Northwestern Region, Iceland

State guide with cities, regions, and key information.

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Introduction
The Northwestern Region (Norðurland vestra) covers the Skagafjörður and Húnaþing districts — an agricultural heartland known for Icelandic horse breeding, Viking-age history, and the Tröllaskagi (Troll Peninsula) coast road. Less visited than the northeast or south, it offers some of the most dramatic coastal driving on the Ring Road and a genuine sense of rural Iceland that the more popular regions have partly lost to tourism.

Travel Types

Icelandic horse riding

Skagafjörður is Iceland's horse heartland — more equines than humans in the valley. Multi-day riding tours through highland river crossings and mountain pastures are the signature experience. Day rides available for beginners. The Icelandic horse's unique fifth gait (tölt) is a smooth, ground-covering motion unlike any other breed.

Troll Peninsula coastal drive

Route 76 between Siglufjörður, Ólafsfjörður, and Dalvík is one of Iceland's great coastal drives — single-lane tunnels, fjord-edge hairpins, fishing villages, and mountain walls dropping into the sea. The full loop from the Ring Road and back takes half a day and is easily combined with Akureyri.

Siglufjörður and herring history

The Herring Era Museum (three restored harbour buildings, award-winning) traces the herring boom that made this tiny town the economic engine of mid-20th-century Iceland. Today Siglufjörður has reinvented itself with restaurants, a microbrewery (Segull 67), a folk music festival (July), and a harbour atmosphere that draws visitors who want to see Iceland beyond the natural spectacles.

Hofsós infinity pool

A geothermally heated pool on the cliff edge above Skagafjörður fjord — designed by architect Basalt Architects with a glass wall creating an infinity-edge effect. Views across the fjord to Drangey island. Open year-round, modest entry fee, no crowds.

Northwestern Region Travel Notes
  • •The Troll Peninsula coast road (Route 76) is paved but narrow with blind curves and single-lane tunnels. Drive carefully and use passing places. In winter, avalanche risk can close sections.
  • •Skagafjörður horse-riding tours range from 1-hour introductions to multi-day highland treks. Book ahead in summer. No experience required for day rides.
  • •Hofsós pool: bring a swimsuit and towel. The pool is open year-round but hours vary seasonally. Evening visits in summer offer midnight-sun light over the fjord.
  • •Hrísey island (accessible by ferry from Dalvík, 15 minutes) is a peaceful car-free island in Eyjafjörður with birdlife and walking trails — a half-day detour.
  • •The region is on the Ring Road between Blönduós and Akureyri. Fuel and services are available in Sauðárkrókur, Blönduós, and Siglufjörður.