Complete Guide to Stokksnes in Iceland

13-09-2024

Home to towering mountains, an incredible black sand beach and even a Viking village movie set, the wild and remote Stokksnes peninsula in Iceland is an epic natural location to visit. Let’s learn more about what you can see and do here, how to get to Stokksnes and top travel tips in our complete guide to the Stokksnes peninsula in Iceland.

All About Stokksnes, Iceland

A less touristy area of natural beauty in Iceland, the Stokksnes peninsula is an incredible space with mountains, the sea, tidal lagoons, grassy dunes and volcanic black sand. Complete with a replica Viking village and a historic, wartime radar station, Stokksnes has a whole range of fascinating sights to see and visit.

The most famous feature of the Stokksnes peninsula is, of course, the striking Vestrahorn Mountain that towers above the horizon, reaching 454 meters (almost 1500 feet) into the sky. The swathes of black sand on all the beaches around the peninsula create a stunning, otherworldly landscape, in stark contrast to the steep cliffs of Vestrahorn.

Where is Stokksnes?

Located in southeast Iceland, the Stokksnes peninsula sits just next to the Icelandic fishing town of Höfn and just below the massive Vatnajökull Glacier and National Park.

How to Get to Stokksnes

To reach Stokksnes from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, you’ll need to drive for around 6 hours, mostly via the main Ring Road in Iceland (Route 1). Once you reach the turning for Stokksnes, you take a right turn onto Stokksnesvegur road and you’ll be at the tip of the peninsula in 10 minutes.

If you’re traveling to Stokksnes from the nearby town of Höfn, it’ll take you just over 20 minutes to drive the 17 kilometers to the tip of the peninsula. You can take Route 99 out of Höfn, join the Ring Road, then take Stokksnesvegur.

What to See and Do in Stokksnes

So, what exactly can you see and do in Stokksnes? Well, here are the best sights to see and places to explore.

Vestrahorn Mountain

Keen hikers and birdwatchers will love exploring Vestrahorn Mountain, with a range of moderately challenging hiking routes to take. It’s best to visit between April and September for the safest hiking conditions and mildest weather.

There’s a blue hiking path in the eastern Vestrahorn region that stretches over 6 kilometers around Vestrahorn Mountain and allows you to see the mountain from different perspectives. Keep in mind that there’s some rocky terrain on this route, so you’ll need to walk carefully.

Stokksnes Black Sand Beach and Lagoons

Black sand beaches, grassy dunes and reflective tidal lagoons lie in the foot of the mighty Vestrahorn Mountain, creating beautiful panoramas. During summer, the grassy dunes add a touch of green to the landscape, whereas winter sees snow blanket the mountain tops and ice cover the scenery.

Make sure to keep a safe distance away from the sea while exploring the black sand beaches at Stokksnes, as the wild Atlantic waves can be very dangerous, especially the powerful sneaker waves that seemingly come out of nowhere. Locals always make sure to never turn their back to the water and stay far enough away to enjoy the beauty of the beach safely.

The Viking Village

Did you know that Stokksnes peninsula is the site of a Viking village movie set for a movie that was never made? This recreation of a traditional Viking settlement was created just 1.5 miles away from Stokksnes black sand beach for a movie that got cancelled for budgetary reasons. Since then, the fascinating Viking Village has been open for visitors, giving you a chance to experience what life would have been like in a Viking settlement.

Some TV series and films have also announced that the Viking Village at Stokksnes will be used as part of their set, including the Netflix series, The Witcher.

Radar Station

Used by the Icelandic Air Defence System to monitor Icelandic airspace, the H-3 Radar Station Stokksnes sits at the top of Stokksnes peninsula. This historic radar station was built by NATO on the site of an old military base established during World War Two by the Allied forces.

Visiting Stokksnes

If you’re planning to visit Stokksnes, here’s all you need to know, including when to visit, what to wear and where to stay.

Stokksnes Admission Fee

Stokksnes is actually privately-owned land, in contrast to the vast majority of Iceland’s natural wonders, which means you need to pay a small fee of 1000 ISK ($7.25 USD) per adult to enter, whether by car or foot. Children under 16 go free. The admission fee is payable at the Viking Café, which is open from 7:30am to 10pm each day.

When to Visit Stokksnes

The time of year you choose to visit Stokksnes will affect your experience, as the winter sees the peninsula turned into an icy wonderland with snow-covered mountains, whereas summer sees green vegetation sprout up across the land underneath clearer skies. Stokksnes is beautiful no matter the season!

We recommend a visit during summer for maximum safety and accessibility, as some roads can close in winter and the roads that are open can become icy. Summer will give you many more daylight hours to explore the peninsula, too.

As for the best time of day to visit, Stokksnes isn’t usually very busy because it’s a little off the beaten path, but early weekday mornings are most likely going to be the quietest times to explore the peninsula.

What to Wear at Stokksnes

Dressing appropriately for Iceland’s unpredictable weather is no easy task! With the famously changeable weather, we recommend wearing waterproof outer layers and warm layers with a thermal base layer in colder weather. Sturdy hiking boots are also a must, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking in the area.

Items to Bring to Stokksnes

Essential items to bring for a trip to Stokksnes include:

• Camera and waterproof case – Make sure to pack your camera in a waterproof case to protect it from the harsh Icelandic elements. If you have a portable charger or spare batteries, they’ll come in super handy, too.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen – In an exposed natural area like Stokksnes, the sun can be stronger than you think and conditions can be bright, so we recommend bringing sunglasses and a high SPF sunscreen with you.
• Water and snacks – It’s a good idea to bring some water and snacks along for your trip to Stokksnes, as the peninsula is fairly remote. There’s a café nearby, but you might also want you own choice of snacks and drinks for your hike.

Where to Stay in Stokksnes

• Viking Café Guesthouse – This guesthouse, located right on the Stokksnes peninsula itself, offers a range of rooms, apartments and suites to suit every traveler. Here, you’ll also get to experience a traditional Icelandic breakfast included in the price.
• Vestrahorn Campsite – For a more authentic experience, you can choose to camp at the campsite at the foot of the Vestrahorn Mountain. If you stay at the campsite, you’ll get free admission to Vestrahorn beach and the Viking village, too.
• Dynjandi Guesthouse – At the top of the Stokksnes peninsula close to the Ring Road, you’ll find this guesthouse and farm, located among beautiful surroundings and perfectly positioned as a base for your adventures in the area.

You might also choose to stay in the nearby town of Höfn, which offers a range of guesthouses, hotels and cabins to suit all budgets. Just a short drive away, Höfn can be an excellent base for your exploration of the Stokksnes peninsula.

Nearby Natural Attractions to Stokksnes

While in the area, you might like to explore some of the amazing natural attractions close to Stokksnes. Some unmissable spots include the breathaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and expansive Vatnajökull National Park. You might like to take a guided South Coast tour and boat trip on Jokulsarlon, or enjoy an epic Vatnajokull glacier and ice cave tour.

Photography Tips for Stokksnes

Keen to capture some epic shots at Stokksnes? Take a look through our top photography tips for Stokksnes to get inspired:

• Some of the best and most creative shots of Vestrahorn are captured in the reflections of the tidal lagoons along Stokksnes beach. Keep an eye out for an amazing reflection and get your camera at the ready!
• Use a tripod to keep your camera stable on the beach and dunes, especially when taking long-exposure shots.
• For a classic wide-angle shot, you can position yourself on the the beach with the grassy dunes in the foreground and the majestic Vestrahorn mountain in the background. If you hike back far enough, you can capture the whole of the mountain range in your image.
• Stokksnes is an amazing place to photograph the Northern Lights, especially in the winter months, as the surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking and far enough away from light pollution to give you a great chance of witnessing the aurorae for yourself. You can check the aurora forecast in Iceland to choose the best day and time to photograph these incredible dancing lights during your trip.

Explore Stokksnes in Iceland For Yourself!

Inspired to visit Stokksnes during your time in Iceland? Get started with planning your own epic Iceland vacation today to make your dream trip a reality! Take a look through our affordable and reliable cheap car rental in Iceland, perfect for a road trip across the island, where you’ll marvel at all the natural wonders our beautiful country has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you to Iceland soon.