3 Best Sights in Blönduós, North Iceland

The famed Textile Museum in Blönduós is all about the þráður or the “thread,” and uses this theme to weave together a cohesive and inventive exploration of Icelandic textiles. Stop by to learn about Iceland’s beautiful national costumes, the history of the Icelandic sweater, and the intricacies of embroidery, or just check out which local textile designer is currently showcasing their wares there.

A 6.3-km (4-mile) detour off the Ring Road on Route 721 leads to Þingeyrakirkja, a unique 1877 church constructed of basalt and limestone and located in a picturesque setting next to the lovely Lake Hóp. Make sure you visit this attraction when it's open so you can marvel at the interior, which features a 15th-century altarpiece and an extraordinary dome-shaped, midnight-blue ceiling, covered with countless golden stars. Next to the church is a visitor center offering light refreshments.

Easily accessible just off the main road, Hrútey Island is located in the middle of the glacial Blanda River. Dense with trees and vegetation after an extensive reforestation program, the island is now home to a thriving population of birds. A small footbridge connects to the island, which is closed to the public from April 20 to June 20 to protect nesting birds from being disturbed.