The Nordurá is one of Iceland’s most productive and stunning Atlantic Salmon rivers, and is often referred to as the “most beautiful of rivers.” Known for both numbers and variety, it consistently produces over 2,000 Salmon each season, offering anglers a blend of prolific action and classic Icelandic scenery.
Stretching across sixty-five kilometres of private water, the river holds more than 170 named pools. Anglers fish three daily beat rotations, ensuring constant movement and fresh opportunity without repeating the same water. Some stretches are tight and technical, others broad and open, making it a river that challenges skill while rewarding precision.
The season runs from June to August. Early weeks are marked by powerful multi-sea-winter Salmon, while later in the summer the grilse arrive in strong numbers, filling the lower pools with fast, aggressive fish. Takes are explosive, and in this river, second chances are rare.
Fishing is primarily with single-handed rods and small flies, although high water often calls for switch rods and sink tips. Anglers fish two per guide, supported by local professionals who know every beat and tailor the approach to daily conditions.
Accommodation is at Rjúpnaás Lodge, a modern riverside retreat with sweeping valley views, ensuite rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated drying room. It offers the ideal balance of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax fully between sessions.
For anglers who like prolific Salmon fishing in spectacular surroundings, the Nordurá offers a holiday that combines Icelandic beauty with some of the most productive water in the North Atlantic.
The season runs from June to September.
Season: June to September
Peak: July to August
Weight: 25lb
Average Weight: 9lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Keflavík
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Keflavík
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Keflavík International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Travel from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
Travel from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
Once you’ve landed in Keflavík and collected your bags, you’ll need to take a taxi (not included) to our designated pick-up point in Reykjavík. The journey takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic.
Travel from Reykjavik to the Nordura
Travel from Reykjavik to the Nordura
When you arrive at our pick up point in Reykjavik you will be transferred to the lodge. The journey time is around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Check in time is from 2.30pm.
Once you arrive at the Nordura, the lodge manager will show you to your room provide you with details of the fishing rotation and beat maps and introduce you to your guide for your first evenings fishing.
You will leave the lodge with your guide around 3.30pm by 4×4 vehicle and head to your beat for the evening.
Note: Lunch is not served on arrival, so we recommend having something to eat in Reykjavik before you catch the transfer.
Fishing
Fishing
Your first half-day of fishing on the Nordura will start around 4.00pm, and you will fish through until around 10.00pm. Depending on your location on the river, as you’ll return to the lodge for your evening meal and drinks between 10.00-10.30pm.
The fishing is based on two rods per guide; however, rod sharing is available.
Rjúpnaás Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Rjúpnaás Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Over your next two full fishing days, you’ll get to experience the fantastic Atlantic Salmon fishing available on the Nordura River.
The Nordura is one of the most beautiful of rivers and it offers some incredibly diverse fishing amongst some of the most dramatic scenery that Iceland has to offer. It flows for over 65 kilometres and features over 170 named beats and pools, with everything from intimate cut bank pools to a beautiful, charismatic gorge section with spectacular waterfalls to classic ‘big river’ Salmon pools – it has it all.
Rjúpnaás Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Rjúpnaás Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Your last half-day of fishing on the Nordura will start around 8.00am, and you will fish through until around 12.00pm.
Once the morning fishing session is done, you will head back to the lodge and enjoy some lunch before getting packed up and ready to check out.
Travel from the Nordura to Reykjavik
Travel from the Nordura to Reykjavik
Once you have checked out and settled any gratuities and bar bills, our transfer representative will drive you back to Reykjavík. The transfer typically departs around 2:30pm and takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Once you’ve arrived and checked into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore this beautiful Icelandic city at your leisure.
Reykjavik Standard Hotel
Overnight Accommodation
Reykjavik Standard Hotel in a Single Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Travel from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport
Travel from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport
In the morning, after breakfast and once you’ve checked out of your overnight hotel, you’ll need to take a taxi (not included) back to Keflavik Airport for your flight home. The journey takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic.
Depart Keflavík - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Keflavík - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: Keflavík International Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on single rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| From | To | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/07/2026 | 16/07/2026 | 5 | £9,457 | Sold Out |
| 15/07/2026 | 19/07/2026 | 5 | £9,457 | Enquire |
| 18/07/2026 | 22/07/2026 | 5 | £9,120 | Sold Out |
| 21/07/2026 | 25/07/2026 | 5 | £9,120 | Enquire |
| 24/07/2026 | 28/07/2026 | 5 | £9,007 | Enquire |
| 27/07/2026 | 31/07/2026 | 5 | £8,445 | Sold Out |
| 30/07/2026 | 03/08/2026 | 5 | £7,208 | Enquire |
| 02/08/2026 | 06/08/2026 | 5 | £6,817 | Sold Out |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
The Rjúpnaás is the main lodge on the Nordura River, located on a hill of the same name. It is fully serviced, complete with food, bed linen and towels, with every care taken so that each visiting guest has a fantastic time and experience during their stay.
The lodge features fourteen spacious twin bedrooms complete with a bench, cupboards, bathroom and a shower, and the GO Form studio has designed each. Each room has been given a name of a particular fishing spot on the river, and a picture of each adorns the wall above the headboards. All have scenic views of the river.
The bedrooms are all located in the new sleeping wing, built next to the main house, where you’ll find the new lobby with a floor-to-ceiling viewing window and comfortable swivel chairs. The flooring and bar table are made of natural basalt, while the bar and interior are made of larch.
Part of the old living room has been renovated, with underfloor heating and a showpiece fireplace; a large window also offers a stunning view of the Laxfoss and Baula in the distance.
The sauna is another room that has been renovated, and there are spacious benches with indirect lighting, two showers and a toilet. Other features include a dedicated drying room and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The dining room accommodates all the guests and anglers visiting Nordura for a communal meal. It features new tables, chairs and furniture on the wall. The acoustics have also been improved with wooden strips in the ceiling.
The food at the lodge is some of the finest quality available, with three meals prepared daily by a dedicated chef. For any food allergies, please let us know before you travel.
The Nordura River is comfortably among Iceland’s top ten Atlantic Salmon Rivers, considered by many to be one of the best, and over the past decade, it has averaged over 2,000 fish per year. Situated on the country’s west coast, only an hour’s drive from Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, and about one hour and forty-five minutes drive from Keflavík International Airport, it’s a famous river amongst the travelling freshwater fly fishing community. Its prime accolade is that as well as offering a high-class Atlantic Salmon fishing experience, it does so naturally – as a hatchery or smolt release programme does not assist the stocks of fish in the river. During the early part of the season, during the mighty snow melt, there are good numbers of multi-sea wintered Salmon, and as the season progresses, these get joined by good numbers of grilse.
Often referred to as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Rivers’ in Iceland, the Nordura offers some of the best Salmon fishing in the country, amongst some of the most dramatic scenery. The river originates in Holtavörðuvatn, but it is also fed by several tributaries such as Hvassá, Hellisá, Sanddalsá, Búðardalsá and Bjarnadalsá, to name a few. It flows for over 65 kilometres and features over 170 named beats and pools, with everything from intimate cut bank pools to a beautiful, charismatic gorge section with spectacular waterfalls to classic ‘big river’ Salmon pools – it has it all.
Undoubtedly, the Nordura River is one of the most mesmerising destinations to wet a fly and a desirable location for anglers around the globe. As a freshwater fly fishing river, it’s classed a waterway with a medium to large volume, featuring a real mix of water, offering something for everyone. Whether you wish to ‘stretch your line’ across large Rio Grande-esque bends or concentrate your efforts on a smaller technical pool, the river has it all.
In its upper stretches, the water flow is smooth as it travels over gravel beds, between grassy grounds and across the county’s flatlands, before splitting in two and significantly changing its dynamic in the midsection. It’s here where the river picks up pace, as the landscape is dominated by large rocks and lava formations, creating fast-flowing sections alternating between narrow and broad waterfalls and rapids. This area features a whole host of fascinating spots to wet a line and is steeped in natural beauty and surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
In the lower section, the river once again flows over gravel fields between overgrown fields, providing easy access for most anglers before making its way to the canyon below the Laxfoss Falls. On its journey, it constantly picks up water, so the fishing spots at the bottom are more significant than those at the top, adding to the exciting and varied environment.
There are three beautiful waterfalls on the Norðurá – the Laxfoss, Glanni and Krókfoss, and for a long time, these were a significant obstacle for the Salmon, especially Laxfoss, the lowest of them all. However, the addition of two Salmon Ladders has dramatically assisted the passage of the fish, especially in low water conditions, and now the Salmon can run up the Norðurá River up to Leitisfossur, although the fishing area ends further down.
To find out more about the Nordura River, visit our YouTube channel.
For most of the season, on the Nordura River, single-handed rods, floating lines, and small flies are sufficient. However, a switch rod or small spey rod can benefit some of the broader pools, especially during the opening weeks and the early part of the season. They are also a good backup in the event of windy conditions. We suggest taking a 6 to 8-weight single-handed rod with a floating line or an intermediate sinking line for certain pools on the river and a 12-ft double-hander with a floating line and a backup sink-tip of 8, 10, 12 and 15lb as this should cover you for all conditions.
Fly-wise, Icelandic Salmon flies tend to be smaller than those customarily used elsewhere as the clarity of the water often requires something smaller, neater and more refined to trick the fish into eating. A hook size of 10 to 14 is standard, although, in meagre and shallow water conditions, a size 16 also has its place. Hitched Salmon flies are prevalent, especially during the summer months, and tungsten conehead tubes can be convenient, especially when it comes to getting your fly to the correct depth quickly and efficiently in the deeper, fast-flowing channels.
If you’re travelling to Iceland to fish on the Nordura or any of the other Atlantic Salmon fishing rivers we offer, you may find our blog beneficial: ‘What Are The Top Flies For Fly Fishing In Iceland’.
As with all Atlantic Salmon Lodges in Iceland, all operate a strict disinfection policy. Before fishing on the Nordura and even stepping foot on its banks, all fishing tackle, clothing and waders must be adequately disinfected.
The sterilising of your fishing tackle can be performed easily by a veterinary surgeon, who can then provide you with a certificate and a signed inventory of what has been sterilised. You can also get it done at the airport by handing your fishing equipment to customs officers upon arrival; they will then be able to disinfect your tackle for you. However, in 2024 sterilisation will also be available at the lodge, which is probably the easiest and most cost-effective for anglers.
Our first-class Icelandic Salmon fly fishing package on the Nordura will allow you to fish some of the finest water in the country for some of the best fish. It comes with all the permits you need for your trip, accommodation, full catering and a fantastic 2:1 guiding service. A guide is essential to ensure you get the best out of your holiday, and can often be the difference between catching and not.
The guides at the lodge have seen the river in acute low water conditions, full spate, and every condition in between. They pride themselves on being able to help visiting anglers catch in all states. The fishing at the lodge is fully guided, based on one guide per two anglers; however, rod sharing is possible.
Typical Fishing Day:
7.00 Breakfast
8.00 Guide pick up and start fishing
13.00 Stop for lunch and back to the lodge.
16.00 Afternoon fishing
22.00 Finish fishing and back to the lodge
22:15 Evening meal and drinks
Note: It is obligatory to register all catches in the fishing book, which can be found at the front of the fishing house.
Olderø Lodge on the Lakselv is an authentic piece of fly fishing paradise in the land of the midnight sun. With a vast array of different beats, easy wading, two-handed fly fishing, world-class guides and first-class accommodation, it's no surprise that the destination is now at the very top of many freshwater fly fishing anglers wishlists.
The Belousiha River is one of the most famous Salmon rivers in Russia and one which is well known and regarded amongst adventurous travelling freshwater fly fishing anglers. Located in the extreme northwest of Russia on the Kola Peninsula, one of the largest Peninsula's in Europe, it's a relatively small but exquisite looking river set amidst spectacular and changing scenery.
Winsnes Lodge on the River Gaula is a great destination for any Salmon angler wishing to experience a well run Salmon river. The Gaula River appears in the top five rivers in Norway most years for its regular catch statistic’s and Winsnes Lodge is a very large contributor to these statistics.
A trip to the Laxá In Aðaldal in Iceland offers travelling anglers the chance to experience genuine double-handed fishing and fishing for some of the most significant Atlantic Salmon in the country. The trips are based around the peak weeks of the season and ones which have historically produced the biggest numbers and sizes of fish.
The River Lónsá is situated in northeast Iceland amid the Langanes Peninsula and is a name renowned amongst the freshwater fly fishing community. The Lónsá is home to an abundant healthy population of Brown Trout and is also considered one of the very best rivers in Iceland to target and catch the beautiful, elusive Arctic Char.
