Famous for
Horses
You will see more horses here than anywhere else. Tours are easy to find.
Northwest Iceland
Skagafjörður: Horse Country in North Iceland
Iceland's horse country and Viking heartland in North Iceland. This broad fjord is home to more Icelandic horses than anywhere else, the Glaumbaer turf farm museum, Drangey island from Grettis Saga, and natural hot pools at Grettislaug.
Main Town
Sauðárkrókur
Easy detour off the Ring Road near Varmahlíð.
More a broad valley than a jagged fjord, Skagafjörður is the center of Icelandic horse culture. Green fields run down to the water, dotted with grazing horses, and the cliff island of Drangey rises sheer from the bay.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Roads in Skagafjörður are generally good and paved, but winter conditions can be icy. Access to Grettislaug involves a gravel road.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
Official sources to check
History
Glaumbær
Turf farm museum showing 18th/19th-century rural life.
Nature
Drangey
A fortress-like island in the fjord, rich in birdlife and saga history.
Hot Spring
Grettislaug
Bathe in a natural hot pool by the sea where saga hero Grettir the Strong once warmed up.
Pool
Hofsós
Infinity pool overlooking the fjord and Drangey island.
Rafting
Jökulsá River
White-water rafting runs on two glacial rivers.
What to Expect
- More Icelandic horses than anywhere else, with numerous riding tour operators
- Glaumbær turf farm museum showing 18th/19th-century rural Icelandic life
- Drangey island fortress rising from the bay, rich in saga history and birdlife
- Grettislaug natural hot pool by the ocean where saga hero Grettir once bathed
- Hofsós infinity pool on the coast with wide fjord views
- White-water rafting on glacial rivers near Varmahlíð
How to Get to Skagafjörður
Driving from Reykjavik
Varmahlíð (southern Skagafjörður) is 290km (3.5 hours) from Reykjavik via Route 1 (Ring Road). The drive is entirely paved. Continue north on Route 75 to reach Sauðárkrókur (30 minutes more) and the coastal areas.
Road Conditions
The Ring Road through Skagafjörður is excellent year-round. Route 75 to Sauðárkrókur is paved. Roads to Grettislaug and the Skagi peninsula are mostly gravel but accessible in summer. Winter conditions can be icy. Check road.is.
Best Time to Visit Skagafjörður
Summer (June-August)
Best for horse riding, Drangey boat trips, and Grettislaug visits. Midnight sun, all gravel roads accessible. Major horse events and shows. Weather mildest (10-15°C).
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Good for horse riding and Glaumbær visits. Fewer tourists. Northern lights in September. Some gravel roads may be muddy. Expect 5-10°C temperatures.
Winter (Oct-April)
Horse riding possible but limited. Glaumbær may have reduced hours. Drangey trips don't run. Excellent northern lights. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December.
Nearby Attractions
Glaumbær Turf Farm
Well-preserved 18th-century turf farmstead museum of traditional Icelandic rural life.
Drangey Island
Sea-cliff island rich in birdlife and saga history, reached by summer boat trips from Sauðárkrókur.
Grettislaug Hot Spring
Natural oceanside hot pool linked to the saga of Grettir the Strong, with views across to Drangey.
Hofsós Infinity Pool
Swimming pool on the coast with wide views of the fjord.
Víðimýrarkirkja Turf Church
One of Iceland's last surviving turf churches, dating to 1834, at Víðimýri.
Tindastóll Mountain
Table-top mountain above Sauðárkrókur, popular for hiking with fjord and ocean views.
Planning help
Skagafjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.