The Northwest

Northwest Iceland is a captivating region known for its diverse landscapes located in the country’s northwestern part and bordering the Westfjords. It encompasses areas around Saudarkrokur, Blonduos, and Hvammstangi, as well as the surrounding countryside, farmlands, fjords, and coastal areas. 

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Explore The Northwest

The Northwest region is relatively well-connected by the Ring Road (Route 1), the main road in the country that circles the island, making it more accessible than some other parts of Iceland. However, many attractions require driving on inner roads passing trough small communities rich in history with Viking sagas and a strong connection to Iceland’s cultural heritage.
The most visited destination is the Vatnsnes Peninsula renowned for its stunning coastal vistas and abundant wildlife.
One of the unique experiences in this region is fly fishing on Midfjardara river known for its excellent Atlantic salmon catches.

The Northwest

Hvammstangi is a charming village on the Vatnsnes Peninsula in Northwest Iceland, known for its small-town vibe, historical significance, and natural attractions. It is situated 6 kilometers north of the Ring Road (Route 1). One of Hvammstangi’s main draws is Icelandic Seal Center offering education about seals in Iceland, their biology, and cultural significance.

The Icelandic Seal Center is dedicated to promoting awareness and conservation of the country’s seal population. The museum offers visitors an educational experience through interactive exhibits, artifacts, informative displays, and multimedia presentations. 

It stretches into Húnaflói Bay, not far from the town of Hvammstangi, and it is accessible from the Ring Road (Route 1) on Road 711 north. It is one of the best places in Iceland for spotting seals.

The most iconic feature of Vatnsnes, Hvítserkur is a 15-meter (49 feet) tall rock formation in the sea that resembles a dragon or a rhinoceros drinking water.

Ánastaðarstapi is a sea stack or cliff formation, which is a result of erosive processes by the sea and wind on the volcanic rock.

Illugastaðir is famous for its seal colony. Seals can be observed on nearby rocks or swimming near the shore. There’s a seal watching hut and a trail leading to the best viewing spots, although the area is closed from May 1st to June 20th due to eider duck nesting.

With its gin-clear waters the Midfjardara river is known in Iceland as “The Queen of the Rivers” and one of premier fly fishing rivers, particularly renowned for its salmon fishing. The river system extends approximately 115 km from its source to its mouth, including its tributaries.

Midfjardara Lodge is one of Iceland’s most renowned fishing lodges, situated along the Midfjardara River, which is celebrated for its Atlantic salmon fishing. It offers professional guides, all-inclusive packages, and 10 private bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. Each full rod typically gets a private room, but rooms can be shared in rod-share arrangements. Anglers are usually transported by 4WD vehicles to different beats each day, with fishing hours adjusted to daylight (especially in summer with the midnight sun). The fishing season typically runs from mid-June to late September. The peak for salmon fishing is often considered to be mid-July to mid-August.

Borgarvirki is a natural fortress, a remnant of ancient volcanic activity where magma solidified within the vent of a volcano, creating a columnar basalt structure. According to legends, Borgarvirki was used as a fortress during the Viking Age. It’s believed to have been utilized by Víga-Barði (Killer Barði), a chieftain from Ásbjarnarnes, for defense against attackers from Borgarfjörður. However, there’s no definitive archaeological evidence proving extensive human fortifications, suggesting its natural defensive capabilities might have been the primary asset.

Kolufossar refers to a series of waterfalls within the Kolugljúfur canyon. The primary waterfall, approximately 8 meters in height, cascades into the Víðidalsá River. The name Kolufossar is derived from the giantess Kola, who, according to Icelandic folklore, lived in the area. She’s said to have caught salmon by hand from the river and cooked them in a nearby hot spring.

It is situated at the mouth of the glacial river Blanda, which splits the town into two parts. The only dedicated textile museum in Iceland is locating here (Heimilisiðnaðarsafnið), showcasing the history and development of Icelandic textile crafts.

Saudarkrokur is located on the Skagafjörður bay and it is an important hub for the region. The town has a rich history with attractions like the Saudarkrokur Heritage Museum and the Tannery Visitor Centre.

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Other Regions of Iceland
Reykjanes Peninsula
Golden Circle
Snaefellsnes
Westfjords
North
East&Southeast
South Coast
Heimaey Island
Other Regions of Iceland
Reykjanes Peninsula
Golden Circle
Snaefellsnes
Westfjords
North
East&Southeast
South Coast
Heimaey Island
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