Region
West Iceland
80 km north of Reykjavik
Hvanneyri, Borgarfjörður
Home to Iceland's Agricultural University, a historic farm school and research center in West Iceland.
Population
~300
West Iceland • University town
Hvanneyri is a small academic community centered on the Agricultural University of Iceland. The site has been used for agricultural education and research since 1889, and it sits in the Borgarfjörður region among mountains and farmland.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Hvanneyri is Iceland's center for agricultural education and rural research.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~300
Academic community
Known for
Agricultural University
Historic farm-school site
Top Attractions near Hvanneyri
Agricultural University Campus
Historic educational institution since 1889
Agricultural Museum and Ullarselid
Farming tools and machinery in the old cowshed, with local wool crafts in the museum lobby
Hraunfossar
Lava waterfalls, 30 km east
Barnafoss
Blue canyon waterfall nearby
Reykholt
Medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson's home
Langjökull Glacier
Iceland's second largest glacier
How to Get to Hvanneyri
From Reykjavik: 1 hour 15 minutes via Route 1 north to Borgarnes, then Route 50. From Borgarnes, the university places Hvanneyri about 14 km away.
Best Time to Visit Hvanneyri
Summer (June-August) has the best weather for visiting the campus and the surrounding Borgarfjörður region. The university has events throughout the academic year.
Start with the old cowshed
The Agricultural Museum puts the campus landscape into context: the former cowshed contains farming tools and equipment on the ground floor, an exhibition about women in agriculture upstairs, and regional salmon-fishing history in the basement. English interpretation uses phone-scanned QR codes. Ullarselid sells local handicrafts in the lobby.
The museum’s published timetable, checked September 10, 2026, gives May 15–September 15 daily 11:00–17:00 and September 16–May 14 Thursday–Saturday 13:00–17:00. Contact safn@landbunadarsafn.is for a guided visit to the old school grounds and church, or if an autumn visit depends on a specific opening day.
The university’s local guide says Hvanneyri has no grocery store and identifies Borgarnes as the shopping and transport hub, about 14 km away. A bus to Borgarnes still leaves the final connection to arrange.
Planning help
Hvanneyri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Hvanneyri?
Hvanneyri has approximately 300 residents.
What is the Agricultural University of Iceland?
The Agricultural University of Iceland (Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands) is a specialized university for agriculture, environmental science, and rural development.
How far is Hvanneyri from Reykjavik?
Hvanneyri is about 80 km from Reykjavik, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car via Route 1 and Route 50.
What is the history of Hvanneyri?
Hvanneyri has been an agricultural education center since 1889, when the farm school was established. It is one of Iceland's oldest educational institutions.
What attractions are near Hvanneyri?
Nearby attractions include Borgarfjörður, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Reykholt, and the Langjökull glacier.
What research happens at Hvanneyri?
The university conducts research in agriculture, land restoration, environmental sciences, and sustainable rural development.
Can visitors tour the campus?
The Agricultural Museum offers bookable guided walks around the old school site and Hvanneyrarkirkja. Arrange a tour rather than assuming academic buildings are open for sightseeing.
Is there accommodation in Hvanneyri?
Limited accommodation is available in the area, with more options in nearby Borgarnes (about 14 km away according to the university).
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.