Northwestern Iceland

Best of Northwestern Iceland

Northwestern Region Essentials

The Northwestern Region of Iceland features a landscape defined by volcanic history and coastal wildlife. This selection highlights the Hvítserkur basalt stack and the seal-watching colonies of the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Significant historical sites include the 17th-century Grafarkirkja and Vidimyri turf churches, alongside the Borgarvirki basalt fortress. Natural features range from the Kolufossar waterfalls to the Hveravellir geothermal area located in the highlands between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers.

Northwestern Region Essentials — Map

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

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Hvítserkur

A 15-meter-high basalt sea stack on the Vatnsnes Peninsula. Its distinct shape, resembling a drinking dragon, is the result of erosion. The rock serves as a nesting ground for northern fulmars and gulls.

TommyBee / Public domain

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Glaumbær Museum

This preserved farmhouse from the mid 18th century now serves as an exhibition place - focusing on rural life in Iceland.

Villy Fink Isaksen / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Vidimyri Turf Church

A beautiful staple of old Icelandic architecture. Services are still held here, but you can always just take a look around the church.

The Evil IP address / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Kolufossar

A series of waterfalls located within the steep Kolugljúfur canyon. According to local folklore, the gorge was named after the giantess Kola, who is said to have lived and carved the canyon.

Bromr / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Reykjafoss

A multi-tiered waterfall on the Svartá river. It is located in the Skagafjörður valley, near the Fosslaug natural hot spring.

free

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Seal Center

Come here to see great exhibitions on seals and other Icelandic animals. It also serves as a Tourist Info Center.

Ragnachar / CC BY-SA 3.0 de

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Illugastaðir

Popular seal-watching destination. There is a series of hiking paths that will lead you straight to the shore.

Bloody-libu / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Hveravellir Geothermal Area

A high-temperature geothermal field situated in the central highlands between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. It features smoking fumaroles, multicolored boiling mud pools, and a natural hot spring for bathing.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

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Grafarkirkja

Iceland's oldest turf church, rebuilt in the late 17th century by Gísli Þorláksson. It is distinguished by its intricate interior wood carvings and traditional sod roof.

Ronny Broeren / CC-BY-SA

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Borgarvirki

A natural basalt volcanic plug modified into a defensive fortress during the Viking Age. It features 10th-century stone walls and offers panoramic views of the Húnaflói bay area.

Lenka Říhová / CC-BY-SA

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Blönduóskirkja

A modern church completed in 1993, designed by architect Maggi Jónsson. Its concrete architecture is inspired by the surrounding volcanic landscape and the shape of a crater.

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