What to do in Hvammstangi

Hvammstangi (pronounced: Kvamm-stown-gee) is the western starting point of the new tourist route Arctic Coast Way as well as a gateway to the Vatnsnes peninsula.

What’s not available here you don’t need

Halfway between Reykjavík and Akureyri, only three minutes from the Ring Road one can find this little gem of a village, and turning is worth it! Hvammstangi is perfect for relaxing and getting used to the stress-free Icelandic small-town life, but it is also the ideal base camp to explore the Vatnsnes peninsula and more beautiful treasures in the area.

But before we explore the sights that can be found around Hvammstangi, let's stock up on everything we need in the town’s legendary supermarket. The Kaupfelag is one of very few cooperatively operated grocery stores left in Iceland. For over 110 years now, it has successfully been serving its customers under the motto „what’s not available here, you don‘t need.“ It’s true.

Scattered around town one can find even more great shops: KIDKA, one of the largest knitting factories in Iceland and its wool factory shop, the old Trade Museum and local handicraft shop Bardúsa as well as the craft and souvenir shop Verslunin Hlín. In summer there is an indoor flea market with random opening times next to the bank. Everything between heaven and earth can be bought here for ridiculously low prices. Whatever you search for (or not): you‘ll find it!

Hvammstangi harbor is the heart of town and sometimes Humpack whales or porpoises that visit the Fjord, can be watched from here

Short distances and long hikes

While crossing the town on its main road takes barely 10 minutes by walking, it has extraordinarily much to offer for its size (ca.700 inhabitants). The supermarket marks the “city center” encompassing the harbor, Seal Center as well as Bank, Post Office, and the fish restaurant Sjávarborg. A few roads up, a surprisingly large swimming pool with waterslide, 3 different hot tubs, and a gym take care of wellness needs and fun entertainment for kids.

A walking path along the river leads through town and up to the idyllic campsite. From there, more hiking paths lead up the mountains behind the town, past waterfalls, and along a beautiful canyon. Hikes in different lengths eventually offer a breathtaking view over the town, the fjord, and on good weather days, over to the Westfjords.

The old mill behind Hvammstangi's campground - don't forget to sign the guestbook

Seal watching and more adventures on Vatnsnes Peninsula

The Vatnsnes Peninsula is one of the best spots in Iceland for seal-watching. To prepare for the trip, kids and adults can learn everything about these curious marine mammals at the Seal Center in Hvammstangi. Currently, a new display by the Icelandic Museum of Natural history about Walruses in Iceland enhances the seal exhibition.

The best spot to see live seals is Illugastaðir, 25 kilometers past Hvammstangi. There, harbor seals lie on the rocks on the shore and relax. A beautiful walking path makes it easy to explore the area and its history, being the venue of one of Iceland's most famous murder cases dating back to the 1830s.

The 90-kilometer-long coastline around Vatnsnes is also home to the Instagram-famous sea stack Hvítserkur (also called dinosaur rock) and the Borgarvirki „castle“ rock formation.

No live seals can be found at the Seal Center in Hvammstangi, but one can learn everything about them