Plizio Visual Lab
Melrakkaslétta Settlement Traces
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
ruins
Weather…
Water temperature…
Melrakkaslétta in the far north of Iceland contains numerous settlement traces that testify to the former importance of this now nearly deserted peninsula. The region was once a center for driftwood harvesting and Arctic fox hunting, giving the peninsula its name. Archaeological ruins at sites like Hraunhafnartangi prove that fishermen and farmers lived here under extreme subarctic conditions. The area's history is defined by the 20th-century migration to urban centers, as modern economic practices made the remote farmsteads unviable. Ruins include old harbor facilities, stone huts, and turf houses, often situated directly along the coastline. Today, the site gives a melancholy panorama of Icelandic pioneer history at the edge of the Arctic Circle. Melrakkaslétta is an important research area for maritime archaeology and the study of historical land use in peripheral territories.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Húsavík (82 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 92 | 77 | 87 | 69 | 61 | 45 | 63 | 71 | 101 | 111 | 109 | 112 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The settlement traces of Melrakkaslétta are outdoor archaeological remains that are freely accessible. There is no infrastructure, but the sites are easily reachable on foot.
Typical hours
As the site is accessible anytime, there are no opening hours. Visit during daylight, ideally in summer when the weather is milder.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted; the remains in the barren landscape create atmospheric images. A wide-angle lens helps capture the vastness of the tundra.
Time needed
Viewing the traces takes about 20 to 30 minutes. For a thorough exploration of the surrounding area, allow 1 hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Raufarhöfn harbor and the Arctic Henge stone structure. The whole region is remote and rich in untouched nature.
Getting there
Melrakkaslétta is in northeast Iceland, about 30 km north of Raufarhöfn on Route 85. A 4x4 is recommended due to gravel roads.
Insider tip
Bring binoculars to observe wildlife such as birds and Arctic foxes. The region is very windy - a windproof jacket is essential.
Geography
Facts
- Northernmost peninsula of mainland Iceland
- Historic center for driftwood and fox hunting
- Hraunhafnartangi ruins are near the Arctic Circle
- Largely depopulated during the 20th century
- Features remains of early coastal fishing stations
- Crucial area for studying maritime archaeological history
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Melrakkaslétta located?
It is Iceland's northernmost peninsula, located just below the Arctic Circle.
What settlement traces can be found there?
You can find ruins of abandoned fishing villages and farms that once relied on fishing.
Is the region suitable for nature watching?
Yes, it is a paradise for birdwatchers and famous for the driftwood on its shores.
How difficult is the journey to Melrakkaslétta?
The journey is long and involves driving on gravel roads for long stretches through remote areas.
Is there accommodation near the ruins?
Simple accommodations can be found in the towns of Raufarhöfn or Kópasker.
Melrakkaslétta Settlement Traces: where is it located?
Melrakkaslétta Settlement Traces is located in Iceland.
Melrakkaslétta Settlement Traces: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Melrakkaslétta Settlement Traces: why is it worth visiting?
Melrakkaslétta in the far north of Iceland contains numerous settlement traces that testify to the former importance of this now nearly deserted peninsula.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.
Húsavík
Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.
Ísafjörður
The largest town in the Westfjords, known for its dramatic mountain setting and fishing heritage.
Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður is the economic and cultural hub of the Westfjords region.
Sauðárkrókur
Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.
Sauðárkrókur
The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.
Borgarnes
Borgarnes is located on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður and serves as a key service hub for West Iceland.
Höfn
Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.
Dalvík
Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.
Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur is a charming town on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its well-preserved old houses and views over the island-dotted B…
Siglufjörður
Iceland's northernmost town, once the world capital of herring fishing, nestled between majestic mountains.
Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.
Blönduós
Blönduós is located in northwest Iceland at the mouth of the Blanda river.
Vopnafjörður
Vopnafjörður is a small settlement in northeast Iceland, situated on a deep bay.
Seyðisfjörður
Seyðisfjörður is an artistic town in the East Fjords of Iceland.
History & landmarks
Dettifoss
Europe's most powerful waterfall, plunging with incredible force into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.
Dettifoss
Dettifoss, located in Vatnajökull National Park, is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Grímsey
Grímsey is a small island located 40 kilometers north of Iceland.
Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir, or Dark Castles, is a large area of bizarre lava formations east of Lake Mývatn.
Nature
Krafla
Krafla is a caldera and volcanic system in northern Iceland.
Grimsey Island Wildlife
Grimsey lies on the Arctic Circle and is famous for its massive seabird colonies.
Lake Myvatn Bird Reserve
Lake Myvatn is world-renowned for its high density of nesting duck species.
Mývatn
Mývatn is a shallow, nutrient-rich lake in northern Iceland.
More places
Ásbyrgi
Ásbyrgi is a massive, horseshoe-shaped canyon in northern Iceland.
Asbyrgi Canyon Forest
This horseshoe-shaped canyon is a green oasis with dense birch and willow forests.
🗺️
Þeistareykir Geothermal Power Station
The Þeistareykir Geothermal Power Station is a modern facility in northeast Iceland.
Húsavík Church
Húsavíkurkirkja is a unique wooden church in Húsavík, built in the Swiss chalet style.
🗺️
Kaldakinn Battlefield
Historical site in northeast Iceland known for medieval feuds.
Krafla Power Station
The Krafla Power Station utilizes geothermal energy from an active volcanic system in the north.