Stykkishólmur

Stykkishólmur is one of the best places in the country to experience authentic Iceland. Its location on the shores of the Breiðafjörður Fjord, its picturesque harbour and its strikingly colourful houses win it a place in the heart of every visitor to the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

What's more, its proximity to important tourist attractions like Kirkjufell, Ytri Tunga and Arnarstapi make it an excellent choice for base camp when visiting Snaefellnes.

What to see in Stykkishólmur?

• Norwegian House: built in 1832, this striking building, which stands out on Stykkishólmur harbour for its simple black architecture, is home to the Regional Museum of Snaefellsnes. Historic objects and careful restoration allow visitors to see what life was like in 19th century Iceland.
• Stykkishólmskirkja: as eye-catching as Hallgrímskirkja and the church in Akureyri, this impressive contemporary church was designed by architect Jón Haraldsson. Its curious white bell tower resembles a whale vertebra.
• Súgandisey: on the northern side of the harbour is this basalt island which allows easy climbing and spectacular views of the Breiðafjörður Fjord and its islets.
• Helgafell: not far from Stykkishólmur is Helgafell, or "Holy Mountain", a small mountain that was sacred to all those who worshipped Thor, one of the Viking gods. Legend has it that if you climb it silently, without looking back, and look east into the ruins at the top, you can make three wishes.

How to visit Stykkishólmur?

There are two main ways to get to Stykkishólmur: by ferry and by car. The ferry connects the town to Brjánslaekur in los Westfjords and takes around three hours. Alternatively, if you've rented a car and are driving around Iceland, you can reach it in under two and a half hours from Reykjavik.