Hiking

You can walk straight out from our lodge and do beautiful hikes in our valley. Or you can drive 15 minutes in either direction to reach different kinds of terrain. To the west, there is flatter seaside terrain where one can for example reach Þórðarhöfði cape, which is connected to the mainland via a narrow spit. To the east of Sóti, there are the rugged Troll Peninsula mountains, the biggest and tallest continuous mountain range in Iceland. With such spectacular scenery, the area is the home of numerous hiking routes of all difficulty levels.

Biking

There is no shortage of new and old roads as well as sheep trails to bike in the area. The main roads are asphalted and ideal for those skinny bikes. For the gravel roads and sheep trails, we’d recommend bikes with good suspension. We possess six electronic mountain bikes at our guests’ disposal, with a professional guide.

Boat excursions

In the bay of Skagafjörður there are two islands accessible only by boat, Drangey, and Málmey. Both are steeped in history and have singular natural attractions to offer, from amazing basalt formations, birdlife, stories, and overall natural beauty. In the Eyjafjörður area, there are also exciting options but from there you can catch a boat to visit Hrísey island or even go to Grímsey island where the Arctic circle crosses Iceland’s northernmost landmass. Whale watching, puffins, and sea angling are also popular activities, with departures from Dalvík.

Surfing

Surfing has typically not been something one thinks about when Iceland comes to mind, but that has changed slowly but steadily in recent years as surf crews have ventured further into colder water. Some of the better-known waves in Iceland are located in our area, in Hlöðnuvík and close to Ólafsfjörður.

Backcountry skiing

The Troll Peninsula is the heart of skiing in Iceland. There is a reason why all the major ski expedition companies base their operations on Troll Peninsula. The topography provides easy access and nearly guaranteed snow from summit to sea until mid-May or even June, with endless lines and options that suit most levels of skiers. At the end of March of 2020, the Freeride World Tour is hosted in Siglufjörður, as well as the local Super Troll Ski Race.

Cross country skiing

Only a few decades ago skis were the preferred winter transportation method for the people of Fljót. The community would snow in for months, but the locals were eager to ski. They would also travel to other places in Iceland to compete in ski tournaments and form bonds with skiers in places like Ísafjörður and Egilsstaðir. Today the locals do not ski out of necessity, but of passion. Trails are groomed frequently and are open for locals and visitors alike. Every year during Easter, the local ski organization organizes a race that is open to Icelanders and visitors alike.

Hot pools

Sólgarðar swimming pool, a charming country swimming pool, is next door to Soti Lodge and has served the people of Fljót for decades. Numerous other geothermal hot pools and wild hot springs are located in the region, among them the well-known infinity pool in the village of Hofsós.

Horseback riding

We work closely with our friends and neighbors at Langhús farm. Owned and operated by professional horse trainers and wife & husband team Lukka and Láki, they offer guided horse riding trips up our valley or down to the beach for epic tours under the midnight sun. They take great pride in what they’ve been doing since 1997, offering advanced riders as well as beginners the experience of a lifetime.

Petting zoo

Brúnastaðir is a nearby farm that offers a very unique “Petting Zoo” which includes goats, pigs, rabbits, hens, and a fox. As the name implies, guests can hang out, pet animals, and enjoy an insight into Icelandic farm life.

Kayaking and Sup-ing

There are three lakes surrounding us, and of course the North-Atlantic ocean itself. Depending on wind direction and time of year one will usually be able to find a suitable spot to paddle. Kayaks can be rented in Brúnastaðir or Siglufjörður but we have two SUP boards on disposal for our guests to use responsibly.

Nature exploration

The natural landscapes of the Troll peninsula are a playground of exploration and discovery all year round. With 24 hours of daylight during the summer months, there is plenty of time to study colorful wildflowers and edible plants decorating our hills and heaths. The beach is a haven for numerous creatures and different types of kelp. At the end of summer, the hills are filled with juicy blueberries, which can typically be enjoyed until October. Autumn brings the magical northern lights, frequently seen until April. Varied fauna can be observed throughout the year, with a myriad of birds from ptarmigans to puffins, as well as our few and treasured wild mammals, arctic foxes to humpback whales.

Alpine skiing

Sometimes you just want to get in as many rides as possible; then the fantastic Siglufjörður lift-accessed ski area is not a bad option. Three lifts carry skiers up the slopes, the top end reaching over 650m above sea level. The ski area is equipped with floodlighting for those super short days in mid-winter.

Museums

Three of the better-known museums in Iceland are to be found in our area.

Glaumbær is a historical church site dating back to the early Christian era, with a typical Icelandic farmhouse made of turf, driftwood, and rocks. Parts of it are centuries old, but most of it from the mid 18th century. Compared to the churches and castles in Europe it may not sound very old, but for Iceland, it sure is a remarkable testimony of past times.

The Icelandic Emigration Center in Hofsós is dedicated to commemorate Icelandic emigrants to America in the late 1800s and the beginning of the 1900’s – a difficult period in Iceland’s history when nearly 20% of our population decided to search for a better life elsewhere.
Perhaps the best-known museum in the whole of Iceland is the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður. It tells the story of the “Herring Adventure” which lasted for nearly a century and laid the foundations for a modern society in Iceland. The exhibition has received numerous awards, amongst them the “European Museum Award” in 2004.

Fishing

Two well-known fly fishing rivers shape the Fljót area. Fljótaá is an excellent salmon fishing river, also teeming with Arctic char for those who just want to catch their dinner. Flókadalsá is similarly perfect for family fishing adventures, with freshwater fish of all types homing in during the summer and early autumn. Many farmers in the region offer licenses for lake fishing and/or permits for bird hunting during the autumn hunting season.

Day Tours

Sóti Summits offers daily hiking tours during the summer period, as well as fabulous daily e-mountain-biking tours. The opportunities for exploration are endless.

Additionally, a number of tour operators offer adventure tours of all types. Among those are: kayaking during the summer season, heliskiing over the wintertime – and of course experiencing the Icelandic horse all year round.