Region
Northwest Iceland
290 km from Reykjavik
Saudarkrokur: Skagafjordur's Horse-Country Town
The center of Iceland's horse country: regional hub of Skagafjordur, close to the Glaumbaer turf farm, and a base for the Troll Peninsula.
Population
~2,600
Northwest Iceland • Horse country
Quick Answer
Saudarkrokur is the main town of Skagafjordur, Iceland's horse-breeding heartland, with riding tours and the Glaumbaer turf farm museum a short drive away.
Saudarkrokur is the main town of Skagafjordur, a region known for its Icelandic horses and saga history. The town is a practical base for turf farm museums, horse riding tours, and trips onto the Troll Peninsula.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Skagafjordur has more horses than people; it's the natural place to ride an Icelandic horse.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Population
~2,600
Largest town in Skagafjordur
Known for
Icelandic horses
Main horse breeding region
Top Attractions near Saudarkrokur
Glaumbaer Turf Farm
Preserved 18th-century turf farmstead museum
Horse Riding Tours
Multi-day treks and farm visits
Troll Peninsula
Steep fjords and mountain roads
Drangey Island
Puffin colony and saga history
Hofsos Swimming Pool
Infinity-edge pool in nearby Hofsos
1238 The Battle of Iceland
Medieval history presented through virtual reality
How to Get to Saudarkrokur
From Reykjavik: 3.5 hours via Route 1 (Ring Road) to Varmahlid, then Route 75 north to Saudarkrokur.
From Akureyri: 1.5 hours via Route 1 west to Varmahlid, then Route 75.
By air: Do not assume a scheduled passenger flight is available to Saudarkrokur. This update has not verified a current service; check bookable flights and the onward ground journey.
Best Time to Visit Saudarkrokur
Summer (June-August): Best for horse riding tours, Drangey boat trips, and exploring mountain roads. Annual horse round-up events in September.
Winter: Skiing at nearby resorts and Northern Lights. Some horse tours run year-round.
A town-center history stop before the turf farm
At Adalgata 21, 1238 The Battle of Iceland presents the thirteenth-century Sturlung period through an interactive virtual-reality experience, including the Battle of Orlygsstadir. Choose it for a staged interpretation of conflict; Glaumbaer offers the different experience of preserved buildings and household history. The two stops answer different interests.
On September 10, 2026, 1238 lists weekdays 10:00–16:00 and weekends closed. Tickets are 3,400 ISK for ages 14 and up, 2,400 ISK for ages 6–13, or 8,900 ISK for two adults and two children. The page does not explain the under-six ticket or headset arrangements, so ask before planning for a younger child. The same building houses the tourist information office; it is a practical place to check plans for the surrounding valley.
Planning help
Saudarkrokur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Saudarkrokur?
Saudarkrokur has approximately 2,600 residents and is the largest town in Skagafjordur and the regional center of Northwest Iceland.
What does Saudarkrokur mean?
The name means 'Sheep's Crook' in Icelandic, after the area's long sheep farming history in the Skagafjordur region.
Why is Saudarkrokur known for horses?
Skagafjordur is Iceland's main horse breeding region, home to more Icelandic horses than people. Many farms run riding tours and breeding farm visits.
How far is Saudarkrokur from Reykjavik?
Saudarkrokur is about 290 km from Reykjavik, approximately 3.5 hours by car via Route 1 and Route 75.
What is Glaumbaer?
Glaumbaer is a preserved turf farm museum just 10 km from Saudarkrokur, showing how Icelanders lived for centuries in traditional turf houses.
Is Saudarkrokur near the Troll Peninsula?
Yes, Saudarkrokur is the gateway to the Troll Peninsula (Trollaskagi), known for its steep fjords, ski areas, and mountain roads.
What services does Saudarkrokur have?
As a regional center, Saudarkrokur has a hospital, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, swimming pool, and the largest selection of services in Northwest Iceland.
What outdoor activities are available?
Horse riding, hiking, fishing, and skiing in winter. The region is known for multi-day horse treks through the highlands.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.