Get Ready for Hölkná
PLANNING GUIDE
Let’s Get Planning
This guide outlines what to expect during your stay and how to prepare for your upcoming trip. We look forward to welcoming you at Eleven Hölkná Cabins, but until then, let’s start making some plans.
Getting Here
A VALID PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR TRAVEL TO AND FROM ICELAND.
Visitors to Iceland have varying entry requirements based on their nationality, duration of stay, and accompanying items. Everyone must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their stay, a ticket for return or onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. For detailed information, please visit the official website:
Travel Document Requirements
Cabin Coordinates:
Please plug these coordinates into your preferred map/direction app on your phone to get step-by-step directions to the Hölkná Cabins, or follow ours below.
Drive Time:
The drive time from Akureyri is roughly two hours and fifty minutes, while the drive time from Húsavík is roughly one hour and forty minutes.
Step-By-Step Directions
Travel from Akureyri and Húsavík follow the same route starting at Route 85, as outlined below.
• Starting from downtown Akureyri, turn right onto Drottningarbraut (1.2 km).
• Turn left onto Pjodvegur (4.0 km).
• At the roundabout take the first exit and stay on pjodvegur, toward Húsavík & Route 85 (24.6 km).
• Turn left onto Nordausturvegur, Route 85 (25.6 km) - if you’ve hit the crossroads of Fossholl, you’ve gone too far on Route 1.
• Turn left to stay on Nordausturvegur, Route 85 (18.9 km).
• Continue onto Mararbraut, Route 85 (850 m).
• Merge onto Gardarsbraut, Route 85 (250 m).
• Continue onto Hedinsbraut, Route 85 (550 m).
• Continue onto Route 85 (90.6 km) - This is where your directions start if traveling from Húsavík.
• Turn right onto Hofaskardsleid, Route 85 (30.5 km).
• Continue onto Nordausturvegu, Route 85 (17.1 km).
• As you continue on Route 85, be on the lookout for the turn into the Syora-Aland Farm on the right side of the road. The entrance to the farm is marked by an Icelandic flag, a sign with the farm’s name, and cattle guard immediately after you make the turn. If you end up in the town of Thorsofn (Þórshöfn), you’ve got roughly 20 km too far.
• After you turned off Route 85 into the Syora-Aland Farm, continue on this road.
• At the Y in the road, stay left, and drive past the farmer’s compound. Head down the river until you reach the Hölkná Cabins at the end of the road.
Angling
Learn what to expect on your Icelandic angling adventure.
FAQs
What water will we fish during our stay?
The Hölkná is a medium-sized river that gives guests access to an eight-mile stretch of gin-clear water. It is regulated and limited to only two anglers at a time. Anglers will fish 27 marked pools and a good number of unmarked pools. Most of the water can be fished well with a 9’ 7 single hand rod. However, there is a benefit to having a smaller two-handed to cover more water effectively and efficiently. Casting distance averages 40 to 60 feet, and all swing techniques are used— riffle hitch, skated dry flies, tubes, micro tubes, and more. The salmon average 7 pounds, and the largest can be 20+ pounds. Our guides are world-class, extremely knowledgeable, and ready to share anything they know with you, from angling instruction to what life is like in Iceland.
What are the most common flies?
We recommend purchasing flies from Veidihornid Tackle Shop in Reykjavik, the best fly shop in Iceland, as you won’t have access to shopping once you reach the remote Hölkná area. If you plan ahead, the following wet flies are recommended: Red Frances (#10-16) for early summer, Black Frances (#10-16) for the whole season, Collie Dog (#1016) for the whole season, and Green Highlander, Hairy Mary, and Night Hawk (#12-16) for late season fishing. Other effective options include the Silver Sheep (#12-16) and Sunray Shadow in all sizes, suitable for the whole season, as well as the Undertaker (#4-5) for year-round use.
What is your guide team like?
Eleven’s group of highly trained, passionate guides makes your Hölkná experience. We ensure that our guides deliver the highest level of safety, experience, and industry knowledge. Beyond their qualifications, their enthusiasm in getting to know your angling style and sharing the native resources makes your trip not only dialed but also personal.
What gear does Eleven provide?
We provide all equipment, including industry-leading rods and reels, waders and boots, nets, and flies. Our fleet of gear includes Fishpond and Rising nets, Simms waders and boots, and our guides’ custom-tied flies. If you’d like to bring your own gear, check out our packing list for recommendations.
Food & Drink
Enjoy an all-inclusive experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and traditional Icelandic cuisine.
FOOD INCLUSIONS
Breakfast, lunch, après, and dinner are included—and we’re happy to cater to dietary preferences and restrictions as noted on your guest information form.
DRINK INCLUSIONS
Our Hölkná Cabins offers a limited selection of beer, cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, and wine to enhance your stay. House alcohol is included.
Preparing for Your Trip
Check out the essential information you need to know before you go.
Packing List
DON’T FORGET TO PACK:
Passport
Prescriptions and medication
Phone charger
Converter
Reusable water bottle
Camera and charger
Batteries/chargers for devices
Personal toiletries
CLOTHES YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU PACKED:
Polarized sunglasses
Rain jacket and pants
Windbreaker
Insulated jacket or vest
Warm layers for top and bottom: capilene, wool, fleece
Heavy wool socks
Fleece or wool gloves
Sandals, clogs, or slippers
Swimsuit
Hiking boots
Comfortable clothes for relaxing in the cabin
Bug net
Bug spray
JUL-AUG: SEPT:
Buff
Sunscreen
FISHING GEAR:
All gear is provided, but here is a list of suggestions if you’d like to bring your own.
9 foot, 7 weight, 4-piece travel rod
10’6” or 11’ switch rods in 7- and/or 8-weight
15lb or 12lb leaders
10lb or 12lb tippet
Appropriate floating line to match your rod
Waterproof tackle bag
Pliers or forceps, nippers, hook sharpener, fly line dressing, and cleaning pad
Good to Know
CHECK-IN/CHECK OUT:
• Check-in time at Hölkná is 3:00pm and check out time is at 10:00am.
• Please note: Access to the lodge outside these hours is not guaranteed. We recommend choosing a flight that aligns best with these check-in and checkout times. Please speak with your Experience Team if there are conflicts.
GRATUITY:
• While gratuity is not expected at Hölkná, guests who wish to leave a tip may consider the following as a guideline: $100–$150 USD per day for your guide, and $50–$75 USD per day for the cabin team. These amounts can be paid in cash directly at the property, as credit card payments are not accepted at this remote location.
CELLULAR SERVICES:
• Check with your cell phone provider to find out about roaming charges that will apply as well as the option of adding an international data plan. Other options include renting a Wifi hotspot or purchasing an Icelandic SIM card. Wifi will be available at most restaurants and hotels, so communication via Wifi is most efficient.
• The WiFi signal and cell service is strong on the Hölkná property.
LOCAL TIME ZONE:
• Iceland operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
CASH AND CREDIT CARDS:
• We recommend carrying Icelandic Króna (ISK) for expenses like taxis and tips, especially if you plan to explore the country beyond Hölkná. Most places accept credit and debit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard. Inform your credit card companies about your international travel.
• At Hölkná Cabins, there are no additional expenses associated with your stay or credit card machines, so we appreciate tipping cash
CURRENCY EXCHANGE:
• The local currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). We advise exchanging Euros, USD, or other currencies before traveling to Iceland. ATMs, or Hraðbanki, are readily available in cities and towns. Banks will advance cash against main debit and credit cards.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT:
• Iceland uses type F power sockets, with a standard voltage of 230 V and frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from the United States will need a power plug adapter and voltage converter. Hölkná offers converters for an additional cost that are subject to availability at the concierge.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
• We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. The Eleven Team can help you arrange trip cancellation insurance prior to your trip. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you with our preferred insurance partner, Global Rescue, to provide you with a quote.
LOCAL LANGUAGE:
• Icelandic is the official language of Iceland. English is commonly spoken throughout the country, and by all of our hospitality team and guides.
Cameron Davenport: cdavenport@elevenangling.com | 541-410-8035
Thorsteinn Gudmundsson: tgudmundsson@elevenexperience.com | +354 8931945