Welcome to Skagafjörður

Sauðárkrókur is the largest urban center in Northwest Iceland. Sauðárkrókur offers a variety of services; exhibitions, museums, shops, restaurants, accommodation, hospital, workshops, golf course, ski area, sports field, playground, beach volleyball court, swimming pool, etc.

On Aðalgótan is Haraldur Júlíusson's shop, which has been in operation since 1919. There are also various specialty shops, restaurants and a first-class artisan bakery. There are two excellent exhibitions on Aðalgótan; Puffin & Friends and 1238 – The Struggle for Iceland. There is also an information centre. A short walk from Sauðárkrókur are popular tourist attractions such as Grettislaug and the old town of Glaumbær. Daily trips are made to Drangey from the marina in Sauðárkrókur during the summer and by appointment during the winter months.

The hills above the town are called Nafir and are ancient sea ridges. At Nafir there is a viewing platform where you can enjoy looking over the fjord. There is also a golf course up at Nafir. There are countless hiking trails in Sauðárkrókur and the surrounding area.

Sauðárkrókur is one of the most dynamic urban centers in the countryside, combining strong fishing, processing of products from a large agricultural area, and service that rivals the best offered in the countryside.

East of Sauðárkrókur is Borgarsandur, a nearly four-kilometer-long black sand beach. It is a great place to walk around and enjoy the view out into the fjord, where the islands of Drangey and Málmey, as well as Þórðarhöfði, are visible. Lake Áshildarholtsvatn is home to a diverse birdlife, and there are information signs about birds. There is also a lot of birdlife at the mouth of Lake Héraðsvatn and on Miklavatn.

Varmahlid is a fun tourist destination on Highway No. 1; a residential area with a wide range of services. There are, among other things, a kiosk, a gas station, a grocery store and a restaurant. The tourist information center is located next to the Olís store and the kiosk. There, the crafts association Alþýðulist presents crafts from Skagfir. Varmahlid has a child-friendly swimming pool with slides, a hot tub and a sauna, a soccer field, a basketball court and a playpen located at the campsite.

Accommodation options in Varmahlíð and the surrounding area are diverse, including holiday homes, farm stays, excellent campsites and hotels.

The Miðgarður Cultural Center is located in Varmahlíð, where various entertainment events are offered year-round.

There are a variety of hiking trails in Varmahlíð and the surrounding area. On a nice day, it is fun to walk around the forestry on Reykjarhól, on trails that lead up to a viewing platform, from where there is a unique view of the central region. Reykjafoss is located about 7 km from Varmahlíð, and it is a unique natural gem. Also unique are hiking to Mælifellshnjúkinn, Glóðafeyki, Molduxi and Tindastól for those who prefer longer and more challenging hikes.

There is a good range of services for tourists in the countryside south of Varmahlid. There is a wide range of accommodation, catering and many options for recreation, such as horse riding and horse shows, rafting, hiking, museums and churches. There are important historical sites on every other hill and beautiful nature is close by everywhere. In Steinstaðabyggð there is Aldamótarskógur which is fun to walk through.

Austurdalur is a natural and outdoor gem that is worth exploring in more detail, but on the way there you can cross Jökulsá by cable car (at Skatastaði), walk through Merkigilið or stop at Ábæjarkirkja. It is possible to enter the highlands from Skagafjörður, both via Kjalvegur and Sprengisandursleið.

Hólar is one of the most historic places in Iceland and a bishop's seat for centuries. A church has stood at Hólar since the 11th century, but the current church was built in 1763. It is built of red sandstone from the mountain Hólabyrða and is the oldest stone church in Iceland.

The University of Hólar has expanded rapidly in recent years and a number of student parks have been built. The population of Hólar is over two hundred in winter. The school specializes in tourism studies, horse breeding and riding, as well as aquaculture and fish biology.

Archaeological excavations have been carried out at Hólar in recent years and over 40 thousand artifacts have been found. A selection of antiquities is on display in the old schoolhouse. Exciting walking paths wind through the forest, leading you into the wonderland of the living nature of this ancient historical site.

During the Hóla Festival, which is usually held in mid-August, there are many events organized by the church, such as pilgrimages, celebrations, and other cultural events.

Laufskálarétt in Hjaltadalur is one of the most popular standing meals in the country, with up to three thousand visitors attending annually and is considered by many to be the queen of standing meals.

Hofsós is a peaceful seaside town on the east coast of Skagafjörður, with over 400 years of history.

Hofsóss Swimming Pool is quickly becoming famous as one of the most beautiful infinity pools in Iceland, offering stunning views of Drangey and the fjord. Just below the pool, the impressive basalt quarries of Staðarbjargavík add to the natural beauty – and according to folklore, the area was once home to the elves of Skagafjörður.

Hofsós is also rich in history and culture. The Refugee Center tells the story of Icelanders who immigrated to North America in the late 18th century, while the Vintage Auto Museum, a short drive away, takes visitors back in time.

The town offers a variety of services for visitors, including cozy restaurants, accommodation, a supermarket, a gas station, a swimming pool, and a campsite.

Steinsstaðir is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a variety of tourism options for all ages. The area has beautiful hiking trails through thousand-year-old woodland, perfect for both easy hiking and more adventurous outdoor activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy rafting, kayaking and other water sports, while families can make use of well-equipped campsites that are ideal for gatherings and memorable stays. Steinsstaðir also offers a variety of accommodation options, from cozy guesthouses to farm stays, making it the perfect base from which to explore the magnificent landscape of Skagafjörður.

Fljót is a charming village in Skagafjörður, surrounded by rolling hills, rivers and vast landscapes. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, the village is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a quiet atmosphere. Visitors can explore the picturesque hiking trails, enjoy bird watching or experience Icelandic rural life with nearby farms and horse rentals. The village also offers basic services, cozy accommodation and friendly restaurants, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider Skagafjörður area.