Atmosphere
Wild & Quiet
No towns, no lights—just mountains, a lake, and the ocean.
Northwest Iceland
Hedinsfjordur (Héðinsfjörður) Fjord Iceland: Complete Visitor Guide
An abandoned valley in North Iceland, uninhabited since the mid-20th century. Connected by modern tunnels to Siglufjordur and Olafsfjordur, this wild fjord offers eerie silence, a pristine lake, black sand beach, and hiking in total isolation just minutes from civilization.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Status
Uninhabited
Accessible only via the tunnel road.
A study in solitude. Once home to thriving farms, Héðinsfjörður was abandoned decades ago and remains uninhabited. Now accessible only by stopping between two mountain tunnels, it offers a rare, eerie silence and untouched wilderness just minutes from the main road.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This area is high-mountain terrain. Even with tunnels, the road can be closed in severe winter storms. Check road.is.
Sources to check
Access
Tunnel Stop
A dedicated parking area lets you stop between the two tunnels.
Activity
Hiking
Walk down to the lake or beach for a short wilderness break.
History
Abandoned Farms
Ruins of old farmsteads dot the valley, remnants of families who left in the mid-20th century.
Nature
Lake & Beach
A pristine lake and black sand beach sit at the heart of this uninhabited fjord.
Photography
Dramatic Light
The enclosed valley creates extraordinary lighting conditions for landscape photography.
What to Expect
- Eerie silence of an uninhabited fjord abandoned since the mid-20th century
- Pristine mountain lake accessible by a short walk from the tunnel parking area
- Black sand beach at the fjord's edge, stark and beautiful against green mountains
- Ruins of old farmsteads dotting the valley, remnants of former farming families
- Extraordinary lighting conditions for landscape photography in the enclosed valley
- Modern two-lane tunnels providing unique access between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður
How to Get to Héðinsfjörður
Driving from Akureyri
Héðinsfjörður is located between Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður on Route 76 (Arctic Coast Way). From Akureyri, it's about 80km (1.5 hours). Drive through the Héðinsfjarðargöng tunnel system—the fjord appears between the two tunnel sections.
Road Conditions
The tunnels are modern, two-lane, and well-lit—easy to drive. A parking area in the fjord allows you to stop and explore. In severe winter storms, the tunnel road may close temporarily. Always check road.is in winter.
Best Time to Visit Héðinsfjörður
Summer (June-August)
Best for hiking to the lake and beach. Midnight sun means 24-hour daylight. Weather is mildest (8-15°C). Greenest landscapes. The eerie silence is even more striking in constant daylight.
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Fewer visitors, more solitude. Northern lights possible in September. Weather can be unpredictable. Expect 3-10°C temperatures. Short hikes still possible.
Winter (Oct-April)
Dramatic snow-covered landscape but hiking is challenging. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December. Road may close in severe storms. The absolute silence is most profound in winter.
Nearby Attractions
Siglufjörður
Charming herring-era town with the award-winning Herring Era Museum, colorful harbor, and folk music center.
Ólafsfjörður
Quiet fishing village on the other side of the tunnel, with a natural history museum and ski area.
Troll Peninsula
The dramatic Tröllaskagi peninsula offers some of North Iceland's best scenery along the Arctic Coast Way.
Hofsos Swimming Pool
Stunning infinity pool on the coast at Hofsós, about 40 minutes away, with views over Skagafjörður.
Dalvík
Fishing town south along the coast known for whale watching tours, the Great Fish Day festival, and skiing.
Planning help
Héðinsfjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.