# Three Peninsulas in Three days – A minibreak in North Iceland - URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/minibreak-north-iceland/ - Published: 2024-01-15 - Last updated: 2026-08-19 > There is magic in North Iceland on this section of the Arctic Coast Way adventure. This minibreak promises a memorable journey along one of Iceland’s most scenic routes, spanning picturesque fishing villages, historical sites, and natural wonders. Taking the long route is often a good idea when traveling in Iceland. Between Akureyri in the North and Hvammstangi in the Northwest, the three peninsulas Vatnsnes, Skagi, and Tröllaskagi protrude into the Greenland Sea and make for a scenic detour with tons of places of interest. Spiked with picturesque fishing villages, historical sites, and natural experiences, this section of the Arctic Coast Way is an outstanding trip by itself. ### Day 1: Troll Peninsula When searching for the Nordic coastal village flair, the Troll Peninsula, known locally as Tröllaskagi, is the place to go. From Akureyri, one first finds **Hauganes,** a fishing village of 140 people. The ocean theme is visible at the boat-shaped Hot tubs by the Sandvíkurfjara beach and at the popular [Baccalá Bar & Restaurant](https://www.facebook.com/BaccalaBar/), which has a porch resembling the deck of a Viking longship. The next up is **Dalvik** along Eyja Fjord, which offers great whale-watching options. The Dalvík Ski area makes for excellent winter fun when snow is on the ground. During the winter of 2022, Dalvík was turned into a film set for the Hollywood production “True Detective,” filling in as an Alaskan village. [More on Dalvík](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/a-day-in-dalvik/). From Dalvík, the ferry Sæfari sails over to Grimsey Island, the only settlement in Iceland touching the Arctic Circle. The ferry ride takes about three hours each way, but you can set foot on the Arctic Circle once there. For a shorter boat ride, the ferry to Hrísey Island takes only 15 minutes from Árskógssandur. Hrisey, an Island in the Eyja Fjord, is full of birdlife and hosts a famous shark hunting museum, [The House of Shark—Jörundur](https://www.northiceland.is/en/service/the-house-of-shark-jorundur). Ten kilometers past Dalvík is a viewpoint where you can watch the lesser-known waterfall **Mígandifoss** splashing a hundred meters into the ocean. To view the waterfall, stop at the eastern entrance to the Múlagöng tunnel, the one-lane tunnel to **Ólafsfjörður.** *Image: A picturesque fishing village with lots of history, Siglufjörður makes for an interesting stop* Ólafsfjörður is a town between impressively high mountains, ideal for downhill and cross-country-skiing winter adventures and long beach walks in summer. Passing towards **Siglufjörður**, one enters the now deserted Heðinsfjord, a tranquil nature paradise and fishing spot. Its position between two high mountains led to a dramatic history of avalanches and hardships that ultimately left people no choice but to abandon their farms and the fjord. **Siglufjörður** was once a busy fishing village, and its history is still palpable when looking around. European influences are visible, and the atmosphere in the harbor area is lively. The Herring Museum is one of the most extensive maritime museums in Europe. It recreates the once bustling herring fishing times, leaving one astonished by how many thousand people used to “work in fish” in this very small town in the first half of the twentieth century. [More on Siglufjörður](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/a-day-in-siglufjordur/). Did you know roughly 15,000 Icelanders emigrated to North America between 1870 and 1914? Harsh weather and the [Askja](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Askja) and [Grímsvötn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grímsvötn) eruptions of 1875 and 1880s led to crop failures and many Icelanders to search for a better life in the “new world.” Today, their ancestors are returning to trace their roots in Iceland. The place to go is the small town **of Hófsós,** where the Iceland Emigration Center tries to help and find answers. While in town, use the opportunity to soak in the local infinity pool with a stunning view over the Skagafjord. *Image: Hofsós swimming pool is the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the Troll Peninsula.* Further in the bottom of the Fjord, the big community **Sauðárkrókur** nestles on the shores of a 4 km black sand beach. Explore history through virtual reality in the exhibition _1238, the Battle of Iceland, or by visiting the nearby historical sites such as Glaumbær Heritage M_useum and one of only six remaining turf churches in Iceland, the photogenic [Viðymyra Church](https://www.northiceland.is/en/place/vidimyrarkirkja-church). [Read more on Sauðárkrókur.](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/a-day-in-saudarkrokur/) ### Day 2: Skagi Peninsula Grettislaug is a natural bath at the site where, according to legend, the outlaw Gréttir the Strong warmed up after his legendary swim from Drangey Island. Skagi impresses with its rough and mystical charm and—due to only a few inhabited farms—tranquility and peace. **Are there polar bears in Iceland? Well, no. And yes.** Around 600 polar bears have set foot on Iceland since settlement, most on the Skagi peninsula, traveling on ice flows from northeastern Greenland and eventually very long swims to Iceland. Luckily, the chances of an encounter are very slim, but impressive nature sights are always there. Driving up the peninsula's east coast awaits Selvík Cove, the setting for Iceland’s only sea battle in 1244 and merchant center in the 20th century. Only 10 km ahead, the Ketubjörg cliffs and waterfall drop 120 meters (390 feet) into the ocean. *Image: Stunning nature and tranquility off the beaten track can be found on Skagi Peninsula* The fishing station at **Kálfshamarsvík Cove** was raised at the beginning of the 20th century, and its remnants are still visible. One gets an eerie feeling of being transported back in time when walking through the fields where there used to be a small village. Almost 100 people inhabited the cove until the settlement was abandoned in 1940, around the same time the lighthouse Kálfshamarsviti was built. Nearly two million years old and still standing are the basalt columns in the bay, large hexagonal stacks of rocks that are amongst the most impressive ones in Iceland. The Króksbjarg cliffs are worth a stop on the way to Skagaströnd. The seaside village is home to the [artist residency](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/artist-residencies-in-iceland/) Nes and the Museum of Prophecies (Spákonuhof), where the story of the fortune teller Þórdís who lived here in the 10th century, is told. With the help of Tarot cards and palmreading, visitors also get to see what the future holds for them. Walking trails lead from Skagaströnd along the cape Spákonuhöfði, a leisurely evening walk. The local mountain Spákónufell is covered with marked trails and offers breathtaking ocean views, but it takes several hours to climb. Heading back to the Ring Road,  the town of Blönduós is a bustling stopover. The "old town" has recently gotten a makeover from the owners of Hotel Bönduós. A bridge connects a parking space with the small island of Hrútey, surrounded by the Blanda River. Walking around this little nature paradise makes for a perfect little hike before continuing the trip. [Read more about Blönduós.](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/day-in-blonduos/) ### Day 3: Vatnsnes Peninsula – the land of seals The 90-kilometer loop around [Vatnsnes Peninsula](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/around-vatnsnes-peninsula/) starts at Borgarvirki, a volcanic plug nowadays often used as a concert venue since its arena shape has excellent acoustics and a stunning 360-degree view. Famous Icelandic singers such as [Ásgeir Trausti](https://www.asgeirmusic.com) and [Mugison](https://www.mugison.com) have played here. On a clear day, it’s the perfect place to picnic and admire the surrounding mountains. *Image: The long black sand banks around Hvítserkur on Vatnsnes Peninsula invite you to go exploring and maybe find some seals* After 30 minutes on the often bumpy Road 711, one reaches the next highlight of Vatnsnes. According to folk tales, the basalt rock formation Hvítserkur was originally a petrified troll. Its shape resembling a drinking elephant (or dragon?- you decide) makes for great pictures, especially under the Northern lights or the midnight sun. Sometimes, seals lying on the black sand around or opposite the coast of Hvítserkur might steal the show. According to the annual seal count, between 500 and 1,000 seals spend their lives on Vatnsnes. The seal-watching spot Illugastaðir leaves for a closer encounter, where from a sheltered blind, you can observe these relaxed animals in their natural habitat. *Image: The old mill on Hvammstangi campground is accessible all-year-round* Illugastaðir is also famous for its dark history and the famous 1828 murder case that happened on this farm and led to the last execution in Iceland. The best-selling novel [“Burial Rites” by Hannah Kent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Kent) is based on the events following the mysterious murder If you have any questions about seals, their habits, and their behavior, the Icelandic Seal Center in Hvammstangi has all the answers. In summer, the town is a lively hub for travelers. Amongst other services, it hosts a large variety of accommodations, a beautifully situated campground, the KIDKA wool factory, Sjávarborg seafood restaurant, a frisbee golf course, and (of course) a swimming pool. [Read more about Hvammstangi](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/what-to-do-in-hvammstangi/)