Norðurland vestra, Northwestern Region

Norðurland vestra or the Northwestern region is the area between the Westfjords and the north-eastern region. Its ”capital” is Sauðárkrókur. It starts on the land on the east side of Bitrufjörður and ends in the middle of the Tröllaskagi peninsula. It is well known for the Vatsnes peninsula. Here you can find Hvítserkur and a lot of seals. Also, the upper half of Hofsjökull is in Norðurland vestra.

Hvammstangi

The exhibition of the Sea centre in Hvammstangi. It shows information sign and above the middle one hangs a seal skeleton. In the background you see a boat that they used to hunt seal. It is covered in hides.

Hvammstangi is one of the bigger towns in this region. It is on Vatsnes and the perfect stop to stay if you want to explore the area. In this town there is a Seal Centre with a museum telling you everything about pinnipeds. In this centre they can help you find the best spot to see seals. There is one way going north out of Hvammstangi (711). This road will guide you around the peninsula past some scenic places.

Folklore

The rock formation Hvitserkur standing in the water with glaciers in the background. Blue water and blue skies. On the rock are Fulmars and Kittiwakes.

If you drive around Vatsnes you will pass Hvítserkur. This is a big rock formation rising out of the ocean. It means White shirt. This is because of all the bird droppings. The geological story is, of course, a rock formation lifting out of the sea, stabilized so it doesn’t fall. The more fun explanation behind this rock formation is that this rock used to be a troll. This Troll was so angry at the bells of the Þingeyraklaustur convent. That in this anger and rage he lost track of time and didn’t notice that the sun was already rising. So, unfortunately for him, he turned to stone, on the spot that we can still see him today.

Wildlife

Grey seal laying on a black sand beach with Marram grass growing on the haps of sand in the background. In front of the few seals that are tanning, is one playing in the water.

If you were to visit Hvítserkur and its inhabitants, you should consider going on the right path as well. This path will lead you to a beach. Follow this to the right as well. If you do, you will end up on the opposite side of a beach where seals often like to tan. This is the ”neck” between Húnafjörður and Sigríðarstaðavatn. Here you can also spot seabirds. When we were there we saw a lot of Arctic Terns, Eider and Fulmar. We also found a dead puffin, but we didn’t spot a living one at that time. There should be more spots on Vatsnes to spot seals, but in June the Eiders are nesting, so we weren’t allowed on the other spots. We were told that most of the spots are private land which is open to the public, but the owners can close it when they please.

Vikings

in the front in a round bronze looking plat in the middle of a round square. On this plate are 3 flying ravens. On the edge of the square, entrance point, is one pilar. There is a walking path on the left, with someone walking on it, going out of the picture. Around the square is grass land with not blooming lupins. All the way in the back are snow covered mountains and an almost clear blue sky.

Have you seen the Netfilx series Vikings? Then you have seen the character Floki. This Floki really existed and really did go to Iceland to settle. He had a rough winter in Vatnsfjörður, was not so happy with the place anymore and returned home. But he was convinced by a member of the group, Þórólfur smjör, that Iceland a good place, that every straw in this land was covered in butter and that they should return to this golden land. Floki was convinced and returned to Iceland to stay until his death. Be had built a farm on Tröllaskagi and eventually died here. It is said that there are two memorial stones for Floki. It is unsure if this is his burial place because it is quite far from his farm. Nonetheless, two new stones are placed on the spot you can find as ”Hrafna Floki”. This is because Floki never left the harbour without 3 ravens to guide him, therefore he was named Hrafna Floki.

To do

The front of the Kidka factory wool shop. Two Icelandic flag hang on its side. The building is white with blue boards holding the name. the bottom half of the building has big windows that allows you to look inside. Behind the building is water visible.

What is the best souvenir you can take home, accept for pictures, stories and candy? A Lopapeysa (Icelandic knitted sweater), of course! Most of them are handmade by locals and because it takes a lot of time, and a lot of wool, they have a higher price than you usually spend on a souvenir. So if you want an Icelandic product, but rather spend a little less, you could buy one at the Kidka Wool shop. It is connected to the factory, in which you can take a look if you visit the shop. If you are looking for a handmade one, you should visit the Handknitting association in Reykjavík.

Roadtrip

Driving here is wonderful. The area is beautiful and even following the paved roads and the 1 is amazing. But, there are a lot of smaller roads going towards the highlands which seem to be amazing. There is the 35, I can’t see if this is an F road, but it looks like one. The 35 takes you over the highlands between Hofsjökull and Langjökull. I love to drive it one day. It looks like a lot of fun if the roads are open. If you want to visit this area, take your time driving other roads than the 1. You will see and experience a lot more of this beautiful region.

The picture shows a rocky beach covered in kelps. with behind it water. The sun is setting just over the top of the mountain ridge coming from the left. Giving the sun a last daylight shimmer. clouds float in a blue sky.

Do you want to know more about this, or do you need a hand planning your adventurous trip? Don’t hesitate and send me a message. If you would like to know more about other regions of Iceland than check out the Regions of Iceland page.