Hjalteyri lies on the western shore of Eyjafjörður and combines the history of herring fishing with experiences on the water. Until the early 20th century, the town was one of the most important centers of Icelandic herring fishing. Today, you can plan your trip around a variety of themes: the old factory and colorful houses, a short walking loop, or kayaking options. Culture, walks, and seasonal activities offer different ways to discover Hjalteyri.

Herring History and Art in Hjalteyri

The old herring factory represents the town’s former importance: until the early 20th century, Hjalteyri was one of the important centers of Icelandic herring fishing. During the summer months, the factory buildings are often used as a venue for art exhibitions. The historic factory buildings thus bring together the history of fishing and seasonal cultural use. If you are planning your trip especially to see an exhibition, check the specific event dates in advance.

Another way to experience the townscape is through its old, colorful houses. They are among the local features you can see on a stroll. The cultural perspective therefore extends beyond the history of the factory: the houses, too, are part of what makes Hjalteyri worth exploring. You can make these impressions a focus of your visit, rather than having to combine them with a kayaking trip or a walk as part of a set itinerary.

Walking Loop, Shore, and Beach

The short Hjalteyri walking loop starts at the factory. It follows the shore and passes along the lake through a forest before returning to the factory. Picnic tables and benches are available along the route. The loop is family-friendly and suitable for all age groups. Its sequence of shore, lake, and forest gives it a different character from a walk on the beach, which is also one of the activities in Hjalteyri.

If you would rather spend your time on a manageable walk on land, the loop offers a clearly defined route starting at the factory. A beach walk is another way to spend time outdoors. These are two different kinds of walks: a short loop through several types of landscape or a walk on the beach. You can factor in the picnic tables and benches along the loop when planning a break.

Kayaking, Whale Watching, and Views

Traveling Viking rents sit-on-top kayaks in Hjalteyri by the hour for guided and unguided trips. Depending on weather conditions and personal abilities, you can kayak on a lake, in a small harbor, or on the fjord. Which option is suitable depends not only on the experience you want, but also on the conditions and your own abilities. Kayaking also offers the possibility of kayak fishing and whale watching.

Whale-watching trips are also offered from Hjalteyri in summer. This seasonal option is distinct from the whale watching available while kayaking: both are water activities, but they are described separately. Hydrothermal vents also lie off the coast. They are another natural feature of Hjalteyri, while the kayaking options take place on different bodies of water, depending on conditions.

After a kayaking trip, you can relax in a hot tub on the beach, with views of the fjord and mountains. So the kayaking experience includes not only time on the water but also a place to unwind afterward. When choosing, consider whether you are most interested in a guided or unguided trip, kayaking on one of the available bodies of water, or combining it with kayak fishing and whale watching. Weather and personal abilities remain key factors when choosing where to kayak.

Discover more destinations: Raufarhöfn, Laxamýri, Reykjahlíð, Húsavík, Grenjaðarstaður, Kópasker, Grenivík, Sauðárkrókur

To the overview of the wider region: Northeastern Region.