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
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 last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
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: About 1.5 hours from Egilsstadir via Route 85 and Route 917. The road is paved but can be challenging in winter.
By air: Fly to Egilsstadir, then drive or arrange local transport to Vopnafjordur.
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. Midnight sun provides extended daylight.
Winter: Quiet season with Northern Lights opportunities. Roads may be difficult, so check conditions.
Planning help
Vopnafjordur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.