Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/blonduos Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # 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. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~900 Northwest Iceland • Textile museum ## Quick Answer Blonduos, a Ring Road town of about 900 residents 245 km from Reykjavik, holds the Icelandic Textile Centre; the Blanda River draws salmon anglers June to September. 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 page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Blonduos is a convenient Ring Road stop between Reykjavik and Akureyri with essential services. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Textile Centre]() - [Visit Northwest]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() 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 ### Textile Museum Costumes, embroidery and wool-working tools at Arbraut 29 ### 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 Museum opens regularly June–August and otherwise by agreement. Check individual venues before making an indoor stop in winter. ## For the collection, choose the Textile Museum Blonduos has two textile institutions that are easy to confuse. For historic clothing and tools, the [Textile Museum, Heimilisidnadarsafnid](), is at Arbraut 29. Its collection includes national costumes, embroidery, spinning wheels and a loom; the wool display follows the material from sheep to clothing with English explanations. Halldorustofa preserves weaving and knitting patterns collected by educator Halldora Bjarnadottir. The museum lists June 1–August 31 opening from 10:00 to 17:00, and visits otherwise by agreement, checked September 10, 2026. Contact [textile@textile.is]() before an autumn or winter visit. Those hours do not establish public access to the separate Textile Centre’s studios or residencies. Planning help ## Blonduos FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Blonduos?** Blonduos has approximately 900 residents and is a service center for the Hunafloi Bay region in Northwest Iceland. **What is the Icelandic Textile Centre?** The Icelandic Textile Centre promotes and preserves Icelandic textile traditions. It runs workshops, residencies, and exhibitions on wool, weaving, and traditional crafts. **Is Blonduos good for salmon fishing?** Yes, the Blanda River is one of Iceland's best-known salmon rivers. The fishing season runs from June to September and draws anglers from abroad. **How far is Blonduos from Reykjavik?** Blonduos is about 245 km from Reykjavik, approximately 3 hours by car via Route 1 (Ring Road). **Is the Textile Museum the same as the Textile Centre?** They are separate institutions. The Textile Museum at Arbraut 29 exhibits costumes, embroidery and wool-working tools; the Textile Centre is associated with contemporary textile work and residencies. **Can I see seals near Blonduos?** The Hunafloi Bay area has significant seal populations. The Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi provides information on designated seal-watching locations; confirm any boat tour separately. **What services does Blonduos have?** Blonduos has a supermarket, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and a swimming pool, and is a convenient stop on the Ring Road. **What is unique about Blonduos Church?** The modern Blonduoskirkja church is designed to resemble a volcanic crater. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().