Accommodation
Hofsstaðir countryhotel offers 30 spacious deluxe rooms with private/en-suite bathroom (double/twin/triple/quadruple). Possibility for an extra bed or cot if needed. Free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee and tea making facilities in all rooms. Each room comes with a private veranda with 2 chairs and a table.
Also available 3 spacious rooms við private bathroom at Hofsstaðir farm, 800 meters away from the hotel.
Local food
Hofsstaðir country hotel has a cosy licensed restaurant and bar, serving traditional Icelandic dishes with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients.
Nearby activities
Long or short walks and mountain hikes. Geothermal swimming pools in Sauðárkrókur (18 km) and Hofsós (26 km). 9-hole golf course in Sauðárkrókur town. Boat tours to Drangey, an island of steep sea cliffs, birdlife and legends. Tours include a climb up the cliffs to the top (departure in summer from Reykir farm on the coast just north of Sauðárkrókur). Drangey is also in full view from Hofsstaðir. Horse rental and river rafting nearby. Heritage museum. Ski area open in winter near Sauðárkrókur (18 km). Shops and all the usual services can be found in Sauðárkrókur.
Flowing river and fresh mountain air
A great way to connect with nature and take in the magnificent views is to go for a walk. A marked path from the neighbouring Hofsstaðir (500 m) leads down to the riverbank where many species of birds reside. Two marked trails lead up to the top of the mountain behind. The extensive view from the top, watching the midnight sun barely set, makes the effort well worth the while.
In the footsteps of bishops and emigrants
One of Iceland´s most historic places, Hólar, is just 20 km away from Hofsstaðir. It was the bishopric of the North for nearly seven centuries. In the eyes of Icelanders there is still a certain aura about the place in its beautiful narrow valley setting with mountains all around. Of special interest is the old church, the oldest stone church in Iceland, which dates back to 1763. The Emigration Center of Iceland in Hofsós (26 km) portrays the emigration from Iceland to North America in the late 19th century. It is a popular destination for those searching for their Icelandic roots or who want to know more about their Icelandic heritage. Hofsós also has an excellent geothermal infinity pool with incredible views out to the fjord.
Old times, green valleys and river rides
Hofsstaðir is ideally located for day tours around Skagafjörður. Glaumbær (30 km) is a fascinating heritage museum in a typical large 19th century Icelandic turf house. The southernmost valleys of the district provide an adventure playground for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. 3-hour long river rafting tours for all abilities (12 years and older) are available from farm Bakkaflöt in Steinstaðabyggð (11 km from Varmahlíð). There is also a horse rental at Lýtingsstaðir farm, 5 km from Steinsstaðabyggð.
Hosts: Tóti and Guðný