Skagafjörður

Province · Northwestern Iceland, 🇮🇸 Iceland

Population 4,316

Area 4,153 km²

Time zone Atlantic/Reykjavik

Official website skagafjordur.is

Skagafjörður – Planning a Trip?

Build your day-by-day itinerary in the Tripomatic app.

Start Planning

Featured Lists

Bromr / CC BY-SA 4.0

Sveitarfélagið Skagafjörðu Essentials

Skagafjörður is a region in Northern Iceland defined by its deep cultural roots and dramatic landscapes. This list features historic turf architecture at Glaumbær and Víðimýrarkirkja, alongside the 17th-century Grafarkirkja. Explore the geothermal waters of Grettislaug and the bird-rich cliffs of Drangey island. The area is the traditional heart of Icelandic horse breeding, celebrated at the Horse History Center in Hólar, a former bishopric. Natural highlights include the Reykjafoss waterfall and the regional hub of Sauðárkrókur.

9 places

Peaks and Glaciers

The landscape of Skagafjörður is defined by the high-alpine terrain of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula and the rugged coastline of Skagi. This collection features prominent peaks like the 1,000-meter Sótahnjúkur and the sharp Fúinhyrna, alongside the ancient ice of Tungnahryggsjökull and Hjaltadalsjökull glaciers. Along the coast, the Ketubjörg cliffs rise 120 meters above the Greenland Sea, characterized by dark basalt formations and seasonal waterfalls dropping directly into the ocean.

12 places

Villy Fink Isaksen / CC BY-SA 4.0

Historic Churches of Skagafjörður

Skagafjörður is home to some of Iceland's most significant religious landmarks, ranging from rare turf structures to historic cathedrals. This collection includes Grafarkirkja, the oldest turf church in the country, and the red sandstone cathedral at Hólar, which served as the seat of power for Northern Iceland for centuries. These sites showcase the evolution of Icelandic ecclesiastical architecture from 17th-century turf-and-stone traditions to the timber and stone designs of the late 19th century.

7 places

Bromr / CC BY-SA 4.0

Nature and Water

This collection features the diverse water landscapes of the Skagafjörður region, from coastal cliffs to the central highlands. Key sites include Reykjafoss, a tiered waterfall on the Svartá river near the Fosslaug geothermal spring, and Ketubjörg, where water plunges from basalt cliffs directly into the ocean. The list also highlights the Stífluvatn reservoir, used for hydroelectric power, and various remote lakes on the Skagi peninsula known for Arctic char and trout fishing.

9 places

Outdoor Recreation

Skagafjörður provides a range of outdoor facilities including the alpine slopes of Mount Tindastóll and geothermal pools in remote valleys. This selection features the historic Hólar campsite, the coastal Grettislaug stone pools, and the Hlíðarendavöllur golf course. These sites offer essential infrastructure for camping, skiing, and swimming, with specialized amenities like the Varmahlíð sanitary dump station and the Búngu-lyfta poma lift for winter sports.

9 places

TommyBee / Public domain

History & Heritage of Skagafjörður

Explore the cultural evolution of North Iceland through its well-preserved architectural landmarks and specialized museums. This collection features the Glaumbær turf farmhouse, showcasing 18th-century rural life, and Grafarkirkja, Iceland’s oldest turf church. Learn about the region's connection to the Icelandic horse at the history center, view vintage vehicles at the Hofsós transport museum, and visit the memorial stones of Hrafna-Flóki, the first Viking settler to intentionally navigate to Iceland.

7 places