Hjalteyri

On the western shore of Eyjafjörður, Hjalteyri brings together the history of Icelandic herring fishing with walking trails, art and experiences on the water. The old herring factory defines the village: until the early 20th century, Hjalteyri was one of the most important centres of this fishery. A short circular trail and the old, colourful houses also invite you to explore the village and the shoreline.

A circular trail between the factory, shore and forest

The short Hjalteyri circular trail starts at the factory, follows the shore and the lake through a forest, then returns to the factory. The loop takes in several different landscapes without requiring a longer excursion. Picnic tables and benches are available along the route, making it a convenient place to stop for a break along the way. The trail is considered family-friendly and suitable for all age groups. If you are visiting Hjalteyri with children or would prefer a manageable walk to a full day of hiking, this is a good option for getting outdoors.

Beach walks are another option in Hjalteyri. The colourful old houses are also local features to look out for as you explore the village. Together, these experiences offer a different focus from a day on the water: you can spend time walking along the shore, admiring the houses and taking a break along the route.

Herring history and art exhibitions

The history of fishing in Hjalteyri is closely connected to the old herring factory. During the summer months, the buildings are often used as a venue for art exhibitions. If you are interested in culture and local history, you can make this former factory a focus of your visit; the circular trail also starts there. The factory’s industrial past and its current use as an exhibition venue make it a distinctive point of interest in the village’s cultural life.

Hydrothermal vents lie off the coast of Hjalteyri. They are another natural feature of the area, alongside opportunities for beach walks and activities on the water. You can plan around these different interests: your visit might focus more on herring history and art exhibitions, or on the coast and kayaking.

Kayaking and whale watching

Traveling Viking rents sit-on-top kayaks in Hjalteyri by the hour, for both guided and unguided tours. Where you can paddle depends on the weather conditions and your abilities: options include a lake, a small harbour or the fjord. Kayak fishing and whale watching are also possible when kayaking from Hjalteyri. Whale-watching trips are also offered from Hjalteyri in summer.

After a kayaking trip, visitors can relax in a hot tub on the beach, with views of the fjord and mountains. This offers a quieter way to end your time by the water, alongside the more active options. When choosing a holiday apartment in Hjalteyri, you can start by deciding whether you would like your trip to focus on the herring factory and walking trail, beach walks, or kayaking and whale watching.

More destinations

You can also include these places in your travel plans: Hallbjarnarstaðir, Húsavík, Draflastadhir, Laxamýri, Akureyri, Reykjahlíð, Ólafsfjördur and Laufás.

For the broader travel overview: Nordurland Eystra.