Discover a hidden gem in North Iceland: the Trollaskagi Peninsula is a lot less visited and yet offers breathtaking landscapes!
It will blow you away the whole drive.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit to the Troll Peninsula with map, tips and photos.
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Why visit the Troll Peninsula in Iceland?
In Northern Iceland, Tröllaskagi is a peninsula North West of Akureyri whose name means "peninsula of the troll".
It is a very mountainous place with deep valleys carved by the glaciers. Its tallest peak is Kerling which reaches 1538 meters.
Trollaskagi Peninsula Iceland
Trollaskagi has some spectacular sceneries at every turn and you see very few tourists compared to other regions of Iceland. They have carved tunnels which now drive a little bit more traffic to those fjords, however it is still low.
Personally I opted for taking the inland gravel road 82 so I have not seen the Northern fjords. The road was not too challenging in September and I was completely alone except for the few farms. I have not crossed any car. And I was really lucky with the weather with great visibility. What a day!
I think it is worth the detour from a more traditional Iceland itinerary.
More pictures of all the incredible landscapes after the planning tips.
Map of the Trollaskagi Peninsula in Iceland
Here is a map of the Trollaskagi Peninsula to help you get oriented:
Map of the Trollaskagi Peninsula, Iceland
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Option 1 - Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Option 2 - compare cars and prices of local brands on GuidetoIceland.com
- If you plan on driving on F-roads in the Central Highlands, you need a good 4WD - otherwise, no.
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles (it is a popular island)
See my articles about renting a car in Iceland and driving there.
PLANNING TIPS - Trollaskagi Peninsula Iceland
Getting to Trollaskagi peninsula
- In the region of Northern Iceland (see my guide)
- The Trollaskagi peninsula is the land North-West of Akureyri.
- From the capital of the North drive on Road 82.
- From Varmahlid, take road 76 to the North.
- Easy to add to your Iceland itinerary if you have time
All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map of region and planning tips) in my travel guide eBook to help you easily plan your Iceland road trip (for 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days...)
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- 8 maps to plan your itinerary easily
- 100+ pre-selected locations
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- 130+ original photos to get inspired
- GPS coordinates for easy navigation
Visiting Tips
- It took me 3 hours through the central road with only very short stops - it is shorter if you keep on paved road around the peninsula (less than 200 km)
- Out of the summer months, there are not many shops open in the towns. I had only one option to eat when I stopped at Hofsos
- The Múlagöng tunnel on road 82 is one way. There are regular places to stop for other cars to go. This is a little bit scary. Note that if you are driving South in it you have right of way.
- If you take the coastal road, the second tunnel between Siglufjordur and Olafsfjordur is more modern so less scary.
Where to stay on the Trollaskagi peninsula
This area is a great place to spend the night away from the busy tourist areas.
The main town is Dalvik on the East Coast of the peninsula but you can find a few accommodations all around along the coast such as:
- The fascinating Siglunes Guesthouse in the North in a small fishing village - Check out photos and availability
- The Hofdi cottages with amazing views all around! - Check out photos and availability
- OR check all accommodations in the region
- And find more tips in my article about Where to stay in Iceland
Road 76 Iceland - East Coast - Dalvik & Olafsfjordur
Driving on Road 82
The West coast drive starts from Akureyri, brilliantly with some patches of snow on top of the mountains. It was like watching a painting imagined by an artist, but it was real.
Dalvik
The first main town on the East coast of the Trollaskagi peninsula is Dalvik. It is a fishing port.
The town has colorful building, and it is also a departure point for whale watching activities.
And not far from Dalvik, in the village of Arskogssandur, you can find the famous attraction of The Beer Spa, where you can lie in a bathtub filled with beer, water, hops and yeast for 25 minutes.
Near Dalvik with Hrisey island
Drive
Past Dalvik, the road continues along the coast with stunning views.
You will find a small viewpoint with a beautiful sculpture.
And then you enter the Mulalong tunnel that leads to Olafsfjordur. It is only one way with passing places cross path with other cars.
Luckily it is not too long.
Olafsfjordur
At the town of Olafsfjordur, the small fjord is narrow and majestic.
This is where you can decide if you take the coastal road with tunnels or the inland gravel road.
Olafsfjordur
View towards the fjord entrance:
Inland of Tröllaskagi - road 82 unpaved
I decided to go for the gravel road inland (road 82) rather than the Northern fjords.
I am so glad I did. The road was not too difficult and the landscapes where incredible. Plus, as I wrote above, I was alone on the road.
My favorite spot on the peninsula
And about midway, I have found my favorite spot on the whole drive through the peninsula.
It is next to a farm and I just loved the shapes and colors. It was mesmerizing. It made it on my list of the best off the beaten path locations in Iceland as well as the 10 best landscapes.
Road 76 paved - West Coast & Hosfos
On the West coast, it feels even wilder. There is only one small town: Hosfos.
The landscapes keep being magnificent, like everywhere in Iceland...
Hosfos
On the way you can stop at the town of Hofsos.
It is a tiny town with a harbour.
It is famous for its swimming pool right by the sea.
Want to see other highlights in North Iceland?
- The large volcanic crater of Hverfjall on which you can climb - read article
- The crazy lava formations of Dimmuborgir - read article
- The fascinating pseudo-craters of Skutustadir - read article
- The orange geothermal area of Hverir Namafjall - read article
- The lava pillars of Hofdi - read article
- And, a bit further away, the Waterfalls of Godafoss, Aldeyjarfoss and Dettifoss
- Or read my complete article about North Iceland
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
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- 8 maps to plan your itinerary easily
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to get inspired
- GPS coordinates for easy navigation
And keep track of your own trip!
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