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Dalvík    Nature - Culture - Adventure...

About Dalvíkurbyggð

The community of Dalvíkurbyggð was formed in 1998 by the merger of three districts of the outer Eyjafjörður: the town of Dalvík and the rural districts of Svarfaðardalur and Árskógur. The logo of Dalvík shows three mountains, signifying the merger of the three communities.

The population of Dalvík is nearly 2.000. The local economy is mostly based upon the fisheries and fish processing, in addition to various industrial and food enterprises, services, commerce and trade. Dalvík harbour is a large fishing and commercial port; the ferry Sæfari, wich sails from Dalvík, serves the island of Grímsey, Iceland's northenmost community, wich lies on the Arctic Circle.

Árskógsströnd comprises the villages of Hauganes and Árskógssandur, each with a population of under 200. Fishing and fish processing are the main occupations. The ferry Sæfari plies between Árskógssandur and the island of Hrísey, out in the middle of the fjord, known as "the pearl of Eyjafjörður".

The farmers of the Svarfaðardalur valley and Árskógsströnd are mainly engaged in dairy farming, while sheep husbandry has declined. Horses are kept by both farmers and towndwellers. Other branches of agriculture include fur farming. Farmhouse holidays and other tourist services play a growing role in the rural areas of Dalvíkurbyggð.

• Nature
• Geography and vegetation 
• Bird life
• Tourist, leisure and activities
• Skiing
• Swimming pool
• Golf course
• Horseback riding 
• Hiking
• Whale watching and sea angling
• Angling
• Kanoing
• Contact list

Nature

The mountains of Tröllaskagi (“Trolls’ Headland” – between Eyjafjörður and Skagafjörður) are renowned as one of Iceland’s most spectacular areas for outdoor activity. Hikers can find suitable walking routes at any time of year, while mountaineers can scale peaks of all shapes and sizes. Those who prefer to stick to mountain tracks and passes can choose such routes as the ancient path via Heljardalsheiði from Eyjafjörður into Skagafjörður, or take the path via Skíðadalur to the Tungnahryggsjökull glacier.                  
In 1972, a group of  farmers and landowners in Svarfaðardalur joined forces with the Nature Conservation Council to found the Svarfaðardalur Nature Reserve, an area of about 8 km2 of wetland on both banks of the Svarfaðardalsá river. Within the reserve are dry river-banks as well as marshes with sedge bogs, ditches and fertile ponds with reeds. This natural environment provides an excellent habitat for many species of breeding birds. Migratory birds start to arrive in April for the summer breeding season. The Svarfaðardalur Nature Reserve was founded to  conserve this unique ecosystem and prevent further drainage of the area, which would have a negative impact on the birdlife. Vegetation and birdlife are protected within the reserve, where nothing is allowed to disrupt the course of nature.

The bird life in the Svarfadardalur Nature Reserve is especially rich in species such as waterfowl, geese, ducks and waders. This bird life owes its existence to the vegetarion and insects in the wet valley bottom. This is the sanctuary of the Greylag Goose (Anser anser) and its nesting ground. Several hundred Barnacle Geese (Branta leucopsis) stop over in the valley in first half of May while making their way from Scotland to their nesting home in eastern Greenland, and in the springtime the Pink-Footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) can be spotted. In autumn these birds do not visit here, but pass over at high altitudes on their southbound route.

Various species of ducks spend their summer in Svarfadardalur. They are mainly found at Hrísatjörn and Tjarnartjörn, but also in the meadows and in waterways. The most commonly seen diving duck is the Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) which has been growing in numbers, while those of the Scaup (Aythya marila) have been dwindling.
The Wigeon (anas penelope) is the second- most common duck species in the area. It is more of a vegetarian than other duck species, and feeds equally on grass and water plants. During nesting, however, it seeks something more substantial to feed on, preferring lakes where midges abound. In addition to the nesting birds, some Wigeons pass though the valley in springtime, and this is where the males flock to moult.

Numerous waders are to be found in the sanctuary. The most commonly found are the Black-Tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Redshank (Tringa totanus), Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), and Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), as well as Dunlin (Caldris alpina) and the Red-Necked Phalarope (Phalaroupus lobatus).
A considerable number of Artic Terns (sterna paradisaea) currently nest at the mouth of the valley. Some Black-headed Gull (larus ridibundus) can be found at the valley bottom, and along the Svarfadardalur river a few Common Gulls (Larus canus ) nest; the Common Gull is a small bird similar to the Kittiwake (rissa tridactyla) which has been gaining ground for the last forty years. Its population in Iceland only numbers a few hundred birds.

Geography and vegetation

The Svarfaðardalur valley, as well as the whole area Dalvíkurbyggð is most interesting for their natural surroundings and vegetation. Vegetation thrives in the valley, carpeting the valley floor and reaching far up in the mountainsides. The bottom end of the valley is covered with sedge and various wetland vegetations, but further up the mountain-sides one can see various grass and dryland-sedge. Dwarf-birch and heather dominate the dry moss, with blueberry patches all over the mountain-sides. Approximately 10 km from the sea, the valley breaks into two, with the eastern part becoming a valley of its own, Skíðadalur.
 
Svarfaðardalur valley is a part of Tröllaskagi (mentioned above) and is therefore surrounded by a ring of high and majestic basalt-mountains reaching 1000-1400 m. above sea-level. The area’s landscape bears testimony to the powerful forces that formed it during the last stages of the ice-age.

Tourists, leisure and activities

There are several options a tourist can take in Dalvíkurbyggð when it comes to accommodation depending on they’re lifestyle. Below there is a list of the accommodations available in Dalvíkurbyggð which vary from hotels and guesthouses to camping places. 
Farmhouse holidays and other tourist services play a growing role in the rural areas of Dalvíkurbyggð. There are also several of leisure and outdoor activities for tourists that are passing through Dalvíkurbyggð.

In August, usually the second (or first, depending on the calendar year) weekend of the month, is “The great fish day” held by the harbor of Dalvík. At this festival people are invited to a real fish feast where the people of Dalvíkurbyggð hand out free food and drinks as well as entertainment are provided. Most definitely a day no one should miss!

Skiing on Böggvisstaðafjall
Mt. Böggvisstaðafjall offers one of Iceland’s best skiing areas, with slopes for all levels of ability and experience. Two ski-lifts transport skiers from the edge of the town up to a height of 320 metres, where they can choose between ski and snowboard slopes, or less demanding routes which command splendid views over the fjord.

Swimming pool and Dalvík camping site

The swimming pool in Dalvík offers relaxation for people of all ages. In addition to a 25-metre main pool, it has a children’s pool where children can play while their parents relax in the "hot-pots" or sunbathe in good weather. The pool also has a water-slide. After a day in the mountains, skiers and walkers often end their day at the swimming pool.

Dalvík camping site is situated below the swimming pool. Admission to the camping site is collected by each tent, caravan/camper, not by each person. First two nights cost 1000 isk pr night, third night costs 500 isk, fourth night and more are free. Use of electricity costs 200 isk pr day and rent of electricity adapter costs 200 isk pr day.

Golf course

The Arnarholt golf course is a nine-hole course, seven kilometres outside Dalvík at The golf course is located in spectacular natural environment, and is popular with both local residents and visitors.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is a very popular leisure pursuit in Dalvíkurbyggð. At Hringsholt is the largest stable in Iceland, where horses can be hired for short rides or longer expeditions, together with guides.

Hiking

Svarfadardalur is the starting point for numerous interesting hiking ventures. Some of the trails lead the happy wanderer through lowland territory within the mountain range of Svarfadardalur valley but there are more demanding ones across several highland passes to neighbouring villages. Many of these old trails served as commuter routes, for pedestrians and riders on horses alike. The possibilities are endless for travellers who simly enjoy a good walk and the routes range from afternoon strolls to a more strenuous and adventurous hikes to Tröllaskagi that can last for several days.

Whale-watching and sea-angling in Hauganes and Dalvík

Whale watching cruises are available with Niels Jonsson from Hauganes and with Bátaferðum (boat trips) from Dalvík during the summer months. The boats rarely have to go far out into Eyjafjörður before whales and other cetaceans make their appearance: humpback, minke and killer whales, along with dolphins and porpoises, are most likely to be spotted.  Midnight Sun cruises during spring and summer, when the sun does not set for some weeks, are always popular with visitors.

Angling

The Svarfaðardalsá river is famed for its trout; and the beauty of the surroundings adds to the pleasure of angling. The river comprises five angling zones, with two rods normally permitted in each zone.

Kanoing

The Svarfadardalur River transports a fair amount of water but is slow flowing, especially in the lower courses where the river is ideal for family or recreational canoeing.  Watch the birds in the Nature Reserve or just enjoy the beautiful nature.
 

Contact list

Accomodation:

Summerhouse Syðri- Hagi, tel. 466 1961 / 855 1861

Summerhouse/Guesthouse Ytri-vík / Kálfskinn tel. 466 1982 / 466 1630,
869 2433 sveinn@sporttours.is

Guesthouse Klængshóli Skíðadal tel. 466 1519 / 863 2398
skidadalur@skidadalur.is

Guesthouse Skeiði Svarfaðardal, tel. 466 1636,md@thule-tours.is, www.thule-tours.com

Guesthouse Dæli Skíðadal, tel. 466 1658, daeli@islandia.is, http://asp.internet.is/daeli

Hotel Soley. tel. 466-3395, info@hotel-soley.com,  www.hotel-soley.com.

Recreation:

Horse-rent Tvistur, Hringsholt. Tel. 466 1679 / 861 9631
ebu@ismennt.is 

Whale watcing and sea-angling Hauganesi. Tel. 867 0000 / 852 0006 www.niels.is , niels@niels.is

Whale watching Dalvík with Bátaferðir (Boat trips). Tel. 771-7600 / 897 6076, www.bataferdir.is , bataferdir@bataferdir.is

Angling Svarfaðardalsá river Dalvík. Tel. 466 1832
dalvik@olis.is

Rent a bike and Kanoing. Tel. 555 4212. www.argerdi.com, argerdi@argerdi.com

Golfcourse Arnarholtsvöllur Svarfaðardal. Tel. 466 1204

Museum, Hvoll, Dalvík. Tel. 466 1794, hvoll@dalvik.is,  www.dalvik.is/byggdasafn

Library of Dalvík. Tel. 460 4930, dalbok@dalvik.is www.dalvik.is/bokasafn

Swimming pool of Dalvík and camping site. Tel. 466 3233, sundlaug@dalvik.is, www.dalvik.is  

LaserTag and Paintball. Tel. 824 3990 www.hittu.net  artex@hittu.net haukur@hittu.net

Transportation:

Ævar og Bóas. Tel. 466-1597 / 898 3345, boas1@simnet.is

Trex, Hópferðamiðstöð / Bus service. Tel. 587-6000, hopferd@hopferd.is, www.trex.is.

Sæfari áætlunarferðir út í Hrísey og Grímsey / Sæfari ferry to Hrísey and Grímsey. Tel. 458-8907, www.landflutningar.is/saefari.

Coffee and food:

Bárubúð, cafe. Tel. 466 3330
sogn.dalvik@simnet.is

Konny Árskógssandi. Tel. 466 1040

Bruggsmiðjan / Brewery. Tel 861 3007
www.bruggsmidjan.is

Olís. Tel. 466 1832
dalvik@olis.is

S.Ó. Skálinn. Tel. 466 1236

Bakaríið / Pub Tel. 466 1012

Information. Tel 466 3233 / 460 4900
www.dalvik.is, dalvik@dalvik.is