Region
Far Northeast
175 km from Akureyri
Kopasker: Northeast Village Near Jokulsargljufur
A remote village in Iceland's far northeast, and a gateway to Jokulsargljufur canyon, Dettifoss waterfall, and the Arctic coast.
Population
~120
Far Northeast • Remote village
Kopasker is a small community on Iceland's remote northeastern coast, known for the earthquake that struck it in 1976. Today the village is a quiet gateway to Jokulsargljufur canyon, home of Dettifoss waterfall and Asbyrgi canyon.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Kopasker is a base for exploring the northern section of Vatnajokull National Park, including Dettifoss and Asbyrgi.
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Official sources to check
Population
~120
Remote Arctic community
Known for
Jokulsargljufur Access
Gateway to Dettifoss and Asbyrgi
Top Attractions near Kopasker
Dettifoss
Waterfall in Jokulsargljufur canyon
Asbyrgi Canyon
Horseshoe-shaped canyon with ancient forests
Jokulsargljufur Canyon
Glacial canyon in Vatnajokull National Park
Earthquake Centre
Museum documenting the 1976 earthquake
Melrakkaslétta Peninsula
Remote Arctic flatlands with birdlife
Snartarstadir Museum
Local handicrafts, books and household objects
How to Get to Kopasker
From Akureyri: About 2-2.5 hours via Route 85 through Husavik along the scenic coast road.
From Reykjavik: About 7-8 hours via Route 1 and Route 85. Consider breaking the journey in Akureyri or Husavik.
To Dettifoss: Take Route 862 south from Kopasker (paved) or Route 864 (gravel) for different viewpoints of the waterfall.
Best Time to Visit Kopasker
Summer (June-August): Longer daylight for canyon walks; check the park and road notices instead of assuming every approach is open.
Winter: Check the specific approach to Dettifoss before setting out; a road number alone does not establish winter access from the north.
Snartarstadir adds a local story to the canyon trip
About a kilometer outside Kopasker, Snartarstadir concentrates on work and home life in the district. The museum operator describes embroidery, weaving, knitting and women’s costumes, alongside a 9,000-volume library assembled by Helgi and Andrea of Leirhofn. Hat-making tools, homemade toys and a fire pump make this a more particular collection than the label “local history museum” suggests.
The published season is June 15–August 15, Tuesday–Sunday 13:00–17:00; winter is closed, with group visits possible by arrangement. Admission listed on September 10, 2026 is 1,600 ISK, or 1,200 ISK for seniors and students; children under 16 and visitors with disabilities enter free. The Icelandic page also specifies a 2,300 ISK pass covering one visit to each MMÞ museum during 2026. The English page still labels that pass 2024, so confirm the pass when booking and check each museum’s separate season.
Planning help
Kopasker FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Kopasker?
Kopasker has approximately 120 residents. It is one of Iceland's smallest and most remote communities, in the far northeast.
How close is Kopasker to Jokulsargljufur?
Kopasker is the nearest village to the northern section of Jokulsargljufur canyon (now part of Vatnajokull National Park), about 30 km away. It's a convenient base for visiting Dettifoss and Asbyrgi.
How far is Kopasker from Reykjavik?
Kopasker is about 560 km from Reykjavik, approximately 7-8 hours by car via Route 1 and Route 85.
How far is Kopasker from Akureyri?
Kopasker is about 175 km from Akureyri, approximately 2-2.5 hours by car via Route 85 through Husavik.
What happened in the 1976 Kopasker earthquake?
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck in 1976 and caused significant damage. The Earthquake Centre in town documents this event and Iceland's seismic activity.
Is Kopasker good for birdwatching?
Yes, the Melrakkaslétta peninsula and coastal areas around Kopasker are excellent for birdwatching, especially during summer when Arctic birds nest in the area.
Is Kopasker on the Diamond Circle?
Kopasker is near the Diamond Circle route. The nearby attractions of Dettifoss, Asbyrgi, and Husavik are key Diamond Circle stops.
What services does Kopasker have?
Kopasker has basic services including a small shop, guesthouse, Earthquake Centre museum, and seasonal access to nearby Snartarstadir Museum. Stock up on supplies in Husavik for extended stays.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.