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
Quick Answer
Olafsfjordur, a Troll Peninsula fishing town of about 800 people, is linked to Siglufjordur by the 2010 Hedinsfjordur tunnels and is a base for backcountry skiing.
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 page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Check the current road conditions when driving the Troll Peninsula; tunnels do not guarantee an uninterrupted journey.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
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
Palshus Museum
Birds, the local lake and town history at Strandgata 4
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.
Palshus gives context to the lake and the town
At Strandgata 4, Palshus offers more than a general wildlife display. The municipal port’s museum guide lists The Desire to Fly, covering birds and human flight; Lake Olafsfjordur; The Underworld, intended for younger visitors; and a local-history exhibition, alongside an art gallery. The lake display is especially relevant to a walk outside: it explains the freshwater layer above saltier water.
Current admission and opening hours remain unconfirmed in this update. The regional listing still labels its tariff 2022, and the former museum website no longer provides reliable visitor information. Confirm a visit through the museum contact in the regional tourism listing before making it your only planned indoor stop.
Planning help
Olafsfjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Olafsfjordur?
Olafsfjordur has approximately 800 residents, a small fishing community on the Troll Peninsula.
How are Olafsfjordur and Siglufjordur connected?
The Hedinsfjordur tunnels connect Olafsfjordur with Siglufjordur. Check the route to your actual destination when driving the Troll Peninsula.
Is Olafsfjordur good for skiing?
Yes. The surrounding mountains have backcountry skiing and heli-skiing, and ski tourers use the town as a base for the Troll Peninsula.
How far is Olafsfjordur from Akureyri?
Olafsfjordur is about 60 km from Akureyri, a separate journey south toward Akureyri. Check current route and road conditions.
What is the fishing heritage of Olafsfjordur?
Like neighboring Siglufjordur, Olafsfjordur has deep roots in herring fishing. Today it maintains an active fishing industry with fresh catch processed locally.
What museums are in Olafsfjordur?
Palshus at Strandgata 4 combines natural history, local heritage and art. The municipal port guide lists displays on birds and flight, the local lake, an exhibition for children and the town's history.
What services does Olafsfjordur have?
Olafsfjordur has a supermarket, hotels, restaurants, swimming pool, and essential services for travelers on the Arctic Coast Way.
Is Olafsfjordur on the Arctic Coast Way?
Yes, Olafsfjordur is a stop on the Arctic Coast Way route, which continues along the fjords to Siglufjordur.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.