Your guide to Troll peninsula, Iceland
If you drive the coastline of Northern Iceland, you’ll find it’s made up of 7 dramatic peninsulas, each with its own jaw-dropping scenery and local folklore. The most mysterious is Tröllaskagi, or ‘Troll Peninsula’, home to some of the country’s most epic landscapes.
It's easy to reach, close to the Ring Road and along the Arctic Coast Way, an epic road trip route only open in summer. Though spectacular to see in winter, the best time to visit Tröllaskagi is in summer. This is because winter in North Iceland sees lots of snow, meaning some roads close for the season.
Outside the highlands, the Tröllaskagi peninsula is where you’ll find the tallest mountains in Iceland, including Kerlingarfjöll. Their snow-dusted peaks tower above the winding roads, making Tröllaskagi the perfect off-the-beaten-track destination for a scenic drive.
In fact, the unreal natural wonders of this part of Iceland inspired so much local folklore. It’s where you could easily imagine trolls hiding, far from human civilization. Plus, the rugged rock formations look almost like ancient trolls, frozen forever by the daylight.
Along with the winding roads and surrounding mountains, you’ll discover plunging glacial valleys, charming small towns, and geothermal pools. These natural ‘hot tubs’ are the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring the incredible sights of Tröllaskagi.
Other highlights you can discover on the peninsula include the Herring Era Museum, the oldest church in Iceland, and the Hofsós Sundlaug swimming pool. You can also get up close to local wildlife, as fluffy Icelandic horses roam wild all over the peninsula. For an extra special experience, book a whale watching tour from Akureyri.
