Hike along the Atlantic with me in Iceland in perfect weather — Skálanes near Seyðisfjörður.

I fell into this area purely by chance while doing research in Seyðisfjörður. I only had about two hours, but I decided that I wanted to wander around and see what’s there and by god… this is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen in Iceland. The way the fjord just opens up to the Atlantic ocean while you’re driving along the gravel road is absolutely unreal.

This is less of a hike and more of a wander, although there are official hikes in the area which you can find on maps in town, or in Gaia or AllTrails. You will be driving along a gravel road, four wheel drive is not required but you have to know how to drive these sorts of roads. You will come to a fork in the road where you can either turn towards a farm or away from the farm. Turn away from the farm and continue. You will run into a parking lot with a sign that says “do not continue unless your vehicle is equipped for river crossings.” This is where you will stop unless you have a car like that. You can get out and wander along the sheep paths, see the incredible rivers, birdwatch, and listen to the waves. There is a swell here for surfers but the conditions have to be perfect, with the waves at a perpendicular angle to the cliffs, or else you’ll get busted up on the rocks. If you get the chance to surf here, you’re one in a few. Explore this incredible place: 65.28486, -13.77546

Location: Skálanes, outside of Seyðisfjörður

Difficulty Level: Choose your own adventure — Easy to Moderate

Distance and Duration: With a series of trails, it’s easy to explore and go your own way

Accessibility: There are many footpaths that are easy to spot, and you can walk along the gravel road.

Elevation Gain: Depends on your adventure.

Trail Type: Out-and-back

Gear and Equipment: A flat hike in the backcountry, a picnic would be amazing here, but bring all gear needed for exploring.

Essentials: Always bring the 10 essentials!

Permits and Fees: No permits or entrance fees for hiking or parking here.

Weather Check: It’s Iceland, always check weather but be ready for anything. Local emergency number is 112. There is a shelter in the camping area. It’s wonderful to walk in the forest in the rain.

Trailhead Description: Follow route 952 out of town. When approaching the fork in the road, go left of the farm. Continue until you see a parking lot and a sign warning of river crossings.

Seasons: In the late spring to summer, this is a beautiful place to see Iceland’s local flora, go birdwatching, hiking, and simply enjoying the sun and views. In the autumn, the willows leaves turn with beautiful warm colors. In the winter, it’s a great area to go snowshoeing or cross country skiing but you will not be able to access this area by a car rental.

Scenic Points: Everything, but there is also a few rivers.

Challenges: The gravel road to approach this area is not for first-timers.

Wildlife Encounters: This is a great area for birdwatching.