Guide de Voyage : Arskogssandur

Arskogssandur is a community in the north of Iceland, nestled against the fjord Eyjafjordur. Although the population is small, it played a key role in Iceland's microbrewery revolution.

Located between the larger settlements of Dalvik and Akureyri, Arskogssandur has more to it than its humble population of just around 130 people may suggest. It is the departure point for those taking the ferry over to Hrisey Island and the location of the Kaldi brewery and beer spa, which are open to visitors.

The best way to visit this area is on a relaxed self-drive tour. One of the best options for doing so is this 7-day Arctic Coast Way self-drive, available in the summer months.

Things to Do in Arskogssandur

One of the highlights of Arskogssandur is the Kaldi Brewery, which is the oldest microbrewery in Iceland. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the brewing process, and of course, sample the beer.

Before Kaldi Brewery was founded in 2006, the Icelandic beer scene was quite limited, in large part due to the country's unusual history with beer. From 1915 to 1989, beer was banned in Iceland. While the prohibition was lifted in 1989, the market was initially dominated by a few large-scale breweries that produced mostly lagers.

The introduction of Kaldi Brewery in 2006 marked the beginning of a craft beer revolution in Iceland, and since then, dozens of microbreweries have cropped up all over the country. Kaldi has managed to maintain its place in the rapidly evolving beer scene and is a go-to staple for many locals and visitors.

Photo from Unforgettable 1 Hour Bjorbodin Beer Spa Tour in North Iceland.

One of the more unusual attractions that sprouted from the brewery is the Beer Spa which opened its doors in 2017. As its name might suggest, this unusual spa allows guests to take a dip in vats full of beer which is said to have a variety of health benefits. Those who have always wanted to combine their love of beer and hot tubs will not be disappointed with an unforgettable 1 hour Bjorbodin Beer Spa tour.

Arskogssandur has more to offer than just beer, however, as Eyjafjordur is a favorable habitat for marine life. If you're lucky, you might be able to spot a whale from shore, but if you're not willing to take that risk, you could venture out to sea on a guided 2.5-hour whale-watching boat trip that departs from the port at Arskogssandur.

Things to Do Near Arskogssandur

As Arskogssandur is the ferry port to Hrisey, sailing over to the island is a natural recommendation. Nicknamed 'The Pearl of Eyjafjordur,' Hrisey is a tranquil island rich in birdlife, beautiful landscapes, history, and even ghost stories.

As mentioned before, Arskogssandur is close to the town of Akureyri, which is often called the unofficial capital of the North of Iceland. It has many museums, galleries, and the world’s northernmost botanical gardens.