Hólmavík
is a vibrant, pleasant town of 400 people situated
on Steingrímsfjörður fjord á
Ströndum alongside Route 61, just 270 km from
Reykjavík. People in the countryside surrounding
Hólmavík live off sheep farming, while
economic activity in town revolves around the fisheries
and services. It is often said that the people of
Ströndum are full of life, and well connected
with nature, words that indeed are true.
Hólmavík has much to offer all who visit:
natural beauty, peace and quiet, enjoyable walking
trails, diverse cultural activities, horseback trips,
beautiful handicrafts, a golf course, a good restaurant
and bar, exciting exhibitions and a museum.
Hólmavík is a paradise for families
and lovers of nature and history, located by the sea
under beautiful buttes named Kálfanesborgir.
These buttes, which lovingly protect the town, are
popular among hikers, in particular because of the
beautiful views of the surrounding area from their
peaks. Hikers may write their names in a guestbook
kept at the highest peak. It is also fun simply walking
around the town in good weather, absorbing the atmosphere
of seamen and others at work.
Regardless of the weather, however, it is quite enjoyable
to simply explore the town and enjoy the residents’
hospitality. Hólmavík was first settled
late in the 19th century when merchant Richard P.
Riis moved there. He built a trading post in 1897,
Hólmavík’s oldest building, which
today houses Café Riis, a restaurant and bar.
Café Riis has a laid-back atmosphere in the
center of town, is warmly furnished and has a menu
that will not disappoint. Weekends are an especially
good time to drop in to enjoy a pint and a chat with
the locals.
It has often been said that the people of Ströndum
know a bit more about witchcraft and sorcery than
most others, and to underscore that claim an exhibition,
Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft, has been set up
that takes one on a magical tour into the mystical
world of the supernatural. The exhibition covers magic
practiced during the 17th century, as well as folktales,
in a most informative and enjoyable way.
Sauðfjársetur (Sheep Center) á Ströndum
is located in the Sævangur community center,
about 12 km south of Hólmavík. There,
people can learn about the history of the Icelandic
sheep and relax over a cup of coffee and genuine Icelandic
cakes and bread in the cosy coffee bar. A handicrafts
shop sells crafts made mostly by the locals.
There are several places for accommodation in and
around Hólmavík. Guesthouse at Borgabraut,
an old-time favorite in the town, is conveniently
located. Ferðaþjónustan Kirkjuból
is a guesthouse just south of Hólmavík
where there are good walking trails as well as nice
facilities for children.
Campers can put up tents at the campsite close to
the Hólmavík Information Center that
is open during summer. The Information Center can
provide travelers with all information regarding leisure
activities in the area. There are also facilities
to wash and dry clothes, log onto the Internet, have
coffee, etc.
And there certainly are plenty of leisure activities
to enjoy. Strandahestar offers long and short horseback
tours, and golfers can tee off on a 9-hole course
at Skeljavík just outside town.
Hólmavík is a destination for those
looking for peace and quiet, beautiful nature, hospitality
and plenty of leisure activities.
Tourist Services:
Information Center in Hólmavík
Tel. 451-3111
[email protected]
www.holmavik.is/info
(Icelandic)
Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft Exhibition
at Ströndum
Tel. 451-3525
[email protected]
www.vestfirdir.is/galdrasyning
(English/German/Icelandic)
Sheep Center at Ströndum
Tel. 451-3180
[email protected]
www.strandir.is/saudfjarsyning
(Icelandic)
Strandahestar Horseback Tours
Tel. 451-3196
Café Riis
Tel. 451-3567
[email protected]
www.caferiis.is
(Icelandic)
Guesthouse Borgabraut
Tel. 451-3136
Guesthouse at Kirkjuból
Tel. 451-3474
[email protected]
www.strandir.is/kirkjubol
(English/German/Icelandic)
