Varmahlíð

Varmahlíð, which literally translates to ‘warm slope’, is situated towards the north near Skagafjordur and is 293 km from Reykjavik and barely 94 km from Akureyri.

Varmahlíð, which literally translates to ‘warm slope’, is situated towards the north near Skagafjordur and is 293 km from Reykjavik and barely 94 km from Akureyri.
This charming village stands at an altitude towards the Vatnsskarð pass junction. Set in rich farmlands, the main activity, besides agriculture, is breeding of the unique Icelandic horse, which has been cherished for centuries. In fact, a Horse History Centre is also located nearby, which besides offering horse-riding tours also is a place for those who want to know more about the importance of this endemic animal.

The geothermal hot water in the region makes it conducive for production of subtropical types of fruits and vegetables. High above, at Víðimýri is Víðimýrarkirkja Church, constructed in 1834, with a hundred-year-old altarpiece. The church is among the very few churches with turf roofs left in Iceland. Another tourist attraction is a monument in memory of an Icelandic poet Stephen Stephensson which is situated close to Vatnsskarð pass. The Miðgarður Cultural Centre, which promotes events throughout the year and is the base of Iceland’s most famous men’s choirs ‘Karlakorrin Heimir’, is also located at Varmahlíð. 

Surrounded by Reykjarhóll woodlands, Varmahlíð is an exciting place for hikers too, with its marked trails to the hilltop. The village offers all the basic facilities including a tourist information centre, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, stadium, swimming pool, supermarket and even a campsite. Other attractions in the region include the Skagafjörður Transportation Museum and the Glaumbær Farm and Museum, which highlights traditional turf farm living.

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