Located just south of the small town of Hof along Iceland’s South Coast via the famed Ring Road is the historic Ingólfshöfði Cape. This area is a haven for nesting seabirds, attracting thousands of common murres, razorbills, puffins, fulmars, and other species each year due to its isolated location. Rising nearly 250 feet (76 m) high, the cape is named after Ingólfur Arnarsson, one of Iceland’s first settlers who spent his first winter there with his family in the late 9th century.

Accessing Ingólfshöfði Cape is an adventure on its own, as it is not accessible by car and can be challenging to navigate independently. It is highly recommended to join a guided tour to explore the area. The journey begins about 4 miles (6 km) away from the cape at a designated meeting point, where a tractor-drawn hay cart will transport you over water, marshes, and sand. After a scenic 25-minute ride, you will continue on foot for a 1.5-hour hike around the cape.

The hike around the reserve covers approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) and offers a variety of terrains. You will climb a sandy slope, traverse rocky terrain, and then enjoy a more leisurely walk on flat grasslands with plenty of opportunities to observe the diverse bird species, including the famous puffin colony in the area.

For more unique experiences in the Golden Circle, consider exploring other attractions in the region.

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