Höfn – Local Guide

Almannaskarð is an old mountain road about 10 km
to the east of Höfn. Today the south-west ramp is closed for car traffic, as in
2005 it was replaced by a 1300 m long tunnel that curves under a mountain.
Since then the area has become a popular hiking path for locals and at the top
of the road is a magnificent viewpoint where you can enjoy a panoramic view of
the Hornafjörður region as well as Vatnajökull glacier, on a clear day. It is a
charming stop for those who crave the tranquility and natural beauty of the
countryside.

One of the first settlement farms in Iceland was Horn, built by Hrollaugur son of Rögnvaldur Earl of Møre in Norway. The Hornafjörður Municipality and several natural sites are named after the settlement farm. Horn means the same thing in Icelandic and English. The area is approximately a ten-minute drive away from Höfn. The Horn area is below Vestra-Horn, a 454-meter-high mountain and it is an interesting geological site composing of un-stratified plutonic rock, mostly gabbro but with some granophyre. East of the mountain is a strange-shaped outcrop called Brunnhorn that stretches out to sea. Seals also tend to hang out on the stretch of sand, so if you're lucky you can catch a picture of a lazing seal as well. In the Second World War, the Horn area became a base for the British army and later a NATO radar station was set up at Stokksnes, south of Horn. At Stokksnes you can feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean as the waves hit the rocky shore with massive force.

Ósland is an island accessible by a manmade isthmus (land bridge) and is situated just a few steps from the harbor area. Ósland was
once an island but is now connected to the mainland. It is a conservation area popular for hiking. There is rich birdlife and the Arctic Tern is predominant during the nesting season. Ósland situated just a few steps from the harbour area in Höfn. Walking trails circle the pond, Óslandstjörn, and are along the shore. On the hill, Óslandshæð, is a memorial to the fishermen and an information board about the surrounding natural area. From Ósland you can follow the nature trail that has been set up to model the solar system - it's been scaled down and has its sizes and distances in correct proportion. There are also visible impressions of trees in the basalt rock in the area; trees that have been covered by lava a long time ago.