Sauðárkrókur

Sauðárkrókur is the service hub of Skagafjörður, a broad fjord valley in North Iceland famed above all for its Icelandic horse breeding traditions. The town itself is easygoing and unpretentious, with a good selection of local restaurants, a thermal swimming pool, and a handful of cultural attractions.

The nearby Glaumbær Turf Farm — one of Iceland’s finest preserved nineteenth-century farm complexes — lies just a short drive south. From the town’s harbour it is possible to arrange boat trips out to Drangey, the dramatic basalt island in the fjord that features prominently in the Grettis Saga.

Sauðárkrókur sits on Route 75 and is easily reached from Akureyri. It makes an excellent overnight stop for travellers exploring the Skagafjörður region, especially those who want to try horseback riding on Icelandic horses in their natural stronghold.