The unspoiled nature, many different kinds of birds and the peaceful environment makes Ytra Lón an ideal stop for nature lovers and people who are seeking a relaxed atmosphere in a family owned Hostel, with an Icelandic-Dutch family. While walking along the coast you see a number of long left farmhouses, a big variety of plants, thousands of Arctic Sterns and a close view of the Gannet, breeding among other seabirds on the rocks. Only 20 meters from the Hostel runs the river Lónsá where anglers can try trout fishing. At the hostel guests can enjoy a hot tub which is warm and inviting all year round. It´s a great experience to watch the starry sky from the hot tub during the winter, and even better when the northern lights are out and about. Guests have the opportunity to join and take part in the work on the farm. Next Hostels: Húsey, 185 km - Kópasker, 135 km.
More information about Langanes: Shaped like a goose with a very large head, the foggy Langanes peninsula is one of the loneliest corners of Iceland. Most of the flat or undulating part of Langanes, which is riddled with abandoned farms, is rich in marshland as well as arctic and alpine flora. The moors at the base of Langanes form a tundra plain of lakes, marshes and low hills. It's pleasant and unchallenging walking country. The tallest peak of mountainous southern Langanes, Gunnólfsvíkurfjall, rises to 719m and the easternmost coasts are charactarised by cliffs up to 130m high. On one of them, Heiðarfjall, called ‘Misty Mountain', NATO operated a radarstation during the cold war from 1957 until 1970. Drinking water is plentiful, but there are no facilities beyond Þórshöfn, so carry everything you'll need. Hikers should allow 4 - 5 days for the return trip from Ytra Lón to Fontur. After the turn-off to the Hostel the road gets a little rougher but is still OK for 2WD vehicles. At several places Langanes provides major breeding ground for the peripatetic arctic tern and at Skoruvíkurbjarg you get a close look of the gannet, breeding on Stóri Karl (Big Man). The fog-bound cliffs at the northeastern tip of Langanes have long proved dangerous to passing ships. The Fontur lighthouse at the cape dates from 1910 and there's a monument to the shipwrecked English sailors who died of hypothermia after ascending the ravine there. It's now called Engelskagjá (English Gorge). From the western end of Skoruvík the road leads across the peninsula to Skálabjarg, a long and formidable bird cliff on the wild south coast of Langanes. At the turn of the century, the ruined farm of Skálar, northeast of the cliff, was a prosperous fishing village. The best base from which to explore the Langanes peninsula is Farm Hostel Ytra Lón. It's part of a working sheepfarm and the renovated 16-bed hostel provides plenty of comfort in this remote outpost. In summer there are few places that offer such spectacular views of the midnight sun as Langanes
Activities:
Bird-watching and egg collecting: Every year from around 15 May to 10 June Þórshöfn's egg gathering club heads up to the wild and rocky cliffs on the Langanes peninsula to collect eggs from the colonies of black gulls, a tradition stretching back many years. The collection involves cliff-climbing and abseiling using professional equipment. The local club invites visitors to join in the tours, which include bird-watching guides and cliff-climbing instructions for those who want to try for themselves. For more information contact the hostel by e-mail. ............................................................................................................................................................................. Hiking: Apart from all the hiking you can do on Langanes peninsula there is a marked trail on the west site of Þórshöfn at Rauðanes peninsula, 44km from Ytra Lón. This small and scenic peninsula is endowed with steep cliffs full of nesting birds, caves, offshore sea stacks and an exposed rock face, Stakkatorfa, where a great chunk of land collapsed into the sea. It´s an excellent area for hiking, with marked paths leading to bizarre rock formations, caves, puffin colonies and secluded beaches. Hiking maps of the area are for sale at the reception. ....................................................................................................................................................................... Angling: Our guests can try free trout-fishing in lake Ytra Lón. Only 20 meters from the hostel runs our little jewel, the river Lónsá, this is a neatly proportioned sea trout and sea char river where two rods are permitted. Above the short estuary, which often yields good catches, is an inner lagoon and then a distance of aproximately two kilometers where the river flows through grassy meadows and homesteads. An added advantage is the possibility of choosing the 12 legally restricted angling hours at your own convenience. Fly fishing only in the upper reaches of the river. Purchase your fishing license by e-mail! Price fishing license 2009: €40,-- per rod, allowed are two rods per day. ......................................................................................................................................................................... Border Collies: This dog is well known for being a great sheepdog. When the Border Collie is ready to work, it's tail will drop and their hypnotic eyes control livestock of all shapes and sizes. As the premier herding dog in the world, the Border Collie has gathered large flocks from great distances and found lost stock in the worst of weather. That's why we choose to work with this great dog. In summertime a few sheep stay at home so we have some cattle to train our dogs. You ‘re welcome to be our audience when we are training at the end of the day ......................................................................................................................................................................
Travel and Transportation: Do you want to see the bird rocks on Langanes peninsula, the ruins of Skálar village, explore the Misty Mountain, go all the way to Fontur or be dropped of for a hike somewhere? No problem! At the Hostel we offer a drive-and-go service for our guests. When interested please ask for more information and prices by e-mail in advance so we can arrange some trips during your stay. ............................................................................................................................................................................ Transfer bus stop Þórshöfn or airport Þórshöfn – Hostel Ytra Lón: Upon request we offer a pick-up service for our guest who arrive by bus or by plane. Price 2009: one way €15,-- per person. ........................................................................................................................................................................... The Hostel is proud to call itself a ‘Green Hostel' we try to work in an environmental friendly and selfsufficient way in all aspects of our Farm and Hostel bussinesses. ........................................................................................................................................................................... For further information contact the Hostel straight. Have a safe and exciting journey, we look forward to meeting you on Langanes!