Sauðárkrókur

Sauðárkrókur is the cultural and economic heart of Northwest Iceland, situated on the shores of Skagafjörður. The town is a significant center for fish processing and trade, but the region is most famous for breeding the Icelandic horse; Skagafjörður is considered the cradle of Icelandic horsemanship. Visitors can enjoy world-class riding tours or visit the only tannery in Europe that produces fish leather. The town also features a spirited cultural scene with museums like Minjahús, showcasing local crafts and history. A major highlight is the boat trip to Drangey Island, a steep sea stack in the middle of the fjord teeming with birdlife and linked to local sagas. In town, the local swimming pool and cozy restaurants invite visitors to taste local specialties like fresh cod or lamb. Access is via Route 75, about a 3-hour drive from Akureyri. The best time to visit is during summer, when days are long and the birdlife on Drangey is at its peak. In winter, the nearby ski area on Mount Tindastóll provides excellent conditions for winter sports.

Nearby cities

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Akranes

Akranes is a port town on Iceland's west coast, known for its long fishing tradition and two distinctive lighthouses.

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.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

Sauðárkrókur

Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.

Borgarnes

Borgarnes is located on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður and serves as a key service hub for West Iceland.

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

Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.

Siglufjörður

Iceland's northernmost town, once the world capital of herring fishing, nestled between majestic mountains.

Blönduós

Blönduós is located in northwest Iceland at the mouth of the Blanda river.

History & landmarks

Breiðabólstaður

Breiðabólstaður was the site of the first printing press in Iceland, established in the 1530s.

Nature

Drangey Island Birdlife

Drangey is a steep island fortress known for its massive seabird colonies.

Hunafjordur Seal Habitat

This region in North Iceland is one of the premier locations to observe seals in their natural habitat.

More places

Glaumbær

Glaumbær is an excellently preserved turf farm that now serves as an open-air museum.

Glaumbær Farm Museum

Glaumbær is a historic turf farm museum showcasing rural life in Iceland during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Hólar í Hjaltadal

Founded in 1106, this location served as the bishopric for Northern Iceland.

Hólar Cathedral

Hólar was the episcopal seat for Northern Iceland for centuries and a major cultural center.

Víðimýrarkirkja

This is one of the few remaining turf churches in Iceland.

Þingeyrar

Þingeyrar was the site of the first monastery in Iceland, founded in 1133.

Blöndustöð Hydropower Plant

The Blöndustöð Hydropower Plant in the north uses the Blanda river for energy production.

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Víðivellir Ruins

Remains of an old farmstead from the settlement era.