Accommodation

Accommodation in two buildings, at the farmhouse and in another separate house. 7 rooms in total, single, double, twin and family rooms available. Shared bathrooms.

 
Services

Dinner can be booked in advance and is enjoyed in the company of the friendly hosts. The food is locally sourced. Also cooking facilities in the separate house. Wi-Fi in both buildings.

 
Recreation

A river rafting tour down the West Glacial River (Vestari Jökulsá) accompanied by experienced guides is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Those who are more advanced can test their rafting skills on the more challenging East Glacial River (Austari Jökulsá). Horse rental at Lýtingsstaðir (4 km/2.9 mi), both short and long horse riding tours are available. Geothermal swimming pools at Steinsstaðaskóli (10 km/6.4 mi) and Varmahlíð (21 km/13.9 mi). 9-hole golf course at Steinsstaðir. Nearest village with shops and restaurants is Varmahlíð (21 km/13.9 mi). The next town, Sauðárkrókur, the main serivce centre of the Skagafjörður area, is 45 km (27.2 mi) away.

 
Up mountains and down valleys

There are several good hiking routes around Sölvanes, e.g. along Svartá River, also a short marked path (6.7 km/mi) right by the farm, perfect for a pre-dinner stroll. More advanced hikers can go for Mælifellshnjúkur (1,138 m/3,734 ft), one of Skagafjörður’s iconic mountains. The hike takes about 3-4 hours and rewards you with a fantastic view in clear weather.

 
The peaceful wilderness

The highland routes Kjölur and Sprengisandur are both easily accessible from Sölvanes. The so-called Skagafjörður dales stretch from Sölvanes south into the vast wilderness all the way to Hofsjökull Glacier. Austurdalur Valley is a jewel of nature, where the raging red-coloured East Glacial River runs through a deep gorge. Tracks accessible for 4x4s lead through the valley and into the mysterious uninhabited interior.

 
The Icelandic turf farm, emigrants and bishops

There are many things to see and do in Skagafjörður. Just north of Varmahlíð you will find Glaumbær folk museum which is also a preserved Icelandic turf farm. In Hofsós, a short drive east along the fjord, there is the Icelandic Emigration Center, a museum dedicated to Icelanders who emigrated to North America in the late 19th century. From Hofsós it is not far to Hólar in Hjaltadalur, a former bishop’s seat.

You can also explore historic sites from the Sturlunga sagas, more information can be found on www.sturlungaslod.is.

 
Hosts: Eydís, Máni, Elín and Magnús.