Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/cities/hofsos 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. --- # Hofsos on Skagafjordur Home to a swimming pool overlooking the fjord, an infinity pool overlooking Skagafjordur fjord, and to the Emigration Center, which traces Icelandic emigration to North America. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Population ~200 Northwest Iceland • Famous pool ## Quick Answer Hofsos, a village of about 200 on Skagafjordur, is known for its infinity-edge swimming pool facing Drangey island and the Icelandic Emigration Center archives. Hofsos is tiny, but there is more to see here than in most villages this size. The infinity pool appears to merge with the fjord below, and the Emigration Center draws visitors from around the world researching their Icelandic roots. There are also historic warehouses and basalt columns on the beach. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Check the municipal pool schedule and arrange an Emigration Center visit outside its summer opening season. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Emigration Center]() - [Visit Skagafjordur]() - [Visit Iceland]() - [Road.is]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() Region Northwest Iceland About 356 km from Reykjavik Population ~200 Tiny village, major attractions Known for Infinity pool One of Iceland's most scenic pools ## Top Attractions in Hofsos ### Hofsos Swimming Pool Infinity pool with fjord views ### Icelandic Emigration Center Genealogy research and emigration history ### Drangey Island Tours Puffins and saga history boat trips ### Basalt Columns Natural rock formations on the beach ### Historic Warehouses Old harbor buildings ### Skagafjordur Views Fjord and mountain views ## How to Get to Hofsos **From Saudarkrokur:** 25 minutes via Route 76 along the coast of Skagafjordur. **From Akureyri:** 1.5 hours via Route 1 to Varmahlid, then Route 75 and Route 76. **Day trip:** Hofsos works well as a day trip from Akureyri or Saudarkrokur, combined with Glaumbaer turf farm. ## Best Time to Visit Hofsos **Summer (June-August):** Longer days, seasonal Drangey boat tours and regular Emigration Center hours. **Year-round:** The pool has a winter schedule with a weekday afternoon break. Check the date-specific hours before traveling. ## Book family-history help separately from an exhibition visit The Emigration Center offers more than an overview of migration. Its [Silent Flashes exhibition]() brings together nearly 400 emigrant photographs, many identifying the people, their parentage and their Icelandic home. You can visit for the portrait collection without having Icelandic ancestry. For your own research, the center asks visitors to [make an appointment with a genealogy expert](); a museum visit does not guarantee an on-demand research session. The [operator]() lists daily opening June 1–September 1, 11:00–18:00, or by appointment. A September 10 visit therefore needs an arrangement. Separately, the [municipal pool timetable]() lists summer hours only through August 23 and winter hours from September 28. Those dates leave a gap: confirm the intervening weeks with the pool rather than assume either schedule applies. The listed winter weekdays split into 07:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00; weekends are 11:00–16:00. Planning help ## Hofsos FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What is the population of Hofsos?** Hofsos has approximately 200 residents. It is one of Iceland's smallest villages with major visitor attractions. **What is the Hofsos infinity pool?** The Hofsos swimming pool has an infinity edge design with views over Skagafjordur fjord to Drangey Island. It is one of Iceland's best-known pools. **What is the Icelandic Emigration Center?** This museum documents the mass emigration of Icelanders to North America (1870-1914). Many visitors come to research their Icelandic ancestry and family history. **How far is Hofsos from Reykjavik?** The Emigration Center gives approximately 356 km from Reykjavik. Check the route for your departure point and allow time for weather and stops. **Can I visit Drangey from Hofsos?** Boat tours to Drangey Island depart from nearby Reykir. The island has puffin colonies and appears in Icelandic sagas as an outlaw hideout. **What is the history of Hofsos?** Hofsos was one of Iceland's main trading ports from the 16th century. The old warehouse buildings now house the Emigration Center and other cultural exhibits. **What services does Hofsos have?** Despite its small size, Hofsos has the pool, the museum, a guesthouse, a café, and basic services. More extensive services are in Saudarkrokur; the Emigration Center gives a distance of about 37 km. **Are there basalt columns near Hofsos?** Yes, the beach at Hofsos has basalt column formations on the shoreline below the village. [Back to Cities & Towns]() For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our [Iceland statistics]().