Drangsnes: Geothermal waters and bird colonies on the edge of the Westfjords

Drangsnes is a fishing village, pure and simple. Conveniently located near the fishing grounds, it thrives in its minimalistic ways. In fact, the entrepreneur who runs the local restaurant and one of the guesthouses is a fisherman. He also runs the boat tours to Grímsey. Grímsey island, supposedly formed by a giant trying to dig the Westfjords apart from the rest of Iceland, is the biggest attraction in Drangsnes. The boat ride is only 10 minutes across. Grímsey boasts a rich bird life of puffins, fulmars and an interesting side story of fox farming. It does not come as a surprise that in this small hamlet, the camping place is just by the municipality's office building, as synergy is always important in small villages. Lastly: although the new swimming pool in town is of top notch quality, the blend-in-with-the-locals way of bathing would be to dip into the small hot pools at the shore.

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Meðfram grjótvarnargarði í fjörunni eru þrír heitir pottar (þ.m.t. eitt fiskikar) á trépalli. Vatnið kemur úr borholu og er um 40°C. Heitt vatn fannst á Drangsnesi 1997 og byrjuðu heimamenn að útbúa staðinn nokkrum dögum seinna (1). „Pottarnir eru á góðum stað í fjörunni í miðju þorpi, við hliðina á skemmtilegum klettadröngum. Pottarnir eru frábærir á öllum árstíðum og tímum dags. Frá þeim er gott útsýni út á fjörð og út í Grímsey og oft má sjá hvali þar og fjölskrúðugt fuglalíf. Það er búnings- og sturtuaðstaða“ (2). Drangsnes is a small, resilient fishing village located about 30 minutes north of Hólmavík in the eastern Westfjords. With a population of fewer than 100 people, it is celebrated for its quiet charm, geothermal surprises, and deep connections to Icelandic folklore. Guide to Iceland Guide to Iceland +3 1. The Shoreline Hot Tubs The town's most famous feature is a trio of geothermal hot tubs located right on the edge of the ocean along the main road. Guide to Iceland Guide to Iceland +1 The Experience: These tubs are free to use and vary in temperature from cool to very hot. They are a beloved local gathering spot for "talking about everything and nothing". Facilities: There is a small white changing house with showers directly across the street. Wildlife and Views: While soaking, it is common to spot whales in the fjord or, during winter, the Northern Lights dancing overhead. Guide to Iceland Guide to Iceland +5 2. Grímsey Island Located just a 10-minute boat ride from Drangsnes harbor, Grímsey (not to be confused with the island on the Arctic Circle) is a paradise for birdwatchers. Visit Westfjords Visit Westfjords +1 Puffin Colony: It is home to one of the most concentrated puffin colonies in Europe, with an estimated 300,000 puffins nesting there every summer. Access: Boats are typically run by the Malarhorn Guesthouse during the summer months. Visit Westfjords Visit Westfjords +3 3. The Troll Legend (Kerling) The town’s name and geography are rooted in a famous myth about three trolls who tried to dig a channel to separate the Westfjords from the rest of Iceland. Guide to Iceland Guide to Iceland +1 The Stone Troll: According to the legend, one troll woman was caught by the first rays of the sun and turned to stone. You can see her today as a tall rock pillar named Kerling, located near the village swimming pool. Shovel of Anger: The island of Grímsey is said to have been formed when she slammed her shovel down in a fit of rage before being petrified. Guide to Iceland Guide to Iceland +4 4. Visitor Services Swimming Pool: In addition to the shore tubs, the town has a modern, high-quality outdoor swimming pool built in 2005, which includes a sauna and gym. Dining and Lodging: The Malarhorn guesthouse and restaurant serves as the central hub for tours and local meals. Hiking: A marked path leads to the top of Bæjarfell (345 m), offering panoramic views of the Húnaflói bay. Visit Westfjords Visit Westfjords