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This wide and short
bay is situated between the headlands Geirolfsgnupur and Tharalatursnes.
It was permanently abandoned in 1959, but the houses have been
maintained for use during summer and holiday houses are rented to
travellers for sleeping bag accommodations.
The landowners have
also built a swimming pool, which is very popular. The old farmhouses stand on a mound down by the sea and the
others are further inland. The
abandoned farm Saebol is on the southern side at the foot of Mt
Sigluvikurgnupur. Another
farm stood by a warm spring at the foot of Mt Midmundahorn.
Geothermal activity is considerable in the area and the warmest
hot spring measures about 64°C (147°F).
The hot spring closest to the sea is used for the swimming pool
Hestavallalaug, which was
constructed in 1938.
Driftwood counted among the most important advantages of the area
in the past and still nowadays, during summer, the landowners exploit
this resource and use their sawmill for the purpose.
The rocky hillocks in the lowland area are a good example of
glacial erosion and an excellent spot for a good view over the
surroundings.
The
Book of Settlements mentions the settler Geirolfur, who ran his ship
aground at the headland Geirolfsgnupur and built his farm on the
Geirolfur Bay. The
freestanding rock off the headland is called The Bishop and the nearby
skerry resembles a halberd and was named accordingly, Geirholmi.
Cove Sigluvik is situated between he headland and Mt
Sigluvikurnupur. Further
inland is a well-vegetated lowland area, which was a barren, sanded area
in the past. Up there,
rather far away from the present sea level, is a corroded chain fastened
in a cliff, which was used to tie up vessels in the past.
The longest glacier snout of the northern half of the
Drangajokull glacier creeps into the valley and discharges River
Reykjafjardaros. In front
of the glacier tongue are three prominent moraines.
The latest one was created when the snout advanced during the
period 1914-20. Usually
basking seals occupy the skerries close to the coast.
The landowners render services to tourists during summer by
offering sleeping bag accommodations, a camping site and the nice
swimming pool. In case of
emergencies, a small airstrip is nearby.
Mt
Geirolfsgnupur is a challenge on a fine day.
The view from up there is excellent.
To get there, people have to ford the river and continue on sheep
trails to cove Sigluvik. From
there the trail to Cove Skjaldarbjarnarvik is used until it is time to
start the ascend. Many
hikers cross the pass Reykjarfjardarhals to reach Cove Tharalatursfiord
and many continue from the to Cove Furufjordur, which is considered the
gate to the beautiful Hornstrandir Area.
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