Hvalfjörður: Iceland’s Quiet and Hidden Fjord

Hvalfjörður is one of those places, just north of Reykjavík.

Most travelers speed through the tunnel beneath the fjord, but those who choose to drive around Hvalfjörður experience something rare: vast, untouched beauty where mountains rise straight from the sea, history lingers in the landscape, and a deep sense of calm settles over everything.

Driving the Old Road

Before the Hvalfjörður Tunnel opened in 1998, everyone traveling north had to pass through the fjord.

That road is still there, though traffic is far lighter now. It winds along the edge of the fjord, beneath cliffs and into quiet valleys.

This is not a journey meant to be rushed.

Every bend reveals something new, purple lupine fields in summer, waterfalls cascading down distant mountains, and silver-toned water stretching as far as the eye can see.

There’s no hurry here, only the steady rhythm of nature revealing itself all around you.

Experiences Around Hvalfjörður

At the end of the fjord, tucked between two steep cliffs, stands Glymur, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall.

The hike to reach it is an adventure in itself. You’ll cross rivers, scramble over rocks, and follow narrow paths — all rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views in the country.

Traces of War

During World War II, Hvalfjörður served as an important Allied naval base.

If you look closely today, remnants of that era still remain along the shoreline: old piers, rusting structures, and quiet reminders of a time when this fjord played a role in a much larger story.

Picnics and Stillness

Find a quiet cove, spread out a picnic, and let the stillness take over.

On calm days, the sky reflects perfectly in the water, making it hard to tell where the sea ends and the sky begins.

Hidden Valleys and Forgotten Farms

Gravel roads branch off from the main route, leading to old farmsteads, many long abandoned.

These silent places carry the feeling of another Iceland, where life followed the rhythms of the land, and history was written into stone and turf walls that still stand.

Nature and Calm

Seabirds glide overhead, and if you’re lucky, you might spot seals swimming close to shore.

Life in the fjord moves gently, at its own unhurried pace.

Hvammsvík: Become One With Nature

Nestled along the shores of Hvalfjörður, just under an hour from Reykjavík, Hvammsvík Hot Springs offers a serene immersion into Iceland’s raw natural beauty.

The experience centres around eight geothermal pools of varying temperatures, naturally blended with ocean water and set against black sand beaches and dramatic mountain views. Designed to feel organic and unspoiled, Hvammsvík is a quieter, more intimate alternative to larger spas, inviting guests to slow down and connect with nature.

With facilities that include a steam bath, swim-up bar, and on-site bistro serving local flavors, Hvammsvík seamlessly combines relaxation, design, and authentic Icelandic atmosphere in one unforgettable setting.

Hvalfjörður: A Place Apart

At Key to Iceland, we believe the best places are not always the most obvious ones.

They are the places that feel like secrets, places you’re fortunate to discover.

Hvalfjörður isn’t dramatic or show-stopping. It doesn’t try to impress.

Instead, it offers something better: space to breathe, room to think, and a deeper kind of beauty that reveals itself slowly if you take the time to notice it.

Next time you’re heading north, skip the tunnel, and let Hvalfjörður remind you just how much beauty lives in Iceland’s quieter corners.

Hvalfjörður: A Place Apart

At Key to Iceland, we believe the best places are not always the most obvious ones.

They are the places that feel like secrets, places you’re fortunate to discover.

Hvalfjörður isn’t dramatic or show-stopping. It doesn’t try to impress.

Instead, it offers something better: space to breathe, room to think, and a deeper kind of beauty that reveals itself slowly if you take the time to notice it.

Next time you’re heading north, skip the tunnel, and let Hvalfjörður remind you just how much beauty lives in Iceland’s quieter corners.