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Stokksnes is the sort of Icelandic panorama you dream of — infinite black sand dunes topped with inexperienced grass, gentle grey waves lapping up on a clean black shoreline, all framed by a jagged black mountain. No matter what sort of climate you’ve gotten, this place goes to look spectacular.
The Stokksnes peninsula was excessive on my checklist of locations to go to on my Iceland highway journey, and particularly so for Amanda, my journey companion on this journey. We powered by our lengthy day of driving from Egilsstaðir, realizing that Stokksnes can be a late afternoon go to.
And it was astounding. Our journey to Iceland was nothing in need of very good (although it did price a fairly penny), with among the greatest landscapes I’ve ever seen.
Looking again with the attitude of time and distance, Stokksnes was the most effective locations we visited.
While simple to succeed in, Stokknes is one among comparatively few out of doors sights in Iceland that costs an entry payment. Here’s what it’s worthwhile to find out about visiting.
Visiting Stokksnes on an Iceland Trip
The Stokksnes Peninsula was one of many earliest settled locations in Iceland, with arrivals relationship again to the ninth century. Later, throughout World War II, Stokksnes served as a British military base.
Today there’s nonetheless a working NATO radar station at Stokksnes, which the Iceland Air Defense System makes use of to watch Iceland’s airspace.
Stokksnes is a ten-minute drive from the Ring Road, making it a simple cease.
Stokksnes is a six-hour drive from Reykjavík — too far for a day journey until you’re a masochist.
How to Get to Stokksnes
If you’re driving the Ring Road counterclockwise, Stokksnes is a couple of 25-minute drive from the city of Höfn (pronounced “Hup” — sure, significantly). Höfn has numerous lodging and meals choices, so it makes a great base when visiting Southeast Iceland.
If you’re driving the Ring Road clockwise, as we did, Stokksnes is a couple of 90-minute drive from Djúpivogur. On the way in which, don’t miss the perspective by the Hvalnes Lighthouse — the lighthouse is okay, however the mountain within the background is a incredible background for photographs. (I really photographed a household there, completely framed by the mountain!)
Either method, it’s a couple of 10-minute drive from the Ring Road.
As you drive in, your first cease would be the Viking Cafe. It’s right here that you simply pay the payment: 900 ISK ($6.23) per particular person. Yes, it’s essential to pay the payment, no matter whether or not you’re on foot or in a automotive. This is non-public property, not like many different well-liked locations in Iceland.
If the cafe is closed, there’s a machine outdoors the place you’ll be able to pay with a bank card.
The cafe is a remarkably cozy place, and a part of me yearns for a giant slice of cake. Another time.
They’re additionally a guesthouse! You can e book their rooms right here.
We scan our ticket on the turnstile and giggle on the graffiti.
After leaving the Viking Café and passing the fields filled with sheep, we drive throughout a causeway, nonetheless water on all sides, and get to a parking space by the sand dunes.
If you head to the tip of the highway, you’ve gotten a view of Stokksnes Lighthouse, as soon as a part of a army base. Honestly, this is likely one of the much less photogenic lighthouses in Iceland and pales compared to the seaside and sand dunes, so we selected to skip it.
From there you’ll be able to set off to Stokksnes Beach.
Black Sand Dunes
I’ve seen a handful of black sand seashores in my life, from Santorini to Stromboli — however none fairly like Stokksnes. Here the sand varieties small hills, inexperienced grass poking out between every of them.
Amanda and I park our automotive and head out onto the dunes, taking photographs repeatedly. We are surprised to be the one individuals out right here! Shooting to our hearts’ content material, realizing we gained’t must photoshop any randos out of the pictures once we get house.
One factor that I notice shortly, although, is how necessary a large angle lens is to slot in all of Vestrahorn. My massive digicam’s lens isn’t large sufficient, however the iPhone takes surprisingly nice large angle photographs (together with the one on the high of this put up).
We’ve acquired cloudy circumstances, which is incredible, however I do know the dunes would look glowing on a sunny day, too.
Here are some photographs from the dunes.
From there, we head onto the seaside.
Stokksnes Beach
The seaside right here is incredible — tiny, mild waves that hardly disrupt the floor. It’s a far cry from Reynisfjara Beach in Vík, essentially the most well-known black sand seaside in Iceland, the place harmful rogue waves are commonplace (and a few vacationers have misplaced their lives consequently).
Even so, you by no means know if a sneaker wave can arrive right here, so keep conscious and don’t get too far into the water.
If you’re trying to get excellent reflection pictures of Vestrahorn Mountain, it gained’t be right here — head additional down towards the Viking Village, the place there are some calmer our bodies of water that present the mirror-like impact you’re searching for.
Vestrahorn Mountain
The entire time, majestic Vestrahorn Mountain looms within the background. Next to it’s Brunnhorn Mountain, referred to as Batman Mountain, formed a bit just like the Batman image.
You can undoubtedly hike Vestrahorn Mountain, and there are maps of mountaineering trails on the Viking Café.
If you’re up for a problem, the longest path is an 11 km (6.8 mile) loop journey throughout Vestrahorn Mountain itself. Departing simply previous the Viking Village on the foot of the mountain, it takes you round Kambhorn to Hvammsfjara and again to the place you began.
For one thing a bit extra doable, you’ll be able to take the 4 km (2.5 mile) stroll round Kirkjusander and alongside Drápsbjörg for much more photogenic views of the mountain.
Either method, keep in mind that the climate can activate a dime, and solely hike in case you have the suitable gear and sources.
Viking Village
Last however not least is the Viking Village. This village was initially inbuilt 2010 for Icelandic director Baltasar Kormakúr, however was by no means used. The village was basically deserted and stays right here at the moment.
Feel free to stroll across the Viking Village, however don’t go in any of the buildings. They should not maintained and going inside them may very well be harmful.
One film that was efficiently filmed at Stokksnes was the Bollywood movie Dilwale.
How Much Time to Spend at Stokksnes
I might allot for at least 90 minutes at Stokksnes. The time actually does add up once you think about shopping for your tickets on the cafe, driving right down to the sting, having fun with each the sand dunes and the seaside, and strolling over to the Viking Village.
This is just not a get-in-and-get-out vacation spot. But in case you have been brief on time and nonetheless needed to expertise Stokknes, I might suggest spending the majority of your time on the sand dunes with a bit little bit of time on the seaside. You can axe the Viking Village and lighthouse with out feeling too responsible about it.
Stokksnes within the Winter
While the very best time to go to Stokksnes is throughout the summer season, you too can go to throughout the winter months! Like in every single place else in Iceland, verify earlier than you go, because the climate might be unpredictable and shut roads.
And keep in mind that you’re working with restricted daytime hours within the winter, although you’ll be rewarded with an elongated golden hour. Vestrahorn seems to be incredible within the golden mild.
But in case you’re a photographer, you’ll love the prospect to catch the mountain peaks and sand dunes beneath a contemporary dusting of snow. And in case you’re in a position to {photograph} Vestrahorn Mountain, beneath the Northern Lights, I will likely be SO JEALOUS!!! This is a spot with little mild air pollution, so in case you get an Aurora Borealis alert, head straight right here!
More Cool Spots in Southeast Iceland
Southeast Iceland is one among my favourite elements of Iceland — it’s the place the waterfalls and canyons of the South meet the fjords and mountains of the East! Lots of people barrel by right here shortly, however you’ll be glad you hung out right here. Natural wonders abound on the southeastern Icelandic coast.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is arguably the most well-liked vacation spot within the area, the place massive chunks break off the glacier and are available to relaxation within the lagoon. Boat journeys are well-liked factor to do right here. Jökulsárlón is a little more than an hour’s drive from Stokksnes.
Don’t miss Diamond Beach close by, a black sand seaside strewn with massive icebergs which have floated down from the lagoon. A tough gravel highway 5 minutes down the highway will take you to Fjallsárlón, one other glacier lagoon that’s a lot quieter (and we most popular over Jökulsárlón.) It’s stunning in a extra refined method.
Múlagljúfur Canyon, simply west of Fjallsárlón, is one among my absolute favourite locations in Iceland. A magical canyon and one of the stunning locations I’ve ever seen. You must drive a tough gravel highway to the trailhead, however it’s value it.
Where to Stay Near Stokksnes, Iceland
The city of Höfn (pronounced “Hup”) is an effective spot to cease for the evening in Southeast Iceland. It’s a couple of 25-minute drive from Stokksnes.
Höfn Guesthouse is a top-rated price range choice (I used to be initially going to remain there on my final journey). For one thing particular, Fosshótel Vatnajökull is a bit additional than Höfn, however simply spectacular.
While you’re in Höfn, make sure you attempt langoustine someplace. It’s the native specialty, and a scrumptious standout in a rustic of oft-unremarkable delicacies. Amanda and I loved buttery, herby langoustine sandwiches at Z Bistro.
Alternatively, there are lots of motels and guesthouses randomly alongside the highway. I stayed at one among them — Hotel Smyrlabjorg in Hornafjördur — on my most up-to-date journey to Iceland. It was respectable for essentially the most half, however had neither cellphone sign nor wifi, so I in all probability wouldn’t keep there once more.
Want to remain even nearer to Stokksnes? Stay on the Viking Cafe! You can e book them right here.
And in case you’re tenting, there’s a campsite referred to as Vestrahorn Camping very shut by that features admission to Stokksnes in your keep.
See extra locations to remain in Höfn right here.
Is Stokksnes Worth It?
Oh sure, Stokksnes is value it! This is one among my favourite locations that I visited in Iceland, and these photographs are a few of my most treasured from this journey.
Go to Stokksnes, even in case you’re brief on time. Even in case you’re not a lot of a photographer. This place is magical.
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Have you been to Stokksnes? Any tricks to share?