Hraunhafnartangi

Hraunhafnartangi is a low gravel spit on the northern edge of Melrakkasletta with an orange lighthouse on it, and it has been described for years as the northernmost point of the Icelandic mainland, sitting a few kilometres short of the Arctic Circle. Surveying does not quite support the claim: Rifstangi, a little to the west, reaches marginally further north, so the honest version is that this is one of the two northernmost points and the more accessible of them. A cairn on the spit is pointed out as the grave of Thorgeir Havarsson from Fostbraedra saga, killed nearby according to the story. Arctic terns nest across the whole area.

What you actually see

• A claim that does not quite hold - Rifstangi reaches slightly further north.
• An orange lighthouse on gravel - the only structure on the spit.
• A cairn called a saga grave - Thorgeir Havarsson of Fostbraedra saga.
• Terns everywhere in summer - the whole plain is nesting ground.

When to go

June to August. An hour.

Honest expectations

Arctic terns attack anyone walking near their nests and a stick held above the head is standard practice. The track is rough gravel. There is nothing here but the spit, and the drive out is long. No facilities.

Nearby

Raufarhofn and the Arctic Henge are south-east; Kopasker is west.