was about 700 years ago, the whole peninsula is still defined as active when it comes to volcanos and eruptions as we have seen in recent years. Ögmundarhraun is the product of lava that spread from a volcano near the southern tip of the mountain ridge Vesturháls, which is one of two adjacent mountain ridges at Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption occurred around 800 - 900 years ago. The lava in Ögmundarhraun is quite typical for moss-covered lava you can see in many places in Iceland and is also quite accessible. Ögmundarhraun lava field is at Reykjanes Peninsula on the map of Iceland Lava that flooded over farms The lava floaded out to the ocean at Ögmundarhraun At the time of settlement, Reykjanes Peninsula was not an attractive place to settle down in Iceland. Some people made an effort, but quickly it became apparent that it was a difficult place to make a living. Most of the land was covered with lava, as it is today, with limited access to the fertile soil. The water doesn't hold and quickly leeks deep to the ground. In the middle of Ögmundarhraun lava is a place called Húshólmi. It is a curious place as there are ruins that have been dated back to 870, around the time the first settlers came to Iceland. It is one of the oldest human-made structures in Iceland, deserted when the lava folded nearby and around the farm. So we can say that the eruption both ruined and preserved the farm and protected significant antiquities. Ögmundarhraun is also a place where you can see how lava from historical times formed the coastline. After floating from the craters, the lava ended in the ocean and moved the shoreline forward. Although there are places in Iceland where you can see the lava meet the sea, there are not many such places, and if you decide to walk hike to the shore, keep in mind that it is harsh and dangerous to walk the lava. Ogmundarhraun is easily accessible Shorlline by Ögmundarhraun lava field For those who have rarely or ever seen a lava field, this is a great opportunity and probably one of the best places in Iceland. When you drive from Grindavík town, on the south shore of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the road Suðurstrandarvegur Nr. 427, you will find a sign pointing south with the name Húshólmi. There are signs and a parking lot only a few meters from the intersection. You need to walk from the parking lot, which is a medium and refreshing hike. The distance to the shoreline is about two kilometers, and so is the walk to Húshólmi on a track in the middle of the lava field. By doing both, you will get a good view of a lava field that spreads over land and also lava that fights the ocean. Both are fascinating and quite photogenic. The whole hike should take about two to three hours but is extremely enjoyable and rewarding.

Single family homes in Þórshöfn north east Iceland Þórshöfn is a small remote village in the northeast region of Iceland, far away from most places and quite close to the Arctic Circle. It is located in a part of Iceland where nights are long and dark during winter, but daylight lasts for 24 hours during summer for weeks. While labeling this part of Iceland as remote, it must be kept in mind that most days of the year, one can drive to Akureyri in the northern part of Iceland, or even to the capital Reykjavík, within a matter of hours. Although Þórshöfn was never a large village, it reached its peak in the seventies, when around 500 people lived in it. Since then, there has been a decline in the population, and today less than 380 people live in the village as of January 2022. Historically, Þórshöfn is a village that originated from trading rather than fishing and fish processing, unlike most villages around the coast in Iceland. Nonetheless, the residents' main source of income and livelihood today is more or less related to the fishing industry. Þórshöfn’s origins can be traced to trading School and playground in Þórshöfn village Trading by German merchants was documented as early as the 15th century. Later, when the notorious Danish-Icelandic Trade Monopoly was established, trading was banned in Þórshöfn, and neighboring residents were forced to do their business in Húsavík, which was quite a distance away. It wasn't until the fourth decade of the 19th century that Þórshöfn became a place of trading once again and remained so until the middle of the 20th century. At that time the harbor was improved substantially, and the shift began from trading to fishing and fish processing. Initially, it was more like a hamlet or a cluster of houses rather than a village. Late to start in the fishing industry The indor swimming pool in Þórshöfn village Despite the trading history, Þórshöfn didn't start to develop into a village until the first decade of the 20th century. The foundation of later development was the shift from trading to fishing that is the main base of the town's economy today. Although motorboats came to many towns and villages in Iceland at the beginning of the 20th century, the first motorboats arrived in Þórshöfn in the third decade. Unlike some of the remote villages in Iceland that are struggling today, mainly because of the changes imposed by the government in the fishing quota system, Þórshöfn has a relatively good economy based on small boats. A village with all the essential services Village center in Þórshöfn north east Iceland Today Þórshöfn is part of a small municipality, Langanesbyggð, that includes the tiny hamlet Bakkafjörður and the rural areas of both villages. The municipality offers basic services to its residents. Like most communities in Iceland, the emphasis is on education, culture, and recreational activities. Þórshöfn has a preschool, a primary and a secondary school, an excellent indoor swimming pool, and a sports center. The community has adequate health care and takes good care of the elderly. Þórshöfn has a neat camping site and a restaurant Báran serving anyone traveling in the northeast region of Iceland. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Raufarhöfn, the remote and northern most village in Iceland Raufarhöfn is the northernmost village in Iceland and one of the country's smallest and most isolated villages. The distance to the Arctic Circle is measured in just a few kilometers from here. When you visit this tiny village on the verge of being abandoned, it is hard to imagine that it was once a reasonably large export harbor. It is also hard to imagine what keeps it alive, although fishing and fish processing in small boats are the core means of income. During the herring frenzy which dominated Iceland's economy in the forties and fifties, Raufarhöfn became an important location for salting and processing herring. Processing plants were built, and investments were made in houses and companies. Hundreds rushed to Raufarhöfn because jobs were plentiful and salaries were good. But in the late seventies, herring disappeared because of overfishing, as sometimes happens with fishing stock. The economic base of the village collapsed and has never recovered since then. Raufarhöfn was also a trading post The harbor in Raufarhöfn village Although the distance to the fishing grounds played a role in the village’s development, trade was also a contributing factor. The main reason was the good natural harbor. Therefore, Raufarhöfn was a prominent trading post from the early 19th century and was considered an excellent location for imports and exports. At that time, like other small villages and hamlets close to the Melrakkaslétta peninsula, the village offered necessary services to its residents. But you only need to look at a map of Iceland to realize how isolated and remote this village is and how harsh and exposed the environment is. A small village in decline Health care in Raufarhöfn village The small village of Raufarhöfn has never really recovered since the herring stock declined. For day-to-day necessities, the distance to other villages is quite far, not to mention the to-and-fro distances to larger towns with more variety and amenities, such as Akureyri. However, having said that, Raufarhöfn is far from being as isolated as many villages in a similar position, such as Utqiagvik in Alaska. These villages have no means of transport other than small airplanes and are thousands of kilometers away from the nearest urban area. But from Raufarhöfn, it only takes about nine hours to drive to Reykjavík, and the roads are getting better every year. Raufarhöfn is part of a larger municipality, Norðurþing Community center in Raufarhöfn village Iceland During the second decade of the 20th century and the upswing years, some of the necessary infrastructures were developed. A school was built in 1939, followed by a church designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, Iceland's most prominent architect, in 1927, and later a large community center. Today, with a population of approximately 180 people as of January 2022, Raufarhöfn is part of the municipality of Norðurþing together with the thriving town of Húsavík. But it still struggles to provide all the essential services expected of a town or village. For those of you who wish to explore the Melrakkaslétta peninsula and the northeast part of Iceland, Raufarhöfn offers a camping site and accommodation, a small café, and a roadside restaurant. Visiting the village is an experience, as is the drive around Melrakkaslétta. And here, you need to remember that even though it is pretty dark during winter, you also have daylight around the clock for weeks on end. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

Blönduós is one of the popular spots on the Ring Road Blönduós is a small town with a population of approximately 880 as of January 2022. The town has always been an important service center and a popular pit stop for those traveling between the southern and the northern part of Iceland. Also, it is one of the popular spots on the Ring Road for people looking to view the natural beauty of Iceland. The village is located near the Vatnsnes Peninsula, beside some stunning natural wonders. Hvítserkur and Borgarvirki on the east side of Vatnsnes and many interesting natural wonders such as Kálfhamarsvík and Kolugljúfur. Blönduós, which means the mouth of the river Blanda, is one of the busiest tourist stops in Iceland. People traveling through the Ring Road stop here to rest, eat, and fill the tank. It is also ideal for a short stay of a day or two for exploring the fascinating nature and surroundings. One of the main characteristics of Blönduós is the river Blanda that splits the town into the south side and the north side. An agricultural service village by the shore Swimming pool in Blönduós Although mentioned in one of the Sagas as a landing place for boats, the town never became a fishing town in the typical Icelandic sense. It is probably the only town or village by the shoreline in Iceland that never developed into a fishing community. One reason might be the fertile soil and large farms in the surrounding area. Blönduós has been, from the beginning, more of a service center for agriculture and trading. The village is more like the inland towns of Selfoss and Hella in the southern region and Egilsstaðir in the east. Most of the homes are single-family houses The river Blanda in Blönduós village Like many towns and villages across Iceland, Blönduós didn't emerge as a village until the late 19th century. On the other hand, there are a few old houses in the village from the first half of the 20th century, on the south side of the river. The beautiful little church is from the late 19th century. Most of the houses are single-family houses built in the 50s through to the 80s. There is also an apartment building, but, historically, Icelanders prefer to live in single-family homes, particularly in small towns and villages. Blönduós is like most Icelandic towns and villages in the "warm" area. It is a "green" village with the amenity of sustainable geothermal heating. Read this article before you rent a car in Iceland Blönduós offers good service to its residents Homes in Blönduós village Most of the livelihood in Blönduós revolves around agriculture, service and tourism. It is considered an excellent town to live in, with good quality service for its residents. Education has always been a priority; thus, Blönduós has good schools, from preschool to secondary schools. The town also has excellent healthcare facilities for its residents and even a hospital serving the nearby agricultural area and nearby towns. Early on, Blönduós had a community center, an excellent sports facility, and a good swimming pool like most Icelandic towns and villages. The camping site is quite good, located at a beautiful spot by the river Blanda. Blönduós also offers a variety of accommodation, restaurants, cafés, and a good grocery store. If you choose to accommodate in Blönduós while traveling in Iceland, an evening stroll in the bright summer evenings by the south side of the river and a visit to the oldest part of the village must be on your itinerary. Accommodations, hotels, and guesthouses close to Blönduós town Direct booking on their website Hótel Blönduós Description:  A historic hotel originally built in 1900 as the sheriff's house and later repurposed in 1943 as a hotel. It has undergone a full refurbishment to offer guests a modern and comfortable stay while preserving its rich history. Quality Remarks:  As one of Iceland's oldest still-operating hotels, Hótel Blönduós provides a unique blend of history and modern comfort. Guests can enjoy cozy rooms, an on-site restaurant named Sýslumaðurinn, and proximity to the Blanda river. Glaðheimar Cottages Description:  Located along the Blanda river, Glaðheimar offers a variety of well-equipped cottages, ranging from 2-person to 10-person units. Each cottage features a terrace, kitchen facilities, and some include hot tubs for added relaxation. Quality Remarks:  Guests appreciate the serene riverside setting and the rustic charm of the wooden interiors. The cottages are praised for their cleanliness, comfort, and proximity to local amenities in Blönduós. Guesthouse Svínavatn Description:  A small and friendly guesthouse located 23 km south of Blönduós, offering a peaceful environment with beautiful views over Lake Svínavatn. Accommodations include rooms with either shared or private bathrooms, and guests have access to kitchen facilities. Quality Remarks:  Visitors value the tranquil setting and personal service. The guesthouse provides opportunities to witness extraordinary sunrises, sunsets, and the northern lights. Guests are also welcome to fish in Lake Svínavatn during their stay, free of charge.

Swimming pool in Hofsós tiny hamlet in the northern region in Iceland The tiny hamlet of Hofsós in the Northern Region of Iceland was a rather busy trading post in the 17th and 18th centuries. Located on the western side of the large Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula), Hofsós had all the historical prerequisites to become a large town. It was a trading post for the Danish Trade Monopoly, and it was close to the fishing grounds; it was centrally situated in the region and had a relatively good marine harbor. Despite the merchant activities, however, this small village did not grow as much as one could expect during the 20th century. Somehow, in the late 19th century and the early 20th century, most of the activity in the region moved to Sauðárkrókur, the town on the other side of Skagafjörður fjord. One of the oldest villages in Iceland The sunsets in Skagafjörður fjord and Hofsós are often spectacular in summer Although there are few attractions near Hofsós, the hamlet has an attractive neighbor, Hólar í Hjaltadal, which has great historical importance in Iceland as one of two suffragan bishops resided there during Catholicism in Iceland. Because of its early history as a trading post, Hofsós has one of the oldest houses in Iceland, Pakkhúsið, built in the late 18th century. The house is now a museum owned by the National Museum of Iceland, and it is an enjoyable spot to visit for anyone traveling in the country. The village also has a cluster of impressive old houses by the small bay, near the old landing spot by the harbor. Most of the other homes and buildings in the village are from the middle of the 20th century, when the fishing and fish processing industries first started developing here. Today, part of a larger municipality Hosós hamlet is a good place for photography Today, Hofsós is part of a larger municipality, Skagafjörður, which includes many former rural and agricultural municipalities in the region as well as Sauðárkrókur, the town on the other side of the Skagafjörður fjord. The municipality provides services to the residents at Hofsós. The village has a small preschool, a primary and secondary school, and a gorgeous swimming pool. Other services are part of the Skagafjörður municipality and not necessarily located in the village. Fishing is still the primary source of income Fishing is still an essential factor in the economy of Hofsós In recent years, Hofsós's economy has been shifting from fishing toward tourism, although fishing and fish processing is still its mainstay. Even though the village is relatively small, a population of approximately 160 inhabitants as of January 2022, it has two museums—the Pakkhúsið mentioned above and the Icelandic Emigration Center, dedicated to commemorating Icelandic emigrants to North America and promoting connections between their descendants and the people of Iceland. Hofsós also offers a few options in accommodation, a good camping site, a café, a small grocery store, and one of the nicest swimming pools in all the country's small towns and villages. The weather in the fjord Skagafjörður is often relatively calm in the summer evenings, offering an excellent opportunity for an evening stroll; sunsets during summer are often spectacular. An excellent idea for evening relaxation, and a wonderful way to enjoy the sunset, is to walk down to the coastline by the swimming pool to look at the unusual and beautiful basalt columns, Staðarbjörg. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland