Northwestern Region: Birdlife, Coastlines and History

The Northwestern Region offers various ways to plan a trip that combines an interest in nature and history: these include bird habitats, striking coastal rocks, geothermal pools and an interactive historical experience using virtual reality. Hiking and seal-watching trips are also among the options. Which places suit your plans depends on whether you want to focus on landscapes, wildlife, outdoor activities or culture.

Landscapes and Birdlife

Húnaþing vestra is characterized by green heathlands, lively coastlines, high mountain peaks, and rivers and lakes where people fish. At Gauksmýri Pond, a restored wetland is home to 45 breeding bird species. There is a 500-meter path there that is suitable for everyone. At the end of the path is a birdwatching shelter with information about birds and binoculars. Path conditions can change, so check the facilities on site before your visit as well.

Drangey rises almost 200 meters above the waters of Skagafjörður. Its steep sea cliffs provide nesting sites for large numbers of seabirds, making the island an important bird habitat. Drangey is also closely associated with Grettir's Saga. This place therefore combines a striking natural feature with a literary connection. Hvítserkur offers a different kind of landscape: the 15-meter-high rock lies on the eastern side of the Vatnsnes Peninsula and is one of North Iceland's best-known landmarks. Visitors can walk down to the beach and view the rock up close. Access to the beach may depend on the tides and conditions.

History and Experiences

In Sauðárkrókur, 1238: The Battle of Iceland explores history through an interactive, immersive experience that uses virtual reality and is intended for visitors of all ages. The exhibition depicts Viking battles and events from the Age of the Sturlungs, from 1220 to 1264, including the Battle of Örlygsstaðir. Visitors interested in medieval conflicts will find both a historical timeframe and a specific event highlighted by name.

Lombervegur in Húnaþing vestra is an easy hiking trail. The hike is listed as taking one to two hours, and the stated season is March to October. At one point, you need to climb over a gate. The trail offers views of glaciers to the south and Húnaflói to the north. Allow for the stated duration and season, and check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Seal-watching trips are offered from Hvammstangi in the Húnaþing vestra area. Departure times may vary, so check the specific trip options in advance. This differs from an excursion on foot: here, the focus is on a trip on the water.

Geothermal Pools near Reykir

There are two natural geothermal pools near Reykir in Skagafjörður: Grettislaug and Jarlslaug. Grettislaug in Reykir also has showers, a campsite and a guesthouse. As visitor facilities can change, check their availability before you travel. Access rules can also change, so check them in advance if you plan to visit Grettislaug or Jarlslaug.

The activities offer different points of reference for planning your day: the Lombervegur hike is listed as taking one to two hours, while the 500-meter path and birdwatching shelter at Gauksmýri Pond are notable landmarks. This can help you decide whether a hike with a stated duration or a focus on birdlife and observation better suits your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hvammstangi, Varmahlíð, Skagaströnd, Hólar, Hofsós, Blönduós, Undirfell, Ríp, Svínavatn, Laugarbakki, Lækjamót, Húnavatn, Vidhidalstunga, Miklibær

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