Skagafjörður
Skagafjörður, a sweeping fjord in northern Iceland, combines basalt cliff landscapes, Icelandic horse breeding and sites linked to medieval sagas, centered around Sauðárkrókur.
Skagafjörður is a wide fjord in northern Iceland, framed by the Skagi peninsula to the west and Tröllaskagi to the east. Renowned for its Icelandic horses, medieval monasteries and islands inhabited by seabirds, it presents a landscape of mountains, meadows and calm waters far from the busiest tourist routes. Sauðárkrókur, the region's principal town, serves as the anchor point for exploring the fjord.
What to see
The fjord stretches for several dozen kilometers inland. Icelandic horse farms dot the shores — the region is historically one of the cradles of the breed. Two islands, Drangey and Málmey, stand out amid the waters. Drangey, a sheer basalt column, hosts colonies of puffins and guillemots. Coastal cliffs and adjacent valleys complete the panorama.
History and context
Skagafjörður holds a central place in Icelandic sagas. Drangey is directly linked to Grettir the Strong, hero of the Grettis saga: the outlaw spent his final years there in the early 11th century. On land, the monastery of Þingeyrar (founded around 1133) was Iceland's first Benedictine monastery and a center of saga writing. The site of Hólar, the former ecclesiastical capital of the north, housed a bishopric from 1106 onwards.
Highlights of a visit
Drangey
This basalt cliff island is accessible by boat from Sauðárkrókur during the summer season. The climb to the summit, via a ladder and steep path, is rewarded with views over the fjord and dense colonies of seabirds. Puffins are particularly notable in summer.
Hólar
The former episcopal seat of northern Iceland retains a red tuff stone cathedral (12th–16th century, rebuilt), an agricultural museum and a center dedicated to Icelandic horse breeding. The current university campus coexists with the historic remains.
Icelandic horses
The region concentrates a high number of studs. Horse-riding tours through valleys and along the fjord's shores are offered by several local operators, notably from Varmahlíð and Sauðárkrókur.
Héraðsdalur valley and hot springs
The surroundings of the fjord conceal natural geothermal sources. Grettislaug, a warm basin by the sea near Reykir, is associated with the legend of Grettir and remains freely accessible.
Photography tips
The raking light of late afternoon in summer accentuates reflections on the fjord and outlines of the surrounding mountains. For Drangey, photograph the cliffs from the boat on the way out or back — a frontal angle better reveals the island's verticality. Free-ranging horses in the meadows are best photographed early in the morning, before the bustle of the studs.
Location and access
Skagafjörður lies in northern Iceland, approximately 200 km from Reykjavik via Route 1 (Ring Road) then Route 75 towards Sauðárkrókur. Varmahlíð, on the Ring Road, is the main access junction. No regular public transport serves the fjord outside summer long-distance bus connections. A vehicle is essential to explore the shores. Wheelchair accessibility is limited at natural sites and on Drangey.
Nearby attractions
- Hólar — former ecclesiastical capital of the north, cathedral and Icelandic horse museum.
- Drangey — cliff island in the heart of the fjord, site of the Grettis saga and seabird sanctuary.
- Grettislaug — natural geothermal basin by the sea, linked to the legend of Grettir.
- Tröllaskagi Peninsula — steep-sided fjords, fishing villages and scenic roads between Skagafjörður and Eyjafjörður.
- Akureyri — northern Iceland's principal city, approximately 90 km to the east, departure point for Lake Mývatn.
Frequently asked questions
Summer (June–August) is the ideal period: boats to Drangey operate, seabirds are present and days are very long. In winter, access to natural sites is limited and road conditions can be difficult.
Boat excursions to Drangey are organized in summer season from Sauðárkrókur harbour or from Reykir. It is advisable to book in advance with local operators, as places are limited.
Yes. The sites are scattered across both shores and adjacent valleys. A rental vehicle is essential. Some secondary tracks may require a 4x4 depending on the season.
Yes, Skagafjörður is one of Iceland's most renowned regions for the Icelandic horse. Several studs offer guided rides, notably around Varmahlíð and Sauðárkrókur, for all levels.
The geothermal basin of Grettislaug, located near Reykir on the west shore of the fjord, is generally accessible. A small contribution may be requested for site maintenance — check conditions on arrival.
Allow a minimum of two days to combine Drangey, Hólar, Grettislaug and a horse ride. Three days allows you to explore adjacent valleys and the Tröllaskagi peninsula without rushing.
Interested in this visit?
We can include it in your personalised itinerary.