Of the 4,250 people who live in the entire Skagafjörður region, 2,600 reside in Sauðárkrókur, the capital of Skagafjörður. The town, which serves as a robust service centre for the surrounding rural areas, also boasts a significant fishing industry, world-class cheese production, and numerous restaurants popular with both locals and tourists. In recent years, tourism has seen substantial growth in Skagafjörður, as there is much to see. There is Drangey Island in the middle of the fjord and Örlygsstaðir, where the largest battle in Iceland’s history took place in 1238. Then there is Glaumbær, one of the largest and most impressive turf farms in Iceland, just south of Sauðárkrókur, and to the east in Hjaltadalur valley is the beautiful Cathedral at Hólar, featuring a unique design. The municipality also has several excellent swimming pools and horse rentals, as Skagafjörður is renowned for its fine breed of horses. To the north and west of Sauðárkrókur is Mount Tindastóll, home to one of the best ski areas in Iceland, open from December until the end of April. It takes just under four hours to drive from Reykjavík to Sauðárkrókur, and the drive is duly rewarded at the destination.
Sauðárkrókur 07/2022 : A7C, RX1R II : FE 1.4/24mm GM, 2.0/35mm Z
photos & text : Páll Stefánsson
