Region
Northwest Iceland
1 day tour · 9 attractions · 3 h from Reykjavík
Horse country and quiet fjords between the Westfjords and Akureyri: seal colonies on the Vatnsnes peninsula, the basalt troll of Hvítserkur, and the turf farms of Glaumbær — Iceland as it looked a century ago.
- 1 day tour
- 9 attractions
- 3 h from Reykjavík
Don’t miss
All Iceland attractions →
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Towns & places in the northwest
All 7 places →
Hvammstangi
Hvammstangi is a Northwest Iceland stop with the Icelandic Seal Center and access towards Vatnsnes. Wildlife viewing needs its own route plan.
Skagaströnd
Skagaströnd offers harbour life, artist activity and walking routes on Spákonufellshöfði. The headland and mountain are different outings.
Hofsós
Hofsós lies on the eastern shore of Skagafjörður, with a fjord-view swimming pool, basalt shoreline and the Icelandic Emigration Center.
Hólar
Hólar in Hjaltadalur is a historic cathedral and university setting in Skagafjörður, with horse heritage and paths through the grounds.
Laugarbakki
Laugarbakki is beside Route 1 and the Miðfjarðará river in Northwest Iceland. It is a useful overnight or onward-route planning stop.
Sauðárkrókur
Sauðárkrókur is a Skagafjörður town with an old centre, cultural stops and coastal birdlife. Drangey visits need a separate boat booking.
Varmahlíð
Varmahlíð is a Route 1 stop in Skagafjörður with local services and walking paths at Reykjarhóll. Nearby heritage visits need separate planning.
From the team’s own list
Where locals eat in the northwest
Northwest Iceland — frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Northwest Iceland?
Hvítserkur, the basalt sea stack that looks like a drinking troll; the seal colonies on the Vatnsnes peninsula; Kolugljúfur canyon; and Glaumbær, one of the best-preserved turf farms in the country. Skagafjörður behind it is Iceland's horse-breeding heartland.
Is it worth stopping on a Ring Road trip?
Yes, and it is the stretch most people drive straight through. Half a day off Route 1 gets you the Vatnsnes loop and Hvítserkur; a full day adds Skagafjörður and the turf farms.
How far is it from Reykjavík?
About three hours to Blönduós, three and a half to Sauðárkrókur — far enough that it works better as a stop on a longer route than as a day trip.
Where do you see seals?
The Vatnsnes peninsula, from the shore at Illugastaðir and Hvítserkur. They haul out on the rocks and sandbanks and are visible year-round; stay on the marked paths and keep your distance rather than walking out to them.
Can you go horse riding here?
This is the place for it. Skagafjörður has bred Icelandic horses for centuries and has more of them than people; short rides for beginners and multi-day treks both run out of the valley.
Is it good for northern lights?
Very. There is almost no light pollution once you leave the villages, and the season runs roughly September to mid-April. As anywhere, you still need a clear sky and solar activity on the night.
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