The most famous unknown place in Iceland - Land og saga

WestfjordsPeace with Nature and BirdsHótel Látrabjarg brings back the simple joys of lifeOn Europe’s western–most tip,Hótel Látrabjarg is set amidst aphotographer’s and birdwatcher’s paradiseat the furthermost point of the Westfj ords.It’s a rugged countryside here, with sheercliffs rising high above the fjords. Althoughthe road is paved from the ferry terminal toPatreksfj örður, the nearest town, from theend of the fj ord, a gravel road takes you tothe beaches of Rauðasandur, the bird cliffsof Látrabjarg and the hotel. The route isstudded with spectacular vistas, ending ina bay that, with its curved white sand beachand clear blue waters looks as if it belongs ina travel brochure for the Caribbean.The hotel has a commanding view of thefjord, where whales can sometimes be seen, andof the bay and valley below, where sheep grazepeacefully. It’s an almost idyllic situation duringthe summer months, when it is open from 15 thMay to 20 th September. It was originally builtas a boarding school for local children.Although it can handle up to 40 guests,owners Karl and Sigríður like to maintaina close, homely atmosphere and thereforedo not take groups during the high season.This has made it popular with individualswho appreciate its simple style, deliciousmeals and tranquil surroundings, with theirconstantly changing colours.Hótel Látrabjarg–ASFA Travellers’ HavenRáðagerði is both a hotel and hostelSet on the hillside with a beautiful viewof the bay, Hótel Ráðagerði has justre-opened after a complete renovation. The8 rooms are all clean and fresh, with freewi-fi throughout.The hotel is located in the middle ofPatreksfjörður which is the western-mostvillage in Europe. Nestled in a large fj ordunder the mountains, it is well-protected.AccommodationThe upstairs is devoted to the dining room,living room and bedrooms with made-upbeds.The linen has been specially made byIcelandic designer, Scintilla. The attractivedesigns can be purchased at the hotel.There is comfortable accommodationdownstairs for those with sleeping bags seekingan economic place to stay.Whale Watching Without a BoatThe large windows look out onto the fj ordwhere, in recent years, whales have oftenbeen seen jumping clear out of the waterand swimming close to shore. The view ofthe fj ord is truly spectacular.Wander the WestfjordsOpen all year, it’s a good place to base from, asyou can easily reach the famous Látrabjarg birdcliffs, the red sand beaches at Rauðasandur, thebeautiful Dynjandi falls and the many othersights on this west part of the Westfjords.–ASF© Guðbjörg Fortune SigurðardóttirImages by © Karl EggertssonFagrihvammur • 451 Patreksfjörður+354 456 1500info@latrabjarg.comwww.latrabjarg.comHótel RáðagerðiAðalstræti 31 • 450 Patreksfjörður+354 456 0181stay@radagerdi.comwww.radagerdi.comDine with the VikingsTaking the Westfjords with a tasteful touchIt’s an area that can be challeng ingto reach but those who take up thechallenge win the rewards of some of thecountry’s most thrilling land scapes, spectacularviews, fascinating legends andmystifying monsters.EagleFjord travel service provides acomprehensive menu of tours to take in all tastesand top it off with terrific culinary possibilities.This is what retired sea captain, JónÞórðarson has dreamed up. Whether youtake his sea angling tour, catch and cookyour own fish (or take them with you, to eatlater), go out in his boat to watch for whalesin the fjords or any of his equally innovativetours, prepare for a day to remember.You may have a little barbecue at homebut Jón’s is about 5 metres long—and ittravels on his boat, on the mountainside—wherever the food is to be cooked!Perhaps you would rather eat in the comfortof his dining room—only you’ll find probablythe most innovative dining table you’ve seen.Shaped in a ‘U’, it has a broad channel in thecentre filled with water, with shells on thebottom! Food is ‘shipped’ to the diners in glassViking boats, sailed down the channel. No, thisis no ordinary dining room, for here, you aredining in an art gallery of works by differentartists, which are available to purchase.EagleFjord–ASFDalbraut 1, • 465 Bíldudalur+354 894 1684jon@bildudalur.iswww.bildudalur.isPirates in PatreksfjörðurPirates welcome at the Pirate HouseDown by the shore, an old workshophas been taken over by pirates,teaching children the pirates’ life. This isthe way to learn! The children watch, learnand put into practice.A School for ScoundrelsWhether it’s making knots, navigatingby the stars, choosing a sailing route orwhat to eat, this is a pirate school for allthe family where the children learn usefulnautical training, dressed up to take theirplace in the crew.The more experienced ‘pirates’ makelearning fun and interesting. Who knows?The foundation laid at such a young agecould lead to a seafaring life in the future—though, one hopes it will be a legal one!What would a pirate hall be without foodand drink? Pirates were never known fortheir culinary expertise or healthy diet—and their hard drinking and fighting islegendary. The Pirate School is changing allthat for this new generation as, in this case,it is good food and drink—not a typicalpirate’s fare, eaten at long wooden tables.It’s just getting started—but ye landlubberswatch out; thar’ll be pirates about!The Pirate House–ASFVatneyri • 450 Patreksfjörður+354 456 1133alda@sjoraeningjahusid.iswww.sjoraeningjahusid.is178 179