Atmosphere
Wild & Quiet
No towns, no lights; just mountains, a lake, and the ocean.
Northwest Iceland
Héðinsfjörður: the Abandoned Fjord in North Iceland
An abandoned valley in North Iceland, uninhabited since the mid-20th century. Connected by modern tunnels to Siglufjordur and Olafsfjordur, the fjord has a quiet mountain lake, a black sand beach, and hiking in near-total isolation just minutes from the road.
Status
Uninhabited
Accessible only via the tunnel road.
A study in solitude. Once home to several farms, Héðinsfjörður was abandoned decades ago and remains uninhabited. The only access is a stop between two mountain tunnels; what you find there is a rare, eerie silence and untouched wilderness just minutes from the main road.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
This area is high-mountain terrain. Even with tunnels, the road can be closed in severe winter storms. Check road.is.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
Access
Tunnel Stop
A dedicated parking area lets you stop between the two tunnels.
Activity
Hiking
Walk down to the lake or beach for a short wilderness break.
History
Abandoned Farms
Ruins of old farmsteads dot the valley, remnants of families who left in the mid-20th century.
Nature
Lake & Beach
A quiet lake and black sand beach sit at the heart of this uninhabited fjord.
Photography
Dramatic Light
The enclosed valley gets unusual light, good for landscape photography.
What to Expect
- Silence of an uninhabited fjord abandoned since the mid-20th century
- Mountain lake reached by a short walk from the tunnel parking area
- Black sand beach at the fjord's edge, set against green mountains
- Ruins of old farmsteads dotting the valley, remnants of former farming families
- Unusual light for landscape photography in the enclosed valley
- Modern two-lane tunnels that connect Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður through the fjord
How to Get to Héðinsfjörður
Driving from Akureyri
Héðinsfjörður is located between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður on Route 76 (Arctic Coast Way). From Akureyri, it's about 80km (1.5 hours). Drive through the Héðinsfjarðargöng tunnel system; the fjord appears between the two tunnel sections.
Road Conditions
The tunnels are modern, two-lane, well-lit, and easy to drive. A parking area in the fjord allows you to stop and explore. In severe winter storms, the tunnel road may close temporarily. Always check road.is in winter.
Best Time to Visit Héðinsfjörður
Summer (June-August)
Best for hiking to the lake and beach. Midnight sun means 24-hour daylight. Weather is mildest (8-15°C). Greenest landscapes. The silence is even more striking in constant daylight.
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Fewer visitors, more solitude. Northern lights possible in September. Weather can be unpredictable. Expect 3-10°C temperatures. Short hikes still possible.
Winter (Oct-April)
Snow covers the whole valley but hiking is difficult. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Road may close in severe storms. The silence is deepest in winter.
Nearby Attractions
Siglufjörður
Herring-era town with the Herring Era Museum, a colorful harbor, and a folk music center.
Ólafsfjörður
Quiet fishing village on the other side of the tunnel, with a natural history museum and ski area.
Troll Peninsula
The Tröllaskagi peninsula has some of North Iceland's best scenery along the Arctic Coast Way.
Hofsos Swimming Pool
Infinity pool on the coast at Hofsós, about 40 minutes away, with views over Skagafjörður.
Dalvík
Fishing town south along the coast known for whale watching tours, the Great Fish Day festival, and skiing.
Planning help
Héðinsfjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.