Remote places in North Iceland

Flatey is a peaceful island off the coast of Skjálfandi Bay, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Iceland’s past. With its colourful historic houses, quiet walking paths and rich birdlife, the island provides a tranquil escape from modern life and a chance to experience a slower pace of living. Although no one has lived permanently on Flatey since the late 1960s, many of the original houses have been carefully maintained by descendants of former residents and continue to be used during the summer months. The island’s church, lighthouse, old schoolhouse and harbour serve as reminders of a once-thriving fishing community. Flatey is also renowned for its abundant birdlife. More than 30 bird species can be observed on the island during summer, including puffins, Arctic terns and eider ducks. The combination of wildlife, history and peaceful surroundings makes Flatey a memorable destination for visitors exploring North Iceland. 

Mt. Herdubreid on the Oskjuleið Route is a 1682m high table mountain. It is the national mountain of Iceland and often called the “Queen of Icelandic mountains”. There is a hiking trail to the top of the mountain, but due to loose rock it´s difficult and steep.

Hljóðaklettar in the canyon Jökulsárgljúfur is a distinctive cluster of columnar rock formations standing at the entrance to Vesturdalur, down by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River. The columns lie at all angles and it’s an entertaining exercise for one's imagination to interpret their patterns. The road to Hljóðaklettar (862) is closed over the winter months.

Hólmatungur is an expanse of rich vegetation in the Jökulsárgljúfur area, and there are many beautiful columnar rock formations to be found there. The footpath between Hljóðaklettar and Hólmatungur, alongside Jökulsá á Fjöllum, is among the most beautiful in Iceland. The waters of countless streams bubble up in Hólmatungur, which then tumble over ledges into Jökla. Here you will also find Gloppuhellir cave in Gloppa, which is a very special natural creation.

Kálfshamarsvík is a small cove on the northern coast of the Skagi Peninsula, a short drive north of Skagaströnd. Renowned for its striking basalt columns and dramatic coastal scenery, it is home to one of North Iceland’s most distinctive geological formations. Created by volcanic activity around two million years ago, the beautifully shaped rock formations extend into the sea, creating a remarkable natural landmark.  The area offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and the North Atlantic Ocean, making it a rewarding stop for those exploring the more remote parts of the region. The unique geological formations and peaceful surroundings attract visitors seeking both natural beauty and tranquillity. Kálfshamarsvík also has an interesting history. In the early 20th century, the cove was home to a thriving fishing community of around 100 residents. By the 1940s, however, the settlement had been abandoned, leaving behind traces of a once vibrant coastal community. .

Kverkfjöll is a volcanic mountain range on the northern edge of Vatnajökull glacier and one of the most remote and fascinating destinations in the Icelandic Highlands. Named after the dramatic gorge carved by Kverkjökull glacier, the area is renowned for its striking combination of ice, fire and geothermal activity. One of Iceland’s most active high-temperature geothermal areas is located in the western part of Kverkfjöll, where steaming vents, hot springs and colourful geothermal formations create an extraordinary landscape. The contrast between the geothermal area and the nearby glacier makes Kverkfjöll one of the country’s most unique natural environments. The area offers a variety of hiking opportunities, including routes through rugged volcanic terrain and to viewpoints overlooking glaciers and mountain peaks. Access is by mountain roads that are generally open only during the summer months, making a visit to Kverkfjöll a true Highland adventure.  More information about the National Park is at the webpage: www.vatnajokullnationalpark.is

  An oasis in the barren land between the glacier Hofsjokull and Vatnajokull. The site is about 25km to the west of the best known highland route “Sprengisandur”. On the north-western slopes of the mountain Laugafell, there are geothermal hot springs bubbling and three mountain huts open in summer, with kitchen facilities and a nice geothermal nature pool outside.

At an altitude of 469 m, Möðrudalur farm lies higher than any other Icelandic farm. The remarkable, tiny church was built by the farmer himself, Jón Stefánsson, in 1949. The tourist services here operate year-round. Various trails have been marked through the area, which prides itself on wide panoramas and amazing silence. The majestic Mount Herðubreið, looming in the near distance, has long been referred to as the Queen of Icelandic Mountains, but its image was further cultivated in the last century by a self-made painter from Möðrudalur farm, Stefán Jónsson (Stórval).  

It's a unique feeling to walk around the green island of Grímsey. Look to the horizon on the Atlantic ocean in the north, or turn your head to the south to see the glistening mountain tops of the shoreline of North Iceland. In this remote place, it's easy to imagine you are alone in the universe, even though roughly 70 people call this island their home. Feel the birds' vibrating sounds in the cliffs, see the puffins poke their head up from their nests, and the roaming sheep eating the green grass. There is no place quite like Grímsey. The travel to the island is an adventure in itself. Either you fly for about 20 minutes from Akureyri or take the ferry from Dalvík that gets you there in 3 hours. Some only stop for a few hours, but many choose to stay for a few days, disconnect from the busy life, find their connection to nature, and relieve stress. In Grímsey, two guesthouses are open year-round, but it is best to book your stay in advance, especially during summer. In the small village, you'll also find a small convenience store, a café, and a restaurant (pre-booking recommended during the off-season.) One of the major attractions of Grímsey is the puffin that makes its nest in the cliffs in April and goes back to sea in August. Another one is the Arctic Circle, with many visitors aiming to step over the circle. In 2017 a new landmark was revealed that signifies where the Arctic Circle goes through the island. It's a giant ball and is called "Orbus et Globus. " Weighing almost 7 tons, it is moved each year to align to the Arctic Circle. A visit in the summertime is highly recommended, but a visit during winter will not disappoint.  With little sunlight, the isolation from others almost becomes tangible, with the Northern Lights dancing around in the sky. 

What remains of the village of Skálar are remnants of a life that used to be: a thriving community whose livelihood depended on the sea. Changing conditions in the fishing industry and transportation, the explosions of maritime mines, and other factor led to the abandonment of the settlement in the 1950s. Interwined with the village´s history are the factors that made Skálar an appealing place to live, its role in World War II, changes in transportation, the lives of individual families, and much more. Some of the ruins have been marked with a number and name.

Langanes is a veritable outdoor paradise teeming with birdlife, great for nature study and hiking. Skoruvíkurbjarg, located mid-way out on its northern shore, is a great place to view and photograph sea birds such as auks. A viewing platform extending some 10m out from the cliff offers a close range view of a colony of the magnificent Northern Gannets on the sea stack Stórikarl. It´s Iceland’s second largest Gannet colony, while nearby are colonies of auks, including guillemots and puffins in the bird-filled cliffs at Skoruvíkurbjarg. The Gannet is the largest seabird in the North Atlantic and has earned the nickname Queen of the Atlantic. Langanes peninsula is a treat for birdwatchers.