Þórshöfn

North Iceland

Þórshöfn (THO)

 

Location

Þórshöfn is a charming fishing village located in the northeast of Iceland on the northern coast of Langanes Peninsula. It is one of the most remote villages in north-east Iceland, at latitude 66,2° it is quite close to the Arctic Circle. The area is known for its beautiful landscape, rich culture and deverse birdlife. Þórshöfn is a part of the municipality Langanesbyggð. The municipality has a population of 600 but residents of Þórshöfn are approximately 380.  The main occupation in Þórshöfn is fishing and fish processing.

History

Þórshöfn's origin can be traced to trading rather than fishing. The earliest source of trading is from the 15th century when German merchants sailed to Þórshöfn, or Dureshaue as it was called by the Germans. Later, during the time of The Danish-Icelandic Trade Monopoly in the 17th and 18th centuries, trading was banned in Þórshöfn. Trading starded again in the 19th century. Another century passed until fishing and fish processing took over and the village of Þórshöfn started to form. 

Activities

Þórshöfn is a gateway to the adventure world of Langanes peninsula.  In Þórshöfn there is all the basic services for travellers such as a guesthouse, a restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, a grocery shop, gasolin station and a camping site. Báran Restaurant at the harbour specializes in fresh loacal food. Some farms in Langanes Peninsula offer rooms, meals and exciting day excursions to travellers. Staying at a local farm and exploring the area with a local guide may add extra value to the experience of this remote area.

One of the main attractions is the bird paradise at Langanes peninsula. Among spieces one can expect to see is Gannet, Kittiwake, Puffin and Gullemot (including the scarce Brunnich's Guillemot) -  just to name a few. One of the best spots for birdwatching is at the viewing platform at Skorruvíkurbjarg. It overlooks Stóri-Karl sea rock which is the home of one of the largest Gannet colonies in the world.  The steep sea cliffs at Fontur at the tip of the peninsula is also an interesting site. It is one of the most remote places in Icleand and standing there at the tip with nothing but endless ocean ahead gives you the feeling you are at the end of the world. In addition to be a great place for viewing birds, whales and dolpins are often seen from Fontur, on a good day you might spot a number of them.

Please be aware that the road to the tip of the peninsula is long and very rough- it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the road condition and make sure your car is suitable.

There are some excellent hiking oportunities in the rugged but scenic nature of Langanes - everyone should  find something suitable, everything between a nice walk on the beach to a challanging mountain hike. Gunnólfsvíkurfjall is the higest mountain in Langanes peninsula.

 

Norlandair has 5 scheduled flights per week between Akureyri and Þórshöfn. For further information see our flight schedule. (linkur)