Blönduós is a small town in north Iceland by the Ring Road
- Einar Páll Svavarsson
- Nov 28, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Blönduós is a small town with a population of approximately 880 as of January 2022. The town has always been an important service center and a popular pit stop for those traveling between the southern and the northern part of Iceland. Also, it is one of the popular spots on the Ring Road for people looking to view the natural beauty of Iceland. The village is located near the Vatnsnes Peninsula, beside some stunning natural wonders. HvÃtserkur and Borgarvirki on the east side of Vatnsnes and many interesting natural wonders such as KálfhamarsvÃk and Kolugljúfur. Blönduós, which means the mouth of the river Blanda, is one of the busiest tourist stops in Iceland. People traveling through the Ring Road stop here to rest, eat, and fill the tank. It is also ideal for a short stay of a day or two for exploring the fascinating nature and surroundings. One of the main characteristics of Blönduós is the river Blanda that splits the town into the south side and the north side.
An agricultural service village by the shore
Although mentioned in one of the Sagas as a landing place for boats, the town never became a fishing town in the typical Icelandic sense. It is probably the only town or village by the shoreline in Iceland that never developed into a fishing community. One reason might be the fertile soil and large farms in the surrounding area. Blönduós has been, from the beginning, more of a service center for agriculture and trading. The village is more like the inland towns of Selfoss and Hella in the southern region and Egilsstaðir in the east.
Most of the homes are single-family houses
Like many towns and villages across Iceland, Blönduós didn't emerge as a village until the late 19th century. On the other hand, there are a few old houses in the village from the first half of the 20th century, on the south side of the river. The beautiful little church is from the late 19th century. Most of the houses are single-family houses built in the 50s through to the 80s. There is also an apartment building, but, historically, Icelanders prefer to live in single-family homes, particularly in small towns and villages. Blönduós is like most Icelandic towns and villages in the "warm" area. It is a "green" village with the amenity of sustainable geothermal heating.
Blönduós offers good service to its residents
Most of the livelihood in Blönduós revolves around agriculture, service and tourism. It is considered an excellent town to live in, with good quality service for its residents. Education has always been a priority; thus, Blönduós has good schools, from preschool to secondary schools. The town also has excellent healthcare facilities for its residents and even a hospital serving the nearby agricultural area and nearby towns. Early on, Blönduós had a community center, an excellent sports facility, and a good swimming pool like most Icelandic towns and villages. The camping site is quite good, located at a beautiful spot by the river Blanda. Blönduós also offers a variety of accommodation, restaurants, cafés, and a good grocery store. If you choose to accommodate in Blönduós while traveling in Iceland, an evening stroll in the bright summer evenings by the south side of the river and a visit to the oldest part of the village must be on your itinerary.
Accommodations, hotels, and guesthouses close to Blönduós town
Direct booking on their website
Description:Â A historic hotel originally built in 1900 as the sheriff's house and later repurposed in 1943 as a hotel. It has undergone a full refurbishment to offer guests a modern and comfortable stay while preserving its rich history.
Quality Remarks: As one of Iceland's oldest still-operating hotels, Hótel Blönduós provides a unique blend of history and modern comfort. Guests can enjoy cozy rooms, an on-site restaurant named Sýslumaðurinn, and proximity to the Blanda river.
Description: Located along the Blanda river, Glaðheimar offers a variety of well-equipped cottages, ranging from 2-person to 10-person units. Each cottage features a terrace, kitchen facilities, and some include hot tubs for added relaxation.
Quality Remarks: Guests appreciate the serene riverside setting and the rustic charm of the wooden interiors. The cottages are praised for their cleanliness, comfort, and proximity to local amenities in Blönduós.
Description: A small and friendly guesthouse located 23 km south of Blönduós, offering a peaceful environment with beautiful views over Lake SvÃnavatn. Accommodations include rooms with either shared or private bathrooms, and guests have access to kitchen facilities.
Quality Remarks:Â Visitors value the tranquil setting and personal service. The guesthouse provides opportunities to witness extraordinary sunrises, sunsets, and the northern lights. Guests are also welcome to fish in Lake SvÃnavatn during their stay, free of charge.