Region
East Iceland
Remote northeast location
Vopnafjordur: Historic Trading Post in the Northeast
A historic trading post in remote northeast Iceland, home to the Bustarfell turf museum.
Population
~600
East Iceland • Trading post
Quick Answer
Vopnafjordur, a town of about 600 in northeast Iceland, has been a trading post since the 18th century; the Bustarfell turf farm museum preserves rural life.
Vopnafjordur is a coastal town with a long history as a trading center for northeast Iceland. It sits at the head of the fjord of the same name, surrounded by mountains, and the nearby Bustarfell turf farm museum preserves a detailed record of Iceland's rural past.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Vopnafjordur preserves Iceland's trading heritage and is a base for the remote northeast.
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Official sources to check
Population
~600
Historic trading community
Known for
Bustarfell Museum
Best-preserved turf farm
Top Attractions near Vopnafjordur
Bustarfell Turf Museum
One of Iceland's best-preserved turf farms
Salmon Rivers
Fishing rivers that draw anglers from abroad
Selardalslaug Pool
Historic outdoor geothermal pool
Hiking Trails
Mountain and coastal walking routes
Birdwatching
Coastal and wetland bird species
Local Heritage
Trading post history and culture
How to Get to Vopnafjordur
By car: Check the chosen route from Egilsstadir against current road information; do not treat the Route 917 mountain crossing as an interchangeable year-round alternative.
By air: Norlandair lists flights from Akureyri to Vopnafjordur. Check the flight for your travel date and arrange transport from the airport.
By bus: Limited bus service available from Egilsstadir during summer months. Check schedules in advance.
Best Time to Visit Vopnafjordur
Summer: Best for salmon fishing, museum visits, and hiking. Long summer days provide extended daylight.
Winter: Quiet season with Northern Lights opportunities. Roads may be difficult, so check conditions.
The riverside pool is outside town
Selarlaug stands beside the Sela river in a shallow gorge, 12 kilometers from Vopnafjordur and 3.5 kilometers off Route 85 toward Bakkafjordur. The municipality lists a hot tub, children’s pool and picnic facilities. It is a separate stop to plan into the drive, rather than a town-center pool you will necessarily pass on foot.
The municipal timetable, checked September 10, 2026, gives September–May weekdays 14:00–19:00 and weekends 12:00–18:00. June–August hours are weekdays 10:00–22:00 and weekends 10:00–18:00. That later winter weekday start matters if you hope to swim before continuing your journey.
For an air connection, Norlandair publishes an Akureyri–Vopnafjordur–Thorshofn–Akureyri circuit under its February–September 2026 schedule. It provides another option to investigate alongside the drive from Egilsstadir. Confirm dates beyond September directly; an airport listing is not a guarantee of a flight every day.
Planning help
Vopnafjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Vopnafjordur?
Vopnafjordur has approximately 600 residents. It is a small but historically significant town in northeast Iceland.
What is the history of Vopnafjordur?
Vopnafjordur has been an important trading post since the 18th century, supplying the remote northeast region with essential goods and services.
What is Bustarfell?
Bustarfell is one of Iceland's best-preserved turf farm museums, dating back centuries. It shows how rural Icelanders traditionally lived.
How far is Vopnafjordur from Egilsstadir?
Vopnafjordur is about 100 km from Egilsstadir (approximately 1.5 hours driving) via Route 85 and Route 917.
What activities are available in Vopnafjordur?
Visitors can explore the Bustarfell museum, go hiking, and fish in local rivers, far from the tourist crowds.
What is the weather like in Vopnafjordur?
Vopnafjordur has a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters. Weather can be unpredictable, so visitors should prepare for all conditions.
What services are available in Vopnafjordur?
The town has groceries, fuel and accommodation. Selarlaug swimming pool is a separate drive, about 12 km from town according to the municipality.
Is Vopnafjordur good for salmon fishing?
Yes, the rivers around Vopnafjordur are well known for salmon fishing and draw anglers from around the world in summer.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.