Glaumbær Turf Farm
Hólar Cathedral
Reykjafoss Waterfall Hike
Grettirs Pool
Tannery Visitor Center
The Battle of Iceland
The agricultural heritage museum at Lindabær
Transportation Museum in Stóragerði
The Icelandic Emigration Center
Kakalaskáli Kringlumýri
Drangey Island
Welcome to Skagafjörður: A Hidden Gem in Iceland
Skagafjörður is a picturesque fjord located in northern Iceland, renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. The region is named after the fjord itself, which lies along the northern coast, opening into the Greenland Sea.
Historical Significance:
- Medieval History: Skagafjörður played a significant role during the medieval period in Iceland, particularly during the time of the Sturlunga saga, a collection of historical narratives detailing the power struggles and political intrigue of the 12th and 13th centuries. The region was a central stage for many of these conflicts, involving powerful chieftains and their followers.
- Settlement Era: Skagafjörður was one of the early settlement areas during the Viking Age. It is home to several ancient sites, including old farmsteads and churches, which reflect its long history of habitation and cultural development.
Cultural Heritage:
- Hólar in Hjaltadalur: One of the most historically significant sites in Skagafjörður is Hólar, which served as an important religious and educational center from the early Middle Ages. The cathedral at Hólar and its surrounding buildings are key landmarks, representing Iceland’s ecclesiastical history.
- Folk Culture and Traditions: The region is known for its rich folk culture, including traditional Icelandic sagas, legends, and folklore. Skagafjörður also has a vibrant community that maintains various cultural traditions, such as horse breeding and Icelandic turf houses.
Natural Attractions:
- Horse Breeding: Skagafjörður is famously known as the heartland of Icelandic horse breeding. The local breed, the Icelandic horse, is celebrated for its unique gaits and sturdy build, making horse riding tours a popular activity for visitors.
- Outdoor Activities: The diverse landscapes of Skagafjörður offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the scenic fjord, hike in the surrounding mountains, and enjoy river rafting in the glacial rivers.
- Wildlife and Nature: The region boasts diverse wildlife, including birdwatching opportunities along the coast and in the wetlands. The natural beauty of Skagafjörður is enhanced by its dramatic fjords, valleys, and coastal areas.
Modern Skagafjörður:
Today, Skagafjörður remains a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, tourism, and cultural preservation. The town of Sauðárkrókur serves as the main hub, offering various amenities and services to both residents and visitors.
Overall, Skagafjörður is a region that beautifully encapsulates Iceland’s historical depth, cultural richness, and natural splendor, making it a compelling destination for those interested in exploring the country’s heritage and landscapes.
Glaumbær Turf Farm
One of the most iconic sites in Skagafjörður is the Glaumbær Turf Farm. This historic farmstead dates back to the 18th century and provides a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s past. The well-preserved turf houses showcase traditional Icelandic architecture and offer a captivating insight into the daily lives of the people who lived here centuries ago.
4 min (3.8 km) from Karuna
Click here for direction in GoogleMaps
Hólar Cathedral
Located in the quaint village of Hólar, this cathedral is one of Iceland’s oldest churches, with a history that stretches back over 900 years. The beautiful building, surrounded by lush landscapes, is not only a spiritual haven but also a cultural treasure. Visitors can explore the cathedral, the nearby archaeological site, and learn about the significant role Hólar played in Iceland’s history.
34 min (43.1 km) from Karuna
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Reykjafoss Waterfall Hike
Reykjafoss, meaning “Steam Falls,” is a stunning waterfall located near the village of Varmahlíð. The hike to Reykjafoss is relatively easy and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The area around the waterfall is known for its geothermal activity, adding a unique element to your walk.
16 min (18.4 km) from Karuna
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Grettirs Pool
Named after the Icelandic saga hero Grettir the Strong, Grettislaug is a natural hot spring located near the shores of Skagafjörður. Soaking in the warm waters while enjoying the stunning views of the fjord and mountains is a perfect way to relax and unwind.
31 min (31.5 km) from Karuna
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Tannery Visitor Center
Located in Sauðárkrókur, the Tannery Visitor Center offers a unique glimpse into the traditional Icelandic craft of leather production. Visitors can learn about the process, see the artisans at work, and even purchase beautifully crafted leather goods.
12 min (14.1 km) from Karuna
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The Battle of Iceland
The Battle of Iceland is an interactive and immersive historical experience that brings you into the middle of Viking battles and historical events. Welcoming to people of all ages the exhibition offers its guests to take part in Icelands history through virtual reality. Step back in time and fight alongside the Vikings.
13 min (15.4 km) from Karuna
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The agricultural heritage museum at Lindabær
The agricultural heritage museum at Lindabær opened on 28. June 2015. Twentyfive years earlier, the owner of the museum, Sigmar Johannsson, started his collection of old tractors and farm machines when he bought a Farmal Cub together with a belly mower and a plough. Since then, Sigmar has acquired a number of tractors and other farm machinery. Today, the collection consists of more than 20 restored tractors, grindstones, a horse drawn hay rake, deering sickle sharpener and many other interesting items.
14 min (9.6 km) from Karuna
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Transportation Museum in Stóragerði
The Samgöngusafnið Transportation Museum in Stóragerði was officially opened on June 26, 2004, by Ársæll Guðmundsson, then-municipal manager of Skagafjörður. Initially, the museum was a 600 square meter hall with a small reception area. Over the years, the collection expanded significantly, necessitating an 800 square meter extension, completed by summer 2013. Today, the museum showcases around 100 vehicles, including cars, buses, motorcycles, sleds, agricultural machinery, and even aircraft, alongside numerous small items related to Icelandic transport history.
Outside the museum, there are approximately 150-200 vehicles and equipment in various conditions, which visitors find fascinating.
A delightful aspect of the museum’s journey is that many visitors have donated vehicles and machinery in excellent condition, significantly enriching the collection.
28 min (37.3 km) from Karuna
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The Icelandic Emigration Center
It is appropriate for the Icelandic Emigration Center to be located in Hofsós, as the first white settler in America, Thorfinnur Karlsefni, came from the area near Hofsós. It is believed that Karlsefni may have set out to sea from this area when he sailed to America, eventually landing in Vinland (now Newfoundland). He and his wife Guðríður Thorbjarnardóttir established a home in Vinland between the years 1004 and 1006 during which time they had a son, Snorri Thorfinnsson, who was the first European to be born of immigrant parents in North America. After they returned to Iceland they settled at Glaumbær, nearby Hofsós.
38 min (49.9 km) from Karuna
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Kakalaskáli Kringlumýri
Museum, sturlungasaga. The setting is Skagafjörður in the 13th century. It is important to note that the Sturlunga saga presents a somewhat uniform depiction of society, primarily reflecting the purposes and needs of those who wrote it. There are other written sources that describe the state of affairs during this time, but the main value of the Sturlunga lies in its description of the political and military conflicts of the period. It focuses on the leadership group of society or the aristocracy and the power struggles between ruling families. Other social classes mainly appear in secondary roles in the work.
18 min (20.3 km) from Karuna
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Drangey Island
Accessible by boat from the village of Sauðárkrókur, Drangey Island is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. This steep-sided island rises dramatically from the sea and is home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins and guillemots. A hike to the top of the island provides panoramic views of Skagafjörður and the North Atlantic Ocean.
We warmly invite you to stay with us at our family-owned hotel and experience the beauty, history, and adventure that Skagafjörður has to offer. Whether you are here to explore the local attractions, embark on nature walks, or simply relax and soak in the serene landscapes, we are here to ensure your stay is memorable and enjoyable.