In North Iceland’s Norðurland Vestra region, the Héraðsvötn River flows into Skagafjörður. This is where you’ll find Sauðárkrókur, the second-largest town in North Iceland after Akureyri. While driving part of the Arctic Coast Way in winter, I pass through Sauðárkrókur. I don’t stop in town but continue on Road 75 heading northeast along the coast. As I cross the bridge, I notice a sign on the left pointing to a viewpoint: Sauðárkrókur viewpoint. I pull over and quickly realize this is a perfect spot to send up the drone and enjoy an aerial view.
Read this article in DutchBeautiful view over Skagafjörður, Sauðárkrókur and the Héraðsvötn River
From the viewpoint you overlook a wide river spanned by two bridges. The river, called Héraðsvötn, originates in the Hofsjökull glacier and is one of the largest rivers in Iceland. Here, the western branch flows into the fjord. The smaller bridge, visible to the right from this point, was built in 1926 and is now used by pedestrians. From here you can walk across to Borgarsandur Beach, a beautiful black sand beach on the spit of land. The southern bridge was built in 1994 and is part of Road 75, the main road. The spit with the black beach is not only accessible on foot, there is also a turnoff just after (or before) the bridge on Road 75 that leads directly to the beach.
Statue of Jón Ósmann
At the Sauðárkrókur viewpoint stands the statue of Jón Ósmann, a ferryman who lived from 1862 to 1914. For many years he operated the ferry across the river at this spot, before the first bridge was built. Jón Ósmann was said to be an exceptionally strong man. Unlike ferrymen in other parts of Iceland who used mechanical aids, he reportedly pulled the ferry across by hand. He died at the age of 52 and his companions honored him with this statue. Today, the monument to Jón Ósmann symbolizes the time when ferrymen were essential to daily life and transportation in Iceland.
Hegranesviti Lighthouse
From the Sauðárkrókur viewpoint you can also take a walk to Hegranesviti Lighthouse. The hike to the striking orange lighthouse takes about half an hour (an hour round trip). Along the way you’ll likely encounter Icelandic horses and once you arrive at the lighthouse you can enjoy a small snack and a drink.
How to get to Sauðárkrókur viewpoint
Coming from Akureyri? Reaching Sauðárkrókur viewpoint is easy: simply follow Ring Road 1 westward. In Varmahlíð you’ll see signs for “Road 75” and “Sauðárkrókur.” Follow these signs and you’ll find the viewpoint on your left after crossing the bridge. Want to visit Iceland’s oldest turf church as well? Make a short detour from Road 1 to Víðimýrarkirkja.
The best way to explore this part of Iceland is with a rental car. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop wherever you like and reach viewpoints such as this one. Make sure to choose an all-inclusive insurance package when booking. This way you’re fully covered from the start, without worrying about extra policies or hidden costs along the way. Should you ever experience damage, even through your own fault, you won’t be left with unexpected expenses. Peace of mind that makes your journey even more enjoyable.
