Raufarhöfn
About Raufarhöfn
Raufarhöfn is the northernmost village on the Icelandic mainland, on the Melrakkaslétta coast of Northeast Iceland, and the Raufarhöfn campsite puts all of it within walking distance. The campground sits by a small pond next to the elementary school and the sports center on Skólabraut, a short walk from the grocery store and the harbor.
The main sight is the Arctic Henge (Heimskautsgerðið), a stone monument on the hill above the village, and around midsummer the nights here barely get dark. Iceland restricts overnight stays in campervans to campsites, so park for the night down in the village rather than up at the Henge.
Facilities at the Raufarhöfn camping ground are simple: toilets, washing-up sinks, showers, picnic tables, electrical hookups for campers and motorhomes, and a place to empty portable toilets. Next door, the sports center has an indoor pool and a sauna. An overflow area on the sports field takes extra tents but has no toilets or electricity.
The season runs from May 15 to October 1, as long as the weather holds and temperatures stay above freezing. The municipality handed the campsite to a private operator in 2024, so confirm the current rate and how to pay when you arrive.
Getting here is part of the trip. Raufarhöfn is about two hours' drive from Húsavík and three from Akureyri, so plan to stay the night rather than turn straight around.
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Good to know
When is the Raufarhöfn campsite open?
From May 15 to October 1, as long as the weather allows and temperatures stay above freezing.
Is there a swimming pool next to the Raufarhöfn campsite?
Yes. The sports center next door has an indoor pool and a sauna.
Can you camp at the Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn?
Not overnight in a vehicle. Iceland restricts overnight stays in campervans and camper trailers to campsites, so use the village campsite instead.
Where is Raufarhöfn?
On the Melrakkaslétta coast in Northeast Iceland, about two hours' drive from Húsavík and three from Akureyri.
Does the Raufarhöfn campsite have electricity?
Yes, the main campground has electrical hookups. The overflow area on the sports field has no electricity or toilets.
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