Vopnafjörður

Vopnafjörður is a wide fjord separating the headlands of Digranes and Kollumúli. The fjord joins two large bays on both sides, Bakkaflói to the north and Héraðsflói to the south. Kaupvangur, in the heart Vopnafjörður, is a museum in rememberance of the thousands of emigrants who left the region for Canada and the U.S. in the wake of the disastrous Askja volcanic eruption in 1875.  Rising between Fljótsdalshérað and Vopnafjörður, the 655 m. high pass of Hellisheiði provides a spectacular view for travellers driving up its eastern slopes. Though the road is quite steep and windy it is passable for all vehicles during summer.