Skinnastadur Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Skinnastadur featuring a river or creek, a gorge or canyon and a cascade
Traverse the national park for a spectacular view of a canyon, before climbing to snowy peaks and getting soaked in the spray of waterfalls.

The small town of Skinnastadur is an ideal base to explore a picturesque national park famous for its waterfalls. See the large glacier from which stem rivers decorated by glorious chutes.

Explore the snowy peaks of Vatnajokull National Park and the glacier after which it is named. Discover the various rivers and volcanic terrain spread around the park. Hike to the snowy Hvannadalshnúkur peak of the Öraefajökull Mountain. The national park is among the largest in Europe, covering 14 percent of Iceland.

Park rangers give daily guided walks at the scenic canyon of Ásbyrgi. Stroll along the Eyjan rock formation that rises above the canopy of vegetation and offers excellent views of the trees below. Trek through the extensive woodland of willow and birch. Many types of waterfowl live around Botnstjorn Lake.

Among the highlights of the region are the mesmerizing waterfalls along the rivers that carve up the landscape. Marvel at the horseshoe shape of the vast Godafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Learn about the religious history at this site, depicted in a window display at the Akureyri Church.

Note the the extraordinary power of Dettifoss, which lies on the Jokulsa River. Hear the roar of the forceful chute flowing over the rocky landscape. Hike along the scenic paths along the river to discover other falls, such as Selfoss. The water flows from the melted ice of the national park’s glacier.

Dine at one of the restaurants in the area specializing in lamb and root vegetables. Saltfiskur and Harðfiskur fish dishes are also popular. Order the mondlukaka almond cake for dessert.

The varying elevations in the national park cause a range of weather throughout the area. It is generally mild in summer with cold winters, when snow caps the peaks.

The town is 334 miles (538 kilometers) east of Reykjavik, a journey that should take 6 or 7 hours by car. The intriguing geological terrain and lava fields surrounding Mývatn are about 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the south.

Enjoy meditative walks on the countless trails past ice caps and waterfalls around Skinnastadur.

Dettifoss Guesthouse
Dettifoss Guesthouse
2.5 out of 5
Lundur, Skinnastadur, Northeast Region
The price is AU$158 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$158
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this guesthouse in Skinnastadur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Popular attraction Ásbyrgi is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
Home away from home
"We had a very enjoyable stay at this quiet and comfortable guesthouse with courteous hosts and all the comforts of home. The location is also very good, being just a few miles north of Asbyrgi and Dettifoss. I would highly recommend it."

Reviewed on 29 Aug. 2024

Dettifoss Guesthouse
Skulagardur
Skulagardur
3 out of 5
Skúlagarður, Skinnastadur
The price is AU$189 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$189
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Skinnastadur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"Tyst, och fina omgivningar. Trevlig och hjälpsam personal. Bra frukost, för att vara ett isländskt hotell. Sköna sängar. Hade även möjlighet att äta middag, fast vi valde aannan restaurang pga av tidsbesparing."

Reviewed on 10 Sep. 2024

Skulagardur
Nordic Natura
Nordic Natura
3 out of 5
Meiðavellir Farm (Road 85), Skinnastadur
Stay at this 3-star golf cabin in Skinnastadur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Ásbyrgi and Jokulsargljufur ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Beautiful property with everything you need. Host was very responsive and helpful. Amazing surroundings."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2024

Nordic Natura
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nordic Natura
Nordic Natura
3 out of 5
Meiðavellir Farm (Road 85), Skinnastadur
Stay at this 3-star golf cabin in Skinnastadur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Ásbyrgi and Jokulsargljufur ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Beautiful property with everything you need. Host was very responsive and helpful. Amazing surroundings."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2024

Nordic Natura
Kaldbaks-kot Cottages
Kaldbaks-kot Cottages
2.5 out of 5
Cottages Husavik, Kaldbaks-Kot, Norðausturvegur, Húsavík, Husavik, Northeastern Region
Stay at this cabin in Husavik. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Husavik Harbour and Húsavíkurkirkja are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"My little cottage was private and comfortable. It was super quiet and had a peek-a-boo view of the fjord through the trees. I loved the trails on the property. Being a bird watcher, I appreciated that my cabin had a bird identification book. The bathroom was snug but functional."

Reviewed on 15 Oct. 2024

Kaldbaks-kot Cottages
Gamli Skolinn Husavik
Gamli Skolinn Husavik
3 out of 5
Stórigarður 6, Husavik, Norðurþing
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Husavik. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Húsavíkurkirkja and Husavik Harbour are ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Very clean, cozy. I’ve heard that some areas in Iceland have sulfuric water, and this is one of them so that was a little unpleasant (but great water pressure in shower!) and there was no freezer for our ice packs, but overall we were very satisfied."

Reviewed on 3 Sep. 2024

Gamli Skolinn Husavik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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