Hendur í höfn

West of the village Eyrarbakki and close to Ölfusá River is the homestead of the medieval farm Drepstokkur and birthplace of Bjarni Herjólfsson the seafarer. There is a hill called Drepstokkshóll which is believed to be where Bjarni stood when he decided to sail for America and in 985 AD he was the first European to reach the American continent. His journey was recorded in the Greenlanders Saga on the vellum pages of Flatey Book in the 14^th century. His discovery influenced later explorations to America, including those of Leifur "the lucky" Eiríksson. The voyages of Icelanders to Vinland and other lands west of Greenland were known in Europe long before the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492. Some scholars believe Columbus' idea for his famous journey to America sprang from a visit to Iceland.

The coastline between the rivers Þjórsá and Ölfusá (25 km/15 mi) forms the outskirt of the great Þjórsárhraun lava field. Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri provide easy access to the coastline as well as a path between the two villages where you can see the Atlantic Ocean and marvel at the fact the South Pole is directly to the south. This spot has a great view of both the ocean and mountains. Information signs can be found in both villages as well as an observation platform in Stokkseyri.

Reykjadalur valley is the most popular and arguably the most beautiful hiking area in Ölfus. Hot springs and colourful areas full of geothermal activity entertain along a hiking trail which leads to a hot river. For some of the length of the river the temperature in it is perfect for bathing and that's a wonderful natural experience.

The museum takes the visitor back to old times in a small Icelandic fishing village. On display is a fine collection of artifacts connected with fisheries, crafts, social and cultural life of the common people durning the last 100 years.

The wooden church in Eyrarbakki was built in 1890 and one of the first churches in Iceland to have two floors. The altarpiece is a famous artifact and was painted by Queen Louise of Denmark, wife of King Christian IX.

Another interesting cave is Arnarker. Arnarker is a cave in the Leitarhraun lava field, north of the old road leading from Þrengsli towards Selvogur. A marked path leads from the information sign by the road to the cave, and a ladder has been placed at its opening, down some 16 meters. The cave is about 516 meters long. It goes from the opening 100 meters south and 400 meters north.

The creamery was established by local farmers in 1905 and operated until 1952. Its products were butter and cheese. The Baugsstaðir creamery was powered by a water wheel and is the only one of Iceland's creameries that still retains its original equipment. A little to the west are the ruins of the creamery's storage, which was an icehouse and used to store products before they were transported to market. The creamery's main markets were in England as well as in Iceland.

Húsið (The House) at Eyrarbakki is one of Iceland's oldest buildings, built in 1765 when Danish merchants were allowed to overwinter in Iceland for the first time. Merchant families lived in the House for almost two centuries and over that period the House was the center for art and European culture in Iceland; fashion, music and literature spread from there throughout the country. Eyrarbakki village was at that time one of the largest harbours and trading places in Iceland, serving farmers along the coastline from the extreme west to the extreme east.

At the Árnesinga Folk Museum's varied exhibitions in The House, visitors can experience past times and learn about the remarkable history of the building.

Opening hours:

15th May - 15th Sept. Daily: 11-18. And by arrangement

16th Sept - 14th May: By arrangement.

The Ghost Centre is located in the same building as the Icelandic Wonders museum. It features all of Iceland's most famous ghosts. Ghost appearances are frequently mentioned in the sagas, dating back to the beginning of Icelandic history. Ghosts can appear in all living shapes or forms and some of these are still around today. Upon entry, guests are provided with a CD-player to guide them through the 24 ghost stories. Guests walk through the ghost-maze, where they will experience the stories in the environment where the spooky tales actually happened. The stories can be listened to in Chinese, English, German, French, Scandinavian, Japanese, Russian and Icelandic. In the reception area guests will find our Ghost Bar with drinks and a fabulous view of the ocean.

Right inside the town of Hveragerði is an area of hot springs from which the community derives its name (hver = hot spring). The hot springs of Hveragerði are among the most remarkable natural attractions og south Iceland. Visitors to the Geothermal Area can learn about geothermal energy and the springs, which include Eilífur, a geysir which erupts regulary, Ruslahver which has an interesting history. You can also boil an egg in the area and try the hot spring bread."

Telephonenumber: +354 4835062

https://www.facebook.com/Geothermalpark/

LÁ Art Museum (Listasafn Árnesinga) welcomes you. It runs ambitious and various shows of contemporary as well as modern art in its four spacious exhibitions rooms. The exhibitions reflect our cultural heritage and our contemporary change.

The bright seating area offers visitors the chance to relax in a peaceful setting whilst browsing through art related reading material supplied. The Museum also houses a small café and the children´s corner gives the museum´s younger visitors a chance to enjoy themselves.

The Museum is owned by the eight Municipalities in Árnesinga County and supported by the Museum Council of Iceland.

LÁ Art Museum on Facebook

Ölfus has a black sand beach that stretches from Thorlákshöfn to Ölfusa river. A long walk on the beach surrounded by black sand and lyme grass is the perfect way to unwind from the day to day stress.
The beach is also a popular surfing spot and the waves are suitable for those taking their first steps at surfing. For more advanced surfers the waves by the lighthouse in Thorlákshöfn are superb.

Hafnarnes is an area on the edge of the town Thorlákshöfn where you are surrounded by beautiful cliffs and the majestic ocean. A viewpoint is located in the area and from there you have panoramic views over the mountains surrounding the area such as the volcanoes Mt. Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. This area is also very popular amongst surfers and usually you can spot a few surfing. There is a small lighthouse on the cliffs, it is not open for visitors but is very picturesque with the waves banging against the cliffs.

Iceland Activities is a family company that has extensive experience, over 20 years, of the surrounding area of Hveragerði. Our goal is to take you out of the main tourist areas and into Icelands unique nature and show you all the remarkable things that make Iceland so amazing. We offer various tours ranging from two hours up to a day trip, many of our tours are also available in the evening sun.

Iceland Activities is located in Hveragerði, the Icelandic capital of hot springs. Hveragerði is 45 km east of the capital Reykjavík (30 minutes drive).

By selecting our tours, you are guaranteed to get quality tours for the lowest price.
- Selection of food and drinks available for trips.
- Personal service for big and small groups.

Hike and Bike Tours:
Healthy and fun way to explore Hveragerði, Hengill geothermal area and the volcanic surroundings with experienced guides. The area is famous for hot springs and multiple contrast lava formations in untouched nature. You will witness nature's extremes, ranging from small gurgling hot springs to vibrant super heated pools of water and steam. You will see old volcanic craters, historical places and perhaps end the day trip by taking a dip into a geothermal river and enjoy the sounds of nature in magnificent mountain environment.

Surfing:
Battle the waves and watch the curious seals swim by in the North Atlantic ocean. 10 km long black sandy beach with great waves, it is a fantastic chilling experience.
- for beginners and experienced surfers

Bike rental:
Explore Hveragerði and its near surroundings on your own time and pace around south Iceland. We have prepared a map with preferred places to visit and stay over night from one to several days trip. This is a unique way to travel Icelands south coast.
- witness more for less!

Group Activities:
We offer fun games for small and big groups. Where the group is divided up to work together and solve challenges to defeat the opponent. The day will end by swinging over a waterfall in a monkey swing or some rock gliding/climbing.

Northwest to the town of Eyrarbakki, is a wetland area rich in birdlife. The reserve has walking paths and a bird hide, and idel spot for bird watching. The Flói Bird Reserve is listed in the Bird Life international Association.

The former estate Herdísarvík, now abandoned, stood on the synonymous cove in Selvogur. The steep cliffs of Mt Herdísarvíkurfjall (329m) protrude behind it to the north and several lava tongues in its slopes bear witness to prehistoric eruptions in the area and some of them reached the sea. Along the coastline are still a few obvious ruins of ancient fishing outfits, which were declared inviolate in 1973.
According to the legend, a woman, Herdís, lived in Herdísarvík in the past and her sister, Krýsa, in Krýsuvík. They did not see eye to eye and were constantly at each other's throat. Both sisters practiced witchcraft and constantly played tricks on each other.
The renowned poet and entrepreneur Einar Benediktsson spent the last years of his life in his house in Herdísarvík. In 1935 he donated it to The University of Iceland and union professors sometimes spend their holidays there.

There has been a church in Stokkseyri for centuries. Its current church is the fifth one and was built in 1886. The main building material is wood, surfaced with corrugated iron. A common held belief was that if the church door would be kept open a ship would not sink and well into the 20^th century the church door was propped open when ships were at sea in bad weather.

Þuríðarbúð was erected in 1949 in memory of Þuríður Einarsdóttir and old working procedures.