Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/fjords/skagafjordur Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- 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. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Main Town Sauðárkrókur Easy detour off the Ring Road near Varmahlíð. ## Quick Answer 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 page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Roads in Skagafjörður are generally good and paved, but winter conditions can be icy. Access to Grettislaug involves a gravel road. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Weather (IMO)]() - [Road status (road.is)]() - [North Iceland Info]() - [SafeTravel]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Famous for Horses You will see more horses here than anywhere else. Tours are easy to find. 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. ## A turf church visit depends on the season The [heritage museum’s 2026 visitor information]() lists Víðimýri church open noon–5pm from June through August, except Mondays, and closed September through May. Its combined ticket with Glaumbær is valid for visits to both sites on the same day during the church’s opening season. Do not assume the church interior is available just because Glaumbær is open. The 1834 church also retains historic seating arrangements that separated men, women and social ranks—a detail to look for when an interior visit is possible. Planning help ## Skagafjörður FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **How do you pronounce Skagafjörður?** It's pronounced 'SKA-ga-fyur-thur.' The name breaks down as Skaga (peninsula) + fjörður (fjord). **What does Skagafjörður mean in English?** Skagafjörður translates to 'Peninsula Fjord' in English. The name refers to the Skagi peninsula that borders the fjord to the west. **Is Skagafjörður worth visiting?** Yes. It's Iceland's horse country, with farms offering Icelandic-horse experiences, plus the Glaumbær turf farm, Drangey island from Grettis Saga, and natural hot pools at Grettislaug. **How long should I spend at Skagafjörður?** Plan 1-2 days for the highlights. This allows time for a horse riding tour, visiting Glaumbær museum, soaking in Grettislaug, and potentially a boat trip to Drangey island. **Can you drive around Skagafjörður?** Yes, but it's more of a broad valley than a narrow fjord. Route 1 passes through the south (Varmahlíð), while Route 75 leads north to Sauðárkrókur and the coast. A loop drive runs around the Skagi peninsula. **What is Skagafjörður famous for?** It's famous as Iceland's horse country, known for its Icelandic-horse culture. Also known for Glaumbær turf farm museum, Drangey island (from Grettis Saga), and natural hot pools at Grettislaug. **Where can I go horse riding at Skagafjörður?** Multiple farms offer horse riding tours, from beginner-friendly short rides to multi-day treks. Compare the farm, route, rider requirements and actual meeting point. **How do I get to Grettislaug hot pool?** Grettislaug is located on the Reykjastrandir coast, reached by a separate coastal drive from Sauðárkrókur. The natural stone pool sits right by the ocean with views to Drangey island. [All fjords]() Country reference: [Iceland statistics]().