From Stykkishólmur to Hvitserkur — Hidden Wonders Along Iceland’s Northwest Coast

Stykkisholmur view in the morning light

Starting the Northern Journey — From Grundarfjörður to Stykkishólmur

Leaving Grundarfjörður via Route 59, we began our fourth day on the Iceland Ring Road journey, skirting beneath the still-closed Westfjords. Stykkishólmur, the quiet port to Flatey

Island, offered pastel-coated harbor views and that famous bookstore from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It’s well worth an hour or two on foot—especially if you’re chasing film locations or Arctic ferry vistas.

Visit the start of the journey here: https://www.captured-experience.com/post/driving-iceland-s-ring-road-why-it-s-the-best-way-to-experience-the-land-of-fire-and-ice

Kolufossar Canyon Detour and Hidden Landscapes

Before reaching Vatnsnes Peninsula, we took a detour to Kolufossar, a small yet dramatic waterfall nestled inside Kolugljúfur Canyon. Easy to miss on GPS, it’s one of those places that feels untouched by time. For Ring Road travelers, it’s a rewarding side stop for photographers.

Facing the formidable falls of Kolufoassar

Having time on our hands, we crossed the Vatnses Peninsula to go counterclockwise and scope our Hvitserkur during the daytime and the coast. Roads are very rough here, and this is where I feel the rental car agencies should offer undercarriage protection insurance. They don't. This became a small issue at the end of our trip.

Icelandic Knitting Traditions at Kidka Wool Factory

Continuing east, Hamragarður’s Kidka Wool Factory (Prjónaverksmiðjan Kidka) offered our first real cultural stop of the day. Watching seamstresses knit traditional lopapeysa patterns by hand gave me a new respect for the country’s living heritage. Inside, prices were far more reasonable than what you’ll find in Reykjavik shops, making it one of the best places to pick up authentic apparel.

Lunch in Hvammstangi — Local Beer & Coastal Views

By midday, we stopped at Sjávarborg Restaurant beside the Icelandic Seal Center. With lamb soup, freshly baked bread, and Icelandic beer, it was the perfect north-coast recharge before the evening’s main event.

Chasing Sunset at Hvitserkur

By 8 PM, the clouds had gathered as I parked near Hvitserkur, the basalt sea stack shaped like a troll frozen at sunrise. Using apps like PhotoPills (my favorite photography app tool) and Windy, I also adjusted for the tide and wind before descending to the beach using a narrow, slightly precarious footpath beside a waterfall. I used my tripod extended to get down - sort of a hiking stick.

When the tide is low, the sand ripples reflect the rock formation beautifully—ideal for minimalist shots in muted light. Despite the overcast sky, the stillness created one of the most hauntingly calm photo sessions of the trip.

Famous Sea Stack Rock formation at Hvitserkur - The Troll

Overnight Stay and Reflections

We stayed at the North West Hotel & Restaurant, a modest trucker’s inn with surprisingly good warmth and food. Its convenient Ring Road location makes it perfect for travelers planning early starts toward Húsavík or Dettifoss the next morning.

Suggested Sites & Travel Tips

Site	Why Visit	URL
Kidka Wool Factory	Watch authentic Icelandic knitwear being made on-site	https://kidka.is
Kolufossar Waterfall	Compact but photogenic, easy parking access	https://maps.app.goo.gl/EtjiKnRLhfrWMfe29
Hvitserkur Rock	Basalt sea stack shaped like a troll	https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ro7TZfrb4jYdimSA
Sjávarborg Restaurant	Icelandic lamb soup and beer with ocean views	https://sjavarborg.is

👉 Next up: Waterfall Wonders and Volcanic Dreams — Dettifoss to Mývatn

Join me on this journey, and let's explore the world through the lens of my camera together.

Also, please visit: FineArt America - Steve Hammond