PDF - Land og saga

Iceland’s first settlerFind the furtive little arctic fox in Súðavík in the West FjordsThe arctic fox is an enchanting creature.At some point in the distant past, ittravelled across the frozen sea and, inspite of the inhospitable climate, founda home on this small, isolated island. Thearctic fox is Iceland’s only native terrestrialland mammal and has been the subject ofcuriosity by scholars and lay people alike.For this reason, The Arctic Fox Centre wasestablished in the village of Súðavík in 2010,which is well fitting since the fox is the area’sdistinctive animal.Exhibition of the first nativeThe Centre is located in the oldest housein Súðavík, a 120 year old farm that wasrenovated by the local authorities and issituated between what locals call the ‘oldvillage’, destroyed in a devastating avalanchein 1995, and the ‘new village’, built in itsstead at a safe distance from the mountain.The Centre serves as an educationaland cultural hub and offers an extensiveexhibition on the arctic fox as well asregularly exhibiting local art and craft. Itsmain aim however, is to collect and preserveanything of importance regarding the arcticfox and its long-lasting relationship withman as, surprisingly, fox hunting is theoldest paid operation in Iceland.The exhibition is divided into three sections;the biology of the fox, the hunting of the foxand the hunters themselves, the last mentionedcontaining, for example, objects and personalaccounts from fox hunters. Other material ispresented through written text or video andof course there are quite a few stuffed animals.Visitors are guided through the exhibition,which is one of a kind in Iceland and openall year round. The Centre is a non-profitbusiness, involved in research and studieson the population of the fox. They also offerguidance on arctic fox tours in collaborationwith tourist offices as well as believing in andsupporting ecotourism in Iceland.A nice little café is run at the Centre,selling homebaked pastries, light coursesand wonderful coffee which guests can enjoyout on the patio, overlooking the beautifulmountains and the sea. The Café has an openInternet access. On Friday nights, live musicis performed in the loft, where it’s nice to sitdown for a drink in the cosy atmosphere.The Centre also has a small boutique sellingspecially made souvenirs and craftwork.–hþThe Arctic Fox CenterEyrardal • 420 Súðavík+354 456 4922melrakki@melrakki.iswww.melrakki.isAdventure at SeaGo fishing in the West Fjords waters with Icelandic Sea AnglingThe region of Vestfjörður in northwestIceland is a world of rugged beauty.Imagine a region where majestic mountains,intimidating and wildly exhilarating toexplore with the naked eye, and the ice-coldNorth Atlantic Ocean meet…leaving but anarrow platform for human existence.For centuries, the brave seamen facedthe wrath of the sea to provide for theirfamilies on shore. In winters, often fearingfor their lives, they faced violent waves thatdwarfed their little boats as they rowed outfrom the fjords or on calm summer days,heaved a sigh of relief as they set out.BjarkarholtGuest House & AppartmentsLocated at Barðaströnd in the Westfjords,15 kmfrom the ferry at Brjánslækur. Made up beds andsleeping bag accommodation in 4 self-cateringapartments, 100m walk to the local swimmingpool, beautiful views over Breiðafjörður andchoice of many scenic walks in the area.bjarkarholt@bjarkarholt.iswww.bjarkarholt.isHeydalurTravel & Accommodation ServicesCome and relax in the countryside of Heydalurin Northwest Iceland. We offer the best ofhotels, camping, horse riding, hot tubs, kayakrentals, fishing, hiking and more.Heydalur - Mjóifjörður • www.heydalur.isTo the owners of Iceland Sea Angling,fishing continues to be a way of life inthe twenty-first century.It was in 2006 when the adventurebegan with 5 boats in Tálknafjörður and 7in Súðavík. After only six years in the seaangling business, the company fleet hasexpanded dramatically with the additionof 9 boats in Bolungarvík.With accommodation available in allthree communities, sea angling in the Greatfjords of Vestfjörður is an exciting Icelandicexperience no spirited traveller should miss.Steinhúsið - modern accommodationin a house from another era.A day spent at sea, with the occasional slapof salted sea water and the loud calls ofseabirds, is a proper Icelandic adventure.Guided tours are available in German,English and Icelandic.Iceland Sea AnglingWest Tours of ÍsafjörðurExperience the variety of adventurein the Northwest. Fishing, hiking,horseback riding, kayaking, quad,seaangling trips, customized packagetours, bicycle and scooter tours andmuch more fun, you can book with us!+354 456 2025Aðalstræti 7 • 400 Ísafirði+354 849 0820 westtours@westtours.isHolmavik’s Harbour HouseHöfðagata 1 • 510 Hólmavíksteinhusid@steinhusid.is+354 456-5111www.westtours.is–jbAdalgata 2 • 420 Súðavík+354 456 1540icelandseaangling@icelandseaangling.iswww.icelandseaangling.is+354 856 1911www.steinhusid.is68 www.icelandictimes.com www.icelandictimes.com 69