Hafaldan youth hostel - Welcome!

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Staying in Hafaldan

Hafaldan youth hostel has been run by Thora Gudmundsdottir since 1975. Thora lives in the hostel with her staff. This makes the hostel more of a home than simply a sleeping bag accommodation. We would like you to come and visit us!

The Rooms

We offer seven rooms with four beds, each with hot and cold running water. Four rooms face the mountainside while the others are pointing out to the fjord. Families are welcome and a child cot can be provided upon request. Please note that we ask our guests not to smoke inside the hostel. Unless you come on a Wednesday, you will find the hostel a very quiet and peaceful place with only a few travellers.

The Living Space

Our dining room can accommodate about 30 people, and offers a marvellous view over the whole fjord and the surrounding mountains. It's ideal for groups and travel agencies like to book the hostel for those trips. In the living room you will find TV, video and stereo equipment, old records, a library and board games, for those that just want to relax a little bit.

Kitchen

The kitchen offers all necessary facilities. Though we don't offer breakfast or dinner for individual travellers, special arrangements for groups can be made. Just contact us in advance, we are famous for our breakfast buffet with homemade bread, pate, smoked salmon, fresh duck's eggs, etc.
Please note that although we are part of the Youth Hostel Association, there is no upper (or lower) age limit.

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Seydisfjord

In spite of its young age by European standards, Seydisfjord is one of the oldest towns in Iceland. This lends it architectural interest, its numerous wooden houses having been, for the main part, imported from Norway at the turn of the century.
The town nestles in a long and narrow fjord surrounded by mountains 1000m high, snow-capped from September to June, and sometimes all year round. Although the population of Seydisfjord is only around 900, the town boasts many facilities including a variety of shops, a bank, a post office, a swimming pool with hotpot and sauna, several coffee shops, art galleries and restaurants, a wine shop, a cinema, a school and a hospital.

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Short walks in the neighbourhood

Hafaldan youth hostel is situated a few hundred meters out of town on the north bank of the fjord, at the foot of a steep mountain slope running into the sea. From the hostel there is good access to a number of walking routes, such as:

Vestdalur

Only a kilometre north of the hostel is the beautiful valley, Vestdalur, with numerous waterfalls, colourful flora and rich birdlife.
In late June or early July the orchids begin to appear, mountain avens is scattered prolifically, and the deep blue of butterwort provides colour among the many other species in the upper meadow. The calls of the golden plover and the whimbrel will become familiar background sounds, and if the sun is out, listen carefully for the drumming of the snipe, its tail feathers reverberating during the downward flight.
It is possible to wander up to the first waterfalls at a slow pace to take in the spectacular scenery, or to carry on up to Vestdalsvatn, a lake approximately three hours walk up the valley.

Brimnes

Another popular route is to follow the north coastline to the outermost peninsula, Brimnes, with its old lighthouse and many sea birds.

Lodmundarfjordur

It takes 5-6 hours to walk from Seydisfjord to Lodmundarfjordur, and one hour to sail. Only thirty-five years ago, this beautiful fjord had 10 working farms. Now, because of its remoteness, it is entirely deserted except for the guesthouse Stakkahlíd and the eider duck farm Saevarendi, both functioning only in summer.
The route to Lodmundarfjordur is a pleasant walk with posts to guide the way, but as it crosses through mountainous terrain, a map and preferably a compass should be carried as the posts can be buried in snow, especially early in the season. Good boots and warm clothes including waterproofs are needed, as mountain weather can change quickly. Why not walk over and arrange for the boat to take you back?
Boat Trips Fjardarbatar offers trips to Lodmundarfjordur and back. Individual boat tours for sightseeing or fishing can be arranged, too.

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Seydisfjord in Winter

The winters in Iceland are long. Here in the east you can expect snow at least from January until late April, sometimes even into May. In spite of this, the climate is surprisingly mild. Temperatures rarely drop below -10° C, due to Iceland's unique geographic location. The warm Gulf Stream embraces the whole island thus creating a warmer climate.
The skiing facilities here in Seydisfjord are excellent. The ski slope is never overcrowded, and is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Iceland. Just a 15 minute. drive from the hostel, it's a perfect location for snowboarding and downhill skiing as well as a starting point for longer cross-country ski-trips across the mountains.

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How to get here

Seydisfjord is approached by road over the mountains from Egilsstadir (30 min drive, twice daily bus service), or by sea. The ferry Norrona arrives every Thursday from Europe during the summer and provides a spectacular entry to this colourful town. Egilsstadir, situated on the ring road, has an airport providing flight connections to other destinations in the country.
For detailed information contact Icelandair, Reykjavik, phone: +(354) 505-0300.
If you need further help and information for your travel planning, please refer to our links page.

If you arrive by boat, beware of the trend (inspired by an excitement to get going) of rushing away from the East Coast the moment you arrive. Countless travellers have returned to Seydisfjord the night before their ferry, only to realise that they have missed out one of the most beautiful corners of Iceland in their rush to set off on arrival. Why not stay in the east for a few days at the start of your trip?

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Prices 2009

You pay on arrival but we would need your full address and credit card details for confirmation.

Sleeping bag accommodation, night/pers.:

  • Single bed in a dorm: 3.200 ISK
  • Single bed in a dorm - HI members: 2.600 ISK
  • Single/double room supplement (per room ): 2.000 ISK
  • Family room supplement (per room ): 2.000 ISK
  • Bed linen: 1000 ISK (for the stay )
  • Family discount: Children up to 3 years old: free of charge. 5–12 years old: half price

You can check on current exchange rates here.
For group discounts please contact us. Please note that although we are part of the Youth Hostel Association, there is no upper (or lower) age limit.

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