Vopnafjörður: Culture, Hiking Trails and Nature

Vopnafjörður is located on the long, narrow peninsula of Kolbeinstangi, which extends into the fjord. Local attractions range from local history and walks to kayaking and golf; nearby, natural and cultural sites add to the options. These highlights can help you plan your trip: would you like to explore the town on foot, learn about its history, or also include routes and attractions outside the town?

Getting there and finding your way around

All road routes to and from Vopnafjörður pass over mountain roads. The nearby Hellisheiði eystri lies between Vopnafjörður and Fljótsdalshérað and reaches an elevation of about 665 metres. In summer, the mountain road is passable for all vehicles; in winter, it is closed and not maintained. Check road conditions before setting out, especially when choosing when to travel.

For a first look at the town’s history, try the Vappað um Vopnafjorð walking tour. Using 15 signs around the town, it provides historical information about Vopnafjörður. Brochures for the tour are available at key tourist locations; there is also a smartphone guide via the Wapp app. Check that it is available before your trip.

Hiking trails and nature

The Hlíðarendi hiking trail is easy and suitable for most people. Along the way, it passes the still clearly visible ruins of the former Hlíðarendi farm. Above the town, Hraunin has additional hiking trails, also suitable for most people. Hlíðarendi thus combines a trail in the town with a specific historical connection, while Hraunin offers more routes above the town.

The Lónin north of the town are subject to special protection because of their rich wildlife. Nearby is also Fuglabjarganes, which is on Iceland’s nature conservation list for its varied coastline and abundant birdlife. A six-kilometre circular hiking trail runs along the beach there to the headland. The terrain can be wet after rain. This gives you a choice between shorter trails connected to the town and a coastal hike with a specified length.

Church, Kaupvangur and family history

Vopnafjarðarkirkja was taken into use in 1903 and is a protected building. It was designed by Björgólfur Brynjólfsson from Skjöldólfsstaðir in Breiðdal. The altarpiece is by Jóhannes Kjarval and is titled “Frelsarinn talar til fólksins”. Here, building history, architecture and art can be explored together in one specific place.

Kaupvangur was built in 1882 and fully restored to its original condition in 2005. Today, it hosts various cultural activities in Vopnafjörður. The East Iceland Emigration Center is also located in the Kaupvangur cultural centre. It offers genealogical services, helps people search for relatives and supports them in making a connection with the present. Its support also includes preparing trips to Iceland, arranging meetings with relatives and visiting the places where ancestors came from.

Nearby is the old family farm of Bustarfell in Hofsárdalur, near Vopnafjörður. The centuries-old Icelandic turf house has red gables and a grass-covered roof and now houses a museum. It adds an example of traditional architecture outside the town to its local history.

Kayaking and golf

Saga Kayak is a small, family-run kayak rental business in Vopnafjörður. Its kayaking tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The town also has a 9-hole golf course. Vopnafjörður Golf Course – Skálavöllur is partly on a sloping hillside and can be challenging for players; playing conditions may vary by season. Kayaking and golf thus offer different activity options, while the hiking trails mentioned above connect nature with local history.

Discover more destinations: Fljótsdalur, Seyðisfjörður, Berunes, Eiðar, Bjarnanes, Egilsstadhir, Hoffell, Fáskrúðsfjörður

For the main travel overview: Austurland.