Blonduos, Northwest Iceland

A Ring Road stop with the Icelandic Textile Centre, salmon fishing on the Blanda River, and access to the Hunafloi Bay coast.

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel TeamEditorial policy
Population
~900
Northwest Iceland • Textile museum
Blonduos sits at the mouth of the Blanda River, one of Iceland's best-known salmon rivers. This quiet town on the Ring Road is home to the Icelandic Textile Centre, which preserves traditional wool crafts, and makes a calm base for the Hunafloi Bay coastline.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Blonduos is a convenient Ring Road stop between Reykjavik and Akureyri with essential services.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Region
Northwest Iceland

245 km from Reykjavik

Population
~900

Service center for Hunafloi Bay

Known for
Textile Centre

Traditional Icelandic wool crafts

Top Attractions in Blonduos

Icelandic Textile Centre

Workshops and exhibitions on wool traditions

Blanda River

Atlantic salmon fishing, June to September

Blonduoskirkja Church

Modern volcanic crater-shaped church

Sea Ice Exhibition

Museum on Iceland's sea ice history

Hunafloi Bay

Scenic coastline and birdwatching

Swimming Pool

Geothermal pool with hot pots

How to Get to Blonduos

From Reykjavik: 3 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road) heading north through Borgarnes.

From Akureyri: 1.5-2 hours via Route 1 heading west.

Ring Road location: Blonduos is a natural midpoint stop for those driving between Reykjavik and Akureyri.

Best Time to Visit Blonduos

Summer (June-September): Salmon fishing season, textile workshops, and best weather for coastal exploration.

Year-round: The Textile Centre and museums operate throughout the year. Winter brings Northern Lights opportunities.

Planning help

Blonduos FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.