The Vatnsnes peninsula gives you the best view of Húnaflói Bay’s seal population. Vatnsnes is a peninsula jutting into Húnaflói in North Iceland. It is surrounded by waters of Miðfjörður on the west and Húnafjörður on the east.
The peninsula is home to one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland, and colony locations include Hindisvík Bay near the tip of the peninsula. Seals have been protected for many years in Hindisvík. This bay is very peaceful, and sometimes visitors have seen dozens of seals here.
You can also spot seals at Illugastaðir, halfway along the western coast of Vatnsnes, and at Ósar, on the eastern coast. The seals tend to be quite friendly. Some seals will even follow people at a distance, but you should keep them safe by not disturbing them or trying to feed them. We advise keeping a distance away of at least 100 metres (328 feet) and using binoculars to enhance your viewing experience.
If you would like to learn more about seals during your visit to Vatnsnes, we suggest visiting the interesting Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi town, which is not far from Vatnsnes.
Vatnsnes Peninsula is also famous for the remarkably shaped Hvítserkur crag, which stands right on the shore, It looks like a giant cross between a buffalo and a Moomintroll having a drink. “Hvítserkur” means White Cowl. The crag probably gets the name from the white colour of the bird droppings that cover it.
Birding in Vatnsnes peninsula
Many species of birds make Vatnsnes peninsula their home, thus the the peninsula a perfect and popular spot for birding. Please note that some areas of Vatnsnes are closed during the nesting season, from late April to late June. The birds need peace to raise their chicks, so please respect these restrictions.
“Burial Rites” on Vatnsnes peninsula
People who have read the best-selling historical novel Burial Rites by Hannah Kent might recognise two locations on the peninsula. The novel focuses on what might have been the final days of Agnés Magnúsdóttir, the last person executed in Iceland in 1829. The farmstead of Illugastaðir is where Agnés and her companion, Friðrík Sigurðsson, supposedly murdered the farm’s owner, Natan Ketilsson. The farm is gone, though the ruins of Natan’s stone workshop are still standing. A modern farmhouse sits on the site now, and the farmers maintain a seal watching shelter for visitors.
Agnés and Friðrík were beheaded at Þrístapur, which is not far from Vatnsnes Peninsula. A stone sign indicates the execution site. Their burial site is on Vatnsnes Peninsula, at Tjarnarkirkja church.
Burial Rites is in production to be a film starring Jennifer Lawrence as Agnés.
