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 lake near sea level, a black sand beach, and hiking in near-total isolation just minutes from the road.
Status
Uninhabited
Accessible only via the tunnel road.
Quick Answer
Héðinsfjörður lies between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður on Tröllaskagi. The road emerges between two tunnel sections beside a landscape of sea, lake and an inland valley. A brief roadside stop and a walk farther into that valley need different amounts of time and preparation.
The fjord, the lake and the valley
Héðinsfjörður is the sea inlet; Héðinsfjarðarvatn is the lake behind the coast. Although mountains enclose it, Visit North Iceland places the lake only about three metres above sea level. An outlet connects it with the fjord. This is a coastal lake stop, not a climb to an alpine lake.
The same regional guide describes a valley extending about five to six kilometres inland. Decide whether you want to see the coast near the road or undertake a longer walk; reaching the parking area does not establish that an inland route suits the weather. For fishing, ask about permission and current terms before bringing tackle—the destination description is not a fishing permit.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This area is high-mountain terrain. Even with tunnels, the road can be closed in severe winter storms. Check road.is.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
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
- Héðinsfjarðarvatn, a lake behind the coast, separate from the sea fjord
- 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.
How do you pronounce Héðinsfjörður?
It's pronounced 'HEH-thins-fyur-thur.' The name breaks down as Héðins (Héðinn's, a Viking name) + fjörður (fjord).
What does Héðinsfjörður mean in English?
Héðinsfjörður translates to 'Héðinn's Fjord' in English. It's named after a Viking settler called Héðinn who lived in the area during the settlement era.
Is Héðinsfjörður worth visiting?
Yes, if you appreciate solitude and raw nature. As an uninhabited fjord, it offers silence, a lake near sea level, a black sand beach, and wilderness just minutes from the road, a stark contrast to nearby towns.
How long should I spend at Héðinsfjörður?
Choose between a roadside stop and a longer walk into the valley. Visit North Iceland describes a valley extending several kilometres inland; there is no single duration that covers every route. Use the designated parking and select a walk according to conditions and the time you have.
Can you drive around Héðinsfjörður?
No, the only road access is via the tunnels connecting Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður. The road emerges briefly in the fjord between two tunnels. There's no road around the fjord itself.
What is Héðinsfjörður famous for?
It's famous for being uninhabited since the mid-20th century, for its silence and raw wilderness, and for the tunnel road that gives the only access to this abandoned valley.
Why is Héðinsfjörður uninhabited?
The fjord was abandoned in the mid-20th century when farming became unsustainable. No road existed until the tunnels were built in 2010. Some old houses remain as summer cabins.
Are the tunnels to Héðinsfjörður difficult to drive?
No, they are modern two-lane tunnels, easy to drive unlike some older single-lane tunnels. The Héðinsfjarðargöng tunnels opened in 2010 and are well-lit and maintained.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.