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Reykhólar
ℹ️Practical info — Reykhólar
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Don't miss the local seaweed baths (Sjávarsmiðjan); they use geothermal water and local kelp for a unique spa experience.
- The area is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers; bring your binoculars to spot sea eagles and diverse waterfowl.
- Learn about the traditional eiderdown harvesting at the local exhibition, a fascinating and sustainable local industry.
- Roads around the peninsula are very quiet, but be mindful of sheep wandering onto the gravel.
🍽 Food
Ask locals if they have rye bread baked in the nearby hot springs.
Breiðafjörður is famous for its shellfish; look for mussels on local menus when in season.
Try some local dishes seasoned with dried seaweed harvested from the bay.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Purchase organic soaps and creams made with local kelp at the seaweed bath facility.
If you have a high budget, authentic, sustainably harvested eiderdown products are the ultimate local luxury.
Artisanal salts infused with local herbs or seaweed.
Soak in the geothermally heated pools while looking out over the marshlands.
Wander around the calm coastal wetlands just outside town to enjoy the abundant birdlife.
Find a slight elevation to sit and look out over the countless small islands of Breiðafjörður.
Water temperature…
Reykhólar is a small village and municipality located in the southern part of the Westfjords, situated on the northern shore of the Breiðafjörður bay. The area is distinguished by its high level of geothermal activity, with numerous hot springs that have been utilized for heating and bathing for centuries. Historically, Reykhólar was an influential chieftain's seat and a place of residence for many powerful figures during the medieval period of Iceland's history. Today, a cornerstone of the local economy is the Thorverk seaweed processing plant, which uniquely uses geothermal energy to dry kelp and seaweed harvested from the bay. The region is a haven for birdwatchers, as the surrounding wetlands and coastal flats host one of the most diverse avian populations in the country. Visitors often frequent the Grettislaug thermal pool to experience the natural hot waters while overlooking the scenic bay. The landscape is characterized by vast marshes and a multitude of small offshore islands, contributing to the area's significance for sustainable tourism and nature conservation.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Hólmavík (34 km)
- Population: ~135
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -3 | -2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 2 | -1 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 112 | 108 | 94 | 76 | 64 | 80 | 97 | 124 | 123 | 109 | 124 |
Geography
Facts
- The Thorverk seaweed plant was established in 1975 and uses 100% geothermal heat.
- Over 30 different species of birds are known to nest in the Reykhólar area.
- The settlement was a major seat of power in the Westfjords during the 12th century.
- Geothermal energy provides heating for all residential and industrial buildings.
- Reykhólar overlooks Breiðafjörður, a bay famous for its nearly 3,000 islands.
- The local folk museum displays artifacts related to traditional Icelandic crafts.
Explore nearby
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Frequently asked questions
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