Headed out from Malarhorn today and took the alternate road around the peninsula instead of the direct route to Atleyna. Turned out to be about 155 km instead of 94 km. But, quite a nice drive – NO dirt roads today. Not many towns at all as this was a fairly isolated region of Iceland in years past. The road around the peninsula is now opened up. The typical route, along the coast up to the top and then back down to a small town Sky….. This was THE herring capital of the world in the 30s time frame with hundreds of fishing boats from Iceland, Norway and other countries. At this time about 31% of Iceland’s income was from herring. Now it is about 2% or less. Most of the herring was ground up to extract the oil for lighting, fuel, etc… The rest of the fish was ground up, dried and sold as meal for a protein supplement, typically cattle in many countries. The 40s marked the ending of the real heyday and it has dropped steadily, although sporadically, since then. Most of the herring fishing is now done on the east coast of Iceland and there is only one processing plant at this time. In the heyday there were 12-15 plants. From there we went on to Atleyna and our motel. After a rest went back into town, went by the church LCIE – a very nice large church. The children’s pastor told me there were about 7,000 members but far, far fewer for the one Sunday night service.
Went into the old town, very small area and by the house of a famous Icelandic author which was closed so could not go in. Being as it was after 1700 most museums, etc., were closed. Did find the botanical gardens and wandered a through them – really stunningly beautiful. Everything seemed to be in bloom! Not a BIG place but you could spend quite some time in there this time of the year.
After this went to get a pizza for supper and then back to the motel.
Additional Information
Your destination is Akureyri the largest town in North Iceland. Akureyri is a picturesque town and although it is situated only about 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it enjoys some of the best weather in Iceland. See the Botanical Gardens and some of the many museums and art galleries. Akureyri is the trade and service centre of North Iceland as well as a centre of culture and education. This is truly a city where there’s something for everyone.
A different option:
Drive around Tröllaskagi Peninsula to Hofsós town where you might want to visit The Icelandic Emigration Center built in honor of Icelanders who emigrated to North America between 1850 and 1914. Continue to Siglufjörður, a remotely located fishing town that was once the most prosperous fishing town in Iceland during the herring boom in the early 20th century. Enjoy the tranquility of Siglufjörður and other fishing towns on your way to your destination, the vibrant city of Akureyri.
Highlights:
Akureyri Town
Siglufjörður Town
Photos for Today