Historical and Cultural sites in Mjóifjörður

Asknes in fjord Mjóifjörður houses the remains of a old whaling-station, which the Norwegians erected around year 1900. The factory was the largest of its kind in the world at that time. In its hayday there were 200 employees but today there are only around 40 people living in the entire Mjóifjörður region. No road lies to Asknes, but it is accessible by foot from the road innermost in the fjord.

At Dalatangi, there are two lighthouses. The older one was built by the fishing operator Ottó Wathne in 1895. He paid for the lighthouse construction, which is made of basalt with stone glue in between. The Danish Lighthouse Institute then provided lighting fixtures, a kerosene lamp, and a mirror to amplify the light. Following the construction, the National Treasury took over the operation of the lighthouse. The younger lighthouse was built in 1908 and is still in use. The road to Dalatangi lies from Mjóifjörður town. It is not possible to drive further east in Iceland. At Dalatangi, there is an excellent view to the north, to Glettingur and into Loðmundarfjörður and Seyðisfjörður. Dalatangi has a weather station, and a regular observations have been made there since 1938.

The way out to Dalatangi lies along a narrow road that winds out of Mjóifjörður. Drive along with landslides and cliffs, past waterfalls and gorges. When Dalatangi appears, it is as if you are on an island inland. It is not possible to drive further east in Iceland. At Dalatangaviti, there is an excellent view to the north, all the way to Glettingur and into Loðmundarfjörður and Seyðisfjörður. The two lighthouses on Dalatangi have a remarkable history. The older one was built on the initiative of the Norwegian fishing operator and entrepreneur Otto Wathne in 1895. It is made of basalt stone with stone glue in between. The younger lighthouse, which is now in use, was built in 1908. At Dalatangi, there is a beautiful farm. By the farm, there is an ornamental garden and a greenhouse.