Discover Sauðárkrókur: Culture, Fjord and Nature

Sauðárkrókur offers a variety of ways to shape a trip: historical exhibitions, a swimming pool, views across Skagafjörður and tours to the island of Drangey. There are also natural attractions nearby. When planning your stay, you can decide whether culture, swimming, scenery or a boat trip matters most to you.

Culture and History in Sauðárkrókur

The exhibition 1238: The Battle of Iceland explores Viking battles and historical events from the Sturlung Age, from 1220 to 1264. The interactive, immersive exhibition uses virtual reality to bring visitors into the events. It is intended for visitors of all ages and is suitable for individuals, families, groups of friends and school groups. If you are planning a visit, check the latest visitor information in advance.

The ground floor of the exhibition building is also home to Sauðárkrókur’s tourist information office. Grána Bistro, located in the exhibition, offers a bistro menu featuring local ingredients. If you would like to use either of these services, check the latest visitor and service information in advance.

Another exhibition in Sauðárkrókur is Puffin & Friends 360°. It focuses on puffins in Skagafjörður and the effects of global warming on the ecosystem. The experience includes virtual reality, immersive scenes and films. While 1238 focuses on the Sturlung Age, here you can explore birds and ecological changes.

Safnahúsið houses the Skagafjörður District Library and District Archives, as well as the Skagafjörður Art Museum. These offer a range of cultural topics to complement the exhibitions in town.

Swimming, Views and Trails

Sauðárkrókur’s swimming pool has an outdoor pool measuring 25 × 8 metres, with a depth of 0.9 to 2.7 metres. It also has two hot tubs at around 39 °C and 41 °C, respectively; both offer air massage. Local residents use the pool for training and public swimming. It also serves campers and travellers in Skagafjörður. Visitor services may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

Above Sauðárkrókur are Nafir, a series of old raised shore terraces. There is a viewing platform with views across the fjord. Hlíðarendavöllur, a 9-hole golf course, is also located on Nafir. In regional tourism materials, it is described as one of Iceland’s longest and most impressive golf courses. There are numerous hiking trails in Sauðárkrókur and the surrounding area.

Natural Attractions and Excursions

Nearby, east of Sauðárkrókur, is Borgarsandur, a black sand beach with dunes and marram grass. Visitors can park at the western end, walk along the beach and enjoy views across Skagafjörður. Áshildarholtsvatn, in the surrounding area, is home to a variety of birdlife and has information boards about birds. The natural attractions here offer different experiences: at the beach, the sand, dunes and fjord views shape your visit, while at the lake the focus is on birds and the information boards about them.

Boat trips to Drangey depart from Sauðárkrókur’s marina. An excursion to Drangey combines sightseeing, birdwatching, sailing and hiking. This makes it a different kind of outing from a walk at Borgarsandur, where the beach and fjord views are the main attractions. Departure arrangements and the season may change; check the latest tour information when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bakki, Reykjahlíð, Miðgarðar, Svalbarðseyri, Hrisey, Myvatn, Dalvík, Háls

See the regional travel overview: Northeast Iceland.