Why Birds Flock to Iceland The North Prepares for ... - Land og saga

Iceland to Yourselfautumn in Grundarfjörður reveals a different worldHotel Framnes sits right on the bayin Grundarfj örður, enjoying a clearview over the waters of Breiðafj örður, withits myriad islands. Jutting out into the bayto the left rises the most photographedmountain in Iceland, Mt. Kirkjufell.The hotel was built to be a fi sherman’shostel but, following extensive renovation,it is now popular for its comfort, serviceand warm friendliness.An ever-changing landscapeGrundarfjörður is particularly easy to get tofrom Reykjavík, being just a two-hour drivethrough amazing countryside. It is the centralof the three fi shing villages on the northerncoast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Hikers lovethe coastline and the mountains, lakes andwaterfalls behind the village, while the bayitself is popular for fi shing as well as being aphotographer’s hot spot. Glacier trips and horseriding are both inspiring experiences here andall the main attractions on the peninsula canbe easily reached from Grundarfjörður.Colours and comfortAs August draws to a close, it is the time forthe independent traveller who likes to enjoythe serenity of the mountains. Colours beginto change—in both the landscape and thesky, with spectacular sunsets on a regularbasis. As the evenings cool, the northernlights begin to appear, dancing across thenight skies. Travellers can enjoy them fromthe comfort of the hot tub, which has a screenprotecting them from any sea breezes withoutinterrupting the view. A massage chair andsauna provide soothing for sore muscles.It is little wonder that this 29-room hotel,with a 60-seat dining room and free wirelessInternet has won the approbation of visitors asTripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence attests.Láki ToursSailing in the mystical bay aboard atraditional oak fi shing boat holds a magicall of its own. Sea angling from the boat isfun for any age and the catch can be a goodsize. Islands like Melrakkey are home tothousands of puffi ns and different sea birdsand, out in the deeper waters, the dolphins,porpoises and whales swim. Last year, thetours had 100% success in seeing whales.The powerful orca or killer whales are mostoften seen in the first months of the year andare a truly amazing sight. They follow theherring that come into the fjord, providing aonce-in-a-lifetime experience.Group bookings are accepted in Septemberand October. Bookings can be made for thedaily trips at Hotel Framnes.–asfLáki ToursNesvegi 6 • 350 Grundarfirði+354 438 6893framnes@hotelframnes.iswww.lakitours.comThe Mountains and the Baysee the snæfellnes peninsula from the Old Post Offi ce GuesthouseThe mountains of Snæfellsnes andBreiðafjörður Bay are two outstandingsights in West Iceland. Beautiful waterfallscascade down the mountains while snowstill covers their upper reaches. Kirkjufell,the strange mountain that juts out into thebay is one of the features of Grundafj örður,the middle of the three fishing towns on thenorth of the peninsula.From the Old Post Office Guesthouse orgamla pósthúsið in Grundafjörður, this is theview from the bedrooms and the balcony. It isa 7-room guesthouse that offers comfortablebeds, free Internet connection and IPTV ineach room for very competitive prices. Thebedrooms comprise 1 twin, 2 single and 4double-bed rooms. This represents good valuefor the budget-conscious visitor.The Life of the TownKaffi 59’s meals draw diners who love delicious Icelandic mealsWhat is on your mind after a day’shiking or exploring? Food! Themountains of the Snæfells peninsulaoffer some memorable experiences, photoopportunities of nature, birdlife, outstandinglandscapes and more but then hunger strikes!Kaffi 59 is a very popular restaurant,café and bar on Grundafjörður’s mainstreet where you can get a delicious andfilling meal at almost any time of theday. On the weekends, it stays open lateinto the night, too.It offers self catering, with free use ofthe kitchen. The supermarket is just acouple of minutes away, as is Kaffi 59,with its range of full meals.The summer months bring a beautifulevening light to the area and, in winter,the Northern Lights are a spectaculardisplay—especially with the mountainsand sea as a backdrop.Gamla pósthúsið–asfGrundargötu 50 • 350 Grundarfjörður+354 430 8043gisting@tsc.iswww.gamlaposthusid.isOn warm days or summer evenings, you cansit out on the veranda, surrounded by spectacularmountains and a magnificent view of the bay.Whenever there is a major sports event, it isshown on the large screen. The ambience makesmeals enjoyable —especially on the weekends,when live musicians and karaoke make it anexciting place to spend the evening.Here, you will find home-baked cakesand traditional Icelandic food, as well aspizzas, hamburgers and sandwiches. This iswhere we always come to eat when we’re inthe area because we’re guaranteed good foodand warm, friendly service.K a f fi 5 9–asfGrundargötu 59 • 350 Grundarfjörður+354 438 6446kaffi59@simnet.iswww.kaffi59.is38 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 39