Húsey

Egilsstaðir

Húsey farm is renowned for its picturesque nature, abundant wildlife and hiking opportunities. A marked hiking route will take you towards river Jökulsá where seals and seal pups hang out in the river mouth and out to Héraðssandur black sand beach. Húsey is a bird watchers' paradise and with nesting grounds of red-throated divers, parasitic jaegers and great skuas, to name a few. The walk takes you across the open plains around Húsey farm, on the coast of Héraðsflói Bay. You can choose between a 6 km route (approx. 2 hours) or a longer 14 km circular route. The area is rich in birdlife, and seals can often be seen in the rivers and along the shore. The walk starts at the information sign just inside the gate at Húsey. Follow the trail towards the Jökulsá River and then along the riverbanks until you reach a small box containing a guestbook and stamp. The box is located by a table near the sea, approximately 3 km from the farm. Continue towards Húsey farm and follow the road back to complete the circle. Distance: 6 km GPS coordinates: N65°38.775 – W14°14.670 Húsey is the easternmost farm in Hróarstunga, situated on a 30 km² island between the Jökulsá á Dal (Jökla) and Lagarfljót rivers. The highest point is Sandhóll, at 13 m above sea level. The landscape has been shaped by the two rivers and the powerful waves of Héraðsflói Bay. The area consists of sandy shores, dunes, heathland and wetlands. Strong northerly winds can carry sand inland, making it difficult for vegetation to establish. Land reclamation efforts include planting marram grass and strengthening the vegetation cover. Húsey is a remarkable natural area and is listed as a protected site. Around 30 species of birds breed in the area, and reindeer, arctic foxes and mink can occasionally be spotted. Seals are particularly common, often gathering in large numbers in the rivers or resting on the sandbanks. Trout and salmon are also caught in the rivers. Húsey is well known for its unusual and abundant wildlife. The farmer, Örn Þorleifsson, has become something of a local legend for raising orphaned seal pups in a pond near the farm. He has also attracted greylag geese, which roam freely around the farm. For further information, please contact the Húsey hostel.

GPS : N65°38.775-W14°14.670