north iceland
About
Kópasker is a small village in Northeast Iceland with a population of approximately 120. Located on the Öxarfjörður coast, the village serves as a gateway to Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon and Ásbyrgi in Vatnajökull National Park. The village economy is based on fishing, fish processing, and tourism services. Kópasker has basic amenities including fuel, small store, guesthouse, and swimming pool. Main attraction: - **Earthquake Centre**: Small museum documenting the 1976 Kópasker earthquake (6.3 magnitude) that damaged much of the village The village is located approximately 30 km from Ásbyrgi canyon and Dettifoss waterfall, making it a convenient base for exploring the northern section of Vatnajökull National Park. The surrounding Melrakkaslétta region offers vast, open Arctic landscapes and excellent birdwatching.
📖 Story
On January 13, 1976, a massive earthquake struck Northeast Iceland. Kópasker, population 300, was devastated — houses cracked, the harbor damaged, land subsided. The quake was 6.3 magnitude and felt across the region. Today the village's Earthquake Centre preserves the memory with exhibits, photographs and survivor stories. It's a reminder that Iceland is a geologically active country where the ground itself can shift overnight.
✈️ Why Visit
Learn about Iceland's 1976 earthquake and use as base for exploring Ásbyrgi and Dettifoss — remote Northeast Iceland.
💡 Did You Know?
The 1976 Kópasker earthquake was so powerful it caused visible land subsidence — parts of the coast dropped several centimeters overnight.
Key Facts
Population: ~120
Earthquake Centre museum
1976 earthquake (6.3 magnitude)
Gateway to Ásbyrgi canyon
30 km from Dettifoss
📍 GPS Location
Book a Tour to
Find guided tours, day trips and activities. Compare prices and book instantly with free cancellation.
🌌 See the Northern Lights
Track real-time aurora activity and plan your Northern Lights trip with AuroraVision.