Skagi Peninsula
The Skagi Peninsula is located along Road number 1 on the way to Akureyri AKA the capital of the North, and the famous and spectacular site of Myvatn. Located between Húnaflói Bay in the west and the Skagafjörður Fjord in the east, Skagi isn't the most well known tourist site, but there's plenty worth seeing.
Most travelers cross this desolate region without even stopping, but if you take the time to explore the peninsula, it is home to many a remote and secluded landscapes where you can truly connect with nature.
At first glance, this region may seem a bit austere or even gloomy when the bad weather gets involved, but this tough exterior hides some truly sublime landscapes. There are some great tourist attractions for those who venture this far.
For hot spring enthusiasts, the Grettislaug pools in the south-east of the peninsula are a popular hot springs in northern Iceland known for being lost in the middle of nowhere.
Glaumbaer farm
Located along Road 75 a little north of Varmahlid, the Glaumbaer farm is on the outskirts of the peninsula. This is your chance to see traditional 19th century Icelandic farms, linked together by corridors, and one of the best-preserved historic sites in the country.
Now a museum, visitors can now wander the 16 rooms within, some of which are furnished with period furniture. It's a fascinating museum with a rich collection that testifies to the living conditions of Icelandic farmers during the last centuries.
These houses are unique for their construction: wood became a rare commodity in Iceland, so the use of peat took over. This technique involves semi-buried constructions with thick layers of peat and grass to cover the roofs, providing excellent insulation. An added effect was that the farms blend into the landscape, quite literally.
Vidimyri
Vidimyri Church is considered to be a fine example of traditional Icelandic architecture. Located very close to Varmahlid village, you can't miss this unique building with its peat walls, grass roof and black-painted driftwood facade.
The current church was built in 1834 at the location of previous churches, and eve incorporated some artefacts such as the altar dated 1616. The exterior gate is the original construction and allows access to the church and the cemetery, and houses 2 large bells.
For lovers of the great outdoors, the region has a huge range of nature activities including fishing, bird-watching, hiking, or rafting in the glacial rivers.
Kalfshamarsvik
At the extreme north-west of the peninsula lies Kalfshamarsvik. This small creek is surrounded by unique cliffs with spectacular basalt columns. You can around and observe the numerous bird colonies, and even have a picnic not far from the lighthouse to enjoy the view.
When fishing allowed, a hundred inhabitants formed a community in Kalfshamarsvik until the 1940s, when it was completely abandoned, only a few dilapidated barns remain, a remnant of the past.
