Hólar in Hjaltadalur is a historic place, surrounded by majestic mountains. The site is one of the main centers of culture and education in Iceland for nearly a thousand years. There was a bishop’s seat from 1106 to 1798. There you can find both the University of Hólar and the Hólar Cathedral, which is the oldest stone church in Iceland (from 1783) with significant church artefacts.

Nýibær in Hólar is a beautiful turf-house that was built in 1860, and at the exhibition History of the Icelandic Horse you can learn about the interaction between man and horse since the settlement of Iceland.

Auðunarstofa, was built in Hólar 1316-317 and stood for almost 500 years, until it was demolished in 1810. It was restored, somewhat changed, and reopened in 2002. There are, among other things, held exhibitions of bibles and other printed books from the time of Hólar printing press, which operated there intermittently 1530-1799.

Café Hólar offers delicious dishes, made from first-class ingredients that come from the region. Accommodation in well-equipped houses for 2-6 persons.  Interesting hiking trails and trail maps.

Ten ideas for exploring the Skagafjörður region in North Iceland:

1. In Hofsós, learn about the fate of the Icelanders who emigrated to the New World and swim in one of the country’s most scenic swimming pools with a view of Drangey.
2. Experience the Battle of Haugsnes (year 1246) , another bloody battle fought at the Sturlung Era, through the history and art exhibition in Kakalaskáli.
3. Visit Víðimýrarkirkja church near Varmahlíð. Built in 1834, it’s one of the last preserved turf churches in Iceland.
4. While in the cradle of Icelandic horsemanship, a riding tour is a must. If you’re visiting in the autumn, don’t miss the Laufskálaréttir horse roundup, a true country festival.
5. Go on a wild rafting adventure on glacial rivers Austari and Vestari-Jökulsá.
6. For a continued voyage through history, visit stately turf farm Glaumbær, learn about traditional Icelandic architecture and daily life in the countryside.
7. Participate in one of the battles in the Age of the Sturlungs through the immersive exhibition at 1238: The Battle of Iceland, Virtual and Augmented Reality Museum.
8. Take a boat trip to Drangey island and walk with a guide around the island where locals used to graze their sheep, catch birds and collect eggs, and find out which outlaw used the island as his hideout.
9. Bathe in Grettislaug, where Grettir the Strong, the protagonist of Grettis saga, warmed up after his heroic swim from Drangey.
10. Visit the excellent and award-winning Herring Museum in Siglufjörður, you won’t be disappointed.

For more information and travel tips, go to www.visitskagafjordur.is and www.northiceland.is