Where is the Tröllaskagi peninsula?

The Tröllaskagi peninsula is located in the far north of Iceland. To the west lie the Skagi peninsula and beyond it the remote Westfjords. To the east, you’ll soon come to Akureyri and the attractions of the Diamond Circle. To drive from Reykjavik to Siglufjörður, this mountainous peninsula’s most significant tourist destination, takes on average five hours non-stop.

Driving the Tröllaskagi Peninsula

Driving the Tröllaskagi peninsula is an adventure in itself. The winding coastal roads offer breathtaking views of fjords, cliffs, and mountains at every turn. While the route is generally well-maintained, travelers should be prepared for narrow sections, steep drops, and tunnels with single-lane stretches. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and plan stops at charming fishing villages and natural landmarks along the way.

Tunnel etiquette

Getting to Siglufjörður requires you to drive through some tunnels. However, it can be disconcerting for first-timers to discover that like many of Iceland’s rural bridges, within the Múlagöng tunnel there’s only one lane. The tunnel is a few kilometres long and within it, there are pull-outs where you can give way to oncoming traffic.

If you’re planning to take Route 82, which winds north between Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður, it’s worth noting that southbound traffic has the right of way as they drive through this tunnel, while northbound vehicles are expected to give way and wait. If in doubt, pull in early and wait for the vehicles to pass.

Road 76 Iceland

Road 76, also known as Siglufjarðarvegur, is the main road that loops around much of the Tröllaskagi peninsula. It connects towns like Hofsós, Siglufjörður, Dalvík, and Ólafsfjörður, making it the perfect route for a scenic road trip. Driving Road 76 gives visitors access to dramatic coastlines, cultural attractions, and some of the best whale-watching spots in Iceland. In winter, be mindful of weather conditions and check for closures before setting out.

Things to see in the Tröllaskagi Peninsula

Grafarkirkja

Beginning your trip around the Tröllaskagi peninsula in the south west, the first place we’d recommend you stop is Grafarkirkja. It’s the oldest turf church in Iceland – parts of this heritage building date back to the 17th century. It’s also unusual in that it has a circular turf wall around its churchyard. You can’t go inside the church, but it’s definitely worth stopping for a photo or two.

The Icelandic Emigration Center at Hofsós

Between 1870 and 1914 around 16000 Icelanders left their homeland bound for a new life in North America. While that figure doesn’t sound like much, when compared to the population of the country as a whole it’s quite significant. In this fascinating museum, you can learn about what drive them to leave and what they experienced when they began their new lives overseas.

Staðarbjörg Basalt Columns

The Tröllaskagi peninsula is known for its striking coastline and that’s exemplified at the Staðarbjörg Basalt Columns near Hofsós. The columnar rock varies in height as it’s been worn down by the waves, but that only adds to the area’s appeal. This is definitely a place to park up and take a stroll – just don’t forget your camera if you do.

Siglufjörður

This charming port is perhaps the biggest draw for tourists. Once it was a thriving hub for herring processing, but when the fish upped and left, the place had to reinvent itself. In the Herring Era Museum, you can learn what it would have been like to work here, and set foot inside the rudimentary accommodation that would have housed those who came to the area to work. Today’s visitors can stay at the upscale Sigló Hotel which is far more comfortable.

Migandifoss

Iceland’s home to many incredible waterfalls but this one’s fabulous – it tumbles over the cliff right into the ocean. Dramatic and jaw-droppingly beautiful at the same time, perhaps the best way to appreciate it is from the water. If you’ve stuck to dry land, you might catch a glimpse of jet skiers at the bottom; if you’re keen to join them, arrange a tour in nearby Ólafsfjörður.

The Beer Spa

You’ll need to toss a coin for who’s going to be the designated driver if you plan to incorporate the Beer Spa at Litli-Árskógssandur into your road trip itinerary. Here, the Icelandic tradition of soaking in a hot tub is given a twist as you relax in warm water infused with hops and yeast. Those who aren’t driving can also pour themselves a glass of beer from the tap on the edge of the bath.

Whale watching from Dalvík

Iceland is one of the world’s best places for whale watching with numerous species resident in its waters year-round. On the Tröllaskagi peninsula, boat trips depart from Dalvík in the hope of seeing these cetaceans. Choose from excursions in traditional oak-hulled boats or fast, exciting RIB rides. Humpbacks, minke whales and dolphins are sighted regularly, but if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a blue whale.

Summer versus winter: when’s the best time to visit?

In summer, Tröllaskagi is a delightful place and a highlight of the longer Arctic Coast Way sightseeing route. Its wild beaches, snow-capped mountains and gorgeous fjord views make it an ideal backdrop for a hike, yet even in peak season it’s nowhere near as busy as, say, the Golden Circle or the South Coast.

Winter can be a little more challenging and some roads will be off-limits during this season. Keeping a close eye on the weather forecast is recommended, as is allowing extra time for your journeys. If you’re blessed with clear skies and a promising amount of solar activity, then this sparsely populated peninsula is a great location for a Northern Lights hunt as it’s not hard to find a dark spot to hang out until the aurora shows up.

We haven’t yet mentioned that Tröllaskagi is one of the best places in Iceland for downhill skiing, which is a pretty big incentive for a winter road trip through this part of the country. It’s possible to ski to the sea, enjoying epic views as you carve a path through virgin powder. Skinning trails link up with downhill stretches, providing the perfect excuse to get some fresh air as you take a temporary break from your road trip.

How long should you allow to cover the Tröllaskagi peninsula?

You can loop up and round the Tröllaskagi peninsula in an afternoon but that’s missing the point. This is a part of Iceland that rewards slow travellers who ease up on the pace and don’t rush their visit. It’s far better to spend at least a night or two in Siglufjörður and enjoy some adventures in the area as you and your MyCar rental car take to the open road.

Transport Recommendation

The best way to experience the Tröllaskagi peninsula is with the freedom of your own rental car. Public transport in this region is very limited, and guided tours often miss the smaller villages, waterfalls, and coastal viewpoints that make the drive so special.

For most of the year, a standard 2WD car is perfectly fine for driving Road 76 and exploring Tröllaskagi. However, in winter or early spring, we recommend renting a 4x4 vehicle for added safety and confidence on icy or snow-covered roads.

With a MyCar rental, you’ll have the flexibility to set your own pace, stop whenever the scenery calls for a photo, and venture beyond the usual tourist spots. Whether you choose a compact car for a summer road trip or a spacious SUV for winter adventures, having your own vehicle ensures comfort, safety, and unforgettable memories.