Súðavík: Arctic Fox, Village History and Trails on Kofra

Súðavík combines village history with a non-profit research and exhibition centre about the Arctic fox, as well as activities for active and family-oriented days. The village is divided into an old and a new district; the old district is preserved as a summer destination for visitors. There is also a family playground, hiking trails and deep-sea fishing. This brings together a range of travel interests with specific themes and places.

Village History and the Arctic Fox

The division into an old and a new district makes the village’s history a distinct aspect of planning your trip. The old district is preserved as a summer destination for visitors. The Arctic Fox Centre is located in Eyrardalsbær, the village’s oldest building. This adds two specific points of interest: a preserved part of the village and a historic building.

The Arctic Fox Centre is a non-profit research and exhibition centre about the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), Iceland’s only native land mammal. The exhibition explores the fox’s biology and history, as well as the relationship between people and the Arctic fox. Fox hunting and fox farming are also among the topics; the exhibition also covers their effects on the wild population. Its focus therefore ranges from the animal itself to the effects of human use on its wild population.

Family Activities and Summer Culture

Raggagarður offers a different focus. The family playground is intended for children, families and visitors to the Westfjords in summer. Its upper play area is for older children, while the lower area is intended for the youngest children. This division distinguishes two age groups and gives families with children of different ages a specific point of reference for planning.

The recreation area also includes a stage with public seating for arts and cultural events, several barbecue facilities, and garden tables and chairs for more than 100 people. Play, shared meals and cultural events are distinct aspects of what is on offer. Seasonal facilities may vary; equipment and event use may also change. Check the latest information before your visit.

Hiking Trails, Fishing and Trip Planning

Súðavík campsite offers direct access to various hiking trails, including one to Mount Kofra. The campsite also has shower facilities for people with disabilities. A local guide is available for nearby routes around Súðavík; if interested, check availability in advance.

From the campsite, Ísafjörður is about a 15-minute drive via Route 61. This is an estimate; road and weather conditions may affect the actual journey time. This gives you two different points of reference for planning: direct access to hiking trails from the campsite and an approximate drive to Ísafjörður.

Iceland Sea Angling offers accommodation and boats for deep-sea fishing in Súðavík. Those interested in deep-sea fishing will find a different focus for their trip than at the Arctic Fox Centre exhibition or Raggagarður’s play and cultural activities. When choosing accommodation, it may help to first decide which of these activities and themes you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Keflavik, Árnes, Hólmavík, Bolungarvík, Suðureyri, Breiðavík, Tálknafjörður, Saurbær

For the broader travel overview: Westfjords.