What to see and do in Skagafjörður?
1. Explore Icelandic horse farms
Here in the Skagafjörður valley, Iceland’s horse culture comes vividly to life. This fertile fjord is known across the country for the quality of its horses, small, sturdy, and gifted with a unique gait, the tölt. Several farms welcome curious travelers. It’s the perfect chance to get close to these proud yet gentle animals, ride them through the valley, or simply learn more about their history and their role in rural Icelandic life.
2. Hike in the Tröllaskagi mountains
Tröllaskagi, the “Troll Peninsula,” lives up to its name, with dramatic landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. From Skagafjörður, several trails lead into the surrounding mountains, winding between jagged peaks, hanging valleys, and meadows dotted with lupines. Whether you choose an easy walk along the fjord or a steep climb toward snow-capped summits, the views are always breathtaking, with the sea and distant mountains as a backdrop. In summer, you might even spot an Arctic fox or a few free-roaming sheep.
3. Visit the Glaumbær museum
Tucked beneath thick turf roofs, the old houses of Glaumbær tell the story of a thousand years of rural Icelandic life. This open-air museum does more than display objects, it draws you into the daily lives of generations of local farmers. You push open creaking doors, run your fingers along weathered wooden walls, and take in the quiet of the place. It’s a true journey back in time, where history feels close enough to touch. Passionate local guides share anecdotes and long-forgotten stories.
4. Relax in the hot pools of Grettislaug
Nestled by the ocean, just a few miles from Sauðárkrókur, two small natural pools known as Grettislaug welcome tired travelers. According to legend, Grettir the Strong, a hero of the Icelandic sagas, bathed here after swimming from Drangey. Today, it’s mostly a place of calm, where you can warm up in steaming water between 100°F and 104°F while gazing out at the sea and surrounding mountains. The soft sound of the waves adds to the stillness of the moment, almost like meditation.
5. Sail to the island of Drangey
A basalt pillar rises straight out of the sea, seeming to challenge the horizon. This is Drangey, a mythical island, a seabird haven, and a legendary setting in the sagas. You reach it by boat from the port of Sauðárkrókur, then continue on foot along a narrow path that climbs to the top. Up there, among the calls of puffins and sea winds that whip through your hair, the panoramic view over the fjord is unforgettable. Your local guide brings the story to life, sharing the legend of Grettir, the outlaw who hid on this stark yet magnificent island while being hunted.
6. Wander through Sauðárkrókur
With its colorful houses facing the sea and its peaceful atmosphere, Sauðárkrókur is a quiet stop full of charm. Here, there are no crowds and no fuss, just the real rhythm of an Icelandic village, between the small harbor, welcoming cafés, and fishermen mending their nets. It’s the perfect place to slow down and feel the gentle, authentic pace of North Iceland.
Stop in Skagafjörður on a tailor-made trip to Iceland
With Evaneos, you’ll be connected directly with a local, English-speaking expert based in Iceland. This is someone on the ground who knows the region inside and out, understands what you’re looking for, and helps you build a trip that fits your pace and interests.
Dreaming of an authentic stop in Skagafjörður, with Icelandic horses, family-run farms, and wild rivers? Your local expert can weave it into a custom itinerary across the country, revealing a quieter, more personal side of Iceland.
