Discover Vopnafjörður

Vopnafjörður is located on Kolbeinstangi, a long, narrow peninsula that extends into the fjord. The town combines this distinctive setting with hiking trails, cultural history, and active experiences. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would mainly like to explore the town, spend time outdoors, or visit nearby destinations. This preferred focus can also help guide your choice of a holiday rental in Vopnafjörður.

Explore the town on foot

The walking tour Vappað um Vopnafjörð provides historical information about Vopnafjörður at 15 signs around the town. Brochures for the tour are available at key tourist locations; there is also a smartphone tour via the Wapp app. This lets you discover the town’s history at several stops and choose between a printed and a digital guide.

Hiking trails and nature nearby

The Hlíðarendi hiking trail is described as easy and suitable for most people. It passes the still clearly visible ruins of the former farm at Hlíðarendi. Above Vopnafjörður, Hraunin also has hiking trails suitable for most people. These offer different options for anyone who would like to include outdoor activity in their trip; at Hlíðarendi, the historic connection to the farm ruins is an added feature.

North of the town lie the Lónin, which are protected under special conditions because of their abundant wildlife. Another natural attraction nearby is Fuglabjarganes. Its varied coastline and rich birdlife have earned the area a place on Iceland’s nature conservation list. A 6 km circular walking trail runs along the beach there to the headland—a specific option for travelers who would like to include a coastal walk in their outings.

Church, culture, and family history

Vopnafjarðarkirkja was put into use in 1903 and is a protected building. It was designed by Björgólfur Brynjólfsson of Skjöldólfsstaðir in Breiðdal. The altarpiece is by Jóhannes Kjarval and is titled “Frelsarinn talar til fólksins.” These details make the church an interesting destination for travelers interested in architecture and art history.

Kaupvangur was built in 1882 and fully restored to its original condition in 2005. Today, it serves as a venue for various cultural activities in Vopnafjörður. The cultural center also houses the East Iceland Emigration Center. It offers genealogical services and helps people search for relatives and establish a connection with the present day. The center also helps with planning trips to Iceland, meeting relatives, and visiting the places where ancestors lived. Nearby, the centuries-old family farm Bustarfell is home to a museum: the Icelandic turf house in Hofsárdalur near Vopnafjörður has red gables and a grass-covered roof.

Active experiences and different ideas for your day

Saga Kayak is a small, family-run kayak rental business in Vopnafjörður. The kayak tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. If you would rather play a round of golf, Vopnafjörður has a 9-hole golf course. The Vopnafjörður Golf Course – Skálavöllur is partly situated on a steep slope and can be challenging for players. Another nearby experience is Selárlaug on the banks of the Selá River; the swimming pool is heated by a nearby hot spring.

Getting there and seasonal road conditions

All road connections to and from Vopnafjörður cross mountain roads. Nearby, the mountain road Hellisheiði eystri reaches an elevation of about 665 meters. In summer, it is passable for all vehicles; in winter, it is closed and not maintained. Take these specific seasonal conditions into account when planning your journey, and check which route is relevant for your travel dates.

Discover more places

You can also discover Höfn Í Hornafirði, Brekka, Djúpivogur, Fljótsdalur, Egilsstadhir, þÓrshöfn, Hámundarstaðir, and Bjarnanes as additional travel destinations.

For the broader travel overview: Austurland.