ICELANDIC TIMES - Land og saga

– BreiðdalurThe Broad Valley of the EastDriving east on highway No.1,you’ll come across Breiðdalur, or“the Broad Valley.” In this beautifulvalley, surrounded by lofty peaksand sheer cliffs, lies the village ofBreiðdalsvík; whose broad andfertile area offer visitors many greatoutdoor activities, and it’s village, avibrant cultural life.Autumn is especially fascinating in thisarea of the country; while on a walk insearch of berries, you’ll undoubtedlywitness the many shades of brownand moss-green. Breiðdalur is saidto be one of the most genial areas ofIceland, known for the colorful rhyolitemountains which surround it, rising toa height of some 1,100-1,200 meters.Hotel Bláfell:Between Sheer Mountainshouse is ideal. For a big family withenergetic children, there is enoughspace both inside the hotel roomitself and outdoors along the vastblack beach to run and play afterwhich a nice cup of hot chocolate bythe hearth will be just the thing!Indeed, the hotel has been carefullyand thoughtfully designed to includesomething for everyone.The village of Breiðdalsvík is calm andits inhabitants friendly; guests willsurely get the feeling of countrysideliving, yet almost every service isconveniently within walking distance.In addition the region offers plentyof activities that make the most ofthe beautiful, natural surroundings.Rockcollecting amongst the beautifulhyalite formations in the south of thevalley, or fishing in one of the threelocal rivers are just two of the manyactivities guests can enjoy. Whenrelaxing in the sauna and roundingoff the evening by the fireplace aftersuch a day, guests might just discoverwhat life is all about.Hotel Bláfell also has its ownrestaurant, proudly serving up thefinest local ingredients. Bláfell takespride in serving hearty traditionalA good variety of marked trails can befound around Breiðdalsvík, both forlonger and shorter tours. In BreiðdalurThe old Co-op, Breiðdalssetur.you will find three of Iceland´s mostResearch and heritage centrebeautiful fishing rivers, Breiðdalsá,and tourist information centre.Tinnudalsá and Norðurdalsá. Walkingalong Breiðdalsá don’t miss Beljandi,Walker was especially conspicuousthe most beautiful waterfall in the area.and the Blue Seain the fifties and sixties; many of theAutumn is the ideal time for huntingolder folks of the area still rememberfor geese, ptarmigan and even reindeerhim driving around in his Land Roverwhile fishing for brown trout is possibleand camping out the whole summerthroughout the year.with his wife. The work and the storiesThe village of Breiðdalsvík, has manyHotel Bláfell is the perfect make the hotel quite attractive fromof this extraordinary character can beinteresting things to see such as it’s oldestromantic getaway; a charming, the outside. However, it is the insideseen in an ongoing exhibition at Gamlahouse known as “Gamla Kaupfélagið”wooden building, located in the that is particularly charming, theKaupfélagshúsið.or “the Old Co-op”, and Breiðdalssetur, avillage of Breiðdalsvík in eastern rustic wood interior give the niceBreiðdalsvík has another collectioncultural centre that deals especially withIceland.feeling of actually being out of townconnected to geology; a well organisedgeology, linguistics and history. ManySurrounded by high, steep, in the middle of nature.and informative mineral collection forof the cultural events of the region takemagnificent mountains on the one Each of the 25 rooms is equippedthose interested in the many wondersplace in Gamla Kaupfélagshúsið, suchside and the majestic, rolling sea with a private bathroom, TV andof the ground beneath us.as art exhibitions, events during theon the other, it is just the place to telephone.Travel related services are ever-growingDays of Darkness festival and more.unwind on a cozy fireside evening. The rooms come in all shapes andin this broad, beautiful valley, whetherThis year, special emphasis is on theThe hotel opened in 1982, when sizes, ranging from single rooms toit´s for accommodation, dining,work of the geologist Dr. George P.tourism hardly existed in Iceland, family rooms. A quaint, comfortable just reading a good book. To perfectactivities or relaxation, making it theL. Walker, who was one of the first toand as visitors began to discover sitting room with an open fire is idealmeals; the lamb, beef and vegetablesthe relaxation, Hotel Bláfell offers itsideal choice for your vacation.study the geology of the East, especiallythe splendor of the Icelandic for enjoying a pleasurable momentare harvested from nearby farms andHazel Walker on a feald trip.guests a sauna to wind down in.the Breiðdalseldstöð, an ancientcountryside, the hotel became a whether relaxing after a day exploringthe seafood in brought in by localIf you are looking for a romanticMore information is available onvolcano, which has not been activefast favorite among those in the the local area, sitting with friends orfishermen. Every bread and cake isweekend, a deluxe room in the logbreiddalur.isduring historic times. Walker studiedknow. Located right in the heart ofhome-baked. Even the berries usedthe geology of the East of Iceland withBreiðdalsvík, Hotel Bláafell is runin the desserts are hand-picked bygreat enthusiasm, spending manyby Friðrik Arnason together withthe hotel staff. Hotel Bláfell offerssummers in the area, often along withhis wife Hrafnhildur Hafsteinsdottira variety of menus for a uniquelyhis wife Hazel and some of his students.and it has the warm atmosphere of aIcelandic culinary treat.family run inn.A stay at Hotel Bláfell is a must forThe Breiðdalur area is known forany journey along Iceland’s eastits nice weather, numerous walkingcoast.paths and beautiful autumn colors;Guests will be warmed by thean ideal vacation spot for the autumnhospitality and enthralled by theseason. The friendly and welcomingnatural beauty.hotel staff ensure that guests feelFriðrik, Hrafnhildur and their staffcomfortable.will be sure that every visit is aBláfell is a prominent building inmemorable one.Tinna and Norðurdalsá Rivers meet.Sea carved caves at Streiti.Tinnudalsáthe village, the dark wood on theFurther information is available onexterior and its vibrant blue roofwww.hotelblafell.is36 37