Approach Day to the Vatnsnes Peninsula

Before leaving, check your luggage and don't forget to pack a poncho in case the rain comes. Remember to bring comfortable and waterproof walking shoes -if they have rubber soles with good grip-. Let's get started!

Before leaving Reykjavík, it is recommended that you stop at Árbær, an open-air museum with a recreation of 19th and 20th century Icelandic houses, farms, workshops and even churches.
Thanks to this time capsule and its comprehensive collection of artifacts, you will gain insight into the history, culture and folklore of Reykjavík. A guided tour of the Arbaer Museum is offered every day at 1:00 pm, in English and free of charge.
Hours of operation September - May Monday - Sunday: 13:00 - 17:00
June - August Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
Telephone: (+354) 411 6320

This crater is the largest of the three in this strip of territory formed about 3,400 years ago due to an eruption through a fissure. Grábrók is part of the Ljosufjoll volcanic system that extends for 90 kilometers from the north of the Snaefellsnes peninsula to this point. The last eruption in this system took place 1000 years ago.
Is it possible to climb? From the parking lot it will take you about 40 minutes between climbing up and down from the summit (170 meters altitude). The path is relatively steep but in some sections there are steps to facilitate the ascent. Once at the top you will have an incredible view of the Borgarfjordur countryside and the surrounding mountains.

Iceland is full of waterfalls wherever you go. It may not be the most touristic or hold a record for height or volume of cubic meters per second, but the Glanni waterfall in this section of the Norðurá river falls about 8 meters over a beautiful basalt formation with more than 3600 years old.
It is not far from the small village of Bifröst along Route 1 (Ring Road). From the parking lot there is a well-marked trail to the viewpoint.
The locals believe Glanni to be the abode of goblins and trolls. In addition, the Norðurá River is known as the "Queen of Rivers" because of the abundance of trout and salmon that swim in its waters. Keep an eye out for them.

Don't be put off by the sober external appearance of the building, the restaurant of this hotel in the countryside is cozy and has several culinary offerings that are not at all simplistic.
See this example of their chicken salad composed of lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, bacon, feta cheese and breadsticks along with a honey-grilled chicken breast topped with garlic parmesan sauce.
Ask if they have the dish of the day available. The menu also offers several types of burgers, snacks such as their crispy patties with bacon, honey, toasted almonds and feta cheese cream, soups of the day served with sourdough bread and butter or vegan options such as their Ronald Vegan dish based on rice, fries, pickled pearl onions, fried cauliflower and vegan mayonnaise made with vegetables, ginger and sesame.
Hours of operation Monday - Sunday: 11:30 - 21:00
Call for availability and to confirm opening hours +354 5114440.

Small museum run by local man Benjamin - his knowledge about the Vikings and local history would not fit in an encyclopedia - with an important variety of objects that will help you learn more about the life of Icelandic fishermen of the past.
The room dedicated to traditional shark hunting is of special interest and the owner has made a faithful reconstruction of what the rooms of traditional houses looked like. Explanatory panels are also available in English.
Opening hours Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00
Phone: +354 4510040

Ingimundarhóll - Ingimundur Hill - is part of the Vatnsnes peninsula and is located between the Víðidalsá and Faxalækur rivers.
At Ingimundarhóll you have the opportunity to take a pleasant walk along the lakeshore and see firsthand the protected remains of the Viking home of the Norwegian explorer and warlord Ingimundur Gamli, who settled on this land in Vatnsdalur after his first winter in Iceland.
The story goes that when Ingimundur and his family arrived at the Vatnsdalsá River, his wife Vigdís told him: "I must stay here for a while, my labor is beginning". The Norwegian explorer replied, "Go well". Vigdís gave birth to a girl whom she named Þórdís. Her husband said that this site would take the name of Þórdísarlundur (Þórdís Forest), a place that is not far from this point of interest you are visiting. To this day a sign commemorates the birth of Þórdís, the first native of the county of Húnavatnssýsla.

In the peaceful and secluded enclave where this old church of 1893 is located, in the past there was a large noble farm. It does not look like it, but some important historical events in the future of the country took place here.
In the 11th century a man known as Hafliði Másson lived on this farm where during the winter of 1117 and 1118 several Icelandic laws were written and recorded. Centuries later, in 1530 to be precise, the first printing press arrived in Iceland and was also installed in Breiðabólstaður.
Take a look around and feel the energy this remote site conveys.

On the Vatnsnes Peninsula there are not hundreds or even dozens of restaurants to choose from. The reality is that, like the vast majority of the country, the population density is tiny: 0.6 inhabitants per square kilometer.
This restaurant offers good quality dishes made with fresh and 100% local ingredients such as their Fish of the day with mashed potatoes and caper butter, Rack and leg of lamb, lime and shank or the vegan dish Icelandic barley and beet. Bakki is the restaurant at Hotel Laugarbakki.
Opening hours Monday - Sunday: 07:00 - 10:00, 18:00 - 21:30

What a beautiful day trip! Waterfalls, craters, churches, lakes, local museums? It's time to relax in this cozy little hotel in Hvammstangi, the most important town in Vatnsnes. Friendly service, free WiFi and a large terrace overlooking the fjord.
Upon request at the front desk you can get access to the public swimming pool, hot tubs and steam bath just across the street from the hotel. Happy dreams!