Dalvík

Dalvík is a compact, welcoming town on the western side of Eyjafjörður, about forty minutes north of Akureyri. It has a proud fishing heritage and a friendly community feel that sets it apart from larger tourist centres. The town’s most celebrated event is the annual Fish Day (Fiskidagurinn mikli), held each August, when enormous quantities of free fish soup and seafood are handed out to thousands of visitors.

Dalvík is also the departure point for the ferry to Grímsey island on the Arctic Circle — a popular excursion for those wanting to cross the Circle on foot. The small Hvoll museum in town covers local history including a memorable exhibition about the unusually tall giant of Dalvík, the tallest Icelander ever recorded.

The town lies on Route 82 and is reachable year-round. The surrounding Tröllaskagi mountains provide excellent opportunities for hiking in summer and heli-skiing in winter.