A Guide to Trollaskagi Peninsula in Iceland
Our travel guide on Trollaskagi Peninsula includes the best things to see and do while there, a self-drive itinerary, and tips on when to go, where to stay, or how to get around.
Trollaskagi (Tröllaskagi) is a mountainous peninsula in North Iceland nestled between two fjords and an incredible place to visit.
If you are looking for a less-known destination in Iceland featuring a great scenic coastal drive with breathtaking views, you've just found it.
Honestly, it was one of our favorite short road trips in Iceland.
Trollaskagi Peninsula, also known as the Troll Peninsula, offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland.
Still, thanks to its remote location, it is often skipped by international visitors who don't have enough time to venture that far north.
That's good news because you can be one of the few travelers who will have the opportunity to enjoy views of deep blue fjords and snow-capped mountains, soak in hot pools, and admire beautiful Icelandic horses.
By the way, the mountains on Trollaskagi are one of the highest in Iceland outside the highlands, creating even more dramatic scenery around you.
In short, this is what driving around Trollaskagi Peninsula is all about.
Lastly, Trollaskagi Peninsula is a great alternative to the sometimes busy and crowded Ring Road.
Without any further ado, here's everything you need to know about Trollaskagi Peninsula before you go.
Why Visit Trollaskagi Peninsula
The best thing about Trollaskagi Peninsula is that it's well-accessible from the iconic Ring Road, meaning that you don't need to drive there for several hours just to get to the starting point.
However, most travelers usually have such a packed Iceland itinerary that there is no room for another 5-hour scenic drive.
As a result, the entire trip feels more relaxed as there are fewer people visiting the peninsula.
Moreover, the scenic drive was one of the most beautiful ones we've seen on our two-week road trip.
Behind every turn was yet another mountain or epic view of a fjord. By the way, it is Eyjafjordur in the east and Skagafjordur in the west.
From time to time, we could see a waterfall running down the steep cliffs, then we drove through a few typical Icelandic villages and finished the scenic drive by taking a dip in Hofsos Infinity Pool.
It was not a bad day. Not a bad day at all.
How Much Time Do I Need
The 200-kilometer scenic drive around the Trollaskagi Peninsula takes about three hours to complete, but that's without making stops along the way.
Even though the road-tripping Trollaskagi Peninsula is all about the journey, views, and peaceful Icelandic landscape, there are still a few things to see and do that are worth mentioning.
If you have time, you should include at least some of them in your itinerary.
Some people take their time, and the trip to Trollaskagi Peninsula takes them a full day.
In one day, you can not only enjoy the scenic drive but also visit the museums, enjoy local cuisine, explore Grimsey Island or take a tour whale watching tour.
However, we believe that five to six hours should be enough for Trollaskagi if you don't plan to extend your trip.
We spent the morning in Akureyri and then headed to Trollaskagi.
There are plenty of things to do in Akureyri, but a few hours should be more than enough unless you take a whale watching tour from here.
It is necessary to say that we took full advantage of a phenomenon called midnight sun, and arrived at our campsite that day after 11 PM.
If you're not sure what that means, read our post on things to know about Iceland.
Needless to say that we've visited a couple of more places outside the peninsula.
If you travel during the off-season when the days are shorter, it is better to allow yourself a full day for Trollaskagi Peninsula.
Therefore, you can avoid driving this insanely beautiful part of Iceland in a hurry or after dark.
Clockwise or Counterclockwise
In our opinion, it barely matters whether you travel around the peninsula clockwise or counterclockwise.
We did the Trollaskagi Peninsula counterclockwise as we started the trip in Akureyri.
We've visited Diamond Circle, Lake Myvatn, and East Fjords before, so it was only logical to continue this way.
The only advantage of traveling the loop counterclockwise we see is that you will visit the swimming pool in Hofsos last.
Soaking in a hot pool after a long day on the road is always a great thing to do.
If you're arriving from Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Westfjords, then it makes sense to do the loop in the opposite direction.
Best Things to See and Do
In the next section, we will tell you a bit more about the top attractions you can find on the Trollaskagi Peninsula, what places you should not miss while there, and what was our overall experience.
Finally, it was time to start our Trollaskagi Peninsula adventure. After we spent a lovely morning in Akureyri, we stocked up on food and were ready for the journey to the peninsula.
From the very beginning, the road leading around Eyjafjordur Fjord was incredibly scenic.
We really lucked out on the weather that day, so the views were superb, and we were happily taking photos on the new memory card we bought in the city a few moments ago.
Similar to East Fjords, the peninsula is divided by several deep valleys that are remains of glacier periods.
The winding road follows the fjords, mountains can be seen across the sea, and there is nothing that could spoil the day.
This could easily be a description of the whole drive around the Trollaskagi Peninsula because the insanely beautiful views are what define this area.
We must admit that we stopped quite often to enjoy the scenery.
Even though we saw many incredible places in Iceland by the time we reached the peninsula, we still couldn't get enough of the views.
Trollaskagi Peninsula is famous for breeding Icelandic horses and for activities such as horseback riding.
Therefore, we finally had a chance to take some wonderful photos with horses and the snow-capped mountains in the background.
Dalvik
The first proper stop on our trip to Trollaskagi was Dalvik. It is the administrative center of the peninsula and, with a population of 1400, the biggest town along the way.
It is a great place to stretch your legs, walk around the harbor, admire the colorful houses, take a whale watching tour, play golf or have lunch.
If it is too late, there are also a few places where you can stay overnight.
The Sæfari ferry connects Dalvik and Grimsey Island if you want to see puffins or the arctic circle marker.
The journey takes about three hours, and the ferry leaves the port several times per week. You might even be able to see humpback whales in their natural habitat from the vessel if you're lucky.
However, be prepared that the sea can often be rough, so you might want to have some seasickness pills with you just in case.
Dalvik is also home to Boggvisstadafjall, a popular ski resort in North Iceland.
Migandifoss
Just before we reached Mulagong Tunnel, we spotted a wonderful waterfall with water falling from the cliff to the sea.
Unfortunately, we missed the spot where it was possible to park our car safely, as it is really small and unmarked.
So we drove a few kilometers until we were able to turn the car and return to this fantastic viewpoint and photo spot.
Well, we think it was worth it. By the way, here you can find our list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
Apparently, this waterfall is called Migandifoss but can be seen only either in the spring and summer when the snow melts or after heavy rains.
Then it was time to drive through a very interesting tunnel.
Mulagong Tunnel
Mulagong was probably the first one-lane tunnel we've ever driven. It was really strange, but at the same time, a sort of cool experience.
The tunnel is about three and a half kilometers long, but it has several passing places and signs that will guide you through.
Therefore, you don't need to panic that you won't be able to reach its end. Unlike Vadlaheidargong Tunnel near Akureyri, Mulagong has no toll.
There are a few more tunnels you will drive through on Trollaskagi, but Mulagong was the most exciting one.
It was quite interesting that the scenery and even weather conditions changed slightly every time we emerged from each tunnel.
One time there was a low cloud hanging over the fjord, the next time, it was hazy and sunny.
Iceland's weather will always amaze us as it is incredibly changeable, and not always for the better.
By the way, these tunnels on the peninsula are real timesavers and make traveling in this area far easier.
Before the construction of the tunnels, people had to always drive around every single fjord.
Siglufjordur
Mulagong Tunnel led us to the Olafsfjordur community, and we continued to Siglufjordur.
Siglufjordur is another lovely peaceful town with traditional architecture set in a stunning location.
If you enjoyed places such as Isafjordur or Seydisfjordur, then Siglufjordur should be on your list as well.
Siglufjordur is mostly known for the museum from the herring era, where you will have the chance to learn more about this important part of Iceland's history.
By the way, the Herring Era Museum is not the only worthwhile place to visit while there.
There are also some restaurants serving local fish, hotels, the Folk Music Center, and even a Folk Festival is held here every July.
With a population of 1300, the town is fairly lively for its size and definitely worth visiting.
And lastly, we can't fail to mention that Siglufjordur was used as a filming location for an excellent and thrilling Icelandic TV show called Trapped (Ófærð).
We binge-watched it once we returned home and can definitely recommend it to you.
The Herring Era Museum
Siglufjordur is not just another picturesque settlement along the way, but it's also home to an interesting museum that will take you back in time.
Here, you can visit The Herring Era Museum, the largest maritime museum in Iceland and one of the top attractions on the peninsula.
The fishing industry played a vital role in Iceland's history, and this museum is one of the best places to learn more about the past times and so-called herring towns.
We had a long drive ahead and wanted to take advantage of nice weather, so we decided to skip this place.
However, if you're tired of natural attractions or the weather doesn't cooperate, this might be a perfect alternative for you.
The entrance fee to Herring Era Museum is 2200 ISK per adult.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM from June to August and from 1 PM to 5 PM in May and September.
Outside these months, the entry is possible only by prior arrangement.
Hofsos
Later, we continued onward and made it slowly to the west side of the peninsula that offers views over a deep fjord of Skagafjordur.
Now, we had the only one proper activity to do that we had planned for this day, the visit to Hofsos swimming pool.
This outdoor swimming pool is above the sea edge, so it creates an illusion it is an infinity pool, that's why it's been lately popular among tourists.
From the first look, it's clear that this will be a completely different experience from Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths.
The entrance fee is 1090 ISK per person, so it's way cheaper than its famous counterparts.
The pool itself surprised us as it wasn't as hot as we expected, but there is a smaller hot tub that is hot enough. You just need to find your way in because it is often crowded.
And the views of Skagafjordur from the pool are fantastic.
We spent in the swimming pool approximately an hour, and even though it was late afternoon, we felt very refreshed afterward.
From Hofsos, accompanied by wonderful views, we drove towards the Ring Road in order to continue to Hvitserkur, Kolugljufur Canyon, and eventually Westfjords.
Where to Stay on Trollaskagi Peninsula
Trollaskagi Peninsula is dotted with small villages and settlements, and there are plenty of hotels to choose from if you don't wait too long to reserve your hotel.
Surprisingly, Trollaskagi has a fairly decent number of nice accommodations despite its relatively remote location.
Therefore, finding a hotel along the way should not be a problem, even during the peak season. Just don't forget to make the reservation in advance.
Trollaskagi Peninsula is a popular weekend gateway for locals from Akureyri and its surroundings.
Therefore, hotels on Fridays, Saturdays, and in general during the holiday season might be full.
You can spend a night either in Akureyri, where you can find plenty of accommodations, or, for example, in Dalvik, Siglufjordur, Hofsos, or Hoffstadir, on the way out.
Here's the list of best hotels on Trollaskagi Peninsula you can consider booking for your trip.
Akureyri | Akureyri Hostel - This nice, clean and modern hostel is a great pick for budget travelers looking for cheap accommodation in Akureyri. It's located just off Ring Road, so it has a perfect location for those of you who plan to hit the road early in the morning again.
Dalvik | Dalvik Hostel Gimli - Dalvik is a picturesque village, and if you decide to stay here, it could be in this dreamy hostel that offers rooms for every type of traveler.
Olafsfjordur | Brimnes Bungalows - Amazing cabins in a unique location offer excellent service whether you travel as a couple or family. You can use kayaks and a private hot tub for free during the summer season.
Siglufjordur | Siglo Hotel - If you are looking for the best hotel on the Trollaskagi Peninsula, this is probably the one. Great location, beautiful views over the harbor, and excellent breakfast accompanied by lovely rooms are the main reasons to stay here.
Hofsos | Franedgardur - After relaxing in the hot pools in Hofsos, you can stay in the village overnight. This apartment offers everything you need after a long day on the road.
Hoffstadir | Hofsstadir Country Hotel - If you are looking for a hotel just off the Ring Road where you can start or finish your trip to the peninsula, this might be the one.
How to Get There
Trollaskagi Peninsula lies in North Iceland between Akureyri and Skagafjordur, about 300 kilometers from Reykjavik.
In the east, Akureyri, the largest city in this region, is often considered to be the gateway to Trollaskagi.
Depending on the point of view, either Skagafjordur or Varmahlid marks the western end of the peninsula.
In case you Ring Road counterclockwise as we did, Akureyri is the place where you can start your adventure.
From Akureyri, take Road 82 to Olafsfjordur, and from here, follow Road 76 back to the mainland.
In case you travel around Iceland clockwise, it is possible to join Road 76 near Varmahlid.
How to Get Around Trollaskagi Peninsula
Even though a few public buses connect Akureyri with Trollaskagi Peninsula, the best way to get around Trollaskagi Peninsula is by car.
Car
We believe that having a car or campervan is necessary to get the most out of the Trollaskagi Peninsula.
We had our 2WD campervan, and as it was summer, we were able to drive the whole route along the fjords without any issues.
Unlike some main roads in Westfjords, the road is fully paved.
We did not take any of the F-Roads leading inland, as we were not allowed to drive there.
In case you are more curious and looking for the best hikes on Trollaskagi, it is recommended to have a 4WD car to reach some of the trailheads.
In winter, check the current road conditions and pay attention to the weather forecast to stay safe.
Both Road 82 and 76 are open all year round, but severe winter conditions, including snow and avalanches, can block the road, so you should be well-prepared.
Have a 4WD car in the winter, snow chains in your trunk, and in case it is necessary, also a backup plan so you won't get stuck here.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Iceland.
2WD or 4WD
As mentioned above, the main road on Trollaskagi is fully paved, and you don't need a 2WD car in summer.
As we rented a 2WD campervan ourselves, we stuck to paved roads following the peninsula's shore and did not venture inland.
We did not regret it at all because the entire stretch of the road was incredibly scenic.
Public Transport
As mentioned above, public transport exists on Trollaskagi Peninsula, but it's not very convenient.
Yes, the Bus 78 will take you to the towns of Dalvik and Siglufjordur
However, the bus doesn't continue past these settlements, meaning it does not take you around the entire peninsula.
Therefore, you won't be able to visit Hofsos and other places in the western part of the peninsula.
Secondly, the best feature of traveling the Trollaskagi Peninsula was the freedom and flexibility to stop wherever we wanted.
The Best Time to Visit Trollaskagi Peninsula
Based on our experience and research we had done before our trip, we consider June to August to be the best time for your journey around the Trollaskagi Peninsula.
Honestly, it wasn't that difficult to figure that out as the summer is the best time to visit Iceland in general.
We visited the Trollaskagi Peninsula in the summer, at the end of June, and had great weather.
Days are long, chances to enjoy more pleasant temperatures and less rain are higher, and roads will most likely be in good condition.
That being said, Trollaskagi Peninsula, like most other destinations in Iceland, is possible to visit in the shoulder season.
April and May, September, and October are great months to visit Iceland to avoid crowds.
The fishing industry and agriculture are still the primary sources of income here, but it is safe to say that tourism plays a more important role each year.
Therefore, the locals try to keep the region accessible as much as possible.
You can visit Trollaskagi Peninsula even during the winter but be prepared that it will be more challenging than in summer.
Days are super short during this period which is not very convenient for most visitors.
On the other hand, you might be able to see Northern Lights on Trollaskagi Peninsula if the weather cooperates.
Roads are plowed in the winter on Trollaskagi, but we talk about the main roads that lead around the peninsula, not about the F-roads.
Tunnels should also be passable, but you should always check the current conditions, as we've mentioned before.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
What to Pack
Even though driving around Trollaskagi Peninsula is a perfect road trip, we believe that you would also like to get out of the car from time to time.
Don't forget that no one can guarantee you clear skies, so it's always vital to come prepared regardless of the time of the year.
It can be fairly cold in Iceland, even during the summer, so make sure to pack some extra warm layers just in case.
A good rain jacket and down jacket should be in your daypack, whether you go to Trollaskagi Peninsula in the north or Reykjanes Peninsula in the south.
We also like to bring a regular rain poncho to stay dry in heavy rain.
When visiting Iceland in the winter, do not underestimate weather conditions, especially the lower temperatures and cold winds.
Always have your down jacket ready, even if you just want to make a quick photo stop.
For more information on this topic, don't forget to read our guide on what to pack for Iceland.
Also, don't forget that some services in the villages along the way are usually open during the summer season, but we would not be relying on them in the winter.
Is Trollaskagi Peninsula Worth Visiting?
If you are the type of traveler who likes to check one place after another off the list, you might be a bit disappointed here.
Trollaskagi Peninsula is not a classic tourist attraction such as Golden Circle or Iceland's South Coast.
Yes, there are a few things to do on Trollaskagi, such as hiking, horseback riding, or whale watching.
You can visit a regional museum, try local cuisine, or relax in hot pools.
For us, however, the whole visit to the peninsula was more about the journey, dramatic scenery, and stopping wherever we wanted.
Trollaskagi gave us exactly what we wanted.
An opportunity to get off the beaten path and experience one of the finest coastal scenic drives in Iceland without crowds.
If you enjoy traveling without a strict plan in mind, then Trollaskagi might be a perfect choice for you.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
