Skagafjordur Food Chest - Winner 2015
Winner in the Tourism and Local Gastronomy category
Skagafjordur is a region in the northern part of Iceland. It has played a significant role in the history of Iceland since settlement times. The region boasts a rich saga heritage and many significant historic sites, such as episcopal see, churches and heritage museums.
The area is a wide valley surrounded by magnificent mountains, with the Atlantic ocean to the north and the highlands to the south. The area has gradually changed over time to become a well-known tourist destination, famous for its history, the Icelandic horse and beautiful nature.
It is truly a land of adventure, offering a wide variety of activities like hiking, skiing, bird watching, golf, horseback riding and white water rafting. The wide and fertile valley of Skagafjordur provides the basis for the prosperous agriculture and food production in the area. In addition the ocean provides fish and seafood, and salmon and trout are abundant in lakes and rivers.
Since 2004 there has been a collective effort in the area to emphasise local food. The development project Skagafjordur Food Chest was launched as a joint effort between local food producers and tourism entrepreneurs. The goal of the project is to offer and promote viable, sustainable and quality culinary tourism products. The project plays an important role in efforts to increase tourism in the area and to create a unique and rich experience for visiting guests.
Local gastronomy
The Skagafjordur region is one of the largest agricultural areas in Iceland and the fertile farming landscape is a prominent signature of the area. Free range horses, cows and sheep are a common sight during the summertime.
Local farmers are proud of their production, celebrating it on Farmers' Day in October each year, where they present and promote their food production in the local stores. Fisheries are also a characteristic of Skagafjordur, with big trawlers as well as small fishing vessels operating in the area.
In the biggest town, Saudarkrokur, there is milk, meat, fish and shrimp manufacturing. In general, food production is a very important part of the region’s economy.
Apart from the bigger food production companies there is some small scale production of vegetables, wild mushrooms, sausages, jams and potatoes. This rich food production is the basis of the local gastronomy, both for the local population and for tourists.
Most of the restaurants and entrepreneurs in the area emphasise the use of local ingredients in their dishes and are highly creative in using tradition along with innovation to create a unique authentic experience for their guests.
What makes Skagafjordur special?
The dishes on the menus that are identified with the Skagafjordur Food Chest logo are predominantly made from local ingredients. All year, visitors are able to access a wide range of local produce in restaurants, shops, and even directly from farmers.
This local food project has been well received by local operators. Participants in the project have stated that their involvement has sharpened their approach their own operations, giving them tools to promote their philosophy and opening their eyes to the quality products that are produced in the area. The logo is well known in the region and most people know what it stands for.
In The Icelandic Tourist Board’s annual tourism survey (Tourism in Iceland in Figures 2014), foreign visitors were asked if they visited Skagafjordur during their stay in Iceland. Answers showed that 17.2% visited the area during summer and 5.5% during the winter months. However, the visitor numbers are slowly increasing causing the supply of service in the area to increase as well.
It is safe to say that this Skagafjordur is a destination off the beaten track.
History
The Sturlunga saga is the main source of Icelandic history during the 12th and 13th centuries. It was written by people who experienced the internal power struggle which ended in Iceland´s loss of sovereignty and submission to Norway in 1262-64.
The Sturlunga saga takes place predominantly in Skagafjordur. The Saga of Grettir Ásmundarson the Strong, is one of the most famous of the Sagas of Icelanders.The island Drangey in Skagafjordur, which is a palagonite cliff out in the fjord, is the location of some of the most important parts of the Saga of Grettir.
Hólar in Hjaltadalur is one of the Icelandic nation's principal historical, cultural, and ecclesiastical sites. Hólar has been a place of learning through the ages, moving with the demands of each new era for education.
Sightseeing tips
Let’s start the adventure! Taste the art of Skagafjordur local cuisine, merge with nature in natural a hot tub with a panoramic view, go white water rafting, experience the Icelandic horse, learn about and reward yourself with local handcraft or just enjoy the moment and take your time – history is beneath your feet.
More information
- The official website of Skagafjordur
- EDEN video about Skagafjordur
- EDEN contact for the Skagafjordur: laufeyskagafjordur [dot] is (laufey[at]skagafjordur[dot]is)
Stykkishólmur - Winner 2011
Stykkisholmur is small fishing village, with a population of over a thousand people. It is situated in the west of the island, to the north of the Snafellsnes peninsula. For many years, the village relied on fishing as its primary source of income. However, the decline in the number of scallops left the local economy devastated.
To encourage growth, the council decided to nurture a new industry in the village, tourism. Today, after several years of extensive regeneration projects, the village has a new image and agenda. The old houses in the centre have been given a new lease of life, and the locals are thrilled to share their village with visitors.
Regeneration and revival
Throughout the regeneration process, the local council focused on four clear objectives, these were: to protect the local cultural heritage; to revive the historical prestige of the village; to offer a wide range of tourism attractions; and to increase the environmental awareness of locals and visitors. These objectives were met through several initiatives. Restoring the old village to its former glory was a crucial aspect of the process. Instead of replacing the old buildings, the municipality decided to renovate them. An extensive study was conducted about the history behind these houses. Based on this insight, the authorities decided on how best to utilise the buildings. For example, renovated residential houses were converted into guest houses, maintaining all original features.
Sightseeing tips
- a tour around the Snaefellsnes peninsula is an absolute must. Here you can enjoy the magnificent fjords, ocean and serenity of this place
- visit the Volcano museum, curated by famous volcanologist, Haraldur Sigurdsson. As well as a tour around the museum, Haraldur also offers free lectures on volcanoes to visitors
- don’t forget to try the local specialty, dried fish. It is available in several stores in the village
- visit the Norska husid (Norwegian house), a museum on local folk culture, which tells the story about region’s history
More information
- Visit the website for Stykkishólmur Municipality www.stykkisholmur.is; www.snaefellsnes.com; www.west.is
- Watch our EDEN video about Stykkishólmur Municipality - 3 minutes and 1 minute video
- gydastykkisholmur [dot] is (EDEN contact for Stykkishólmur Municipality)
Visit the website for Stykkishólmur Municipality www.stykkisholmur.is; www.snaefellsnes.com; www.west.is
- More on Stykkishólmur Municipality
- Watch our EDEN video about Stykkishólmur Municipality - 3 minutes - 1 minute video
- gydastykkisholmur [dot] is (EDEN contact for Stykkishólmur Municipality)
Westfjords - Winner 2010
Winner in the Aquatic Tourism category
The Westfjords is Iceland’s most remote region and possibly the most enthralling; the Westfjords are a world apart.
Virtually separated from the rest of Iceland, the area is characterised by dramatic fjords and towering angular cliffs rising sharply from deep blue seas.
Surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean, the area prides itself on having 30% of Iceland's unspoilt coast line including the incredible Breidafjordur-Bay, Isafjordurdjup-Bay and Hunafloa-Bay.
In addition, the Westfjords have the only growing glacier in Iceland (the Drangajokull Glacier), plus hundreds of lakes and rivers.
Tourists are now increasingly discovering the wonders of the Westfjords with its dynamic landscapes, beaches, magnificent ocean views, deep fjords, tall majestic mountains, hundreds of lakes and rivers, thermal springs, deserted farms, nesting birds, lush vegetation, awe-inspiring silence and much more.
The air is pure, filled with the scents of clean, ocean breezes and wild vegetation. This is the only place to spot a sea eagle and probably the best place to see the arctic fox in its natural environment.
What makes the Westfjords special?
The thermal pools are one of the popular attractions, where visitors can relax peacefully and de-stress while watching the northern lights at night or the seals by the seashore during the daytime.
The Westfjords region also offers numerous opportunities for those who are looking for something more active, for example snowmobiling, winter sports, sailing, horseback riding, glacier trips and many other activities.
Sightseeing tips
- Go backpacking around Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and Dragajokull Glacier.
- Visit the hot pools and the Northern Light Tour.
- Take a walk along the magnificent Breidafjordur-Bay, Isafjordurdjup-Bay and Hunafloa-Bay.
More information
- The official website of the Westfjords region
- Watch the EDEN video about the Westfjords region:
- Long version (3 minutes)
- Short version (1 minute)
- EDEN contact for the Westfjords region: viktoriaatvest [dot] is (viktoria[at]atvest[dot]is)