Vestrahorn
Vestrahorn belongs to the mountainous region outside Skarðsdalur, which is a natural heritage site. The mountain rises about 454 meters above sea level (1490 feet), and is characterized by steep slopes, rough cliffs and multiple peaks. Made of dark, igneous gabbro and granophyre rocks, this unique feature is famous for its distinctive and jagged silhouette.
Within the basalt of the mountain lie intrusive layers and large nodules of gabbro and granophyre, medium-grained and coarse-grained deep rock that date back from 6.6 million years ago. While, it was once thought that the gabbro in Vestrahorn was the oldest rock formation in Iceland, this is no longer the case. The gabbro was discovered to actually be a part of older basalt rocks, mainly of tholeiite, which is estimated to be around 8 million years old.
East of Vestrahorn is a mountain called Brunnhorn, which is referred to as the “Batman Mountain” because its strange shape resembles the Batman logo.
Stokksnes peninsula
At Vestrahorn’s base stretches Stokksnes, a windswept coastal land with sweeping black sand beaches, and rolling sand dunes. The reflections of Vestrahorn in the tidal pools on the beach create mesmerizing compositions, adding to the allure of this already enchanting location. This area can get quite popular for a photography spot, as the light can change quickly; sunbursts, mist, and dramatic cloud cover can transform the scenery within minutes, making every visit unique.
An added bonus, you may spot a few seals, as the skerries outside the coast of Stokksnes are popular breeding grounds.
History
Due to the mountain’s unique shape, Vestrahorn has been an important landmark for centuries, helping sailors and fishermen navigate the waters.
One of the first settlement farms in Iceland was Horn, below Vestrahorn, and the area has been inhabited since Iceland’s early settlement period, relying on fishing and farming. The believed settler of Vestrahorn is Hrolllaugur Rögnvaldsson, the son of the Earl of Mæri in Norway, and the brother of Göngu-Hrólfur. He first arrived in the harbor in Reykjavík, but when he found his leading pillars washed ashore at Vestrahorn, he settled there. Horn means corner, and the Hornafjörður Municipality and a few other natural sites are named after the settlement farm.
Archaeological findings suggest that Viking explorers used this headland as a base for seafaring, and it was once an important strategic location for monitoring the ocean. Today, visitors can still see traces of this past, in an immersive way to imagine how early settlers might have lived along these windswept shores. A reconstructed Viking village, originally built as a film set, is open to explore. One of the location’s most recent film projects was the Netflix series The Witcher: Blood Origin.
During World War II, the Stokksnes peninsula was a base for the British military, and later NATO established a radar station on the peninsula to monitor the air and water traffic. Some of the military facilities are still visible today, and the radar station is now used for general air traffic control in Iceland.
Hiking
There are three official hiking trails at Vestrahorn.
- The Yellow path is a good way to experience the charm and diversity of Vestrahorn. It is an easy walk that takes you along the black sand beach of Vestrahorn and the Viking Village.
- The Red path is a great hike to experience the beauty and wildlife of Vestrahorn. The path takes you around Kirkjusandur and along Drápsbjörg, where you might see seals lounging near the shore. This hike is suitable for beginners, but be aware the rocks can be slippery when wet.
- The Blue path is the best way to fully experience the beauty of Vestrahorn. The hike is known as “Ganga fyrir Horn” by locals. You will get to see the mountain from different angles and perspectives, as well as enjoy the views of the sea. This path is one way, so you will need to make arrangements for transportation at the end of the hike. You can either start at Papós or the parking lot at Vestrahorn. This hike is suitable for more experienced and adventurous hikers who want to explore Vestrahorn in depth.
Find hiking trails here
Best time to visit: Sunrise and sunset light up Vestrahorn’s peaks in stunning colors, especially in winter when the low sun adds dramatic golden tones. In summer, the midnight sun gives hours of glowing light for photography.
Photography tip: The tidal pools on the black sand create perfect reflections of the mountains—if the wind is calm, it’s one of the best photo opportunities in Iceland.
