RAF Kaldadarnes

RAF Kaldadarnes was a British military station that stretched across the Ölfus river banks with multiple runways and operational buildings from World War II. The remains display various structure types needed for flight operations and base administration.

British forces established this station in 1940 as a strategic base for North Atlantic operations. After 1945 control passed to civilian authorities and the site gradually declined.

The site sits where an ancient farm once stood, with a medieval church that attracted pilgrims in earlier times. The abandoned structures now layer different periods of use upon the same land.

The deteriorating runways and structures can be visited by walking paths near the modern Selfoss airfield. The ground is open to walk on but can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet.

War artist Eric Ravilious departed from this base on September 2, 1942, on a flight from which he vanished over the Atlantic and was never found. His disappearance remains one of the most mysterious moments in the site's history.

Location: Ölfus

GPS coordinates: 63.93120,-21.17077

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41