How to get to the famous Vestrahorn

How to get to Vestrahorn?

On the Ring Road drive east past Höfn, after around 7km turn right onto an unmarked gravel road just before reaching the tunnel. Follow this road for around 5 km and you will have reached the black sand beach of Vestrahorn.

On the left side before reaching the tunnel you have Almannaskarð, which is an old mountain road popular amongst locals for providing a nice hike up to a magnificent viewpoint. There you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Hornafjörður region and is a charming little stop for those who crave tranquility and the natural beauty of the countryside. The south-west ramp is closed for car traffic as it was replaced in 2005 by a 1300m long tunnel that curves under a mountain.

Vestrahorn, Vesturhorn, and Stokksnes are all names for the same place. The area is approximately a ten-minute drive away from Höfn. The Horn area below Vestrahorn, a 454-meter high mountain. It is an interesting geological site composed of un-stratified plutonic rock, mostly gabbro but with some granophyre. East of the mountain is a strange-shaped outcrop called Brunnhorn that stretches out to sea.

One of the first settlement farms in Iceland was Horn, Built by Hrollaugur, son of Rögnvaldur Earl of Møre in Norway. Hornafjörður Municipality and several natural sites are named after the settlement farm. In the Second World War, the Horn area became a base for the British army and later a NATO radar station was set up at Stokksnes, south of Horn. At Stokksnes you can feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean as the waves hit the rocky shore with massive force.

Vestrahorn is a perfect place for photography or for quiet contemplation while enjoying the vast beauty of this unspoiled natural site. The shore features stunning lava dunes, that are constantly being shaped by the natural forces of water and wind. Down towards the sea, it is possible to get perfect reflections in the wet sand. Seals also tend to hang out on the stretch of sand, so if you’re lucky you can catch a picture of a lazing seal as well.

Please note that the beach at Stokksnes is private and has a small entrance fee. It is a popular destination so be prepared for other tourists and photographers.