Region
Northwest Iceland
60 km from Akureyri via tunnels
Olafsfjordur: Ski Town on the Troll Peninsula
A ski touring base on the Troll Peninsula, connected by tunnel to Siglufjordur and on the route of the Arctic Coast Way.
Population
~800
Northwest Iceland • Skiing destination
Olafsfjordur sits at the head of its namesake fjord, surrounded by peaks that draw ski tourers. Long isolated, the fishing village has been linked to Siglufjordur and Akureyri by the Hedinsfjordur tunnels since 2010, and it remains a quiet working town.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
The Hedinsfjordur tunnels provide year-round access to Olafsfjordur and Siglufjordur from Akureyri.
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Official sources to check
Population
~800
Fishing village on Troll Peninsula
Known for
Backcountry skiing
Growing ski touring destination
Top Attractions in Olafsfjordur
Backcountry Skiing
Ski touring terrain above the fjord
Hedinsfjordur Tunnels
Road tunnels through to Siglufjordur
Arctic Coast Way
Coastal driving route
Natural History Museum
Local geology and wildlife exhibits
Swimming Pool
Geothermal pool with fjord views
Fishing Harbor
Active port with fresh catch
How to Get to Olafsfjordur
From Akureyri: 50 minutes via Route 82 and the Hedinsfjordur tunnels.
From Siglufjordur: 15 minutes through the connecting tunnel, so it's easy to visit both towns in one trip.
Arctic Coast Way: Olafsfjordur is a key stop on this 900 km scenic route around North Iceland.
Best Time to Visit Olafsfjordur
Winter (February-May): Main ski touring season, with the most reliable snow.
Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, hiking, and Arctic Coast Way road trips. Combine with Siglufjordur for a full day.
Planning help
Olafsfjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.