Exploring the Stokksnes Peninsula in Iceland: A Complete Traveler's Guide

Stepping on a movie set or out in the remote Icelandic nature? If you decide to visit Stokksnes, you can do both! This is the peninsula that has it all: history, raw nature, and a Viking café. In this article, we go through everything there is to know about this fairytale peninsula so that you know exactly why it’s worth the trip.

An Introduction to Stokksnes Peninsula

Despite the stunning scenery and breathtaking Stokksnes mountains, the peninsula is a poorly hidden gem. The “poorly hidden” comes from the fact that the massive mountains are hard to miss but still don’t attract the crowd it deserves.

Stokksnes Peninsula is one of those places you visit and wonder if you have just stepped into some fantasy realm. The otherworldly landscape stretches from the incredibly long black sand beaches in the south to the rocky coastline in the north, and it’s all held together by the majestic Vestrahorn mountain. This peninsula has an interesting story – almost as interesting as the landscape.

Stokksnes History

Stretching as far back as the settlement era, Stokksnes has been on the radar (literally) since the history of Iceland began.

The Early Viking Era

When the Vikings started settling on the island, they began by setting up farms and camps all along the coast. Stokksnes in Iceland was one of the first Viking farms set up on the island.

Even though there are no Viking ruins in the area to tell the tale, the settlement is well-documented and gave the area its name. Hrollaugur, the son of a Norwegian earl, established a farm called Horn at the foot of the mountain that was subsequently named Vestrahorn (western Horn).

WWII and NATO

When Iceland started supporting the Allied forces in the Second World War, Horn became a base of operations for the Allied troops in the area. Luckily, no fighting took place in the area, and the locals were left in peace.

After WWII, when NATO was formed, and the West wanted to keep an eye on the Soviet Union, a radar station was built to keep a watchful eye on any Soviet air traffic movements. After the Cold War, the radar station was kept in operation by the Icelandic government for general air traffic monitoring and control.

In the Movies

Since NATO left the area, the Stokksnes Peninsula hasn’t seen much real action. Movie action, however, has found its way there a couple of times. The Bollywood movie Dilwale and the fantasy romance movie Stardust used the area for some of their scenes, and an entire Viking village was built for another movie.

Unfortunately, that movie never saw production, but the village was completed in any way, and you can visit it if you get a ticket at the café.

The Local Wildlife of Stokksnes

Stokknsnes natural beauty doesn’t just begin and end with breathtaking scenery. There’s also plenty to see for animal lovers and avid birdwatchers. When it comes to animals, you might see some of our wild Icelandic Horses, Reindeer, or our elusive predator, the Arctic Fox, which looks more like a white, fluffy Pomeranian, than the biggest predator on the island. 

When it comes to bird species, Stokksnes is a birding paradise with over 64 species calling the region their permanent home and 33 migratory species visiting throughout the year. The Black Guillemot, Arctic Tern, King Eider, Whooper Swan, Eurasian Oystercatcher, and the Black-headed Gull are just a few of the birds one can spot here.

Where is Stokksnes?

Sitting snuggly in the southeastern part of Iceland, Stokksnes Peninsula is close to the picturesque little town Höfn, just a few minutes south of Iceland’s Ring Road 1. It’s a great last stop on a trip along the south coast of Iceland.

How to Get to Stokksnes

The best part of finding a hidden gem is that you’re more likely to get the place for yourself. Unfortunately, this also means that there is a lack of public transport. However, there are still two ways you can comfortably see Vestrahorn: guided tour and self-drive. 

A Guided Tour of Stokksnes

Despite our disappointment, there are no tours (or incredibly few, at least) that go only to Stokksnes for Stokksnes’ sake. This is often a stop on a tour that will take you either around Ring Road 1 or on a south coast guided tour, ending with the peninsula.

Just like the majority of guided road trip tours, these will most often start and end in Reykjavik, so keep that in mind when you look for tours.

Drive Yourself

The best way (in our opinion) is to see the untamed wilderness of Stokksnes on your own terms. When you rent your car in Reykjavik, the quickest way to get to Stokksnes will be via Ring Road 1 along the south coast. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can always take the multi-day option of going along Ring Road 1 going clockwise.

If you’re being reasonable and decide to drive the south coast of Iceland, then simply hop on Ring Road 1 from Reykjavik, go east, and continue along the road until you pass Höfn. When you’ve driven around the bay after Höfn, you will see a tunnel that goes along Ring Road 1. Before the tunnel, you can take a right on a rocky road. This is your exit and gateway to the Stokksnes Peninsula.

Things to Do at Stokksnes

Despite the small size of the peninsula compared to larger ones like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, there are plenty of things to do here. One thing that needs to be kept in mind is that most of the peninsula is on private land. The fee to get on the land around Vestrahorn is 1,000 ISK or roughly 7 USD. This is paid at the Viking café and includes access to the entire area (including the Viking Village).

The Wall Against the North Atlantic – Vestrahorn Mountain

The first thing you’ll come across is probably the majestic Vestrahorn Mountain. It is the ultimate photo prop (proven by several movies) with that typical mystical Icelandic energy as it rises 454 meters above the sea.

Photography

The Vestrahorn Mountain is a well-known target for breathtaking scenery and where you will get the best Stokksnes photos.

Vestrahorn, basking in the Icelandic Northern Lights, is one of the top picks and can be achieved with a little bit of planning and a thick jacket. To capture the Northern Lights in Iceland, you’ll have to come in the wintertime and have one of those rare nights with no (or almost no) clouds in the sky.

Check out the Aurora Forecast when planning your trip, and be sure to use a camera stand with a long shutter speed. Balance the ISO and aperture to get the right level of detail and focus.

Vestrahorn is a photographer’s best friend any time of the year. In the summer, you can even catch the Midnight Sun, carefully embracing the jagged peaks. This won’t require much else than checking the weather forecast to ensure it’s not raining too much to be uncomfortable and a well-rounded camera for outdoor photos.

Hiking

What are we doing in Iceland if not maxing out the experience of a soul-grasping nature? Hiking in and around Vestrahorn Mountain is almost a must when visiting the area.

There is a trail you can follow, but since this is private land and not maintained by some park authority, the trails are rugged and difficult at times. It’s about four kilometers long and has very little elevation change, so it’s not a challenging hike. Just be sure to bring waterproof boots and stay off the wet spots in the bogs, and you’ll have a wonderful time.

Viking Village – Forgotten and Resurrected in Time

Included in the admission price is the Viking Village movie set. Bear in mind that just like the trail, this is maintained privately and is a little bit dilapidated in certain spots. If you can look past that, this is almost like stepping back in time, and you can almost feel how it was a long time ago when the Vikings stepped in and out of buildings like these.

Stokksnes Beach – Where Volcanic Rock Meets the Ocean

Believe it or not, this little peninsula has one of the best black sand beaches in Iceland. Even after seeing them for the millionth time, it feels like stepping onto a beach in a fantasy novel whenever we go. The hiking trails will take you along some of the scenic beaches, but we don’t recommend getting in the water.

Even in Iceland in the summer, when the weather is a bit warmer, the water isn’t safe due to the strong North Atlantic currents and the low temperatures. The currents are also why most people will be hesitant to surf in these areas in Iceland.

Stokksnes Lighthouse and Radar Station

At the end of the road on Stokksnes, you’ll find the very Icelandic lighthouse and the radar station. Since both are still in operation, you’ll have to keep a respectful distance and enjoy the surroundings. This is the perfect place to really feel the full power of the North Atlantic Ocean and snap some cool action pictures of the waves crashing up on the cliffs.  

Your 3-Day Stokksnes Trip Itinerary

If you’re thinking of doing a road trip and exploring Stokksnes thoroughly, the following 3-day loop trip itinerary from the capital city will allow you to do just that:

Day 1

Leave Reykjavik and stop at the following:

• Reykjadalur Valley

• Hvolsvöllur Lava Center

• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

• Skogar Waterfall 

Where to Sleep: Vik

Day 2

Continue on your Stokksness road trip and stop at the following:

• Dyrholaey Rock Formation

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

• Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

• Diamond Beach (practically the neighbor of Jökulsarlon) 

Where to Sleep: Höfn 

Day 3

The last day of the road trip should be spent exploring Vestrahorn, before heading back to Reykjavik.

Seasonal Highlights in Stokksnes

Different seasons bring with them different experiences here in Stokksnes. These are just some of the seasonal highlights you can look out for:

• The summer offers the warmest and mildest weather here on the island, perfect for outdoor adventures. If you visit mid-summer, you’ll also be able to catch one of our local natural phenomena: the Midnight Sun. This is when, even though the sun dips behind the horizon for a while, it never really becomes dark and you essentially experience a 24-hour “day”.

• The winter brings a winter wonderland quality to the region where snow covers the landscape like a blanket, ice glistens like diamonds, and waterfalls seem to be frozen in time. It’s easy to understand why it’s a magical time for photographers to come and take photos. Another reason you should keep those cameras close during the winter season is the Northern Lights that can be seen dancing across the skies under the right conditions.

• Avid birdwatchers will, of course, tell you that spring (April to June) should be your go-to time to visit since the area becomes alive with various bird species. This is the time you’ll find the most endemic as well as migratory species together here on the island.
  

How Long Should I Stay at Stokksnes?

Depending on what you’re doing, you could spend a quick 1-2 hours visiting the Viking village and have lunch at the café or a full day of hiking and photography sessions. Regardless of what the plans are, make sure to have at least two hours to spend at Stokksnes Peninsula to get some quality time.

What To Expect and Keep in Mind

Just like most places along the coast in Iceland, Stokksnes is most likely to be windy, and the mist from the ocean is likely to make you a bit wet. Having a windproof jacket when walking along Stokksnes Beach is going to be a must.

If you are planning on any hiking trips whilst you’re here, we strongly recommend taking all necessary equipment for hiking in Iceland. These key items to bring to Stokksnes are going to be:

• Comfortable, waterproof boots.

• Wind- and rainproof jacket.

• Chapstick or similar (the air dries you out and makes you wet simultaneously).

• Water bottle and snacks.

Remember that this is not a kept trail, so 4 kilometers feels longer in real life than it is on the map.

Where to Stay at Stokksnes

The two main accommodation options at Stokksnes are the Viking Café Guesthouse and the adjacent camping grounds. At the Guesthouse, you can choose between the deluxe suite (Sleeps two), a budget twin room (sleeps two), a family double room (sleeps 3), and the apartment (sleeps 4).

The price of the rooms varies depending on the season and day of the week, but the cheapest room goes for roughly 29,000 ISK per night and up. Keep that in mind as you book your holiday.

At the camping site, showers and bathrooms are included, but you’ll have to put an extra 1,000 ISK in for electricity. The price for a night at the campsite is free for everyone under 16 but will cost 2,500 ISK per person for the rest.

Both the camping and the guesthouse have the entry price included, as well as breakfast, toilet, cooking facilities, and dishwasher.

If you’d rather stay somewhere else, the closest you’ll have is Dynjandi Guesthouse, about 8 kilometers away. If you’re looking for a proper hotel experience, the town of Höfn will be your closest option, around 14.5 kilometers away. 

Explore the Surroundings of Stokksnes

You will find the most popular attractions far to the west of Stokksnes along Ring Road 1. Jökulsarlón, for example, is a whole 85 kilometers from Stokksnes. Between that famous glacial lake and our stunning peninsula, there are a myriad of waterfalls, glacial streams, and hiking trails going into the Vatnajökull National Park.

If you continue up north along the east coast of Iceland, you’ll have about 75 kilometers before you start entering the stunning fjords of Eastern Iceland. Unfortunately, Stokksnes is situated in this remote spot.

A Few General Travel Tips for First-time Travelers to Stokksnes

If this is your first time visiting the region, the following tips can come in handy:

• Many don’t know this, but batteries drain much faster in the cold. That means, whether it’s your camera or your phone, always ensure it’s fully charged before heading out and keep a power bank nearby.

• We have a local saying here: “You can experience all four seasons in a day in Iceland”. To combat these weather conditions, we recommend that you wear layers. This way, you’ll always be able to take something off or put something on depending on the weather conditions. Also, keep an eye on the Iceland weather forecast.

• Early mornings and late afternoons usually offer the best lighting for the photographers among us (whether amateur or pro). As an added perk, these are also the times you’ll find the least foot traffic at our local attractions.

• Raincoats and waterproof clothing are not just for rainy days here in Iceland. Waterproof clothing and footwear can be lifesavers when it comes to hikes where trails can get muddy and you have to cross rivers and streams. It also helps when visiting some of our natural hot springs where things can also get pretty muddy. But the one place many don’t think of bringing these essentials is our waterfalls, and without any protection, the mist and spray created by these powerful water displays will have you completely drenched.

When visiting during the colder months of the year, you will find ice and snow on the road, and extreme weather conditions may also cause sudden road closures. Just be prepared and check on the Iceland road conditions before heading out.

The Otherworldly Adventure of Stokksnes

Even though this is off the beaten path, it’s well worth a detour if you’re in the area. The raw meeting between the rugged and robust Icelandic nature with the North Atlantic Ocean is something that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

We recommend making it a part of either a trip around Ring Road 1 or a trip along the Icelandic south coast. Regardless of what you choose to do, the next step will be to rent a car in Iceland and set out on your adventure!