FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Updated October 2011.
Why would I want to go on holiday to North West Iceland?
The Westfjords offer something very different. There is a unique envioronment: towering mountains slope down in to dark fjords, fresh air, mountains, the arctic sea, wide open spaces, mountain paths and kilometre long single track tunnels. There is a very different culture to remind you that you are abroad, fascinating and unique people, and excellent fish. Getting there involves a challenging, yet rewarding journey; those who make it are invariably awestruck, check out the reviews
What is there to do when you get there?
The main selling point (if that is the right phrase) is the solitude and stunning scenery. You can spend many hours driving around the mountain roads enjoying the endless views, thats how most people spend their time there, you can see the photos on Flickr Most of the activities are outdoor type activities. The opportunities for walking are amazing, there are routes for all standards and levels of fitness, and if you want a challenge the mountains will provide this, just make sure that you are equipped. Other than walking, you can also go out on the sea, either in a boat or on a kayak. In the summer you can go out to the Hornstrandir national park, one of europes last wildernesses, or you could take the post boat to some of the single farm islands nearby. Nearby Isafjordur has all the services and activities you would expect on holiday, swimming, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, golf course, shops, museums, concerts, and lots of little small town activities like festivals etc etc etc. Plus, there is fishing. Theres even a beach there.
When is the best time to go?
The conventional tourist season lasts from Mid June to Mid August, however, the area has attractions all year round. In winter, you can see the northern lights and go skiing. The cross country ski season lasts through to May, where the area has an annual 32km ski marathon in the mountains around Isafjordur, attracting participants from around the world. In summer there is 24 hour daylight and this is the main tourist season as it has the warmest weather – up to 20+ degrees. Autumn is tranquil and very quiet. In Winter time, from late november to early feburary, there is limited daylight, and this is the best time to see the northern lights. See my detailed advice on visiting the Westfjords in winter
Note that car hire, flights, and any other expenses (eg hotel in Reykjavik) are significantly cheaper outside of the June-August period, its well worth factoring that into your decision when to go.
Is it not ridiculously cold?
Not really. The main characteristic of the weather is that it is changeable. There is a core winter where the weather is sub zero most of the time, but this is only really from December to February. Otherwise, this is not a place you would go sunbathing but in the summer it is really pleasant. Most of the days in July this year were cloudless and over 20 degrees. Outside of the summer, the weather is never boring and kind of an experience in itself, with brutal arctic style gales, sleet, snow, rain but also many calm days, where the sun is out and you can go walking. The weather definetly adds to the drama of the scenery and adds some variety to the views. The house was built to withstand much colder weather and can be heated up to 30 degrees, so it is always warm inside. See my detailed advice on the weather in the Westfjords
How about car hire, how much does that cost?
Car hire in reykjavik costs anything from £25 a day upwards. If you hire a car in Isafjordur it costs more, from £50 upwards. To be honest, the best thing to do is rent a car in Reykjavik, but the flight from Reykjavik to Isafjordur is also an interesting experience. Having a car gives you more flexibility, but if you dont its not the end of the world, there are busses and taxis, and there are bikes in the house as well.
Is it in a volcanic area?
No, its right on the other side of the island in a non-volcanic area. Natural disaster wise they used to have a problem with too much snow, which caused avalaunches including one in 1995 that demolished several houses, but now because of changes to the local climate there is much less snow.
I want to see the Geysers, are they near there? can I visit those?
This is on a route called the golden circle, and can be done in a days drive from Reykjavik or on a bus tour.
What about the Blue lagoon?
The blue lagoon is right by the airport, most people visit it on the way home. Its a great and unique experience but it will set you back about 60 euros.
Is Iceland expensive?
At a day to day level the costs are about the same as london, if anything a little less outside of Reykjavik. The tourist industry for the most part is focussed on attracting rich people who go on tours, and some of the attractions are very expensive – like the blue lagoon – but actually most of the people that visit Iceland do so on a budget, and the costs are about the same as anywhere else in Western europe. Having said that, it is important to recognise that the country is not cheap, even with the economic crisis, everything still has to be imported and (as this is a nordic country) taxed heavily. In summary the costs are on par with elsewhere in Western Europe.
How much is a pint of beer?
between £3 and £5, dependent on what bar you are in.
How much is a meal out?
It’s suprisingly reasonable, between £5 – £20. As with most restaurants around the world, the best deals are at lunchtime. The pub in Flateyri, the Vagninn, does exceptionally good food in summer for around £10 each, this is served to order all day. Otherwise you will need to drive to Isafjordur, 20 minutes away. My run down of the options is available here.
What about food in the supermarket?
There is a discount supermarket in Isafjordur, Bonus. Overall, the prices work out similar to somewhere like Sainsburys, but you need to shop carefully as some things are expensive.
Is it a good place to bring children
The village is ideal for children, there are two schools in the village and lots of kids who all play together happily. There is no crime there, none at all and people tend to leave their doors open. It is possible to organise babysitting, childminding etc in the village.
What about the nightlife?
There are a few bars in Isafjordur and one club. There are lots of concerts by local bands, who are well regarded. The local pub in Flateyri, the Vagninn, is a legendary pub on the icelandic indie scene, they quite often have bands travel up from Reykjavik to play gigs especially. But obviously the best nightlife is in Reykjavik, you might want to set aside time and money to experience this, if of interest to you.
I want to see the northern lights, how can I do this?
Flateyri is as good as anywhere to see the Northern lights, and much better than Reykjavik as it is further north. Obviously you need to visit in the winter, between October and March. It is difficult to predict when they will happen, and if you are really dedicated to seeing the Northern lights you would need to spend at least a week in Flateyri. The main factor is that the weather has to be right – a clear night and low temperatures. See my detailed posthere.
What about skiing?
There is both downhill skiing and a cross country skiing area. The cross country skiing area is more dependable as it is higher up in the mountain and there is snow all the way until through to the end of May. This is an excellent way to get up in to the mountain and see the countryside.
The downhill skiing area is less reliable as it is only about a hundred metres above sea level, but the snow machines start going in early december, so they are usually open for business. See my post skiing in the Westfjords.
Do you have a guesthouse license?
In line with Icelandic law, as I rent the apartment out for periods of less than a week, I am required to have a guesthouse license from the local police department. For you, this means that the building has been inspected, and certain standards in terms of health and safety and fire protection have been met. However, the property is managed as a vacation rental and the prices are set out accordingly. If you are looking for a guesthouse, with the associated on-site services, there are a number of locally owned businesses who would welcome your custom. Contact the Westfjords tourism board for advice.
The apartment sleeps four, but there are more than four people in our group.
That isn’t a problem, you can rent one of the apartments across the road, or just a room in one of them, or use the airbed in the lounge.
How did you buy a house there? Can I buy one?
Its a complicated process. But it is possible, if you like the place as much as I do, and dont mind the costs and hassle of getting there.
Booking and Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting there
Pictures
Reviews
The Apartment
Things to do
Blog
