In The Footsteps of the Elves

Explore a somewhat remote area supposedly inhabited by elves and hear tales of how the little “hidden people” have come to the aid of Icelanders. The farther you venture along the winding road from Seyðisfjörður, the more dramatic and isolated the terrain. You will see just how secluded this part of Iceland can be while pausing at Njarðvíkurskriður.

A cliffside cross there marks the spot where, according to legend, a monster that attacked travelers fell into the sea. You will hear more folkloric tales in the teeny village of Bakkagerði and at the rocky hill Álfaborg, where locals claim the queen of Icelandic elves lives. One of the country’s foremost 20th-century artists painted the altarpiece at a nearby church. Still, few sights compare to Hafnarhólmi, a birdwatcher’s paradise. The observation platform will afford you an excellent view of nesting puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes; the latter being loud gulls named for their nasal “ki-ti-waak” callnotes.