Region
Westfjords
Strandir coast, 280 km from Reykjavik
Drangsnes on the Strandir Coast
A tiny village on Iceland's remote Strandir coast, known for free seaside hot pots and its links to Iceland's witch trial history.
Population
~60
Westfjords • Strandir coast
Quick Answer
Drangsnes is a fishing village on the Strandir coast with shoreline hot pots, a separate swimming pool and boat trips to nearby Grímsey in Steingrímsfjörður.
Drangsnes sits on the eastern edge of the Westfjords, overlooking Steingrimsfjordur bay. The main reason to stop in this tiny fishing village is simple: free geothermal hot pots by the shore, where you can soak under the midnight sun or the northern lights.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check current road conditions before driving to Drangsnes.
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Official sources to check
Population
~60
One of Iceland's smallest villages
Known for
Seaside hot pots
Free geothermal bathing by the ocean
Choose the hot pots or the swimming pool
Visit Westfjords lists two separate bathing stops: the hot pots along the shoreline in the middle of the village and the outdoor swimming pool, which is 12.5 meters long. Choose the pool if you want room to swim; the shore pots suit a seated soak. Check the relevant facility’s current access before arriving.
The nearby Grímsey boat excursion leaves from Drangsnes for the island in Steingrímsfjörður. Keep that fjord and departure village in your booking search so it stays distinct from the better-known Arctic Circle island of the same name.
Top Attractions in Drangsnes
Seaside Hot Pots
Three free geothermal pools by the ocean
Kerling cliff
Rock formation associated with local troll folklore
Grimsey Island Views
Island visible from the village, boat trips in summer
Strandir Coast Drives
Remote routes along the eastern Westfjords
Steingrimsfjordur Bay
Fjord scenery and wildlife
Local Fishing Heritage
Small working fishing harbor
How to Get to Drangsnes
By car: About 4 hours from Reykjavik via Route 1 north and Route 68. The most practical option.
Via Holmavik: Holmavik is 20 km south and has more services. Consider it as your base.
Road conditions: Roads are paved but can be difficult in winter. Always check road.is before traveling.
Best Time to Visit Drangsnes
Summer (June-August): Longer daylight for a shore stop; check boat departures and current road conditions.
Winter: Northern lights from the hot pots, but check road conditions carefully.
Planning help
Drangsnes FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Drangsnes?
Drangsnes has approximately 60 residents and is one of the smallest villages on the Strandir coast in the Westfjords.
What does Drangsnes mean?
Drangsnes means 'Rock Pillar Point' in Icelandic, referring to the distinctive rock formation near the village.
Are there hot pots in Drangsnes?
Yes, Drangsnes is known for its three free geothermal hot pots right by the sea, where you can soak looking out over the ocean.
What is Kerling in Drangsnes?
Kerling is a cliff associated with a local story about a troll woman. Visit Westfjords presents it as folklore rather than a historical account.
How far is Drangsnes from Reykjavik?
Drangsnes is about 280 km from Reykjavik, approximately 4 hours driving via Route 1 and Route 68.
What is the Strandir coast?
Strandir is one of Iceland's most remote and least-visited regions, known for its rugged coastline, isolation, and sorcery folklore.
What services are available in Drangsnes?
Drangsnes has very limited services. There's a small shop and the hot pots. Larger services are in Holmavik, 20 km away.
Can I visit Grimsey from Drangsnes?
Yes, Grimsey island (different from the Arctic Circle Grimsey) is visible from Drangsnes and can be visited by boat in summer.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.