Hofsós: Architecture, Emigration History and Outdoor Pool

Hofsós combines distinctive traditional architecture with stories of Icelandic emigrants and an outdoor pool on the slope above the sea. This makes the town appealing to travelers interested in history and culture who are also looking for a place to swim. When choosing a holiday destination, it is worth considering which of these aspects of Hofsós best matches your travel interests.

Architecture and Local History

One striking landmark is Pakkhúsið, a wooden warehouse with a tall, black, tarred roof. Built in 1777, it is one of the oldest warehouses of its kind in Iceland. Visitors cannot enter the building, but its distinctive roof and historical significance still make it a prominent feature of the townscape.

The preservation of traditional architecture also shaped the development of the old town center: in 1990, Valgeir Thorvaldsson began restoring it. The aim was to preserve the treasures of traditional architecture and develop Hofsós into a cultural attraction. Those interested in the history of a place will find another way to explore it here, alongside individual buildings and exhibitions.

Exhibitions on Emigration

The Icelandic Emigration Center is dedicated to the history of Icelandic emigration. Its permanent exhibition, “New Land, New Life,” is housed in Gamla Kaupfélagið, the Old Cooperative Building. “Silent Flashes,” in the center’s Frændgarður, explores the photography of Icelandic emigrants. Another exhibition, “Prairies Wide and Free,” at Konungsverslunarhúsið, tells the story of Icelandic emigrant settlements in North Dakota.

Another exhibition at the Icelandic Emigration Center focuses on the few Icelanders who settled in Brazil.

At the Icelandic Emigration Center, the library and genealogical center Frændgarður help visitors search for information about Icelandic family history. This is especially interesting if you would like to explore family lineages or the history of Icelandic emigration. The exhibitions and genealogical work each emphasize different aspects: one focuses on historical accounts and images, while the other involves searching for information about your own family history.

Outdoor Pool, Coast and Local Folklore

The Hofsós outdoor pool measures 25 × 10.5 meters and is between 0.8 and 1.8 meters deep. The water is about 30 to 31 °C, and there is also a hot tub at about 38 to 39 °C. These specific measurements and temperatures give you an idea of the different bathing options. The pool is on a slope descending toward the sea and offers views of Drangey and Skagafjörður.

Below the swimming pool, on the coast, are the basalt formations of Staðarbjargavík. The place is also associated with local folklore: according to the story, Staðarbjargavík was the capital of the elf population of Skagafjörður. The story should be understood as folklore and adds a legendary dimension to the landscape.

If you are considering a holiday apartment or holiday home for your trip, these highlights can help you decide whether Hofsós fits your own travel plans.

Other Places

Other places: Hólar, Húnavatn, Svínavatn, Undirfell, Skagaströnd, Laugarbakki, Ríp, Blönduós.

For the broader travel overview: Northwest Iceland.