ÖRLYGSHÖFN IN SHORTÖrlygshöfn is a bay of golden sand and a shallow lagoon on the south side of Patreksfjörður in the Westfjords, on Route 612 towards Látrabjarg. It is free to visit and open all year. Most people spend 1–2 hours, and the Hnjótur museum here is open daily from 1 May to 30 September.
About Örlygshöfn
Örlygshöfn is unusual in Iceland for its golden sand rather than black. A sand reef closes off part of the bay and forms a shallow sea lagoon, with the mountains Hafnarfjall and Hafnarmúli behind. There is a large colony of eider ducks here, and the calm water and evening light attract photographers.
The bay is named after Örlygur Hrappsson, an early settler who is said to have named the nearby fjord Patreksfjörður after Saint Patrick. Most visitors pass through on the way to the bird cliffs at Látrabjarg or the beach at Rauðisandur, and stop at the Hnjótur museum.
Locals call Örlygshöfn Iceland's golden beach. A thick layer of yellow sand runs along the south shore of Patreksfjörður, across the fjord from the town of the same name, and on a bright day the water turns deep blue against it. Very few people live here and the cove is little known among travellers, so you will often have the sand to yourself.
This is a different kind of stop from most of the Westfjords. There are no cliffs to climb, no big waterfall and no hot spring, just flat sand, a wide sky and the sound of the waves. It suits a slow walk, a picnic out of the wind, or an hour with a camera at either end of the day.
Quick facts
RegionWestfjords, south side of Patreksfjörður
RoadRoute 612 towards Látrabjarg; an ordinary car manages it in summer
From ReykjavíkRoughly 5–5.5 hours by car without stops, via Routes 1, 60, 62 and 612
BeachGolden sand with a sea lagoon behind a sand reef
MuseumHnjótur (Egill Ólafsson Museum): daily 10:00–18:00, 1 May–30 September; other times by arrangement
EntryFree to the bay; the museum charges admission
Opening hoursThe bay is open all year
Time needed1–2 hours, longer with the museum
Named after an early settler
According to the settlement accounts, Örlygur Hrappsson was the first settler here and the bay is named after him: Örlygshöfn means Örlygur's harbour. He is also said to have named the fjord after Saint Patrick, which gave Patreksfjörður its name.
How to get to Örlygshöfn
By carFollow Route 612 from Patreksfjörður towards Látrabjarg. Örlygshöfn and the Hnjótur museum are along this road, and the road is passable in summer for an ordinary car.
From ReykjavíkAllow roughly 5 to 5.5 hours of driving without stops. Take the Ring Road (Route 1) north past Borgarnes, then Route 60 (Vestfjarðavegur) into the Westfjords. Continue on Route 62 (Barðastrandarvegur) along the south coast towards Patreksfjörður. Route 612 (Örlygshafnarvegur) turns off at the head of the fjord, before you reach the town, and leads to Örlygshöfn and the museum at Hnjótur.
By public transportThere is no regular public transport this far into the Westfjords, so a rental car is the practical option.
Patreksfjörður, across the fjord, is the nearest town, with accommodation, small restaurants, shops and fuel. Distances in the Westfjords are longer than they look on the map, so plan the day around the driving.
Things to do at Örlygshöfn
The cove is about the beach itself. These are the simple things people come for.
Walk the golden beachThe sand stretches a long way around the bay and is easy underfoot. Walk out along the shore, listen to the waves and look back at Hafnarfjall and Hafnarmúli. Keep an eye on the tide near the lagoon and the sand reef.
Horse riding on the sandThe wide, flat sands have long been used for riding, and the beach is gentler than the big tidal flats at Löngufjörur on Snæfellsnes. Ask locally if you want to ride.
Sunsets and northern lightsThe cove faces the open fjord, so summer evenings bring long, colourful sunsets and early risers get the sunrise over calm water. On clear, dark winter nights the northern lights show well here because there is almost no artificial light. Winter weather in the Westfjords can be harsh, so check the forecast and the roads first.
Birds and photographyEider ducks nest around the bay and the lagoon is often still enough to mirror the mountains. Give nesting birds plenty of room in early summer.
The museum at Hnjótur
The Egill Ólafsson Museum at Hnjótur is the main indoor stop on this road.
What is insideA collection of old items from the southern Westfjords covering fishing, farming and local life. One exhibit tells the story of the rescue of the crew of the British trawler Dhoon, which ran aground at Látrabjarg in 1947.
Boats and aircraftAlongside the farming and fishing gear used in this area for centuries, the museum has old boats, including a Viking-style ship, and a small collection of aircraft with its own hangar. An American Navy plane and a Russian Antonov An-2 biplane are among them. You can walk through in half an hour or spend much longer; there are temporary exhibitions as well.
Opening hoursDaily 10:00–18:00 from 1 May to 30 September. Outside those dates visits are by arrangement. There is a café, a souvenir shop, tourist information and toilets.
Admission is charged. Confirm the current price and hours on the museum's website before you go.
Best time to visit Örlygshöfn
SummerThe easiest time to drive this part of the Westfjords, with the museum open daily, and the best time for birdlife.
WinterRoads can be affected by snow and wind, and the museum is open only by arrangement; check before travelling. On clear nights this is a good place for northern lights.
Safety and practical tips
- Combine a stop here with the Garðar BA 64 wreck and the Hnjótur museum, both along Route 612.
- Check the museum's opening hours if visiting outside summer.
- Keep away from nesting eider ducks and stay on paths in the breeding season.
- Check umferdin.is for road conditions on the way to and from Örlygshöfn, and fuel up in Patreksfjörður first.
- Come in the evening if you can. The low light on the yellow sand and blue fjord is when the cove looks its best.
- Bring your own food and a windproof layer; apart from the museum café in season there is nothing to buy at the beach.
Facilities and accessibility
The Hnjótur museum has a café, toilets, a shop and tourist information in season. Fuel and shops are in Patreksfjörður.
Nearby places worth a stop
Where to stay near Örlygshöfn
Patreksfjörður is the nearest town with hotels and guesthouses. There are also a few guesthouses near Örlygshöfn itself.
Örlygshöfn FAQ
What is there to see at Örlygshöfn?
The golden-sand bay and lagoon, eider ducks, and the Hnjótur museum. The Garðar BA 64 shipwreck is a short drive back along the road.
Is there an entry fee?
The bay is free; the Hnjótur museum charges its own admission.
When is the Hnjótur museum open?
Daily from 10:00 to 18:00, 1 May to 30 September, and by arrangement at other times.
How do I get there?
By car, on Route 612 from Patreksfjörður towards Látrabjarg. There is no public transport this far into the Westfjords.
Why is Örlygshöfn called Iceland's golden beach?
Most Icelandic beaches are black volcanic sand. At Örlygshöfn the sand is yellow, and it lies thick along the south shore of Patreksfjörður, so on a sunny day the bay looks more southern than Icelandic.
How long is the drive from Reykjavík to Örlygshöfn?
Roughly 5 to 5.5 hours without stops, on Routes 1, 60, 62 and finally 612. Most people stay in or near Patreksfjörður and visit on the way to Látrabjarg.
Can you see the northern lights at Örlygshöfn?
Yes, on clear, dark nights from autumn to spring. There is very little light pollution, but winter roads and weather here need care.
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