What to do

Lýtingsstaðir is a peaceful horse farm in the scenic Skagafjörður region, just 20 km from Varmahlíð on Route 1. The farm offers horseback riding tours in small groups with a personal atmosphere, experienced guides, well-trained horses, and well-maintained equipment for a high-quality experience. Tours suit both beginners and experienced riders, and one can also book a farm visit. Lýtingsstaðir provides an authentic, enriching Icelandic countryside experience. Reservations are required.

Syðra-Skörðugil - is a friendly horse rental farm located in the heart of Skagafjörður in North Iceland, just a short distance from Varmahlíð. The farm offers a variety of guided horse rides suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, from one-hour rides to longer trips. A popular highlight is a trip to the historic Glaumbær Museum, followed by coffee and cakes at Áskaffi, creating a memorable cultural and nature-filled experience. The farm also offers a guesthouse, making it an ideal destination for families and travelers who want to enjoy authentic Icelandic horse culture in beautiful surroundings.

Hestasport, located in the heart of Skagafjörður, is one of the best-known horse riding operations in North Iceland. With a strong foundation in personal service, Hestasport offers a wide range of experiences, from short rides suitable for both beginners and experienced riders up to multi-day tours for seasoned riders that want to explore Iceland on horseback.

Our tours are guided by experienced staff and feature well-trained Icelandic horses. Guests can ride through open landscapes, cross rivers, explore scenic valleys, and get to know the unique gaits of the Icelandic horse, including the tölt, while visiting natural highlights nearby.

In addition to scheduled tours, private rides can be arranged for individuals or exclusive groups, offering a more personalized experience at an additional cost.

Hestasport is open year-round and offers comfortable cottages in the valley, providing guests with the opportunity to stay close to nature and fully immerse themselves in an authentic Icelandic horse riding experience.

Tindastóll Ski Resort - located near Sauðárkrókur, is a welcoming and family-friendly ski resort known for its well-maintained slopes and beautiful views of Skagafjörður. The ski resort has a modern snowmaking system that ensures good skiing conditions throughout the winter. Guests can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding in a designated area, and well-groomed cross-country ski trails. Equipment rentals and a cozy service building offering refreshments make a visit easy and enjoyable for winter travelers.
The lower lift is 1100 m long and goes from 445 to 683 in height.
The upper lift is 1000 m long and goes from 600 up to 918 m.

Langhús - offers a warm, family-run riding experience in the beautiful Skagafjörður in North Iceland. Open every day of the year, the farm is known for its personalized, small-group rides led by local farmers who match each rider—new or experienced—with the right Icelandic horse. Guests can explore the magnificent landscape shaped by Iceland’s nature while learning about the nation’s unique horse breeds and rural culture. With well-trained, well-groomed horses and a focus on an authentic, up-close experience, Langhús offers one of the most heart-warming riding adventures in the North.

Helluland is a hospitable horse farm located in the beautiful Skagafjörður region of North Iceland. The family-run business offers horse riding tours for all levels of experience – from complete beginners to experienced riders. Guests can choose between short trips or longer tours, with each trip designed to meet personal needs and riding skills. The farm also offers comfortable accommodation, giving guests the opportunity to experience authentic Icelandic farm life surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Lambgrass - Cultura offers guided hiking tours in the beautiful Hölar and Hjaltadalur areas of North Iceland. Led by a qualified guide, these tours highlight both the country's nature and the rich history of Hólar—one of Iceland's most important cultural and religious sites. Guests can enjoy peaceful mountain valleys, beautiful views, and interesting stories about the area's past and present, making the experience ideal for travelers who want to explore North Iceland on foot with a knowledgeable local.

Hlíðarendavöllur is a beautifully situated 9-hole golf course just above Sauðárkrókur, offering sweeping views of the fjord and surrounding countryside. As the home course of Skagafjörður Golf Club, it is known as one of the longest and most challenging 9-hole courses in Iceland, with a variety of greens and natural obstacles that make the game exciting for golfers of all levels. During the summer, the course hosts a number of tournaments, ranging from local club events to open competitions. Its tranquil setting and magnificent natural surroundings make Hlíðarendavöllur a memorable destination for golf enthusiasts visiting the North.

Kakalaskáli - offers a fascinating journey into the turbulent history of Iceland in the 13th century with a unique blend of folklore and art. The exhibition focuses on the dramatic life of Þórður Kakala, a key figure of the Sturlung Age, and features artwork created on site by 14 artists from 10 countries. Visitors can also explore an impressive outdoor exhibition, the Army of Stones, where 1,320 stones represent soldiers from the Battle of Haugsnes — Iceland's bloodiest battle. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, and the Workshop and Antiques Shop of María add a cultural touch to the visit.

Viking Rafting - Iceland's Most Famous Whitewater Adventure in Varmahlíð Viking Rafting, located in Varmahlíð, is the North's leading whitewater rafting company, owned and operated by passionate, highly experienced IRF-certified guides. The company offers everything from family-friendly, calm rafting on the Vesturjökulsá River to adrenaline-filled level four whitewater rafting on the Austurjökulsá River, and Viking Rafting provides adventures for all skill levels. Offering tours of stunning canyons, pristine rivers and some of Iceland's most exciting rapids, it is a must-see experience for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Skagafjörður. With a strong safety culture, friendly staff and a wide range of rafting and kayaking trips, Viking Rafting creates memorable river rafting trips in one of Iceland's most beautiful regions.

The exhibitions of the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum are located in three buildings on the museum grounds at Glaumbær. In the old turf farmhouse, which is part of the House Collection of the National Museum of Iceland, visitors can see the exhibition „Life in Turf Houses“. There, they step back in time as they enter through the farmhouse doorway and gain insight into the daily lives of people who lived in such houses in Iceland in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Two 19th-century timber houses also stand on the museum grounds. Gilsstofa houses exhibitions on two floors, while Áshús contains the museum’s café along with several smaller exhibitions.

Gallery of Folk Art is a craft shop located in Varmahlíð, Skagafjörður. For over 30 years, we have been selling handmade Icelandic products created by local artisans.

Members of Alþýðulist, a craft association in Skagafjörður, create a wide range of items – large and small – from various natural materials such as wool, horsehair, wood, bone, horn, leather, and fish skin.

Particularly noteworthy are the sweaters designed for the association, known as “Under the Blue Sky” and “Under the Grey Sky”. Matching hats and mittens are also available. These sweaters have been extremely popular among visitors from around the world.

In addition, we offer a diverse selection of other beautiful sweaters as well as a variety of other handcrafted items.

We place great emphasis on quality workmanship, Icelandic tradition, and beautiful craftsmanship.

The aim of the centre is to serve as an international centre for education and knowledge on the Icelandic horse. Emphasis is placed on a diverse and carefully curated exhibition programme that sheds light on the role and development of the horse, both in its historical context and in contemporary times.

At present, two exhibitions are on view at the centre. One presents the importance of the Icelandic horse in everyday life in Iceland during the 20th century, while the other explores, among other topics, the breed’s coat colour diversity and colour genetics, the establishment of the official studbook, honorary prize horses, outstanding performance horses, and other key aspects related to the Icelandic horse.
Opening hours:
Open from 1 June to 31 August, 11:00–17:00 (closed on Mondays).
Audio guides are available in Icelandic, English and German.

Get in touch

Lýtingsstaðir

Syðra-Skörðugil

Hestasport

Tindastóll Ski Resort

Langhús

Iceland Horse Tours

Lambgrass

Hliðarendavöllur

Kakalaskáli

Viking Rafting

Lýtingsstaðir Horse Farm

Bakkaflöt

Rúnalist Art Gallery – Stórhól

Lindabær Museum of Natural History

Sauðárkrókur swimming pool

Varmahlid swimming pool

Hofsós swimming pool

Reykir–Grettislaug

Glaumbær

Drangey

Icelandic Horse History Center

The Transportation Museum in Stóragérði

Víðimýr Church

Gallery of Folk Art

Hofsós Second-Hand & Handcraft Market

Emigration Center at Hofsos