Experience the nature behind nature
In Akureyri and the surrounding Eyjafjörður, the landscape can be experienced in more ways than one. The concept of Hidden Worlds is based on the vision of Erla Stefánsdóttir, an Icelandic seer and artist known for her unique ability to perceive and illustrate what she described as the hidden energy and beings within the natural world.
According to her work, the land is alive with energy—flowing through mountains, valleys, and the fjord itself. She described a network of natural energy lines connecting key places across North Iceland, linking visible nature with deeper, unseen dimensions.
These energies are believed to flow from the glacier Hofsjökull toward the north, gathering strength around the mountain Kaldbakur—one of the area’s main energy centres, associated with balance, growth, and renewal.
Within this living landscape, Icelandic folklore also plays an important role. Hills and rocky areas, are traditionally believed to be home to elves and hidden people. These stories reflect a deep cultural respect for nature and its many layers.
The Hidden Worlds map invites visitors to explore these places with an open mind. Walk through the landscape, pause, and take in the surroundings. Some locations may feel especially calm, powerful, or inspiring—offering a moment of connection to both nature and history.
This experience is not about seeing something specific, but about sensing the atmosphere of the land. It is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and discover a deeper appreciation of the environment.
At its heart, Hidden Worlds carries a simple message: everything in nature is connected—and by exploring it with awareness, we become part of that connection.