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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

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

Hvammstangi town center There are many reasons to stop at the pleasant village of Hvammstangi in Iceland’s Northern Region. Located on the Vatnsnes Peninsula, it neighbors some stunning natural wonders, such as Hvítserkur and Borgarvirki on the east of the peninsula and a number of interesting seal colonies north of the village on the west. The village became a certified trading post at the end of the 19th century, but no one lived there at the time. A community only formed there at the beginning of the 20th century, when people moved to the area around the trading post and started to settle down. Before the trading certification was issued, the surrounding area had consisted only of farms and agricultural enterprises. Services were sought from the other small villages and towns in the Northern Region. Opportunities arrived with new technology The old church in Hvammstangi village Like many towns and villages around Iceland’s coastline with origins in the 20th century, Hvammstangi is a product of new technology in fishing and fish processing and better communication, transportation, and trading. Up to that point, Iceland was a mainly agricultural society with a few densely populated areas or clusters of houses along the coastline. The village was established when new trade boosted the number of opportunities, and industries and Icelanders did not have to rely only on agriculture to make a living. A village developed in the 20th century Hvammstangi has a great restaurant The first houses were constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, when the Danish merchant Riis started trading. At the same time, the Icelandic Cooperative Society started important economic activities in Hvammstangi. In the late 1920's, an Icelandic merchant Sigurður Pálmason also started trading in the village. This made Hvammstangi a very progressive and competitive community for its time. In the decades that followed, new services, such as a new church, excellent schools, a community center, a swimming pool, and a health center, started to appear as the community developed further. Today, Hvammstangi boasts all the key services and institutions required by any civilized community to provide a superior quality of life to its residents. Hvammstangi is a good tourist spot Hvammstangi camping site is among the best in Iceland Located six kilometers from the Ring Road, Hvammstangi was never frequently visited by Icelanders or tourists until the beginning of the 21st century. Despite its proximity to the Ring Road, the village was slightly isolated as it was probably viewed as just another fishing village, which is odd given how pleasant it is. Today, however, Hvammstangi has become a village that people should not miss. Although it is not old, it is a neat and convenient place to visit. The community has taken significant steps towards promoting the new industry of tourism. It has one of the best camping sites in Iceland, Kirkjuhvammur, located in a beautiful setting in the hills above the village. The town also has a marvelous top-quality restaurant and excellent accommodations. Old houses in Hvammstangi village in Iceland Hvammstangi is a pleasant place to live in, providing good quality service to its residents. The village has good schools, an excellent swimming pool and sports center, and a church and provides quality care for the elderly. Hvammstangi is one of our favorite villages and has taken the eighth place on our list of the ten most interesting towns and villages in Iceland. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland

The treasure chest is on the top of the mountain Athough at some distance from the main traffic and the Ring Road, Skagaströnd is a village worth visiting. It is a logical stop, for a meal, café, and the Museum of Prophecies on the way to the magnificent Kálfhamarsvík basalt column cove, and if you intend to take the loop from the Ring Road and travel to Sauðárkrókur and Siglufjörður. Like the neighboring village of Blönduós, Skagaströnd is close to some stunning natural wonders, including the Hvítserkur sea stack and Borgarvirki natural fortress on the east side of the Vatnsnes Peninsula, the Kálfhamarsvík cove, and Kolugljúfur. The Prophetess Mountain Local legend states that hidden somewhere on top of the Prophetess Mountain that towers over Skagaströnd is an enormous treasure chest loaded with valuables, with the key still in the keyhole. It is said that the chest was put there by Þórdís the prophetess many centuries ago. Since Þórdís was knowledgeable in witchcraft, a magic spell has been placed on the chest. Unless the spell is broken, the chest blends into the surrounding cliffs, apparently invisible to the naked eye. No one has been able to break the spell thus far, so apparently the treasure is still there. This story is a good example of how folklore lives through centuries and becomes a part of the town’s charm and the history of the local residents. An old trading place that developed slowly Homes in Skagaströnd village in the northern region in Icelan As far back as the 15th century, Skagaströnd was the trading post for the vast region around the southern and eastern part of Húnaflói, the bay east of the West Fjords. Even though the post developed into a small cluster of houses early on, had a harbor, and was considered a good landing place for vessels, it did not immediately evolve into a larger town offering services for its surrounding settlements. Many towns with a similar history in trading became main hubs for their area in the 20th century; unfortunately, this role was adopted by Blönduós, a bit south of Skagaströnd. The fishing village, Skagaströnd The town center in Skagaströnd village Although most of the trading and services developed at Blönduós in the 20th century, Skagaströnd continued to grow, nonetheless. Unlike Blönduós, it had a good harbor, and consequently the fishing and fish processing industries developed here. Today, they are the economic foundation of the small village. Important information regarding renting a car in Iceland article Skagaströnd has taken an interesting turn in the path to its development. The village is moving to new, interesting fields like research in biotechnology, which are in turn widening its economic base. It has also opened a residency for artists and is starting to shift toward more participation in tourism. A beautiful setting under the mountain Spákonufell Skagaströnd village and mountains in Westfjords on the other side of Húnaflói bay Skagaströnd is a neat fishing village offering most services required by residents in a modern Icelandic village. The town has a kindergarten, a primary and secondary school, and a sports center. It also boasts a community center, a church, and a health care center. The village has a charming location by the shore with the mighty mountain Spákonufell (Prophetess Mountain) in the background. Grocery stor in Skagaströnd village For anyone traveling in Iceland’s Northern Region, Skagaströnd has an excellent campsite and offers interesting hiking paths on the mountain Spákonufell. The village also offers accommodation and has a restaurant and a pleasant café.

The region around the small village of Búðardalur has a rich literary history; three of the main Icelandic Sagas (Laxdæla Saga, Saga of Eric the Red, and Eyrabyggja Saga), written in the 12th century are set here. The village itself, located at the entrance of the West Fjord peninsula, is relatively new and small. It is part of the Westfjords Road Trip route. The abundant lowlands and valleys in the area make it a largely agricultural and farming community. The entire Dalir region is bursting with sites of dramatic events from many centuries ago; one can read about them in the Icelandic sagas that are based here. Búðardalur is a small service village The store and restaurant in Búðardalur is a popular pit stop Tiny Búðardalur, with a population of less than 300, is located by Road Nr. 60, one of the two main roads leading to the Westfjords. The village’s first house was built at the end of the 19th century to accommodate a store and the store owner’s home. A few more houses were built in the early 20th century as well as a community center for the surrounding rural area. Although located on the coast, fishing or fish processing never developed in Búðardalur, probably because it is located at the bottom of the broad and large Breiðafjörður fjord with limited fishing grounds nearby. Instead, the many farms in the region have made it an agrarian area. Subsequently, a small dairy processing plant was built in Búðardalur, which created the main base for its development and economy. Most of the homes are relatively new Old renovated house in Búðardalur When you drive around the village, it is evident that most of the houses in Búðardalur are from the 1950’s, ’60’s, and ‘70’s. The Cooperative Society in Iceland also opened a store and various services. Most of the people who settled in the new and growing village around that time worked in farms, companies serving the rural area, and nearby agricultural companies. Just as many small rural districts and towns in Iceland have merged into larger municipalities in recent years, today Búðardalur is a part of the Dalabyggð municipality. One of those small villages with all essential services Búðardalur has a great camping site Even though the village is relatively small, it offers most of the essential services expected of any municipality. It has a school for its young residents, an all-in-one preschool, and a primary and elementary school where children can also attend music lessons. Nearby Laugar has a swimming pool and a sports center. There are four community centers in the Dalabyggð municipality and a small harbor in Búðardalur. In this tiny village, one can also find an art gallery and a local museum, an excellent camping ground, a café, and a restaurant. Know what to look for when you rent a car for your vacation in Iceland