The Seal Circle driving route is a welcome detour for Ring Road travelers in North Iceland. Check it out during this relaxed-pace 10-day summer self-drive tour or this in-depth 11-day tour of the complete Ring Road.
The Seal Circle is a 69-mile (111-kilometer) circular driving route established in 2021. It takes visitors on a scenic journey through the beautiful Icelandic countryside, starting and finishing at Hvammstangi.
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The route's other five attractions are Hamarsrett and Illugastadir farms, the Hvitserkur Rock Stack, Borgarvirki Viking Fort, and Kolugljufur Canyon.
The Vatnsnes Peninsula is known for its spectacular landscapes and rich wildlife. The area is home to a large seal colony. Visitors can watch the seals from several points along the route, including Illugastadir and Osar, below Hvitserkur. Visitors should keep a safe distance from the seals and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
Hvammstangi Town
One of the highlights of the Seal Circle driving route is visiting the Icelandic Seal Center, located in Hvammstangi. The center educates visitors about seals and their habitats in Iceland and focuses on community engagement and sustainability. It offers interactive exhibits and guided tours.
You can find some great accommodations in Hvammstangi if you want to make this charming village a base for your seal-watching adventure.
Hamarsrett Farm
Hamarsrett Farm is north of Hvammstangi town on the western Vatnsnes Peninsula. It has a sheep corral in a unique fjord-side location and a small community center called Hamarsbud. The farm is a lovely place to stop for a taste of rural Icelandic life on the peninsula.
Illugastadir Farm
Illugastadir farm is a famous spot for seal sightings where you can observe seals in their natural habitat from a safe distance. This location is also known for its abundant birdlife and awe-inspiring natural beauty, including rocky cliffs, black sand beaches, and rolling hills.
Visitors can explore the area on foot, taking in the breathtaking views of the North Atlantic coastline and the surrounding countryside. Take a pair of binoculars for unbeatable wildlife viewing.
Hvitserkur Rock Stack
The Seal Circle driving route continues down the east side of the Vatnsnes Peninsula to Hvitserkur, a rocky outcrop. It rises out of the ocean and is said to resemble a dragon or a troll. It's a popular spot for photography, and visitors can explore the surrounding area and take in the excellent views of the North Atlantic coastline.
The sandbanks below Hvitserkur drew the biggest seal gatherings on the peninsula, according to our findings on the most reliable seal haul-out sites in Iceland. The seals rest across the river mouth at Osar, a farm just below the rock. In July, counts there ran more than three times higher than at Illugastadir.
Arrive near low tide, when the most seals are on the sandbanks. A path leads to a cliff-top viewing platform, and a second path leads down to the beach.
Borgarvirki Volcanic Plug
The route then takes visitors to Borgarvirki, a volcanic plug, and a former Viking fortress. Historians believe the Vikings used the fortress-like structure as a defensive position during Iceland's settlement. People also used the site during later conflicts, including the Icelandic Civil War in the 13th century.
Kolugljufur Canyon
The final stop on the Seal Circle is Kolugljufur, a canyon home to a pristine waterfall and some of Iceland's most phenomenal natural scenery. Visitors can hike along this lesser-known canyon and take in the breathtaking views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
The Seal Circle Driving Considerations
The Seal Circle driving route is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Iceland at a leisurely pace. It's an easy detour from Route 1, allowing visitors to view seals in their natural habitat.
To reach Hvammstangi, where the route starts, drive about 4 miles (7 kilometers) north from Thjodvegur in North Iceland along Road 72. After completing the 69-mile (111-kilometer) Seal Circle route, travelers can easily continue their Ring Road tour.
The route includes some gravel roads. Although a two-wheel-drive car will suffice during the summer, a four-wheel-drive is ideal for navigating an off-the-beaten-track destination like this.
