MJÓIFJÖRÐUR, treasure hidden by the mountains

Incorporating the Icelandic word for narrow, mjór, Mjóifjörður fjord lives up to its name by its 18-kilometre length. The mountain ranges that surrounds it provide shelter which means that the weather there is generally good, for Icelandic standards at least. The remote fjord boasts such incredible beauty that it may be thought of as a treasure hidden by the mountains. The population of the whole fjord is only around 25.

The tiny village of Brekka provides its inhabitantswith everything they need, such as a church, school, tourist shop, post office and coffee house. The local industry is now fishing and fish farming but slightly over a century ago, it also included whaling. The station was located at Asknes, across the fjord. Built by the Norwegians around 1900, at that time this station was one of the world’s largest, employing some 200 people. A shipwreck that has been left there can still be seen on the shore.

The road to Mjóifjörður is gravel and is only passable in the summertime. In some places, it is also quite steep and requires slow, careful driving. Once you have reached the village, you can continue driving or cycling farther east, out to the lighthouse farm of Dalatangi. During winter, the road to Mjóifjörður generally remains closed from about October to sometime in May, since the snow is seldom cleared. Year-round, however, the ferry Anný (Tel. +354 853 3004 or 616 2630) provides transport by sea from Neskaupstaður. It runs twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving the village in Mjóifjörður at 10:00 and leaving Neskaupstaður at 12:30, or later by arrangement.

The fjord is known by the locals as an excellent place to pick berries, but Mjóifjörður is an exceptionally beautiful and tranquil area. It has the impressive Prestagil (The Priest’s Ravine) and the Hofsárgljúfur Canyon with delightful rivers and waterfalls. You will find spectacular cliffs – and due to the fjord’s still weather it has lush hills and exceptionally rich flora lining its shores.