Stays in Skagaströnd
Skagaströnd, a small coastal town in North Iceland, offers a tranquil escape with striking sea and mountain views. It's an ideal base for exploring the Vatnsnes Peninsula and its wildlife, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Icelandic fishing village.
Skagaströnd is a small harbour town on the north coast of Iceland, on the eastern shore of the Húnaflói bay, where everyday Icelandic life carries on away from the busier routes. Accommodation is limited but comfortable, with many stays looking over the ocean and the surrounding mountains. It suits travellers who want quiet, sea views and time on the coast, with seabirds and seals along the shore. From here, the Vatnsnes Peninsula, known for its seal colonies and rock formations, is within driving distance on the other side of the bay, and summer trips toward the interior Highlands are possible from Route 1.
Skagaströnd in numbers
CoastalIðavellir Guesthouse
Holiday home with sea and mountain views, kitchenette, and EV charging
Why guests love itIðavellir Guesthouse is a holiday home in Skagaströnd with sea and mountain views from its garden and terrace. Inside there is a fully equipped kitchenette, a comfortable living room and free WiFi, and free private parking is on site, with an electric vehicle charging station for drivers of electric cars. A 9.3 rating across 131 reviews is strong. I would choose it for a family or couple driving North Iceland who want a whole home and a quiet view.
CoastalStuðlaberg
Holiday home with sea views, a sun terrace, and a cosy fireplace
Why guests love itI recommend Stuðlaberg to families and couples who want a holiday home by the sea in Skagaströnd. It has sea views, a sun terrace, a garden and a restaurant, and there is a fitness room and an outdoor play area, with free WiFi. Akureyri Airport is 165 km away, so this suits a road trip along the north coast. Guests rate it 8.7 across more than 200 reviews, a good score for a family-minded stay.
GeothermalSalthús Guesthouse
Family rooms with sea or mountain views and a shared kitchen
Why guests love itSalthús Guesthouse in Skagaströnd has family rooms with private bathrooms, walk-in showers and parquet floors. Each room has a work desk and views of the sea or the mountains. There is a garden, a terrace, a shared kitchen and bicycle parking, and Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free. Guests rate it 8.6 across 623 reviews, and I would pick it for families and cyclists on a northern route.
CoastalSteinnýjarstaðir
A family-friendly holiday home with sea views and a garden in Skagaströnd
Why guests love itI would choose Steinnýjarstaðir for a quiet holiday home stay in Skagaströnd. It has one bedroom and a living room, a well-equipped kitchenette and kitchen, a sun terrace and a garden looking over the sea and mountains, plus outdoor seating and a picnic area. Hiking opportunities are nearby. Guests rate it 8.2 across 66 reviews. With one bedroom, I would pick it for a couple or a small family who like to cook and spend time outside.
What to expect
- A quiet fishing village atmosphere.
- Wide views over the sea and the mountains of Húnaflói.
- Within driving distance of the Vatnsnes Peninsula, known for its seals.
- Easy access to Route 1 for exploring North Iceland.
Local tips
- Rent a car to explore the side roads of the region, and a 4x4 off season for the Vatnsnes Peninsula.
- Bring binoculars to watch seals and seabirds along the coast.
- Stock up on supplies before arriving, dining options are limited, especially in winter.
- Check the opening hours of local museums, which vary with the season.
Where to stay
Frequently asked questions
Which areas are best for staying in Skagaströnd?
Most accommodation in Skagaströnd is grouped around the small town centre and along the coast. Pick a stay with a sea view to make the most of the setting. The options are mainly guesthouses and cottages, so book ahead in summer.
What types of accommodation are there in Skagaströnd?
Skagaströnd mainly offers guesthouses, cottages and holiday apartments. These often have equipped kitchens, terraces and views of the sea or mountains, which suits self-catering stays on a drive along the north coast of Iceland.
When is the best time to visit Skagaströnd?
Summer, from June to August, is the best time to explore the region under the midnight sun and enjoy outdoor activities. Winter, from October to March, brings snowy landscapes and chances of northern lights, but with more limited services in town.
Where should you stay in Skagaströnd to see the northern lights?
Choose a stay on the edge of town, away from the lights. Guesthouses with gardens or private terraces often give an excellent view of a clear night sky, and the open bay to the west keeps the horizon low.