Exploring Strandir Area

Hólmavík

Hólmavík is the largest settlement in the Strandir region and serves as the perfect base for exploring the area. Whether you’re planning your adventure along the scenic road or seeking a place to rest, Hólmavík offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. The town provides all basic amenities, including a camping ground, various types of accommodation, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by the local swimming pool for a relaxing dip, or sign up for one of the exciting tours, such as sailing trips, whale watching or horseback riding. Don’t forget to explore the surrounding mountains on foot and enjoy the untouched nature of this stunning area.

12 km south of Hólmavík you’ll find the Sheep museum, which is a museum and a cultural center. There you will find an entertaining and informative exhibition about the life & history of the area and of course everything about the Icelandic sheep. It offers a wide range of entertainment suitable for all age groups.

Exploring Strandir’s Small Towns

Strandir’s charm lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its quaint villages, each with its own unique history and attractions.

Make sure to visit Drangsnes, a small fishing village on the Steingrímsfjörður beach. Take a sailing tour to the nearby Grímsey island, just a 10-minute boat ride away, where you can admire rich birdlife, including puffins and fulmars. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy the famous geothermal tubs right by the shore, where you can unwind with stunning views of the fjord.

Further along the coast is Djúpavík, known for its hauntingly beautiful, abandoned herring factory. Take a trip to this remote village and explore the factory, now an exhibition space popular with artists and musicians. You’ll get a glimpse into Iceland's industrial past and how quickly fortunes can change. Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the factory, as its eerie beauty makes for some stunning shots.

At the end of the road lies Norðurfjörður, where the famous Krossneslaug geothermal pool awaits. Head to the edge of the world and take a dip in this legendary pool, perched on the shoreline with views stretching out to the horizon. It’s an experience not to be missed and will surely be one of the highlights of your trip. Nearby, the dramatic Drangaskörð peaks, resembling jagged teeth, rise from the sea. These striking formations, located in the Árneshreppur municipality, are often overlooked but offer breathtaking views and an eerie beauty that has inspired local folklore for centuries.

Researching Magic and Sorcery

Strandir also has a fascinating cultural history, particularly in connection with Icelandic folklore and sorcery. In the 17th century, the area became notorious as one of the settings for Iceland's witch-hunting craze. Isolated from the rest of the country, Strandir has preserved many ancient stories of strange beings, ghosts, and witchcraft. Be sure to visit Hólmavík’s Museum of Sorcery and Magic, a well-known attraction where you can delve into the dark and mystical past of the region. The Sorcerer’s Cottage in Bjarnarfjörður,  is an offshoot of Hólmavík’s Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery, where visitors can delve deeper into Iceland’s magical past and folklore.

Whether you’re drawn to the unspoiled natural beauty, the intriguing history of the herring industry, or the mysterious stories of Icelandic sorcery, the Strandir region promises an unforgettable experience. Start planning your adventure and discover one of Iceland’s most remote and captivating areas for yourself!