Stykkishólmur’s jagged peninsula pushes north into stunning Breiðafjörður, a broad waterway separating the Snæfellsnes from the looming cliffs of the distant Westfjords. According to local legend, there are only two things in the world that cannot be counted: the stars in the night sky and the craggy islets in the bay. You can count on epic vistas and a menagerie of wild birds (puffins, eagles, guillemots). Boat trips, including whale watching and puffin viewing, are available from Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður and Ólafsvík.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.37 MILES
Stykkishólmur’s quaint maritime charm comes from the cluster of wooden warehouses, shops and homes around the town’s harbour. Most date back about 150…
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19.74 MILES
Kirkjufell (463m), guardian of Grundarfjörður’s northwestern vista, is said to be one of the most photographed spots in Iceland, appearing in Game of…
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0.15 MILES
The basalt island Súgandisey features a scenic lighthouse and grand views across Breiðafjörður. Reach it via the causeway at Stykkishólmur harbour.
9.16 MILES
The farmstead at Bjarnarhöfn is the region’s leading producer of hákarl (fermented shark meat), a traditional Icelandic dish. The museum has exhibits on…
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2.77 MILES
About 5km south of Stykkishólmur, the holy mountain Helgafell (73m) was once venerated by worshippers of the god Þór. Although quite small, the mountain…
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29.1 MILES
This neat museum's curator is a wonderful character who knows a great deal about Dalir’s brilliant history, and if you make your way through the…
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0.39 MILES
For relaxing views of town and bay, head up the hill to the Library of Water. This window-lined space showcases an installation by American artist Roni…
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19.18 MILES
The Saga Centre is a tourist information centre, cafe, library, internet point and small museum rolled into one. The museum displays an old fishing boat…
Nearby West Iceland attractions
0.15 MILES
The basalt island Súgandisey features a scenic lighthouse and grand views across Breiðafjörður. Reach it via the causeway at Stykkishólmur harbour.
0.37 MILES
Stykkishólmur’s quaint maritime charm comes from the cluster of wooden warehouses, shops and homes around the town’s harbour. Most date back about 150…
0.39 MILES
For relaxing views of town and bay, head up the hill to the Library of Water. This window-lined space showcases an installation by American artist Roni…
0.42 MILES
The Volcano Museum, housed in Stykkishólmur's old cinema, is the brainchild of vulcanologist Haraldur Sigurðsson, and features art depicting volcanoes,…
0.59 MILES
Stykkishólmur's futuristic church, designed by Jón Haraldsson, has a sweeping bell tower that looks like a whale vertebra. The interior features hundreds…
0.71 MILES
Get a 360 degree view of town and the fjords from this viewing disc marked with local landmarks.
2.77 MILES
About 5km south of Stykkishólmur, the holy mountain Helgafell (73m) was once venerated by worshippers of the god Þór. Although quite small, the mountain…
9.16 MILES
The farmstead at Bjarnarhöfn is the region’s leading producer of hákarl (fermented shark meat), a traditional Icelandic dish. The museum has exhibits on…